Have you ever seen a sign at the airport that says “No prohibited items beyond this point” It is a reminder that you cannot carry everything with you into the next place you are going. That image became the title of this message because Scripture shows us that as we move into God’s future there are some things that simply cannot come with us.

From Exile to Rebuilding

The prophet Haggai spoke to a people just coming out of exile. Why were they exiled They had broken the covenant with God by falling into idolatry, injustice, and ignoring the prophets. After years in Babylon a remnant returned home. But instead of rebuilding God’s temple they focused on their own houses.

Haggai reminded them of their calling to put God first, rebuild His house, and watch His glory return. He promised that “the latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, and in this place I will give peace (shalom).” (Haggai 2:9).

That word shalom is deeper than our English “peace.” It means wholeness, completeness, flourishing. Sometimes it is doubled in Hebrew as shalom, shalom which means perfect peace.

The Shaking of the Nations

Haggai also said something striking. God would “shake the heavens and the earth and the nations” so that treasures would flow into His house (Haggai 2:6–7). Centuries later the book of Hebrews quotes this exact prophecy and says it points to the final shaking when only God’s unshakable kingdom will remain (Hebrews 12:26–28).

Haggai’s words were not just about a small rebuilt temple. They pointed to something far greater.

Christ the True Temple

When they rebuilt the temple after exile it was smaller than Solomon’s temple. People wept because it did not look as glorious. But God said the latter glory would be greater.

That is why when Jesus came He referred to Himself as the temple. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19). The presence of God no longer dwelled in stone walls but in Jesus Himself. Through Him God’s people are being built into a living temple (Ephesians 2:21–22).

The “greater glory” Haggai promised finds its fulfillment in Christ, the Word who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14).

The Final Vision in Revelation

Fast forward to Revelation 21–22. John sees a new heaven and new earth and hears a loud voice declaring “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” (Revelation 21:3).

But here is the twist. John says there is no temple in the city. Why “For its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:22). The nations bring their glory in (Rev. 21:24–26) echoing Haggai’s vision. And most importantly God’s people live in shalom, shalom which is perfect peace. No more tears, no more death, no more pain (Rev. 21:4).

This is the latter glory fully realized.