New Heaven and New Earth

When the Great White Throne Judgment, as we read about in our last lesson, is complete, God will create a new heaven and a new earth.

Revelation 21:1-4:

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.

4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

It is interesting to see several things written here which have been ideas held by people throughout history. For example, the idea of the earth being the center of the universe will be true in the New Heaven and New Earth because God will set up His throne here on earth. And even though no person on earth throughout history (except Adam and Eve) has ever experienced a perfect world, that idea exists in our hearts and makes us yearn for it. It will exist in this New Heaven and New Earth.

There will be no more tears, no death, no sadness, no crying, no pain. We sometimes think no tears and no sadness and no crying are the same as no pain. But have you ever cried because something was so beautiful it brought tears to your eyes, or have you ever cried because you were so happy? Even perfect beauty and perfect joy will not bring tears because we will have bodies capable of expressing our pure joy.

Revelation 21:5-8:

5 And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.

7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be My son.

8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Why would God bring into this perfect picture a reminder of those who will not be there? It is a warning to us who believe to purify ourselves (1 John 3:1-3) so we can be used of Him to witness to those who do not believe before it is too late. We cannot know what the next day or hour holds, and we want to stand before Him without the shame of unconfessed sin in our lives. People have only this life to accept Him as Lord and Savior (Hebrews 9:27), and we who already believe have only this life in which to store treasure in Heaven.

Prayer: Our loving Heavenly Father, thank You so much for the hope You give. Help us to be faithful witnesses for you to all those we know, until You call us to Your side forever. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

From Global Media Outreach