Paul wrote that all of creation longs for the new heaven and new earth that God will bring about at the end.
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God,
For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope
That the creation itself will be set free from its enslavement to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning together as it suffers together the pains of labor (Romans 8:19-22).
God gave John a vision of what Paul wrote about.
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 (Revelation 21.1).
What is the most beautiful sight you have ever seen? Imagine the beauty of the sea, sunrise, and a snowy mountain. Consider this, there is nothing we have ever seen that can compare to the beauty of God’s new heaven and new earth.
Have you ever been in an earthquake, a tornado, a hurricane, or a flood? Imagine an earth where the environment is in complete alignment with God’s perfection.
We all must recognize that we can’t imagine God’s majestic new creation well enough.
The New Jerusalem
The earthly city that opposes God is called the “great whore” in Revelation.
The new Jerusalem will not be a “great whore,” but the bride of Christ.
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21.2).
This is a place where the saints rejoice and enjoy the glory of God forever.
I like to think of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.22-23 as the atmosphere of heaven.
I am writing this article in Texas, as Toni and I are on our way to visit her family in California. The weather is cool and there have been showers.
The atmosphere of the new Jerusalem will be flowing with the character traits of God: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
God’s Presence and God’s People
God told the Hebrew nation, “I will place my dwelling in your midst, and I shall not abhor you. I will be your God, and you shall be my people (Leviticus 26:11-12).
All of the redeemed of history will be God’s people and enjoy God’s presence.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21.3)
The new heavens and new earth will be a place where the glorious presence has come to dwell with his followers.
The Benefits
Isaiah prophesied of benefits that will be part of God’s people in the new Jerusalem.
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 35:10)
Add to Isaiah’s list what Revelation has to say about the future benefits that Jesus’ bride will experience.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.” (Revelation 21.4)
It is worth noting what is replaced by the new order. No more tears, death, crying, pain, sin, rebellion, etc.
These are the benefits that come to God’s people when he takes up his eternal abode in their midst.
The old order marred by sin and its accompanying distress gives way to the new and perfect order of eternal blessedness.
Tears are that of suffering shed on earth as a result of faithfulness to Christ.
Today’s Application
As we navigate the challenges and difficulties of our present world, the hope of the new heaven and new earth provides comfort and encouragement.
It reminds us that there is a future where suffering and sorrow will cease, where God’s perfect design will be fully realized.
Revelation’s vision inspires us to persevere, to live faithfully, and to eagerly await the day when God’s eternal kingdom is established.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 