THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

REV. 21:1-11

Lesson 26

Eternity! Time is behind us and eternity before us as we begin our study Rev 21.  For a brief moment let us together look at what God the Holy Spirit through the apostle John reveals about our glorious future.  The purpose is to give hope to every true child of God.  For a few moments let us look beyond the pain and suffering of this present world and look to see what is ahead.  The blessings are real and the future is secure.  As we study this subject, it would be well for us to remember that what God has prepared for us goes beyond our comprehension. (Isa 55:8,9)  Since knowledge is increased by going from the known to the unknown, we are faced with a challenge.  The Holy Spirit reveals only what we can comprehend and will fill in the picture throughout eternity.

         I.      The New Heaven and New Earth (Vs. 1-2)

a.       There are only a few verses dealing with this subject, and they are in context of the millennium. (Isaiah. 65:17 – Isaiah. 66:22 – II Peter 3:13)

1.       Since sin has been so associated with the old order, it is not surprising to see something new.

b.       What happens to the present earth and atmospheric Heaven?

1.       Some feel there is going to be a renovation by fire of the old order.

2.       In II Peter 3:4-6 water resulted in reshaping the old.

3.       Some feel a total new order is to be created (II Peter 3:10-13)

a)    Personally I believe the God who created out of nothing can return this to nothing.

b)    He can and probably will create a whole new order

c.       Notice in this new order there will be no sea because some major changes will take place.

d.       The New Jerusalem (Vs. 2)

1.       It seems to be the special abode or dwelling of the Church age, Saints or Bride of Christ. (John 14:1-3)

2.       Notice the New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven.

a)    Its location will probably be over the new earth.

b)    Its occupants will move freely between the new heaven and the new earth.

c)    Remember, in His glorified body Jesus could be touched and felt but at the same time go through walls and closed doors.

d)    God himself shall be the light of the New Heaven and the New Earth as well as the New Jerusalem.

       II.      God is dwelling with men (Vs. 3, 4)

a.       A great voice gives the spiritual significance to this scene

1.       God is with man, and they shall be His people and He shall be their God. (II Cor. 6:18)

2.       Blessing and fellowship seem to be carried out in this scene.

3.       This is what man was created for in the first place, to have fellowship with God.

b.       The comfort of God (Vs. 4)

1.       The things that bring unhappiness have no place in the New Heaven and the New Earth.

2.       This is what we sing about and look forward to in the eternity future.

3.       There will be no death, sorrow, pain, for these all have passed away.

      III.      All things are made new. (Vs. 5-7)

a.       I am making everything new.

1.       The word “new” indicates a drastic change.

2.       The word “make” means to form or construct.

3.       Greek word “poieo” used in Matt. 19:4 when God made Adam means new in character.

4.       So astonished is John that he has to be reminded “Write for these words are true and faithful.”

b.       No question as to the speaker (Vs. 6)

1.       Rev. 1:11-18

2.       Our Lord is the water of life.

a)    Christ alone can quench the thirst of the eternal soul of a man.

b)    Have you drunk freely?

c)    Promise to those who triumph in faith (Vs. 7)

d)    To the over comer

e)    He shall be my son.

    IV.      Earmarks of the ungodly (Vs. 8)

a.       List of those whose life style reveals they have no part in the family of God.

1.       Fearful or cowardly

a)    Who shrink from conflict with sin

b)    Those who do not maintain faith in Christ

2.       Abominable or polluted who degrade themselves with uncleanness

3.       Murderers by outward act or inward malice

4.       Fornicators by outward act or cherished lust of the soul

5.       Sorcerers – seekers of powers such as God has forbidden

6.       Idolaters whether in pagan worship or giving of heart to covetousness – self-centeredness

7.       Liars – Satan is called the father of all liars.

      V.      John is now taken and allowed to view the eternal city, the habitation of the Redeemed. (Vs. 9, 10)

a.       His escort is one of the angels who took part in the judgment of the seven bowls filled with God’s wrath.

b.       That which attention is drawn to is the wife or bride of Christ who has been the object of His redeeming love.

1.       This refers to the Church, the Ecclesia, those who accepted Christ from Pentecost to the Rapture.

c.       John is taken to a place where he has pointed out to him the Holy City.

1.       The New Jerusalem descending out of Heaven from God

2.       The blessed Holy Spirit carefully directs John in recording what He saw.

3.       Christ our Lord is the sole focus of attention.