The New Heaven and the New Earth
September 25, 2020
Commentary
This chapter opens with a brief description of the new heaven and the new earth (v. 1). The Bible does not deal at length with the eternal state. Only a few references to it are made in Psalms, Isaiah, I Corinthians, Ephesians, II Peter and here in Revelation. This passage suggests a renovation of the present heaven and the present earth as other Scripture seems to confirm (Psa. 104:5, Heb. 1:12, Psa. 102.26, Eccl. 1:4, 1 Cor. 15:51). In contrast with the present earth, which is covered with a large percentage of water, no body of water will be on the new earth (v. 1). This will perhaps give a lot more land space on the eternal earth. No landmarks are given concerning the new earth and nothing is known of its characteristics, vegetation, or form. The Bible is silent on this except in Revelation 21:23 where it says there will be no need for the sun or moon (v. 1).
Chapter 20 brought us to the end of the Millennium. Now we have a description given of the Holy City, the New Jerusalem “descending out of heaven as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband (v. 2).” Although it is not clearly stated how it all works, the saints will be in this dwelling place for the resurrected and translated saints during the millennium. This gives them immediate access to the earth to carry on functions of ruling with Christ. In eternity the saints will enjoy a new relationship with God that was impossible before in a world where sin and death were present (v. 3). There will be no more death, pain and sorrow and all tears will be wiped away (v. 4) (II Tim. 1:10).
Application
It is hard to imagine living in a place where there is no sin, no pain and no sorrow and I will be in the very presence of God. Even more amazing is that I will be living in a resurrected body with all the saints of every age, having access to heaven and earth. As I think about this change, I get very excited.
Revelation 21:1– 8 (NET)
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had ceased to exist, and the sea existed no more. 2 And I saw the holy city—the new Jerusalem—descending out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Look! The residence of God is among human beings. He will live among them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more—or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.”
5 And the one seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new!” Then he said to me, “Write it down, because these words are reliable and true.” 6 He also said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the one who is thirsty I will give water free of charge from the spring of the water of life. 7 The one who conquers will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowards, unbelievers, detestable persons, murderers, the sexually immoral, and those who practice magic spells, idol worshipers, and all those who lie, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. That is the second death.”
Illustration: A curriculum for Bachelor Living
I read an interesting item in the newspaper that illustrates the importance of mental associations in making decisions. A high school in Virginia offered a course called “Home Economics for Boys.” Needless to say, it got little attention. So the following year it was renamed “Bachelor Living.” You guessed it! The effect was overwhelming-120 boys promptly signed up. The curriculum never changed. It still offered traditional instruction in cooking, sewing, laundry, and money management. But it needed the right image before the students would give it a second look. (M.R. de Haan II).