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A
New Heaven and Earth
INTRODUCTION
Today’s study looks at
the rewards what will come to those who are true children of God.
But first we will look briefly at what happened, immediately prior
to this new state in which true believers will find themselves. Jesus has returned to
earth. All the saints are with Him, and He will now rule. The world to which He
comes is aptly described as a world covered by a network of evil
enticements. It is firmly under the influence of Babylon (see May 22, 2004
lesson), the harlot, that false system of iniquity which has long
been established on the earth. The harlot has
offered the world several kinds of enticements that have been sufficient
to hold all men under its control. One is sexual passion, pleasure, and
all the connected things which can be described as deviant expressions of
our sexuality. This has proven to be a powerful enticement to both men and
women. Second is the love of
power. This has been a powerful driver and motivation to all the elites of
the world, and men and women who have aspired to positions of power,
strength, and prominence. Babylon also
offered men the fantasy produced by altered states of consciousness
achieved through wine, drugs, and other activities. These experiences
promised great thrills, but in fact ended up destroying the body and the
soul. The ‘car lot’ also
offered the attractions of beauty. The
woman is described as dressed like a queen, attractive, beautiful
unadorned with all kinds of precious jewelry and items.
Outward physical beauty has always enslaved the minds of men, who
had come to regard this outwardly beautiful look as the standard. Revelation
tells us however, that despite the look of beauty and glamour, she had a golden
cup in her hand with a terrible and deadly drink, for in that cup
there was every abomination, and filthiness of her fornication. We live in a world
brethren that is full of violence, perversion, sorceries, and sexual
license; where there has always been and where widespread abuse of women,
abuse of innocent children, abortion, exploitation of the poor and
helpless, the slaughter of men under sundry pretexts, slavery, criminal
activity, and a perversion of justice, are the norm. The pleasure and
power seekers are in league with demons, filthy and unclean spirits, and
the fearful and nightmarish things of the world. We will learn that
there will be a time when the illusion based on false values will be
stripped away. The things
that tempt men, and for which they crave will be made worthless, and those
who chase after them will be left crying and holding an empty bag. All who opposed the
truth of God and attacked Jerusalem will be killed and the vultures will
feast on their flesh. The Beast and the false prophet would be cast into
the Lake of Fire. Satan will be bound, thrown into the Abyss, where for a
thousand years he will be shut up with no access to earth (Rev.
19&20). No power would be able to release him. His main method of
operation in the world, that of deception, will be taken away. His demons
will also be sent away to their deserved punishment. Then will follow a
thousand years of peace under the rule of Jesus and the saints. The world
would become a different world and the blessings will flow. There will be
peace everywhere and justice will be the order of the day. The wolf
will lay down with the lamb. No one with hurt or destroy or rob
others. After Jesus demonstrates
his worthiness to rule the nations, and show the unparalleled blessings
that come from him and his presence, He will demonstrate the depth of
man’s rebellious nature, even though he is in a perfect environment. He
will also will show the unchangeable depravity of Satan. He does this by
releasing Satan from the bottomless pit, and Satan will be able to deceive
the men on the earth and lead a final rebellion against Jesus. This final battle will
not really be a battle. God the Father will simply send fire down from
Heaven and destroy these rebellious and stupid men.
The Devil that deceived them, that is, Satan, will be cast into the
lake of fire to join the Beast and the false prophet.
They all will be tormented eternally, forever and ever. Then will come the Great
White Throne Judgment, where all whose names are not written in the
Book of Life will be judged and condemned. All men who have ever lived,
and who have rejected the salvation of God, will stand before their
Creator, who will now be their Judge. Note that this is not a
trial to determine the facts, for the facts are already on the table.
This is the sentencing for people who have already been condemned,
for their works have condemned them.
Their very presence at this event, means that they are about to be
sentenced. These people have
already refused the help of the only Advocate (Lawyer) who could have
saved them. They would therefore be punished according to their works. Note that these
multitudes are silent for they have nothing to say.
Their history will close their mouths.
They will be cast into the lake of fire. Then, the last things
which will remind us of sin, Death and Hades, will be removed. There would
be no need for them, for there will be no sin remaining, and their purpose
will have ceased to exist. They too will be cast into the Lake of fire. All the unpleasant
things, the things of inequity, everything that is offensive to the
holiness, righteousness, and purity of God will have now been removed. Our lesson today therefore deals with what happens after this. What will our God and Lord do next? THE
TEXT
Chapters 21 and 22 are the main
detailed and specific sources of information on the eternal state, or what
will follow after the events previously described. In other Scriptures we
are told about a time of great blessing which will ensue when God will
dwell with men.
Verse 1.
A new world is presented, and the first heaven and the first earth
is said to have passed away. The word ‘new’ means fresh, and can be
translated as ‘fresh’ rather than something recent or new in time. This raises the question
as to whether this new heaven and new earth is the same as the millennial
earth, or whether it is something beyond.
In other words, is this a ‘new’ earth or is it one that has
been remade? Some argue that the “newness” is really a spiritual and moral change. It is said that the word or words used never signifies termination of existence, but means passing from one place or condition to arrive at another. This is simply : “the termination or
dissolution of the present condition of them to give place to a new and
better condition. Great changes in the whole physical condition of the
earth and its surrounding heaven are everywhere indicated; but the idea of
the extinction of the material universe amid “the wreck of matter and
the crush of worlds”, is nothing but a common conceit, without a
particle of foundation in nature, reason, or Scripture.” Thus it is not the end of
the earth as such, but the end of a particularly time, age, condition, or
order of things. Even though it implies great changes applied to the earth
and heavens, transition does not mean extinction. On the other side, some point out that this concept of “a new heaven and a new earth” is a familiar theme in Scripture. Let us quote three verses of Scriptures that these proponents point out. Isaiah 65:17-19 states: “
For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not
be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I
create; for behold, I create a Jerusalem as a rejoicing, and her people a
joy”. Psalm 102:25-27 states :“Of old, You laid
the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.
They will perish, but You will endure; yes all of them will grow old like
a garment, like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed.
But You are the same, and Your years will have no end.” 2 Peter 3:12-13 states: “Looking
for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the
heavens will be dissolved being on fire, and the elements will melt with
fervent heat? Nevertheless we,
according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein
dwelleth righteousness.” It is held that, that
indicates a rather more dramatic change or creation (bara) than that
indicated in the first view. In line with this, it is stated that there is
no more sea. It is often said that to the Jewish mind the sea is a symbol
of separation and evil, and is the source of the Satanic Beast (13:11) and
the place of the dead (Rev. 20:11). Others point out that the eternal state, clearly described with the absence of the sea, contrasts with the frequent mention of bodies of water in the millennial passages such as Psalm 72:8, Isa. 11:9, Ezekiel 47:10, 15, 17, 18, 20, Zechariah 9:10; 14:8 and other passages. This stayed there for its totally different in every respect from the previous state. Verse 2.
John then shows us something markedly new and amazing.
This is something totally out side of our human experience. Now everything is purity, light, new, full of righteousness and holiness. This is what 2 Peter 3 is referring
to. The sources of tumult are all gone. There is no disorder, ailments,
captivity to corruption, curses, thorns, serpents hiding to strike,
plagues, savage beasts. This is now the everlasting kingdom that Daniel predicted
that would stand forever. The Holy City, the New
Jerusalem now descends, comes down from heaven, the place of our real
citizenship. Note the distinguishing features described.
It is new, and it is holy. It comes to a pristine
world as its crowning jewel. It stands in total contrast and in opposition
to the harlot city. It is new, that is it has never appeared
before, and its material, size, location, style, everything about it is
totally different, for it is built in heaven and perfected there in its
charm, brilliance, splendor and beauty. It is adorned as a bride,
beautifully dressed. It is the hand of God
that has so specially created the city, and we can expect that it would be
most marvelous. It would of
course consist of, and contain things that we cannot even dream about or
anticipate. Jesus told us that he would go and prepare a place for us, his
bride, and therefore we would expect that it would be fully satisfying and
be well able to occupy us in exploring it throughout eternity. It is often pointed out that it is significant that our eternal place of living is always called a “city”, whether in the Old Testament or in the New Testament. One writer describes the city concept as follows: “The
instinct to seek a common life, to form a complicated web of mutual
sympathy and dependence, which is represented by a city, is after all a
true one, and the opportunity for its exercise essential alike to man’s
true happiness and to the full development of his powers. ‘It is not
good for man to be alone’; neither is it good for a family to be alone,
nor yet for a group of families; and this vision shows us ‘the far off
divine event’ as realized in the corporate life of humanity, in a
society so vast that none of God’s children is left out of it, and yet
so compact that it can best be described as the society of those who dwell
in one city.” Note that this is a
community without any taint of sin. It is a place of life, activity,
people. This is totally different
from the Hindu concept of a blank “Nirvana”. It is also totally
different from the Muslim concept of a place where men are gratified
sexually as a reward for service. This is a gift of God.
It does not reflect anything about the sensual desires of sinful
men. It does not reflect the achievement of men, what it is in every
respect, is a gift from a morally pure Giver of good things. This Holy City is clearly not identical with Heaven but comes down out of heaven. The divine Architect has prepared this place as a bride adorned for her husband, which implies that it is extravagantly but carefully prepared, elegant, beautiful, and attractive.
Verse 3. A great voice out of heaven declares that this is the climax of God’s intention, namely, that he will Tabernacle with men. God was now dwell in and among them. The blessed presence of God will be with men, his people, in an uninterrupted way. One writer describes what it means to be God’s people. “
Their souls shall be assimilated to him, filled was all the love, honour,
and delight requires, and this will constitute their perfect holiness; and
he will be their God: God himself will be their God: his immediate
presence with them, his love fully manifested to them, and his glory put
upon them , will be their perfect happiness; then he will fully answer the
character of the relation on his part as they shall do on their part.”
This is when the name Immanuel “God with us” will be fulfilled in its entirety. The new covenant as described by Jeremiah 24:7 “They shall be my people, and I will be their God” , will now be fully realized in the most beautiful environment possible. Verse 4.
Now that there is no separation between God and his people, quite
logically certain things follow. There
is a long list telling us the things from which we will have relief. These
troubles have plagued men from the time sin entered the world. There have
been many tragic aspects to human life and there has been real pain,
suffering, and death in our history.
But now everything is different. First, every tear is
wiped away by God himself. This
therefore cannot be reversed. The
emphasis here is that God will comfort his people, and that there will be
no remorse. There is absolutely no indication that the saints will be
shedding tears. The day is therefore coming when tears with no longer
exist. Second, death with no
longer exist. Let us remember
that death has touched all of us, and we ourselves wait knowing that we
too will die, so we try to make provisions for it, after we spend heavily
trying to delay its coming. But the time will come when Death is swallowed
up in victory, and will be no more. Third, all sorrow will
cease. All the bitterness that has followed us will be gone.
The line has been drawn and sorrow cannot cross that line. Fourth, crying will be
silenced. No pain, fear, strife, birth cry, death groaning, crying for the
lost person or thing will be felt or heard. Fifth, the aches, ills,
or torments will cease to exist. There
will be no more parting. All the past tragic
events would be no more when this new world comes into being. Note that now there will be fullness of life, blessed worship, and the possession of God. There will be the sum of all goodness.
Verse 5.
God now speaks. He
made the heaven and the earth and he has now exercised his prerogative to
destroy and to make. He declares that he has made all things new. How
different is this world. Actually, the statement is in the present tense,
which states that he is making everything new. Everything will stay new
and new delight will be there throughout all eternity. No wonder that the Devil
hates men so deeply. He knows what awaits the people of God, and he knows
that he cannot have any of it. So
all his intention is to stop us from this kind of communion with God. God wants to confirm the
truth and certainty of this most blessed eternal state, and therefore He
commands that His promises are committed to writing, so that men will know
what He intends, and what will certainly happen. All of us need to be
fully assured and so God repeats Himself often and commits everything to
writing, so that His people will have access to it at all times and in all
ages. It is emphasized that once God speaks it is done. God’s promises are as good as present payment. Verse 6.
This theme and the certainty of his promise is now stressed. His
name is given as a security that all His promises will be fully performed.
He tells us that everything comes from Him, and so his titles, the
Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end tell us all we need.
Men can make any plans they want, but the plans and councils of God
must stand. Everything is obviously now gathered in Christ, as Ephesians 1:10 had predicted. He would therefore now freely give the fullness of his blessings to all his people. Water is a life giving commodity and men cannot survive without it, but no man would have the real thirst quenching solutions freely available. He is the source and the basis of fullness of life. He will completely satisfy them. Verse 7.
They would enjoy all these blessings because of the inheritance
given to them. They enjoyed
God and his blessings because they are sons of God, and dear to God. Their
relationship to God is permanent and close. In contrast, the unsaved sinners have judged themselves and have been found wanting. Several deeds have marked out these people. They have been cowards, afraid to take on the yoke of Christ and confidence him. They have been unbelieving, knowing the truth but refusing to accept the evidence of the truth. They have been become foul or abominable, vile, preferring filthy attitudes and actions such as what is now listed. Because they are
abominable they commit murders, indulge in fornication, indulge in occult
practices, adultery, lying, and all kinds of hypocrisy. Some of them have
pretended to be Christian, but they are not. They did not reject the way
of the world and of the flesh, but succumbed to the temptation and
deception of the Devil. They were not over-comers. John is now taken to see the New Jerusalem up close and it is almost indescribable. This size is enormous, and this equidistant cube suggest that the entire city is the Holy of Holiest. It is certainly too large for us to imagine. We certainly are hit with its unending, staggering beauty, but we realize that this is a city whose architect and maker according to Hebrews 11:10 is God. One writer invites us: “Let
your imagination picture that marvellous city gleaming transparent gold,
with foundations sparkling with light in cascading colours, pouring forth
from great Jewels embedded in the sides a kaleidoscope of light and
glory”.
Verse 22. No temple is needed, for the glory of God who lives there is so illuminating and brilliant. Wherever God dwells, there is the true temple. Where there is perfect and immediate communion with God, there is all the temple that we need. The sons of God will worship God directly, immediately and personally. Verse 23.
The text does not say that there will be no sun or moon, but simply
states that with the presence of God, there is infinitely more light
provided, than is available from mere creations. Many have worshipped the sun and the Moon but that idolatrous idea will have vanished. Those pagans who read the book of Revelation would be led to immediately drop that practice forever, for they would now realize that God is light and that where he is, there is no darkness at all, but magnificent and unimaginably brilliant and radiant and glorious light.
Verse 24.
The inhabitants of the city are now described. They are all people
of God from different tribes, tongues and nations. The description of the nations tell us that there would be
vast numbers in different proportions from different groups. They would bring their very best into the city. There will be much dignitaries there, as kings and princes will come. Note that not all of the elite and rulers are enemies of God. God saves some of the high ones, but he saves a great deal of the poor and helpless. Let us therefore be cautious about our prejudices and remember that some of the mighty men of earth do believe in God and worship him. These kings will come wanting to worship God and give him their best in appreciation of their salvation. Verse 25. There will be no St. Peter at the Gate to deny entrance. They will be continual entering and leaving of the city, and the gates would never be shut. This time to find one’s always have access. Here there is always light, and no need to shut the gate. Verse 26. All the glory of men will come to the city. It will be a magnet. Anything that is excellent, sweet and glorious will come. There would be no imperfections of any sort, but always only the best. The glory and honour of the nations would be increased by the glory of the city. Verse 27. Anything that is not good have already been excluded. Only those written in the Lamb’s book of Life would exist to enter. There will be unmixed purity in all the saints, and there would be nothing defiling or profane. The Lamb of God had already taken away the sins of the world and everything had been made new. No abomination would intrude. CONCLUSION IS YOUR NAME WRITTEN THERE IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE? MAKE SURE IT IS! THAT
IS THE ANSWER ALL OUR PROBLEMS!
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