New Heaven and New Earth

Rev. 21:1-8

Introduction: At this point in the future, the earth has been purged from sin and God has created a new heaven and a new earth. Everything is refreshingly new and here John gives a description of the citizens of the city.

While He describes for us this wonderful place called the new heaven and new earth. There are prophetic details where this is fulfilled by God.

I. Dwelling place of God’s people vv. 1-3

A. The first heaven and earth

1. In the first heaven and earth prepared for first man and first woman was corrupted by by sin.

2. They were placed in the beautiful garden but they sinned which brings death and decay.

3. Romans 8:8 tells us we are in bondage and travail because of sin.

4. God promises a new heaven and a new earth in Isaiah 65:17 “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: And the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” and Isaiah 66:22 “For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, Shall remain before me, saith the Lord, So shall your seed and your name remain.”

New means new in quality.

B. The second heaven and earth

1. The old creation makes way for a new creation which Jesus calls it regeneration Matthew 19:28 “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

2. The word new means new in character which means it replaces the old creation tainted with sin.

2. No more sea means in the new earth there will be a different arrangement as far as water is concerned. Currently three fourths of the glob is water but not in the eternal state. Some interpret the sea as evil and John is saying there will be no more evil.

3. The holy city is the New Jerusalem coming down from God-not sure what that will look like for there have been many theories. It is difficult to imagine what this city will be like.

4. These will be God’s people-He will be with them and He will be their God.

5. There will be a spectacular beauty in this place.

II. Sorrows will be erased v. 4

A. Absence of tears

1. Because we are in bondage there comes tears and suffering.

2. Tears mentioned here indicates sorrowing tears-they are wiped away-these are tears that are caused by life and memories.

3. This a new creation, a new life, which God tells us that we have to look forward to.

B. No death or crying

1. This is now the eternal state where due to the absence of sin, there is the absence of death.

2. Death is a punishment for sin and now there is no longer any death.

3. Crying accompanies pain, disappointment, difficulties-all will be gone.

C. No pain

1. Emotional and mental pain will end when we are in His presence.

2. Physical pain will be no longer.

III. Declarations of God vv. 5-8

A. All things new vv. 5-6

1. New appears again where God makes all things new.

2. God can make things new because He is God.

3. These words are true (genuine) and faithful (attested by God).

4. God promises His presence and satisfaction for us

Psalm 17:15 “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” He is the promise satisfaction for the one who thirsts is metaphorical for His ability to meet the deepest needs of His people.

5. The one sitting on the throne referred to Himself as the eternal, Sovereign God-Alph and Omega-the Originator and terminator.

6. The invitation is to come to Him who satisfies the longing of the heart.

B. All people saved vv. 7-8

1. The overcomer will inherit these things-the blessings of new creation just mentioned.

2. This promise completes and summarizes the other seven promises to overcomers in chapter 2 and 3.

3. Inheriting means we are given something because of the work of another.

4. I will be his God and he shall be my son refers to a special honor given to him by God. Refers to an intimate relationship with God.

5. This is in contrast to those who don’t have a heavenly home-these are the marks of sin in the lives of unbelievers v. 8.

Conclusion: This is a promise of God’s comfort and presence in the eternal state. Sin, pain, and sorrow are gone.