The Revelation of Jesus Christ
“Heaven and Earth Reformatted” Rev 21: 1-9
The doctrinal statement of the Christian Missionary Alliance states…
The Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent and will be personal, visible and premillennial. This is the believer's hope and is a vital truth that is an incentive to holy living and faithful service.
There shall be a bodily resurrection of the just and of the unjust; for the former, a resurrection unto life; for the latter, a resurrection unto judgment.
We have contemplated the resurrection of the unjust unto judgment. Now we turn our focus on the resurrection unto life for the faithful. The common concept of heaven and eternal life do not really reflect the Biblical data. Most see heaven as an “otherworldly” place where things are more spiritual than physical and more dreamlike than tangible, more unfamiliar than familiar. We envision an eternal cloudy existence in a perpetual worship service.
It is filled with unfamiliar surroundings completely different than we are accustomed.
If we were honest, most of us would have to say that is not really all that exciting a prospect.
Is that God’s plan for us or is there something different? Through a fresh look at some familiar passages I hope to paint a more accurate, and honestly, more attractive picture of our future eternal existence.
G. Renewed Heaven and Earth Rev 21:1-9
First, I believe we need to understand the difference between the current temporary heavenly holding place and our final dwelling place. While Jesus prepares a literal and physical dwelling place (which we wouldn’t need if we were primarily immaterial beings) for followers of Jesus who die and go to be with Jesus. It is like being put up in a five star hotel while we are waiting for our personalized permanent residence to be constructed. The hotel is great and life is wonderful but it is still not home.
The current heaven is also a tangible place. There are believers in temporary bodies, who recognized one another, have memories of life on earth, enjoy the presence of Jesus, chat with angels, and perhaps observe action on earth. There is some indication that God’s special garden (Paradise) is there. God sits on the throne surrounded by the 24 angelic beings and four living creatures. The Holy City of God, (Jerusalem) is there. Perhaps this is the “Father’s House” with “many rooms that Jesus mentioned in John 14. God gave Paul a glimpse of the 3rd heaven and he could only tell us it was glorious beyond description. Perhaps God blessed him with such a graphic glimpse into the future as encouragement to endure the unbearable suffering he experienced on earth. The concept of a renewed heaven and earth is found in a number of Bible passages.
These passages seem to indicate that there is a final existence that takes place back on a renewed earth. We are all too familiar with life here and now but the Bible does encourage us from time to time focus on life hereafter.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true." Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Rev 21:1-8
Renew the old or create something new?
The first thing in this passage we must address is the term “new”. What is meant by new?
Does it mean new as in something completely different than before? There would be no reason to use the old term heaven and earth if it was completely new without any correspondence or similarity to the old. If that were the case he would have said God will make everything different. There would be no reason to speak of a new heaven and earth.
A familiar passage from 2 Corinthians 5:17 uses the same term in relation to the Christian.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, he has become new.
The term “new” here is the same Greek word used in Rev 21. The term passed away also comes from the same root word. Those “IN” Christ did not become completely different creatures without any similarity to the old. The concept is a renewal. He renews us on the inside. We still have mind, will and emotion housed in a physical body. We are new in the sense that Christ changes our core and will later completely renew our body.
It can refer to a renovation of the old.
Then Peter said to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?" And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. "But many who are first will be last; and the last, first. Matthew 19:27-30
Jesus spoke of a grand “regeneration” when the Son of Man comes. He spoke of houses, and farms and relatives in the future regenerated age. The word can refer to something made fresh, restored, refurbished. Those who are familiar with computers have at one time or another had to reformat you computer or hard drive. At first I contemplated the similarity of “rebooting” a computer. A reboot helps unlock a data jam or conflicting programs but does nothing with the stored data or worms or evil viruses affecting the operation of the program.
Reformatting a computer wipes everything on the hard drive and then restores the computer to the original factory settings.
God plans to renew and refurbish the heavens and earth. He plans to reformat the heavens and earth to their original perfect (pre rebellion) settings. He is not annihilating the old but purifying it, resetting it and renewing it. It is a similar meaning for the “New Jerusalem.”
It is a renewed city based on the old. We are renewed based on the old. The earth will be renewed based on the old. It is not an entirely “new” thing but the perfect resetting, reformatting of the old. The old becomes NEW! The term “pass away” can simply indicate to a new way of doing things. It indicates a change from the way things were in the past.
The world system that was based on the dictates of the prince of the power of the air will disappear giving way to the new system based on the will of the King of kings. There are a number of passages that indicate that heaven and earth endure forever. It was God’s original perfect creation. What passes away is the garbage and pollution and evil man perpetuated.
It indicates that the curse imposed at the first rebellion will be eternally lifted. The cry of the familiar song “Joy to the World” will become a reality.
“No more let sin or sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground.
He comes to make His blessings known far as the curse is found.”
Paul taught that the creation itself currently and constantly groans for renewal not destruction and annihilation or replacement. Creation longs for release from the futility and unproductiveness imposed at the rebellion just as we groan for the renewal of our deteriorating bodies. God isn’t doing something totally different but renewing the heaven and earth to its original perfect state. Peter called the people to repent now so that they can enjoy refreshment later.
"Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time. Acts 3:19-21
What is our guarantee of enjoying the times of refreshment at the restoration of all things?
Repentance and returning! We believe that when God originally spoke this universe (heavens and earth) into being, it was not only good (as He clearly declared), but it was PERFECT.
It was the best possible world created by an all powerful, all knowing God. If that is true (as I believe it to be), any other “earth” and “heavens” would be Plan B. Any other system would be inferior if His original creation was the best possible plan. It is reasonable to assume that He will reformat the universe to His original perfect plan. Earth was made for us and us for it.
We are organically linked to this physical earth. (From the dust of the earth Gen 1)
Contrary to the gospel song, this world IS my home. We are not just passing through. Our final destiny is not somewhere beyond the blue. It is right here on a reformatted earth.
Peter compared the “passing away” of the old earth to the days of Noah. The flood destroyed the evil and pollution on the earth and made way for a restart. It did not completely annihilate the old earth.
Hebrews talks about a future shaking (reformatting).
See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, "YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN." This expression, "Yet once more," denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:25-29
The new heaven and earth will be permanent along with the kingdom established on it.
Peter talks about this complete restoration.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:10-13
The burning and intense heat will be a purification of the earth just as God purged the earth of evil before with the flood. Perhaps the context gives us a clue as to what is intended.
After describing this “destruction” it contrasts with the promise of a new heavens and new earth IN WHICH RIGHTEOUSNESS DWELLS. The inclusion of that phrase seems to indicate what is at issue here is the complete purging of evil from the earth and a new society characterized by righteousness rather than evil. Not only does righteousness dwell but the righteous dwell.
Character of the New Heaven and Earth
NO SEA
John comments on one noticeable aspect of the new earth; the sea is no more. Some translations translate that there is no longer any sea. The literal translation is that the “sea is no more.” John used a singular form “sea” not “seas”.
A couple of thoughts here.
Isaiah 60 is a clear description of the New Jerusalem on the new earth (reference to no need for the sun for light because God dwells on earth). It references “the abundance of the sea” and the “ships of Tarshish bringing people to Zion” You need seas to float ships.
Second
There is a river that flows out of the city. If you have rivers, you most likely have seas into which the rivers flow. My thought is that God’s renovation work eliminates the need for the current gigantic oceans. Some suggest that before the flood the earth was mostly tropical due to a water canopy over the whole earth. There was no rain. Dew watered the earth every morning. Can you imagine how much more land mass could be reclaimed and occupied if the oceans were significantly downsized.
A glorious capital city
John describes the glorious New Jerusalem descending from the heavens. Here heaven and earth become inseparably linked. Eden was heaven’s back yard on the old earth. In the renewed earth heaven will be the front yard and living room. John offers a more detailed description of the New Jerusalem a bit later. The point made is that God comes to dwell among us ON EARTH.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,
Jesus only provided a brief (33 year) taste of what it would be like for God to dwell among us.
On the renewed earth God comes to live in a tangible way among His people. The longings of our heart for tangible connection to our God will finally come to pass. This description indicates intimate relationship.
Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; and I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:16-18
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 Corinthians 7:1
John describes a city of great beauty. He describes a city with measurable dimensions. He catalogs many recognizable elements: trees, rivers, streets, throne, fruit trees, people, angels, jewels, stones, gates, walls, light. We might expect the same characteristics of cities on earth; people; activity, education, arts, culture, government, social events, homes, buildings, shops, roads, eating places. All this will come about without pollution, crime, greed, selfish ambition, prostitution, McDonalds, garbage, trash, decay, dilapidation and decay.
A life of rest and freedom from pain, sorrow and death
The result of Him living among us prophesied by John is most magnificent.
and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." Revelation 21:3-4
What seemed to characterize the old earth and occupy most of our lives on the old earth will be absent in the renewed earth. No more tragedy, death, agony, distress or pain. All that threatens to tear us apart will be joyfully absent in this new world.
A life of fulfillment
Notice not only what will be absent but what will be present.
And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true." Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. Revelation 21:5-7
Complete satisfaction of every godly longing of our heart. There will be no want either physical or spiritual. Such fulfillment will be readily available and plentiful.
A life free from evil and evil doers
But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Revelation 21:1-8
and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it (New Jerusalem), but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. Revelation 21:27
The bad guys are all put away forever. No fear, no intimidation, no negative influence or party crashers.
Fruitfulness
For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up, and instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up, and it will be a memorial to the LORD, for an everlasting sign which will not be cut off. Isaiah 55:12-13
No weeds, pollution, poison, pestilence, arid places, desolation, or uninhabitable land.
We may be able to travel to familiar places and find them restored and renewed to even greater glory than before. All creation will function perfectly as God originally intended.
Worldwide Worship
“For just as the new heavens and the new earth which I make will endure before Me”, declares the LORD, "So your offspring and your name will endure. And it shall be from new moon to new moon and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all mankind will come to bow down before Me," says the LORD.
We will not only have the capacity but the inclination to relate and respond to God perfectly.
We will enjoy intimate relationship with our Creator, Father, friend, Lord and Savior.
Social life in the new order
We will live in a most glorious environment. Familiar yet fresh and new. Imaginable yet unimaginable. We get brief glimpses of eternity during this age, but then we will experience the ultimate. What will we do? Where will we live? Who will we see? Where will we go? What will we be like? What will life be like? The Bible does not provide a great deal of detail but enough to keep our hope alive and active; enough to stimulate our Bible directed imagination; enough to stir deep longings to be home.
Christlike Character
God’s laws will be written on our heart and continually lived out in our life. We will both will (want to) and actually do what pleases God. We will have a heart like His. We will be like Him.
We will think like Him, love like Him, choose like Him. We will no longer make wrong choices or take those devastating detours. We will never ever live contrary to God’s will again. We will naturally please and glorify God in everything we think, say, feel and do. We will serve God with the full capacity of our being with our unique gifting. We will experience continual fulfilled relationship with Jesus.
Responsibility & leadership
There will be cities, nations, kings, nationalities, governments, towns. All believers will rule and reign with Christ. (2 Tim 2:12; Rev 20:6)
Activities
Eating in Heaven
At the Last Supper Jesus told the disciples He would not drink the fruit of the vine again until the establishment of His kingdom. (Luke 22:18)
"I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven…”Matthew 8:11
John foretold a coming wedding feast. Rev 19:9 Eating in the coming Kingdom was a common perception.
When one of those who were reclining at the table with Him heard this, he said to Him, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!" Luke 14:15
Jesus not only did not correct Him but used His statement to talk about a future Kingdom banquet and who would be invited.
Games, sports, running, jumping, hiking.
"But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. You will tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day which I am preparing," says the LORD of hosts. Mal 4:2-3
Jeremiah talks about dancing on the New Earth.
"Again I will build you and you will be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! Again you will take up your tambourines, and go forth to the dances of the merrymakers. Jeremiah 31:4
“Virgin Israel”? That is not the general concept of Israel. The prophets continually called her a “harlot”. Yet in the new heaven and earth Israel is completely renewed to pure virgin status.
Laughter
"Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Luke 6:21
Entertainment
Stories, painting, poetry, sculpture, arts, crafts, music, laughter and drama all express something about God and ourselves. Why wouldn’t such expression continue on the New Earth only completely pure and honoring to the God who made us? Stories of salvation, documentaries on God’s creation, laughing at life on earth, rejoicing at new discoveries, marveling at new musical creations and symphonic productions; opportunities to be drawn into worship by a moving piece of art or poem or meaningful song.
Growth
There is much we will know but we will continue to grow and develop. God alone knows everything. 1 Corinthians 13 talks about seeing in a distorted mirror. They used to look in a polished bronze mirror which caused distortion and discoloration. Paul talked about the day when we would know more fully. He didn’t say we would know everything. We would know more fully; no error, no misconceptions; perfect clarity. We will also bring memories from the old earth, gain new knowledge, discover new things, explore new places, and understand new realities.
Story telling which we all love will rise to even greater heights. How boring it would be to know everything. Part of living is continual discovery. Think of when you were little and the excitement of discovering something new. I think we will progress, improve, and gain new skills. Present aptitudes will only improve. No fuzzy brain or inability to “get it.” We ill continue to grow in our knowledge of the incomprehensible God and His attributes. We only perceive a tiny fraction of who He really is.
Miscellaneous issues
Complete some dreams of the past unfulfilled on the old earth.
Care for children lost on the old earth
Enjoy relationship with animals (an intricate part of God’s original creation)
Cultivate deeper friendships
Live in time and space without being limited by time and space
Work, create, and accomplish tasks
Live in specially prepared dwellings
RESPONSE
Live pure and faithful lives
Peter encourages us in light of the changes coming tomorrow, to live faithful today.
Show gratitude by faithful service
Hebrews urges us to show gratitude by offering Him our acceptable service.
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. Heb 12:29
Eagerly hope and wait for it.
Romans says to eagerly hope and wait for our renewal. Rom 8:18
Repent and return
Peter told his audience to repent and return so they could experience the coming times of refreshing at the period of restoration. Acts 3:19
Current assumptions compared to Biblical assertions from Randy Alcorn's book "Heaven".
ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT HEAVEN BIBLICAL REVELATION OF HEAVEN
Non-earth New earth
Unfamiliar, otherworldly Familiar, earthly
Disembodied Resurrected "embodied"
Foreign Home
(all the comforts of home with all the all
the innovations of an infinitely creative God)
Leaving favorite things behind Retaining the good; finding the best ahead
No time and space Time and space
Static, fixed Dynamic, changing and developing
Neither old nor new and earthly; just strange and different Both old and new
Nothing to do; floating on the clouds A God to worship and serve;
the universe to rule;
purposeful work to accomplish; friends to enjoy
No learning or discovery; instant and complete knowledge An eternity of learning and discovery
Boring Fascinating and exciting
Loss of desire Continuous fulfillment of desire
Absence of the terrible but presence of little we desire Presence of the wonderful everything we desire
and nothing we don't
For a thorough study of these things read Randy Alcorn’s book “Heaven”.
