Revelation 21:1-7 - "A New Heaven and a New Earth"

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God." Yesterday we talked about stepping out of time into eternity as we go from Revelation 20 to 21. Time ends, as we know it, at the end of the literal one-thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ on earth and the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20). Now in Revelation 21-22, we have John’s description of what the eternal abode of God and His people will be like. “Then I, John saw the holy city….”(Rev. 21:2). Not only did John have a vision and see this future place called “a new heaven and a new earth” and “the holy city, New Jerusalem”, he also “heard a loud voice from heaven” telling him some specific things that will happen in the new heaven and the new earth (v. 3). The Bible begins with the Book of Genesis and ends with the Book of Revelation. I think it is interesting to note that human history begins in a Garden and ends in a City, that is like a garden paradise. In the Apostle John's day, Rome was the admired city of the world; yet God compared it to a harlot. "That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God" (Luke 16:15). The eternal city of God is compared to a beautiful bride (Rev. 21:9), because it is the eternal home for God's beloved people. God's statements recorded in Revelation 21:5-6 aptly summarize the final two chapters of the Bible: "Behold, I make all things new.... It is done!"  What began in Genesis is brought to completion in Revelation. Notice the following summary: In Genesis 1:1, heavens and earth are created. In Revelation 21:1, there is a new heaven a new earth. In Genesis 1:16, the sun is created. In Revelation 21:23, there is no need of the sun. In Genesis 1:5, the night is established. In Revelation 22:5, there will be no night there. In Genesis 1:10, the seas are created. In Revelation 21:1, there will be no more seas. In Genesis 3:14-17, the curse is announced. In Revelation 22:3, there will be no more curse. In Genesis 3:19, death enters history. In Revelation 21:4, there will be no more death. In Genesis 3:24, man driven from the tree and paradise. In Revelation 22:14, man is restored to paradise. In Genesis 3:17, sorrow and pain begin. In Revelation 21:4, there will be no more tears or pain. Everything between Genesis 1 and Revelation 22, is God’s story of redemption for mankind! We call it “History”. In other words, it is “His Story”. My life verse has always been Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” God always finishes His story and He will complete it your life personally too! God has the “final Word”. Especially as we are experiencing so much unrest and chaos in our country and world these days, I trust you will be encouraged and find great hope as we study these last two chapters of the Bible together. God bless!