This Sunday is the last lesson in our series through Revelation. We are covering these passages in particular: Rev. 21:1-8,22-27, 22:12-17. The topic at hand is the inauguration of the New Heavens and New Earth.
In a recent blog I read, Michael Kruger made a helpful observation after quoting Samwise Gamgee who says in The Return of the King, “Is everything sad going to come untrue?” His observation was, “Eschatology is about how one deals with the sad things in the world. In this sense, then, everyone has an eschatology.”
I think he’s right. This week we have a chance to demonstrate the importance of understanding the New Heavens and New Earth.
See more in the video above!
Here was the one truth + one response which I mentioned:
Since Heaven will be ever-increasing joy (Matthew 25:21) as we behold the glory of the Lord(2 Corinthians 3:18); therefore, we should choose to look forward to the reward of Heaven rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of this world (Hebrews 11:23-26).
Genesis & Revelation Comparison Table |
|
|---|---|
| Genesis 1-3 | Revelation 20-22 |
| God creates the first heaven and earth which becomes cursed by sin. | God creates a new heavens and earth where sin is not to be found. — Revelation 21:1 |
| Sin brings pain and tears. | God comforts his people and removes crying and pain. — Revelation 21:4 |
| People are banished from God’s presence. | God lives among his people. — Revelation 21:3,7,22; 22:4. |
| Creation grows old and decays. | All things are made new. — Revelation 21:5. |
| God creates light and separates it from darkness. | No more night or natural light; God himself is the source of light. — Revelation 21:23; 22:5. |
| Pate, C. Marvin. 2004. The story of Israel: a biblical theology. Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press. p271–272.(Excerpted from Table 12.3). | |
