Anticipating The New Jerusalem!

God promises Believers the hope of a new heaven, earth, and Jerusalem (Rev. 21:1-8). As Christians, we view the world as it is in reality—physically decaying and spiritually infested with sin. This world and even this universe is dying and will one day be removed altogether. While there is still much natural beauty to appreciate and enjoy, there is also too much that is so very wrong, deeply evil, insanely unfair, and outrageously wicked. Sometimes we say with glee, "This world is not my home, I'm just passing through!" At other times, we utter the same words, but with soberness--a deeper and recently reinforced conviction--because something is not at all right in our world. However, there is no need for us to be pessimistic! We have hope for future glory—eternal splendor in Christ and forever with God. God also allows us to peep into eternity to steal a glimpse of the New Jerusalem--our eternal home. Indeed it is a new creation, a place where we share company with our wonderful Lord, enjoy other Believers, and it provides unique opportunities for the special care of God towards His people. Therefore, we—with tremendous excitement—look forward to the new heaven, new earth, and the New Jerusalem God has promised! Presently all is not well in our world, but we have the assurance that one day it will be. This wonderful passage (Rev. 21:1-8) heightens our anticipations of eternity by informing us of a new creation, city, and care.

BELIEVERS ARE A PART OF THE NEW CREATION (REV. 21:1).

John mentions, “a new heaven and a new earth.” Clearly this is a reference to a brand new reality and places fit for eternal beings to live and flourish in fellowship with God. You will recall the unfortunate disaster of this present world. Adam and Eve sinned, and this paved the way for death and decay to enter the beautiful world God made for us (Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary). Even today all of creation is subject to bondage and suffering anticipating God's day of deliverance and freedom (Rom 8:18-23). Almighty God, in infinite mercy and grace, will rectify the current situation unto His glory and our good.

Obviously, there will be a new heaven—universe (Rev. 21:1), for that is precisely what John saw so long ago. God promised this and the old creation must be replaced by the new creation if God is to be glorified. As best I can tell, He will literally create from nothing preexisting or of this current creation. Isaiah, the great prophet of old, said in chapter 65 and verse 17, “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” The word “create” means He will generate a new universe from nothing at all. This is creation on a cosmic scale as at the beginning of this present universe: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Gen. 1:1; 2:3; Isa. 40:26; 42:5). The scope is grandiose and truly universal--a colossal generation of a brand new cosmos! Great is the power of our God and mighty is He in all His deeds. His promises are sure to us; He Who promised this will bring it to pass. It is well within the circumference of His omnipotence. There still may be some minuscule ‘elements’ the Lord will recycle and reuse according to Isaiah 6:22, but by far the world with be fresh, unmolested, pure, unbroken, completely whole, holy, just, and good. What is crystal clear is there will be a new heaven—universe for the new earth to inhabit.

John also encourages us to look forward to a new earth (Rev. 21:1). Presently it is the Lord who sustains the planet and we know one day He will utterly destroy it in final judgment. As the Creator, this is His exclusive prerogative. Peter’s explanation helps to clarify this matter. He stated “the heavens shall pass away,” “the earth ... shall be burned up,” “all these things shall be dissolved” by means of fire (2 Peter 3:10-13). Peter also said in Second Peter 3:13, “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” This strongly suggests the new heaven and earth are primarily different in nature from the old earth and heaven. We all have a special appreciation for the brand new. Think about the smell of a new car, the freshly fallen and untouched snow, the feel and presence of a brand new house, and of course the satisfaction of a new pair of shoes. God is promising us a new earth, yes this one will be no more. It will be replaced by another more glorious earth; it will be significantly different from the present one. Righteousness will dwell their permanently! Oh, how glorious it will be!!

Do not miss the picture being painted on the canvas of our minds, the entire universe will be replaced with an new eternal creation. This is everlasting cosmos fit for everlasting living and everlasting people (Rev. 21:1). That is, out with the old, and in with the new! In no way should this promise be construed as merely renovating,  giving a fresh paint job, tweaking a few things with cosmetic surgery, or reconstructing the old with some new fangled-dangled cosmic transplant operation. Our conclusion is well supported by the statement “for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away” (also see Rev. 20:11). The future cosmos will be new in time, quality, and nature (2 Pet. 3:10–13; Ps. 102:25, 26; Is. 65:17; 66:22). This is God's grand promise to you and me. He will make things right, beloved...He will make it all better...even perfect.  

As Christians, we look at our world honestly for what it really is. Physically it is decaying, being mismanaged by humanity, and succumbing to the abuse all of us inflict upon it in some way or another. God, in His common grace and providence, sustains it for our wise usage. We also embrace a biblical perspective concerning it’s spiritual character and condition. Our world is sin infested, riddled with evil, the playground of demons, and it presently writhes in agony as a consequence of sin and the curse. However, I insist this is not a platform for pessimism, nihilism, and cynicism! We still have hope for future glory. We look forward to the new heaven and new earth according to God’s promises. We can be confident His new order will be free of sin, sickness, and evil—Hallelujah!! In the meantime, let us take the hope of Christ into our communities, market places, and the world at large. This hope is ours to share.

BELIEVERS ARE A PART OF THE NEW CITY (REV. 21:2-3)

Though this promise is certain, it is still difficult to imagine what the eternal city—The New Jerusalem—will be like. The language pushes our imaginations to their very limits and we are without recourse for completely grasping this wonder. Recognizing my gross limitations, I will only attempt to restate the obvious.

First, this city is holy (Rev. 21:2). Simply, John refers to it as “the holy city” (see Rev 21:27). We also know it is characterized as a prepared city (see John 14:1-6). Clearly it is a habitation of perfect holiness. Perhaps it is called “the holy city,” in contrast to the earthly Jerusalem (which spiritually was compared to Sodom in Rev.11:8)(Walvoord & Zuck). It is a holy city prepared for a holy people. A people made holy through faith in the shed blood of Christ. As a result of God's grace working in each of us, let us lead lives that respect the holy nature of God (1 Pet.1:15, 16). May the quality of holiness that marks this city, mark each of us who will one day dwell there. 

Secondly, this city is the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:2).  The “New Jerusalem” is the capital city of unique splendor, and not the earthly Jerusalem often mentioned in Scripture. This brings passages to mind that echo this very thought and grant us insight into this city and it character. Hebrews 11:10, says in reference to Abraham, “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” God built this city; He is the highly skilled Architect Who designed it--it was birthed in His great mind. God is the Project Manager on this construction venture--be assured the integrity of this task is the highest. From the foundations to the pinnacles and spires, it is a municipality's dream! Additional insight into its nature, occupants, and general character also come from Hebrews 12:22-24:

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, [23] To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, [24] And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

This is obviously referring to new realities and blessings that are not presently physically accessible to us as Believers. They are present spiritual realities, but one day the spiritual and physical realities with sing together in brilliant harmony to the glory of God. Consider some of these privileges: 

• Our privilege is to enter the sanctuary of heaven for the worship of our Great God. As we enter the presence of God, we are surrounded by an august gathering. There are myriads of angels who are untainted by sin gathering with us.
• Then we are with the general assembly and the church of the firstborn ones who are registered in heaven (Heb. 12:23). The members of the church, the Body and Bride of Christ, are there consciously enjoying our Lord’s presence.
• But above all, we see our Father God, the Judge of all men, and we are summoned unto Him.
• Then last, but certainly not least, The Lord Jesus, Mediator of the New Covenant sealed with His own blood when He gave Himself as a ransom for many (1 Tim. 2:6), will also be there. We will be with our Lord there...we will be with Christ! This is what makes heaven, heaven! 

These realities and privileges pertaining to us New-Covenant people are so impressive because they are heavenly. We have come to this Beloved; we have not been summoned to the forbidding terrors of Sinai, but to the welcome of God’s amazing grace. If we Christians meditated on these realities suitably, we would be overwhelmed by them and more highly motivated to fulfill our calling—living according to the very highest privileges provided in Christ. In addition, no place on earth can compare with this wonderful city of God.

Thirdly, this city is heavenly (Rev. 21:2).  John saw it “coming down from God out of heaven.” This implies it already existed and it descends into the new heavens and new earth from its place on high (Rev. 3:12). It pre-existed because it was prepared by Christ, the Savior (John 14:1–3); it is a present reality. This fact also means it will have been in existence during the Millennium of our Lord’s reign on the earth (see Rev. 3:12; 21:9). Do not miss the point: it is a heavenly city. 

Fourthly, this city is adorned (Rev. 21:2). “Prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” is the language John used to convey this. It’s a beautiful city, as radiantly beautiful as a bride on her wedding day. What could be more splendid than that! John further amplifies these brilliant characteristics in Revelation 21-22 (Wiersbe). How grand and gorgeous this incredible and indescribable place is. Yes, Beloved, this is your future home. 

Fifthly, this city is God’s tabernacle (Rev. 21:3). For me this is the most important thing about the city—God dwells there with His people. Heaven would not be heaven without Him! One commentator observed, in both the tabernacle and the temple, the veil stood between men and God. That veil was torn in two when Jesus died, thus opening to us a “new and living way” through our Lord’s Sacrifice (Heb. 10:19). We presently enjoy fellowship with God, but one day, we will live in God’s very Presence and enjoy Him forever. Hallelujah!!!

BELIEVERS ARE A PART OF THE NEW CARE (REV. 21:4-8).

The eternal city is so wonderful in many respects; one such wonder is the care God provides for His people there. Though it is hard to secure the right kind of attention anywhere any more, there will be such splendid considerations there. As a matter of fact, only God can provide the quality and variety of relief mentioned in this passage; He invites us to cast our cares upon Himself assuring us of His love and most unique maintenance (1 Pet. 5:7).

The first thing we notice is God’s care will eliminate some things (Rev. 21:4). John says, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes….” Yes, you read it correctly; there were tears on the cheeks of God’s beloved children. How many times have we cried ourselves to sleep and stained our pillows with our tears? No doubt God’s people have shed tears of frustration, tears of anger, tears of disappoints, tears of heartbreak, tears of loneliness, tears of regrets, tears of sorrow, physical suffering, perplexity, debt, bitterness, divorce, fears, betrayal, disease, confusion, death and on the horrid list goes. However, in our text we have this fantabulous promise that God will “wipe away all tears from their eyes” with a singular compassionate swipe. Oh, the healing power of His touch! Who can refrain from overt rejoicing because we realize there will be no more pain, tears, sorrow, or death! Weeping did endure for a lengthy night, but the joy of a glorious new morning is come (Ps. 30:5). For Christians facing hardness, opposition, torture, injustice, persecution, and death this promise is a breath of fresh air! In every age, the hope of heaven has strengthened God’s people in times of suffering (Wiersbe). Allow God’s promise to assure your heart from now on through this veil of tears.

Just imagine being in God’s awesome Presence enjoying a new intimacy with Him; exploring the new order free of any sorrows. Beloved, this will be realized in full. God will wipe every tear from our eyes—death with its mourning, and pain with its weeping will vanish away forever. You see, the old constructs will finally and forever be vanquished. They cannot abide in His glorious Presence!

Then we discover this care will afford some things as well (Rev. 21:5-7). Not only will God’s special care wipe away some realities, it will also usher in some blessed new experiences. Remember God is making everything new! We will explore and enjoy all the new stuff God has made for all eternity! If you have ever stood on the edge of Niagara Falls or the Grand Canyon experiencing difficulty taking it all in then buckle your seat belts, because God has fresh new realities for you to know and experience! It is the understatement of the millennium to say, ‘we will be overwhelmed a zillion times over!’ Beloved, this is the God-given truth! Christ, the “Alpha and the Omega,” will achieve this wonder Himself (Rev. 1:8; 22:13).  The Lord Jesus will see it through, and Beloved, He can handle it!

So, what exactly will He avail to us? You see, as the citizens of heaven, we will be a satisfied people (Rev. 21:6). That is correct satisfaction will be as common there as dirt is here now. The thirsty and tortured saints throughout the ages will be glad and refreshed with this wonderful promise from the Lord (Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary). This is complete fulfillment and contentment in our Lord. Free and abundant living water for all of God’s children! Oh, dear thirsty and parched soul, drink deep from these living waters to be entirely refreshed and invigorated (John 4:14; 7:37, 38)! Yes, Christ will still satisfy for all eternity!!

Then as heavenly citizens we will be an overcoming people (Rev. 21:7-8). The concept of overcoming is a key mosaic in the Revelation (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; note also 12:11). The point we must not miss is that genuine Believers are indeed overcomers (1 John 5:4-5)! That is, every Believer is promised the inheritance of this new eternal reality! This is because Jehovah is our God, we are God’s children, and He will share an inheritance of “all things” with us. Beloved, great is our privilege and great is the grace that brought us to it! We will experience loses, reverses, missed opportunities, pass-overs, neglects, injustices, and inequities in this life. Rest assured…God will mega-over-compensate for it all in eternity! What out of the world care we will have!

Finally, this care will restrain some things (Rev. 21:8). In stark contrast to the blessings of believers, there are the woes of nonbelievers. The future for the unbeliever is dark and foreboding. What awaits them? The stunning answer…the lake of fire (Rev. 20)! Dr. Wiersbe astutely observed, “The world considers Christians as “losers,” but it is the unbelievers who are the losers!” Weirsbe also recognized that,

The fearful are the cowardly, the people who did not have the courage to stand up for Christ (see Matt 10:32-33). The word abominable means “polluted,” and refers to those who indulged in sin and were thus polluted in mind, spirit, and body (2 Cor. 7:1). The other characteristics mentioned in Rev 21:8 need no special explanation, except to note that all of them would be true of “the beast’s” followers (note Rev 17:4, 6; 18:3, 9; 19:2).

Beloved, we enthusiastically wait for God’s new order…the world will be absolutely free of sin, sorrow, sickness, injustice, inequity, and evil. We embrace this truth like a darling grandmother receives her first grandchild. Accept it and wed your soul to it like a wise groom embracing his sweet bride. These precious anticipations are a part of our hope package in Christ! This shall be our lift, a source of strength, and power to persevere until Christ comes for us! Realize assurance and peace in your inner most and deepest precincts by resting in these promises from our honest God.

Furthermore, the value of these truths is not exclusively for God people. Bible prophecy should stir and stimulate faithful and passionate evangelism. As we anticipate these glorious promises, we must aggressively go with Christ into our communities, and also the world to proclaim Him, His forgiveness, His salvation, and His hope! We go that others may also turn to God from idols and unto Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. In concert with God’s Spirit, we fight evil and the eternal impact of sin by doing so. Beloved, we have a message of hope for the nations and the universe!