CHRISTIAN FAMILY FELLOWSHIP, PDO-Muscat
The New Heaven and New Earth
(Text: Revelation Chapters 21 and 22)
Introduction
We shall conclude our studies of the Book of Revelation today. To recap, the main events outlined by God which would take place after now and subsequently lead into the unveiling of the eternal order include the Rapture, Great Tribulation events, 2nd Coming of Christ, the Millenium events, Satan’s 2nd opportunity, White Throne judgement, New heaven/Earth and Eternity. By this time all the wicked (those who refuse to retain God’s knowledge in their hearts and lives) of all generations will have been judged and languishing in the lake of fire for an endless eternity. God will renovate the present earth, bring down the heavenly city (new Jerusalem) as capital of the new earth. The redeemed of all ages will dwell in this new earth and there will be a restoration of the privileges of the pre-fall days of Adam.
New heaven and earth (Re 21:1; 2 Pet:3: 10-13; Is 65:17; Ps 97:5).
This will result from the renovation of the present earth and heavens by "fervent" fire. This should not be a surprise or an impossibility as fire at the appropriate temperatures can melt anything!! Think about it. The hardest of materials, metals, alloys, rocks, ceramics, sands, etc will melt and possibly evaporate. The seas will certainly evaporate. The large seas covering about % of the earth will be no more, but there will still be rivers on the new earth.
Other names include the Holy City, Tabernacle of God, Holy Jerusalem, Bride, Heavenly Jerusalem. It will come down from heaven to be the capital of God on the new earth. The city will be approximately 2400 km square and will be located at an elevation of about 2400 km. Special features include 12 foundations named after the 12 Apostles and 12 gates named after the tribes of Isreal. The physical appearance, splendour and glory of the city are unimaginable, but will be literal and real — I Cor 2:9-10.
Qu.1. What is the significance of the "12 Apostles and 12 tribes"?
Qu.2. Who are those to live in the city? (Rev 21:7, 24, 27).
Qu.3. What will be the privileges of the city’s inhabitants? (Rev 21: 3-4, 23)
This is the final realisation of God’s eternal plan for man and the earth. "What is done" includes the termination of satan’s/earth’ sinful career, judgement for rebels and their confinement to the lake offire, renewal of the earth/removal of curses, vindication of those who put their trust in God and establishment of God’s government.
The eternal order (Rev 21:8; 22:1-5; Is 66:22-24).
Life will perpetually be either blissful or doomed. Where will I be? This is a personal question for us all.
Is there anyone still in doubt of the authenticity of God’s plan? It will be too late to find all to be indeed
true by then. There is nothing to lose if you believe now - Now is the hour of salvation.
Final admonition to all (Rev 22:6-20).
The book of Revelation closes with final admonitions from the Lord to everyone. He repeatedly stressed
the reality of his coming and of the truth of the re~clations contained in the book.
Qu. 4 Discuss the key points of Christ’s admonition in the following passages.
Rev 22:6. 7. 11-14, 17-19,20
Conclusion
There is nothing more left to say. Peter’s counsel comes very handy for us all. II Pet 3:1-18.