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Hoyte Nelson's Poems/ Reflections & Biblical Essays
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Essay The New Heaven, and The New Earth “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”
(Revelation 21:1). An
Introduction: Many months ago when I arrived at the Royal Golf Club where I
usually play golf, and learned that they were having a Golf Tournament. There
was a large group of men waiting for their “Tee Off” time, and as I was
about to enter the Clubhouse, someone said to me, “Preacher, will there be any
Golf Courses in heaven”? I knew
that he was kidding me, so I responded in kind: “well,” I said, “why
not?” “The Bible says that there will be a new heaven and a new earth.”
Continuing, I talked about what that perfect golf course and what it would look
like, etc. Then, the mood changed. A man in the group raised his hand, and in a
very serious tone he said to me, “Preacher, I can’t make it!” There was a hush that enveloped that group of men. It was at that point that the
Holy Spirit guided me in giving a witness. So I said, “I’m glad you said
that, for neither can I.” Then
I said something like this. “I’ve never met anyone who could make it, but I
have good news for you; we don’s have to make it, for Jesus Christ has already
made it for us. He purchased our ticket at Calvary, And the best part of all
it’s free. It’s waiting for you and me to receive this free ticket by
trusting in Him. You can’t make it, neither can I, but we don’t have to;
it’s free!” [I
have used this experience as an introduction to introduce others to Christ since
that day. (Especially on the golf course) My purpose in sharing this testimony
is twofold: First, if someone can use my testimony as an introduction to a
presentation of the gospel, please feel free to do so, secondly, I had not given
a lot of study of the New Heaven (s) and the New Earth until this encounter. Now
I want to share with you what I have learned]. The
New Heaven(s) and the New Earth: Isaiah 65: 17, 25; 66: 22; Hebrews 11: 13-17; 2
Peter 3: 10-13; Revelation 21:1-5 As
a background for this study, it is important for us to have some understanding
of the subject matter before us: For example, what does the Bible mean by the
words, “heaven” and the “heavens?” My understanding of the word
“heaven” is that it is the eternal home where Jesus now sits at the right
hand of the Father; it’s also the place where God’s children go when they
die, etc. On the other hand the reference to the “heavens” generally
includes the heavens that we think of when we look up into the sky and beyond.
The Apostle Paul refers to “the third heaven” speaking of visions and
revelations of the Lord, (2 Corinthians 12: 1,2) or, as the place where Jesus
sits at the right hand of the Father…” (Acts 2: 33). Jesus
said, “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places.” And again, “I go
to prepare for you, that where I am, there you may be also” John 14: 2,3. The
Apostle Paul wrote, “For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house
[this physical body] is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made
by hands, eternal in the heavens” [meaning beyond this present world]
Corinthians 5: 1. One of the troubling questions is this: What is to
happen to the heavens and earth as they related to this present universe?
The Apostle Peter speaks of it in 2 Peter 3: 10-13 says, “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; but according to His
promise, we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which
righteousness dwells.” I believe that the clear teaching of the scripture is
that this present blood stained, sin cursed earth will be totally destroyed.
Look closely at the following scriptures: It is called “a new earth.” In the Revelation, chapter 20:11 says, “And I saw a
great white throne and Him that sat upon it, from whose presence earth
and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them.” And in chapter
21:1 we read, “And I saw a new heaven
and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there is no longer any sea.” (No
more sea to separate the saints of God in the New Heaven and the New Earth). In
other words, the only thing that will not
be destroyed following the final
Day of Judgment is the “Heaven” where God’s Throne is; now surrounded by
the New Heavens and the New
Earth wherein “righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3: 13b.) The Apostle John
said, “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
himself shall dwell among them, and He shall wipe away every tear from their
eyes…the first things are passed away” Revelation 21, 2-4. It is said of Abraham and his seed, “All these died
in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having
welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and
exiles on the earth. But…they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one.
Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city
for them” (Hebrews 11: 13,16).
It
is important that we follow the Apostle Peter’s response as to the new heaven
and the new earth, 2 Peter 3: 13 wherein he says, “According to His promise…” The promise is recorded in Isaiah
chapters 65: 17-25; [and in
reference to Abraham, Hebrews 11: 10,13-16]. In Isaiah 65:17 we read, “For
behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; for the former things shall not be
remembered or come to mind. Now verse 25: “The wolf and the lamb shall
graze together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox; and dust shall be the
serpent’s food. [Read Isaiah chapter 11 and notice vs. 6 and 7, “and the
wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the kid, and
the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall
lead them…]” The
Apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 1: 3-7, “Blessed be the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born
again to a living hope through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To obtain an inheritance
which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved
in heaven for you; who are protected
by the power of God through faith for salvation ready
to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though
now for a little while…even though tested by fire, may be found to result in
praise and glory at the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” In
conclusion, I have not tried to
describe all the wonders of heaven
[or the new heavens and the new earth] that are revealed in Scripture. I’ll
simply say, don’t miss it; it’s free! It was paid for at CALVARY. The old
Hymn says: “There’s a land that is fairer that day, and by faith we can see
it afar. For the glorious gift of His love; and the blessings that hollow our
days. In that sweet bye and bye, we shall meet on the beautiful shore; in the
sweet bye and bye, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.” Amen and Amen! |