“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” [Revelation 21:3-4]
New Jerusalem
John sees the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. The fact that it is never said to land on the earth leads some to see it as hovering over the new earth. The fact that the names of the tribes of Israel are on the gates indicates that redeemed Israel will have access to the city, even if they are not part of the church itself. The distinction between the church (the Bride, the Lamb’s wife, v.9), Israel (v.12), and the Gentile nations(v.24) is maintained throughout.
John hears an announcement from heaven that the tabernacle of God is with men and that He will dwell with them. As His people they will enjoy communion with Him closer than ever dreamed of. God Himself will be with them and be their God in a nearer and dearer relationship.
The expression “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” does not mean that there will be tears in heaven. It is a poetic way of saying that there will not be! Neither will there be death, nor sorrow, nor crying. For God’s people, these will be forever ended.
The One who sits on the throne will make all things new. His words are true and faithful, and will surely come to pass. The ushering in of the Eternal State marks the conclusion of God’s purposes for the earth on which we live.
The One who sits on the throne will make all things new. His words are true and faithful, and will surely come to pass. The ushering in of the Eternal State marks the conclusion of God’s purposes for the earth on which we live.
It is He who blesses the overcomer with total inheritance and a new intimacy as between Father and son. As mentioned previously, an overcomer is one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God(1 Jn. 5:5). By faith he overcomes the world(1 Jn. 5:4).
Every redeemed person responds to the blessed hope, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
New Heaven and New Earth
New Heaven and New Earth“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” [Rev. 21:1-2]
