Eternal Life: We can live forever in the presence of God.

Revelation 21:1-8 22:1-5

I am sharing the word of God in hopes of revealing great treasures to encourage believers of all eras in their faith. 

In the last capture of the Book of Isaiah God promised to create new heavens and a new earth that would endure forever. Isaiah 66:22

In the final 2 chapters of Revelation, John begins to describe the fulfillment of that promise while focusing on God’s sovereignty. In Revelation 21:1-8, John gives a basic vision. While in 22:1-5, he describes the new Jerusalem as the ultimate Garden of Eden that, Adam and Eve could have experienced had they not sinned. 

Read 21:1-2

With nothing to compare a new heaven and a new earth, other than the present heaven and earth, John’s visions involves God’s creation of the new heaven and earth and the old creation has disappeared because it was subjected to decay. Romans 8:19-21

Vs 1 says that the sea was also gone. The. Sea was associated with chaos or the abyss and was sometimes portrayed as a roaring monster. The sea represented the source from where the beast arose to bring chaos and destruction in Revelation 13:1. The new creation will be free from all such evil. 

In vs 2 John is explaining that the new creation is a gift from God. In the beginning God created every thing good, and in the end God will create a new unbroken world. He explains the redemptive work of Christ through the marriage of the Lamb of God and His bride, which is the church, all those who respond to Christ message of salvation.

Read vs 3-5

The new heaven and the new earth is the dwelling of God’s people with the Lord God in the midst. Ever since humanity sinned, separation from God has been our greatest problem. God has repeatedly called his people to himself through the prophets, through Jesus Christ, and through the presences of the Holy Spirit.  

In vs 4 nothing that grieves or pains the mind can exist in the fullness of God’s dwelling among his people, therefore, no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. 

Read 6-8

In verse 6 God restates Jesus final words on from the cross “it is finished” connecting Christ death with the assurance of eternal life. Also with the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, John portrays God as encompassing total reality and truth. He is from the beginning and the end. 

Revelation 7:16-17

In verse 7 it says all who are victorious, meaning God’s children who preserve in life, will inherit His blessings. Our adoption is a convent relationship which certifies our privileges and responsibilities in the family of God. 

While verse 8 is the list of those who chose not to live in the power and authority of a saving relationship in Jesus Christ. These sins characterize people who have not experienced adoption by God. Their fate is the fiery lake.

Reflection Questions:
What choice have you made? Have you chose ultimate paradise with God or the fiery lake?