In today’s chapel service, SGA Chaplain Trey Storr preached from Revelation 21:1–8, focusing on the eternal hope believers have in Christ. As we journey through life, facing trials and suffering, the book of Revelation provides us with a powerful vision of what is to come for those who are in Christ — a new heaven, a new earth, and a restored relationship with God. 

The passage begins with a breathtaking description of the new creation (Revelation 21:1–2). John sees a new heaven and a new earth, for the first ones had passed away. The sea, which often symbolizes chaos and separation, is no more. What follows is the revelation of the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. This picture of beauty and purity reveals the fullness of what is to come: God’s dwelling place with His people. 

The hope of this future is emphasized in verses 3–4. The voice from the throne declares that God will dwell with His people, wiping away every tear from their eyes. Death, mourning, crying, and pain will be no more. These former things will pass away, and all things will be made new (v.5). For those who have put their faith in Christ, this is a promise to hold fast to. 

As Storr reminded us, death no longer holds power over the believer. Jesus has already won the victory, and death itself will be thrown into the lake of fire. For the believer, there will be no more death, no more tears, and no more suffering. This is the beauty that we look forward to — an eternity in the presence of God, where joy and peace will reign. 

Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (v.6). He is the one who satisfies the thirsty, offering the water of life freely to all who come to Him. Storr highlighted that in this future Kingdom, the only “entertainment” will be worshiping God. In this eternal state, there will be no need for the distractions of this world — whether sports, social media, or entertainment — because our ultimate joy and satisfaction will come from glorifying God forever. 

However, the passage also reminds us that hell is a real and terrible place. Verse 8 paints a stark contrast to the glorious promise of eternity with God. Those who reject Christ, living in sin, will face eternal separation from God in the lake of fire. This is a sobering truth, one that calls us to live with a sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel. 

Storr concluded with a powerful reminder that living a life wholeheartedly committed to the Gospel is worth it. In 10,000 years, we will not regret living for Christ. Our hope and future lie in dwelling with God forever. As Revelation 21 points us to, God is the beginning and the end, and He is worthy of all our worship and praise. This is the hope that sustains us, and it is the future that we, as believers, eagerly await.