By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read: Revelation Chapters 21 & 22:1-5

The Rev. Ron Purkey

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful” (Revelation 21:5).

The theme of the last two chapters of the Bible is stated in Revelation 21:5: “Behold, I make all things new!” Notice the “new things” that will be a part of the believer’s eternal home.

First, the new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1-2): God will renovate the old heaven and earth and remove all that is sinful and destructive. Notice 2 Peter 3:7-10, where we are told that a fiery judgment brings about this renewal of the old creation.

Second, the new people of God (Revelation 21:3-8): What wonderful changes there will be when we enter eternity! God will dwell personally with his people in a glorious and intimate way. There will be no more tears, death, or sorrow. All of these came into the world through sin (Genesis 3), but now the curse is removed (Revelation 22:3).

God’s “It is done!” parallels Christ’s “It is finished!” (John 19:30) The same Lord who started creation will also finish it; he is Alpha and Omega (the first and the last). Also, verse 8 solemnly declares that some people will not enter this new creation. They are the people who practiced sin and would not believe in Christ.

Third, the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-27): The city is identified with God’s people; she is looked upon as a bride. After all, a city is the people who live in it. In Genesis 4:17, rebellious Cain went out from God’s presence and built a city; but believing Abraham “looked for a city…whose builder was God” (Hebrews 11:10). The new Jerusalem is that city!

Notice that the city unites God’s people of the OT and the NT, Israel and the church. The tribes of Israel are named on the gates, and the 12 apostles are named on the foundation stones. The city measures about 1,500 miles each way, or two-thirds the size of the United States! There will be beautiful colors (verses 18-20).

Several things are missing from the city: a temple, natural light, and night. Since God dwells personally with his people his glory replaces the glory of the sun, moon, and stars. The gates will never be shut This new earth will have nations (Revelation 21:24, see also Revelation 22:2). All the glory of these nations will be brought to God, where it belongs.

Fourth, the new paradise (Revelation 22:1-5): In this new creation, God reverses all the tragedies that sin brought to the original creation. This new heaven and earth glisten with perfection. Here we have a wonderful heavenly river and the heavenly tree of life which is available to all of God’s people. Here God’s people serve him and see his face in perfect fellowship. Revelation 22:5 indicates that our kingship will be regained, and we shall reign with Christ forever!

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.