What is the New Heaven and New Earth?

In his vision, John sees a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1).  This calls to mind the opening words of Genesis 1, where we read that “God created the heavens and the earth.”  D.A. Carson says “the opening of the Bible connects with the closing of the Bible.  But now this new heaven and new earth is untainted by any of the residue of the sin of Genesis 3.  It is a new heaven and earth.”

Revelation 21-22 is the climax of the whole Bible.  We ought to read these chapters, like the rest of the book of Revelation, with the Old Testament (not the New York Times) in our other hand.  Revelation 21-22 is not telling us to be on the lookout for certain world events that will signal the second coming of Christ, but rather these chapters contain rich symbolism with Old Testament roots.  Many of the symbolic elements in Revelation 21-22 are suggestive of Eden before the fall.

Revelation 21:3-4 and 22:3 describes the new heaven and new earth as a place where there are no tears, no pain, no mourning, no curse, and no death.  In this life, the church is made up of sinners like you and me.  We have been justified and we are being sanctified, but we are not yet perfected or glorified.  But one day we will be in the presence of the Lamb of God in glory and splendor for all eternity.  There will be no more impurity or possibility of sin (Revelation 21:27).  We will love and worship God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength without any hint of idolatry.  We will love our neighbor as ourself without greed, hate, betrayal, selfishness, or jealousy.  The new heaven and the new earth is the consummated union between Christ and his people, and it has been secured for us through the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus.

Revelation 21-22 fosters hope and anticipation.  This is important to note as we go through deep waters of trials and sufferings in this present evil age.  Christian hope is anchored in the past, in what Christ has done in keeping the law, fulfilling all righteousness, bearing the curse, and rising again victorious over sin, death, hell, and the devil.  Our hope as believers is grounded in the plan of the Triune God from before the beginning of time.  Christian hope also projects into the future, prompting God’s people in every generation to meld their voices together and cry “Amen.  Come quickly, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

If you are interested in talking more about “the new heaven and new earth,” you are invited to come and join us for our next Bible study, which takes place tomorrow night (Wednesday, September 28) from 6:30 to 8 PM.  We meet at 9257 Amsden Way in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.