All Things New
Read the Text: Revelation 21
Memorize the Text:
Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.
(Revelation 21:3-4, CSB)
Consider the Text: Revelation 21:1-8
The final judgment in Revelation 20 launches the coming of the new Heaven and the new earth. This moment launches the beginning of all things becoming new. The hope of the restoration that leads to all becoming new provides amazing hope and comfort for believers in the here and now. As we reflect on Revelation 21, may we see the promise in the coming newness.
ALL RESTORED
The concept of "new" found in Revelation does not mean that something is brand new but instead reveals the idea of the complete restoration that occurs in Christ. The new indicates a new quality because the plague of sin no longer exists or harms creation. The restoration of making all things new does not occur limited to humanity, but this event includes all of the created order. This is because the effects and presence of sin are no more. Thus, no more tears are present because sin no longer causes pain.
For the believer, this promise occurs in understanding the promise of restoration in Christ. The new state is not marred by sin and exists as perfect and in harmony with the Lord and one another. We hold on to the promise of no more pain or tears, but we mean that we hold onto the perfect, restored quality because the presence and effects of sin no longer exist.
THE PRESENCE OF GOD
The newness comes because of the Lord. At the same time, the new state and quality allow us to dwell with the Lord forever. Thus, we live with the Lord forever. We live with the eternal guarantee because the Lord is the Alpha and Omega. This declaration reveals the eternal nature of the Lord and how all begins and ends with Him. At the same time, this all leads to understanding that we experience this not because of our worth, but we gain this promise because the Lord is the one true Giver of Life.
For the believer, we live knowing that our Father welcomes us home to live with Him forever. This does not occur for a time but is an eternal reality. We gain the fullness of God's promise of eternal life and live in the understanding of his Alpha and Omega nature. How does this truth encourage you throughout life?
THE TWO SIDES
Two sides exist at the moment when all things become new. Those who reject the Lord experience the eternal defeat that comes with eternal punishment. This leaves people hopeless and experiences the torment of the Lord's wrath in an unending manner. At the same time, those who receive the Lord gain a victorious life. This victory comes with the guarantee of a restored sinless life and life in the presence of the Lord.
For the believer, we live with the knowledge of both sides of eternity. This truth charges us to share Jesus with others and to live on mission for Him. Therefore, as we read through Revelation, it is imperative that we not become too concerned with fully understanding every detail but that we understand the eternity at stake and, as a result, live serving the Lord and His kingdom.
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
