By Charlene Armstrong Brown
Overview
Scripture Lesson Text: Revelation 21:1-8
The theme for this spring quarter is, “The Final Victory,” which covers the final chapters of the book of Revelation. In this week’s lesson we focus on the different aspects of the new heaven and new earth, which gives us vivid images that inspire hope to all believers who may be suffering in the world we live in today.
We begin the chapter with “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and the sea was no more.” Revelation 21:1. Here the Apostle John sees a new heaven and a new earth. In this new place there will be no more death, sorrow, crying or pain because God will make all things new and do away with all of the former things of this world.
God declares He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, and all those who thirst will drink from the fountain of the water of life freely. God promises these things to be true and those who overcome and remain faithful will inherit all things and be called His children. For those who reject Him and live in unbelief and sin, He says they will face judgement. These passages inspire us to look forward to a future that God has promised, a future where we dwell with Him, in His presence, and a future where God will live amongst His people.
Related Scriptures: Isaiah 65:17-25; John 14:1-11; II Corinthians 6:11-21
In Isaiah 65:17-26, we see God responding to the people of Israel. After addressing their rebellion and unfaithfulness, God being sovereign, loving and gracious gives hope for a future of restoration. In verses 17–25, God reveals a powerful promise: just as the promise in Revelation 21. There is a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, a place where sorrow, sin, and suffering will no longer exist.
John 14: 1-11, speaks of Jesus’ final hours on earth with His disciples. He encourages them by telling them, let not your heart be troubled, but to trust in God, just as they trust in Him. Jesus offers them peace during a time when they are troubled in their hearts. He assures them that He is going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house and He will return to bring them there. Jesus is preparing a place where God will live with us.
In II Corinthians 6:11-21, Paul writes to the church at Corinthian concerning the assurance of the resurrection, the judgement seat of Christ and being reconciled to God. Paul explains the message of reconciliation and makes reference to the old way of seeing people “according to the flesh” with a new life in Christ. Paul emphasizes the responsibility we have as believers to share the gospel and live as ambassadors to Christ.
Practical Point
We can endure pain and sorrow now, knowing they will one day be abolished forever.
The bible makes it very clear that we will face trials and will be troubled on every side, yet, no matter what we’re facing today we have the hope of Christ to hold on. God has already written the end of the story and it is revealed in His word. The end of the story ends with our victory, healing, and a forever home in His presence. Pain and sorrow will be abolished forever for a new day is coming, where God Himself will wipe every tear from our eyes. We must remain faithful because our future, our eternity is secure in Him.
