Sign of the Times - a Study of RevelationSample

What are the New Heavens and the New Earth?

Revelation 21:4 is one of the most comforting verses of all time.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Just think: One day, there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. There will be no more tears. When is that day? When Jesus returns to make a New Heavens and a New Earth as we reign with him in our resurrected bodies.

Earlier, we stated that heaven is not our final resting place. Depending on how one interprets the word "heaven," it’s true. In the end, there will be a new embodied reality. The New Heavens and New Earth for those who have put their faith in Jesus.

In some way, shape, or form, the same way Jesus was resurrected from the grave and was seen amongst people, we'll have a resurrected body in God’s eternal kingdom. And that is something to look forward to!

No matter what views you hold, no matter what you believe about the Tribulation or the Millennium, the end is the same—and so is the preparation. We trust in a God who loves us and who wins in the end. In the meantime, we all are on a mission to invite as many people as we can to put their faith in Jesus. How can you start today? Love your neighbor. Build a relationship with them. Invite them to church. Tell them about Jesus.

Reflection Questions:

• How does this vision of the future give you hope for today?
• How does this vision give you hope for the future?
• How can you help others experience Jesus here and now?
• When you think about your "neighbor," who comes to mind? How could you love them even better than you already do?

Prayer Prompt:
Spend some time with God this week focusing on ways you can be more like Jesus—and reach other people for him—while you're here on earth. Thank him for the life you get to live! Then, thank him for the hope of heaven and the intentional plan he's built for his people.