Revelation 21:1 to 22:6
Please read your Bible text: Rev 21: 1 to Rev 22: 6.
‘…I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…’ (Rev 21:1)
Most people (if not all) would like to spend eternity in Heaven – though some thought it better to go to hell because they believe they can continue to enjoy all the vices, in sins and debaucheries with their buddies there. Yet the Bible tells us that Hell is a place of everlasting torment, burning with fire and brimstone for all eternity. Hell is also pitch-black darkness! Can anyone still enjoy vices and debaucheries in hell?
But what about Heaven? Have you ever thought having to spend all eternity in Heaven may become boring to you one day? Can we be bored with Heaven? What really is Heaven like? What is this place where we are going to spend all eternity? Here in Revelation 21 – Jesus Christ reveals to John about Heaven. Would you like to know?
Heaven is not just a faraway celestial place where God dwells. Do you know the Heaven we will spend for all eternity is the re-cycled (or rather re-created) earth! This will take place at the end of the 1000 Millennium rule of Christ on earth – the Almighty God will bring about (re-create) new heaven (sky) and new earth (ground), for this present earth will pass away (destroyed). The Almighty God will make everything new, and all believers (saints in Christ Jesus) will spend all eternity in it.
What is Heaven Like?
Heaven is a Rear place – for John saw that place (v.1), a new heaven and a new earth in replacement of this present earth. There will be no sea in it (v.1). For those who love the sea like me, too bad, there will be no more sea. There will be no need for the sun (v.23), and the night (v.25) for the Lamb (Jesus Himself) will be the light, and the glory of God Himself will illuminate Heaven (v.23). Indeed, darkness is vanquished where God is. There will be no need for temples of worship – for the Lord God Almighty, and the Lamb (Jesus Christ) is its temple (v.22).
Heaven is a Resting place – for all sorrows, pains, diseases, tears, curses, and even death shall cease. Indeed, we can rest in Divine Health and blessing and in peace and joy. By His mere presence, the Almighty God would wipe away all tears and permeate wholeness and soundness to all. Death, of course, is finally defeated. In fact, there is a pure river of water of life proceeding from the Throne of God and the Lamb, and with the tree of life on both sides of the river sustaining life (Rev 22:1-2). Tree of life-bearing 12 kinds of fruit for each month for all the years round (I hope there are durians) – Rev 22:2. The man finally rested from all labors or works just as God rested when He said, “It is done.” (v.6)
Heaven is a Residing place – for God Himself and Jesus Christ reside in it! That is why there is no need for temples – for we all shall see God and Jesus face to face – and our only duty or delight is to worship God. A loud declaration was made from heaven (v.3) that the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell (reside) with them, and God Himself will be with them and will be their God.
Where Would the Holy City in Heaven?
Yes, there will be a holy city in Heaven – the New Jerusalem – not Jerusalem’s present city in Israel. John saw this holy city – the New Jerusalem as a Bride prepared and adorned for marriage (vv.2 & 9).
The holy city in Heaven is glorious in Beauty (vv.9-21). It is like a beautiful bride adorned – having the glory of God shining like a clear crystal of jasper stone. There are 12 gates of whole pearl each and 12 foundation stones each of different precious gems or stones. The 12 gates have angels, and each gate is named after the 12 tribes of Israel. The 12 foundation stones of various precious stones bear the names after the 12 apostles. The whole city was like a cube, and its walls were built of jasper stones clear like-crystal, and the entire streets were paved with pure gold.
The holy city in Heaven is glorious in Blessing (vv.9-21). The fountain of the water of life freely given to all (v.6), the tree of life (Rev. 22: 2), and the exceptionally light of God Himself is a blessing to the nations of those who are saved (v.24). What blessing is this – to live in an environment free from decay and deceit? What blessing is this – to be free from any labor of works safe only in that one labor – the labor of preoccupation with the One on the Throne? God dwelling among men is a blessing.
Who Would Enter the Heaven?
John clarifies that only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life shall enter. “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life” (v.27) In other words, nothing that defiles or corrupts (be it men or angels) shall enter the Heaven. We can be sure that Heaven is guarded for the saved in Christ Jesus.
Think: Seeing my Savior’s face is good enough in Heaven.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, my life is… but a pilgrimage on earth – my citizenship is in Heaven – grant me your grace to be an overcomer, and when my days on earth are done – I want to see my Savior’s face. Nothing else in heaven matters.
As the old chorus goes:
Heaven is a wonderful place
Filled with Glory and Grace
I want to see my Savior’s face
Heaven is a wonderful place.
Note: This is a noteworthy truth. Ultimately, Heaven is God changing his address from where He is now to dwell among man on the New Earth. This is where Heaven is going to be. This is where believers in Christ would spend eternity. And I believe the Universe would be our playground. Hallelujah, Amen.
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