Everything is made new!
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.” Revelation 21:1. The consequences of sin and decay will come to an end. (2 Peter 3:5–7). Jesus has redeemed the earth from Satan’s kingdom. However, the earth is not suitable for long-term living in its current condition. Therefore, God, our Father, has promised to make everything new, a new home for humankind. “He who was seated on the throne said, I am making everything new! Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5. Jesus speaks here in the present tense. In his mind, it is already done because he has determined it to be so. It will also become true in the present tense for new humankind. The new home for humankind will never cease to exist.
The main reason for creating everything anew is God’s desire to dwell with His people and be their God, as stated in Revelation 21:3. Only those who have cleansed their robes in the blood of the Lamb can truly understand and value what God has planned for those He loves. The creation of a new heaven and earth is a gift from the true and faithful God Himself. He is making all things new simply because He longs to be with His people forever. The old, sin-tainted earth is no longer suitable for the Holy God and His people. As a result, God will prepare a place where He can live with the new humankind—a place fitting for the King of kings. Truly, God the Father desires to spend eternity with us because of His love for us, which surpasses even His love for Himself. His unconditional love drives His desire to be our God forever.
All believers should ask themselves why they are looking forward to the new heaven and earth. Am I only interested in eternal bliss, a good life without obligations? Or do I long to inherit the new earth because I will spend eternity with my God and my Savior? Unfortunately, many professed believers long for the new earth because they believe that there they will have a large house with a shelf made of pure silver, where they will store their crowns made of pure gold. But, in the spiritual sense, am I a selfish materialist who only wants what is best for me? The new earth requires a new attitude. Would I be willing to spend eternity with my God without eternal bliss? To be a disciple of the unconditional Savior requires unconditional surrender, no strings attached.
The New Jerusalem – the new humanity; read the next blog.