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Revelation 21:1
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Leonard Ravenhill
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Oswald J. SmithSummary
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Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A new heaven and a new earth - See the notes on Pe2 3:13 : The ancient Jews believed that God would renew the heavens and the earth at the end of seven thousand years. The general supposition they founded on Isa 65:17. There was no more sea - The sea no more appeared than did the first heaven and earth. All was made new; and probably the new sea occupied a different position and was differently distributed, from that of the old sea. However, with respect to these subjects as they stand in this most figurative book, I must express myself in the words of Calmet: Vouloir dire quels seront ce nouveau ciel, et cette nouvelle terre, quels seront leurs ornamens et leur qualite, c'est a mon avis la plus grande de toutes les presomptions. En general, ces manieres de parler marquent de tres grands changemens dans l'univers. "To pretend to say what is meant by this new heaven and new earth, and what are their ornaments and qualities, is in my opinion the greatest of all presumptions. In general these figures of speech point out great alternations in the universe."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth,.... This vision relates to a glorious state of the church, not in the times of the apostles, or first dispensation of the Gospel; when the old Jewish church state, with its ordinances, rites, and ceremonies, passed away, and a new church state, a new dispensation, new ordinances, and a new people, took place; and when saints came not to Mount Sinai, but to Mount Sion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem; and when God tabernacled and dwelt with men in particular churches and congregations; and the curse of the law and the sting of death were taken away by Christ, and there was no condemnation to them that were in him; which is the sense of some: but death did not then cease, it has reigned over men in common ever since, in a natural way, and immediately upon that dispensation arose persecution unto death, both by Jews and Gentiles; and for the first three hundred years, instead death being no more, and sorrow and sighing fleeing away, there was scarce anything else: nor can it be said that there was no temple, or places of pubic worship, or that the church had no need of the sun and moon of the Gospel and Gospel ordinances then, since these have continued ever since, and will to the end of the world; nor did the kings of the earth bring their honour and glory into that church state in any sense, but set themselves against it, and endeavoured to destroy it; nor were the churches even of that age so pure as here described, Rev 21:27 many persons both of bad principles and bad practices crept into them; there were tares among the wheat, goats among the sheep, and foolish virgins with the wise: nor does this vision refer to the times of Constantine, when the old Pagan idolatry was removed out of the empire, and the Christian religion was revived, and came to be in a flourishing condition, and a new face of things appeared, and Christianity was embraced and honoured by the emperor, and the great men of the earth; there was not that purity as in this state; the Christian doctrine and worship were soon corrupted, being mixed with Judaism and Paganism; a flood of errors was brought in by Arius, Eutychius, Nestorius, Macedonius, and Pelagius, and others; yea, doctrines of devils, and which at length issued in a general apostasy, and in the revelation of the man of sin; nor was there that peace and comfort, and freedom from evils, as from death, pain, and sorrow; witness the Arian persecution, the incursions of the Goths and Vandals into the empire, and the inhuman butcheries and numerous massacres and murders of the Popish party since. Nor has this vision anything to do with the conversion and restoration of the Jews, when they will become a new people, quit their old principles and modes of worship, and there will be no more among them the sea of corrupt doctrine, respecting the Messiah, the works of the law, &c. for this will be over before this vision takes place, as appears from the 19th chapter: nor does it belong to the spiritual reign of Christ, which will be in the present earth, whereas this glorious state of the church will be in the new heavens and new earth; that will be at the sounding of the seventh trumpet, and in the Philadelphian church state, this will not be till prophetic time and antichristian times will be no more, when the mystery of God will be finished, and after the Laodicean state is at an end; in that there will be public worship, the ministry of the word, and administration of ordinances, but not in this; and though there will be then great spirituality and holiness, yet not in perfection, nor will the churches be clear of hypocrites and nominal professors, and will at last sink into a Laodicean state. Nor is this vision to be interpreted of the church triumphant in heaven, or of the ultimate glory of the saints there; since the new Jerusalem here described descends from heaven, that is, to earth, where the saints will reign with Christ; and since the church is represented as a bride, prepared and adorned for her husband, but not as yet at the entrance of this state, delivered up to him; and since the tabernacle of God is said to be with men, that is, on earth; and this dwelling of God with them is as in a tabernacle, which is movable, and seems to be distinct from the fixed state of the saints in the ultimate glory; to which may be added, that in this state, Christ, as King of saints, will be peculiarly and distinctly glorified, whereas in the ultimate one, when the kingdom is delivered to the Father, God will be all in all: this therefore is to be understood of the glorious state of the church during the thousand years of Satan's binding, and the saints' living and reigning with Christ; the holy city, and new Jerusalem, is the same with the beloved city in Rev 20:9 what is there briefly hinted, is here largely described and insisted on; this will be the time and state when the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven, will first meet together, and be brought to Christ, and be presented by him to himself a glorious church, without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, and Christ will reign gloriously among them: the seat of this church state will be the "new heaven" and "new earth" which John saw, and which are the same that Peter speaks of, in which dwelleth righteousness, or in which righteous persons only dwell, Pe2 3:13 for as the first heaven and earth both here and there are to be understood literally, so in like manner the new heaven and new earth; which will be new, not with respect to the substance, but their qualities; they will be renewed, or purged from everything that is disagreeable, and is the effect of the sin of man; the first heaven and earth were made chiefly for men, but, on account of the sin of man, the earth was cursed, and brought forth thorns and thistles, and both the earth and air, or the heaven, were attended with noxious vapours, &c. and the whole creation was made subject to vanity and corruption; from all which they will be cleared at the general conflagration, and a new earth and heaven will appear, fit for the habitation of the second Adam, and his posterity, for the space of a thousand years. So the Jews speak of new heavens, as "renewed" ones, which are the secrets of sublime wisdom (o): and they say (p), that the holy blessed God will renew his world a thousand years, and that in the seventh millennium there will be new heavens and a new earth (q): for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; not those in Rev 20:11 but the heaven and the earth which were first made, which passed away, as Peter also says, adding, with a great noise; meaning not as to their substance, but as to their form, fashion, and qualities: and there was no more sea; which may be understood either as to the being of it; it was "exhausted", as the Ethiopic version renders it, being dried up by the conflagration; see Amo 7:4 and if Mr. Burnet's hypothesis can be supported, that the paradisiacal earth, or the earth fore the flood, was without a sea, that being made, with the mountains and hills, by the falling of the surface of the earth into the waters under it, there is a surprising agreement between that earth and this new one; but the Alexandrian copy reads, "and I saw the sea no more"; it might be in being, though John saw it not and since, at the end of the thousand years, the sea will give up the dead which are in it, it must be in being, unless it can be interpreted of the place where the sea was: wherefore it seems best to understand it with respect to its use and qualities; and that as the heaven and earth will pass away, not as to their substance, but quality, so in like manner the sea will be no more used for navigation, nor may it be a tumultuous and raging one, or have its flux and reflux, or its waters be salt, as now; the schoolmen say it will no more be a fluid, but will be consolidated into the globe as the sphere; and, in a mystical sense, there will be no more wicked men; tumultuous and turbulent men are like the troubled sea, that cannot rest, Isa 57:20 for in the new heavens and earth only righteous persons will dwell, Pe2 3:13. (o) Zohar in Gen. fol. 5. 2. vid. Kimchi in lsa. lvi. 6. (p) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 92. 2. & Gloss. in ib. Zohar in Gen. fol. 69. 1. Tzeror Hammor, fol. 150. 2. (q) Zohar in Gen. fol. 35. 3.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here a more general account of the happiness of the church of God in the future state, by which it seems most safe to understand the heavenly state. I. A new world now opens to our view (Rev 21:1): I saw a new heaven and a new earth; that is, a new universe; for we suppose the world to be made up of heaven and earth. By the new earth we may understand a new state for the bodies of men, as well as a heaven for their souls. This world is not now newly created, but newly opened, and filled with all those who were the heirs of it. The new heaven and the new earth will not then be distinct; the very earth of the saints, their glorified bodies, will now be spiritual and heavenly, and suited to those pure and bright mansions. To make way for the commencement of this new world, the old world, with all its troubles and commotions, passed away. II. In this new world the apostle saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from heaven, not locally, but as to its original: this new Jerusalem is the church of God in its new and perfect state, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, beautified with all perfection of wisdom and holiness, meet for the full fruition of the Lord Jesus Christ in glory. III. The blessed presence of God with his people is here proclaimed and admired: I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, etc., Rev 21:3. Observe, 1. The presence of God with his church is the glory of the church. 2. It is matter of wonder that a holy God should ever dwell with any of the children of men. 3. The presence of God with his people in heaven will not be interrupted as it is on earth, but he will dwell with them continually. 4. The covenant, interest, and relation, that there are now between God and his people, will be filled up and perfected in heaven. They shall be his people; their souls shall be assimilated to him, filled with all the love, honour, and delight in God which their relation to him requires, and this will constitute their perfect holiness; and he will be their God: God himself will be their God; his immediate presence with them, his love fully manifested to them, and his glory put upon them, will be their perfect happiness; then he will fully answer the character of the relation on his part, as they shall do on their part. IV. This new and blessed state will be free from all trouble and sorrow; for, 1. All the effects of former trouble shall be done away. They have been often before in tears, by reason of sin, of affliction, of the calamities of the church; but now all tears shall be wiped away; no signs, no remembrance of former sorrows shall remain, any further than to make their present felicity the greater. God himself, as their tender Father, with his own kind hand, shall wipe away the tears of his children; and they would not have been without those tears when God shall come and wipe them away. 2. All the causes of future sorrow shall be for ever removed: There shall be neither death nor pain; and therefore no sorrow nor crying; these are things incident to that state in which they were before, but now all former things have passed away. V. The truth and certainty of this blessed state are ratified by the word and promise of God, and ordered to be committed to writing, as matter of perpetual record, Rev 21:5, Rev 21:6. The subject-matter of this vision is so great, and of such great importance to the church and people of God, that they have need of the fullest assurances of it; and God therefore from heaven repeats and ratifies the truth thereof. Besides, many ages must pass between the time when this vision was given forth and the accomplishment of it, and many great trials must intervene; and therefore God would have it committed to writing, for perpetual memory, and continual use to his people. Observe, 1. The certainty of the promise averred: These words are faithful and true; and it follows, It is done, is as sure as if it were done already. We may and ought to take God's promise as present payment; if he has said that he makes all things new, it is done. 2. He gives us his titles of honour as a pledge or surety of the full performance, even those titles of Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. As it was his glory that he gave the rise and beginning to the world and to his church, it will be his glory to finish the work begin, and not to leave it imperfect. As his power and will were the first cause of all things, his pleasure and glory are the last end, and he will not lose his design; for then he would no longer be the Alpha and Omega. Men may begin designs which they can never bring to perfection; but the counsel of God shall stand, and he will do all his pleasure. 3. The desires of his people towards this blessed state furnish another evidence of the truth and certainty of it. They thirst after a state of sinless perfection and the uninterrupted enjoyment of God, and God has wrought in them these longing desires, which cannot be satisfied with any thing else, and therefore would be the torment of the soul if they were disappointed but it would be inconsistent with the goodness of God, and his love to his people, to create in them holy and heavenly desires, and then deny them their proper satisfaction; and therefore they may be assured that, when they have overcome their present difficulties, he will give them of the fountain of the water of life freely. VI. The greatness of this future felicity is declared and illustrated, 1. By the freeness of it - it is the free gift of God: He gives of the water of life freely; this will not make it less but more grateful to his people. 2. The fulness of it. The people of God then lie at the fountain-head of all blessedness: they inherit all things (Rev 21:7); enjoying God, they enjoy all things. He is all in all. 3. By the tenure and title by which they enjoy this blessedness - by right of inheritance, as the sons of God, a title of all others the most honourable, as resulting from so near and endeared a relation to God himself, and the most sure and indefeasible, that can no more cease than the relation from which it results. 4. By the vastly different state of the wicked. Their misery helps to illustrate the glory and blessedness of the saints, and the distinguishing goodness of God towards them, Rev 21:8. Here observe, (1.) The sins of those who perish, among which are first mentioned their cowardliness and unbelief. The fearful lead the van in this black list. They durst not encounter the difficulties of religion, and their slavish fear proceeded from their unbelief; but those who were so dastardly as not to dare to take up the cross of Christ, and discharge their duty to him, were yet so desperate as to run into all manner of abominable wickedness - murder, adultery, sorcery, idolatry, and lying. (2.) Their punishment: They have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. [1.] They could not burn at a stake for Christ, but they must burn in hell for sin. [2.] They must die another death after their natural death; the agonies and terrors of the first death will consign them over to the far greater terrors and agonies of eternal death, to die and to be always dying. [3.] This misery will be their proper part and portion, what they have justly deserved, what they have in effect chosen, and what they have prepared themselves for by their sins. Thus the misery of the damned will illustrate the blessedness of those that are saved, and the blessedness of the saved will aggravate the misery of those that are damned.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:1–22:9 The final scenes of the new heaven and earth are striking pictures of a new community and home for God’s people that is fashioned and given by God. These scenes help to lift the spirits of persecuted Christians. John lays out his basic vision (21:1-8) and follows it with two expansions: (1) In 21:9-27, he presents the new Jerusalem as the site of holy perfection; (2) in 22:1-5, he describes the new Jerusalem as the ultimate Garden of Eden that Adam and Eve could have experienced had they not sinned. 21:1 The vision involves God’s creation of the new heaven and earth (cp. Gen 1:1 with Isa 65:17; 66:22). The old creation has disappeared—it was subject to decay (see Rom 8:20-21; 2 Pet 3:7, 10). • the sea was also gone: The sea was associated with chaos or the abyss (see study note on Rev 9:1-12) and was sometimes portrayed as a roaring monster (see Pss 46:3; 74:14; see also Job 3:8; 41:1-34; Luke 21:25). The new creation will be free from all such evil.
Revelation 21:1
A New Heaven and a New Earth
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.2I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
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Worship (Part 3 of 3)
By Leonard Ravenhill9.5K1:16:02WorshipMAT 6:33REV 1:1REV 4:11REV 5:9REV 7:12REV 21:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the eternal consequences of our actions and the need to love and worship God wholeheartedly. He shares a personal story about being called by God to leave a comfortable life in Ireland and move to America. The preacher also highlights the significance of showing reverence and respect in our worship, comparing it to how we would behave in the presence of important figures like the Queen of England or the President of the United States. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to prioritize their love for God and approach worship with sincerity and reverence.
Comfort and Security in Christ
By William MacDonald1.8K34:11SecurityPSA 4:8PSA 107:28ISA 57:20MAT 8:23MAT 14:22MRK 4:35REV 21:1In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the passage from Mark chapter 4, verses 35 to the end of the chapter. He begins by explaining that he chose to preach on something comforting, despite the topic being a storm at sea. He emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel and the power of God's word. The speaker then delves into the story of Jesus calming the storm, highlighting the faithlessness of the disciples and the authority of Jesus over nature. He concludes by mentioning the presence of storms in our lives and the assurance that God is always with us.
(Revelation) Revelation 20:4-21:17
By Zac Poonen1.8K1:00:56GEN 1:1LUK 14:142CO 6:17PHP 3:8REV 20:4REV 21:1REV 21:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of judgment day, where every person's life will be exposed on a video tape. Each individual will have their turn, and their memories will playback, showing every thought, word, deed, attitude, and motive. There will be no room for argument or denial, as the video tape will faithfully display everything. The sermon emphasizes that while salvation is by grace, judgment will be based on a person's deeds, and there will be different degrees of punishment in the lake of fire.
The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 5
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K58:15Purpose Of GodEZK 1:26MAT 6:33ACT 2:42ACT 13:46HEB 8:1HEB 9:24REV 21:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the symbolism found in the Bible, particularly focusing on the number four. The four living creatures mentioned in the Bible are analyzed, with their four likenesses and four wings representing the number four, which symbolizes creation. The speaker emphasizes the responsibility of believers to provide the Lord with a true expression of his mind on earth. The importance of recognizing the man on the throne, as seen in the New Testament, is highlighted as the source of power and inspiration for the early church.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 23:15 - Part 2
By Chuck Smith1.6K25:59ExpositionalISA 23:15EZK 22:301TI 2:1REV 5:9REV 6:1REV 21:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events described in the book of Revelation. He mentions the sun darkening, the moon turning to blood, and other signs that will occur. He emphasizes the importance of praying to be worthy to escape these events and stand before the Son of Man. The preacher also highlights the scene in Revelation where John sees the throne of God and Jesus taking the scroll. He mentions the praises sung to the Lamb who is worthy to loose the seals. The sermon concludes with a discussion of the future visitation of Tyre and the transformation of its merchandise for the Lord's glory. The preacher also mentions the judgment and devastation that will come upon the earth, affecting all segments of society. He refers to the opening of the first four seals in Revelation, which result in the destruction of one fourth of the earth's population.
The Devouring Fire
By Chuck Smith1.6K33:18Character Of GodGEN 1:1PSA 23:1PSA 27:1ISA 33:14MAT 6:33REV 21:1In this sermon, the speaker explores the concept of being consumed or molded by the fiery trials we face in life. He references Isaiah 33:15, which describes the qualities of those who will dwell in safety and see the king in his beauty. The speaker also uses the analogy of a devastating fire in the Lake Hughes area to illustrate the power and inevitability of God's presence. He emphasizes that while some may perish in the fire, God's love for humanity is demonstrated through the sending of Jesus Christ to save us from destruction. The sermon concludes by highlighting the transformative and purifying nature of God's fire in our lives.
What Lies Ahead
By Oswald J. Smith97638:47End TimesZEC 14:2ZEC 14:6MAL 4:5MAT 24:29REV 21:1REV 21:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the 14th chapter of the book of Zechariah, which is divided into four sections. The first section focuses on the capture of the city of Jerusalem, with four events that occur in connection with it. The second section highlights the Lord's intervention, with four things that happen when the Lord intervenes. The third section discusses the physical changes that will take place in Jerusalem and Palestine in the future. Lastly, the fourth section explores the new order of things that will be inaugurated after Jesus Christ takes over the reins of government. The speaker emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding these prophecies, which are also discussed in his book "Prophecy, What Lies Ahead."
Progress of Redemption #12
By David Shirley85855:42RedemptionGEN 1:1MAT 6:33JHN 10:29ACT 11:23ACT 14:22ROM 8:35REV 21:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inseparable connection between the natural and spiritual realms. The central theme is the power and purpose of Jesus Christ, with the key message being that everyone will see his return. The sermon highlights the hope and anticipation of Christ's second coming as the ultimate answer for the world. It also emphasizes the concept of overcoming, prevailing, conquering, and victory, which are all interconnected and prevalent throughout the book of Revelation. The sermon concludes by discussing the doctrine of judgment and the ultimate restoration of all things in a new heaven and earth.
Sunday Night Meditations 24 Message and Song - 1950's
By Welcome Detweiler38815:49GEN 7:23MAT 24:37LUK 17:26JHN 3:161CO 15:521TH 4:16REV 21:1In this sermon, the preacher begins by singing a song called "And This I Know" which speaks about the belief in God's reign and the promise of transformation. The sermon then focuses on the topic of what lies ahead for the world, drawing parallels to the days of Noah mentioned by Jesus. The preacher emphasizes the impending judgment and the need for salvation, highlighting the price Christ paid on the cross. The sermon concludes by stating that those who neglect God's salvation will face judgment, while those who accept it will be received into heaven. The preacher references 1 Thessalonians 4:16 to support the belief in the resurrection of the dead in Christ.
The Beauty of God in the New Jerusalem
By Mike Bickle2653:53The Beauty of GodThe New JerusalemREV 21:1Mike Bickle explores the profound beauty of God as revealed in the New Jerusalem, emphasizing that this eternal city is a masterpiece of divine creativity and love. He describes the city as a place of ultimate beauty, adorned like a bride, where God's presence dwells among His people, providing a relational and functional experience that surpasses earthly understanding. Bickle encourages believers to cultivate a longing for this city, highlighting its dimensions, the glory of God illuminating it, and the joy of living in close proximity to Him forever. He emphasizes that the New Jerusalem is not just a physical location but a relational reality where love and beauty abound, inviting believers to deepen their understanding and anticipation of this eternal home.
The New Jerusalem: Heaven on Earth, Part 1
By Mike Bickle2351:11The New JerusalemGod's Eternal PlanREV 21:1Mike Bickle discusses the profound significance of the New Jerusalem as depicted in Revelation chapters 21 and 22, emphasizing God's ultimate plan to unite the heavenly and earthly realms. He explains that the New Jerusalem will descend to the earth, serving as the eternal dwelling place for the saints, where they will experience God's presence face-to-face. Bickle highlights the importance of understanding the layers of meaning in these final chapters of the Bible, encouraging believers to meditate on the hope of a new heaven and a new earth. He stresses that the natural realm will not be destroyed but transformed, allowing for a divine coexistence of the spiritual and physical worlds. Ultimately, the New Jerusalem represents the fulfillment of God's desire to dwell among His people forever.
Overcomers - Overcome by God
By Phil Beach Jr.221:15:47OvercomingOvercomersTransformationREV 21:1Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of Revelation chapters 21 and 22, illustrating God's ultimate goal of creating a new heaven and a new earth, where believers are transformed into overcomers through the work of the Holy Spirit. He explains that being an overcomer involves a process of revelation, reconstitution, and reigning, where believers must surrender their lives to God and allow the Holy Spirit to work within them. The sermon highlights that true overcoming is not achieved through personal strength but through the life of Christ being expressed in us. Beach encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with God, recognizing that their identity as overcomers is rooted in Christ's victory over sin, death, and the world. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to live in harmony with God's will, as this is essential for inheriting the promises of God.
The Beginning of a New Humanity
By T. Austin-Sparks0New HumanitySpiritual TransformationJHN 3:3ROM 8:291CO 15:45GAL 6:15EPH 2:15EPH 4:13COL 3:102PE 3:72PE 3:10REV 21:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the entrance of Jesus Christ into creation marks the beginning of a new humanity, where Christ serves as the Horizon of all things, both in the present and in the future. He discusses the significance of human history, the meaning of Christ and Christianity, the true Church of God, and the essence of spiritual experience, all centered around the person of Christ. Sparks highlights that humanity's misuse of free will has led to frustration and despair, yet through Christ, believers can experience peace, purpose, and hope. Ultimately, he asserts that God is actively forming a new humanity, characterized by spiritual transformation and dependence on Him.
The Doctrine of Sin
By Olin Alfred Curtis0JHN 3:16ROM 3:23ROM 5:8ROM 5:12ROM 6:232CO 5:17EPH 2:3EPH 2:81JN 3:4REV 21:1Olin Alfred Curtis delves into the concept of sin, emphasizing the importance of understanding its various classifications such as personal sin, individual depravity, and racial sin. He explains that personal sin is a responsible violation of God's law, while individual depravity refers to the inorganic condition of an individual's life inherited from birth. Curtis also discusses the broken brotherhood resulting from sin, highlighting the need for redemption in three aspects: forgiveness and unity with God as a moral person, reorganization and harmony of one's being, and transformation of mankind into a new race with a divine center.
Paul's Prophetic View of the Second Advent of Christ.
By Thomas Reade0MAT 24:371CO 15:51PHP 3:201TH 4:161TH 5:22TI 1:10HEB 10:312PE 3:10REV 21:1Thomas Reade preaches about Paul's prophetic view of the second advent of Christ, cautioning against unbelief and spiritual pride. He highlights the sufferings of early Christians and the glorious hope of immortality that sustained them. Reade emphasizes the importance of valuing the Gospel above earthly treasures, the certainty of Christ's return, and the need for personal holiness in light of the impending judgment. He urges believers to persevere in faith, guard against spiritual pride, and continue in the truth of the Gospel to receive the promised eternal glory.
July 25. 1678. the Flaming Tabernacle.
By Jane Lead0PSA 27:5ISA 57:15MAL 4:12PE 3:10REV 21:1Jane Lead preaches about the future dwelling place of God's Holy Ones within the Body of the Sun, where a sure, quiet, and peaceable habitation awaits. This place holds all-healing power for the humble and contrite, but the rebellious and disdainful will be kept at a distance from this burning sphere in the heart of the Sun. God has set this apart as a consuming element for all that is not of a new creation from His substantial ground.
God's Regrets
By David Servant0GEN 6:6GEN 22:121SA 15:11PRO 17:3MAT 16:271PE 3:13REV 12:11REV 13:8REV 21:1David Servant delves into the concept of God's regret and foreknowledge, explaining that God's ability to foreknow is dependent on actual outcomes of free-willed choices. He uses examples of coin tosses, football games, and a mouse in a maze to illustrate this point. The sermon emphasizes that God's regrets, such as creating man and making Saul king, stem from His allowance of free will and the necessity for outcomes to be foreknown. Ultimately, God's redemptive plan will lead to a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells, devoid of pain and suffering.
Are Earthquakes Natural Disasters or the Result of Judgment for Sin?
By Jack Hayford0GEN 1:31GEN 7:11MAT 5:16MAT 24:4LUK 13:1JHN 3:16ROM 8:20ROM 8:261PE 3:15REV 21:1Jack Hayford preaches on the three assignments every believer has: to show forth good works (Matthew 5:16), shine forth a clear witness (1 Peter 3:15), and sustain a life of effective, spiritually impacting prayer (Romans 8:26-28). He discusses the spiritual roots of earthquakes, the impact of sin on creation, and the need for settled, focused believers amid crisis. Hayford emphasizes that all brokenness, including natural disasters, is a result of sin and separation from God, but believers can find hope and redemption in Jesus Christ.
Matthew 19:27 to End. Christ Promises Rewards to His Faithful Followers.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MAT 19:27MRK 10:292CO 1:5PHP 4:7REV 21:1Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the importance of forsaking worldly possessions and desires for the sake of following Jesus, highlighting the joy and rewards that come from sacrificing for God. The sermon reflects on the promises Jesus made to those who give up everything for Him, emphasizing the eternal blessings and happiness that surpass worldly comforts. Through examples like Rutherford and Dr. Payson, Mortimer illustrates how true happiness and satisfaction are found in Christ alone, even amidst suffering and trials.
Heaven
By Anton Bosch0PHP 1:21COL 1:18REV 3:20REV 21:1Anton Bosch emphasizes that many people, including Christians, have misconceptions about heaven, often focusing on creating a heavenly experience on earth or materialistic rewards in heaven. However, the true essence of heaven lies in being in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ for eternity. Bosch highlights the importance of centering our lives, church activities, and aspirations around Jesus, rather than secondary aspects like comfort, possessions, or personal vindication. He challenges believers to examine their hearts and motivations, emphasizing that heaven is only for those whose lives revolve completely around Jesus.
The Seven Dispensations
By C.I. Scofield0GEN 3:22GEN 6:5EXO 19:1JHN 6:47REV 21:1C.I. Scofield delves into the concept of dispensations in the Scriptures, dividing time into seven unequal periods marked by changes in God's dealings with mankind regarding sin and responsibility. Each dispensation serves as a test for humanity, ending in judgment due to man's failure. We are currently in the sixth dispensation of grace, where salvation is freely offered through faith in Christ, leading to eternal life. The final dispensation will be the personal reign of Christ on earth for a thousand years, known as the millennium, followed by the ultimate judgment and the beginning of eternity.
The Tree of Faith
By Jane Lead0ROM 6:41CO 15:421CO 15:512CO 5:17GAL 3:22EPH 4:22PHP 3:20COL 3:11JN 3:2REV 21:1Jane Lead preaches about the deep mysteries of faith, emphasizing the need for a spiritual transformation and the importance of dying to the earthly self to rise in a new life of divine essence. She highlights the process of passing through various baptisms symbolized by pools of conviction, repentance, renovation, dedication, blood, oil, and fire, leading to the attainment of a deified body capable of living in the celestial realm. Jane Lead envisions a future age where faith will transfigure mortal bodies into immortal ones, bringing about a radical transformation and the manifestation of the glorified presence of Christ and the saints.
Confusion and Order
By John Gifford Bellett0GEN 18:1EXO 18:1ISA 11:6MAT 22:21LUK 24:13JHN 4:1JHN 13:1PHP 2:3REV 21:1John Gifford Bellett preaches about the various confusion and challenges that Jesus faced in His earthly ministry, dealing with political and religious authorities, His disciples, and the different regions of Galilee, Judea, and Samaria. Despite the chaos, Jesus' path shone brightly, untouched by darkness, showcasing His ability to answer every challenge with wisdom and grace. Bellett emphasizes that like Jesus, we too must navigate through the confusion and challenges of our daily lives, knowing that order will eventually prevail in God's perfect timing, as seen in various biblical examples.
Our Daily Homily - Revelation
By F.B. Meyer0Eternal Nature of ChristOvercoming SinREV 1:11REV 2:17REV 3:12REV 4:1REV 5:6REV 7:17REV 12:11REV 19:9REV 21:1REV 22:3F.B. Meyer emphasizes the eternal nature of Christ as the First and the Last, highlighting His role in creation, redemption, and the believer's life. He illustrates how Christ's presence is a source of stability and strength, akin to pillars in a temple, and how believers can receive direct revelations of God's will through purity of heart. Meyer also discusses the significance of the Lamb in the heavenly throne, the call for believers to overcome sin, and the promise of eternal life and service in God's presence. Ultimately, he encourages the faithful to remain vigilant and ready for Christ's return, as they await the fulfillment of God's promises.
Xix. a New Hope
By John Sung0God's MercyHopePSA 30:5REV 21:1John Sung delivers a powerful sermon titled 'A New Hope,' emphasizing that while God's anger is temporary, His mercy endures forever. He draws from Psalm 30:5 to illustrate that weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning, highlighting the hope of a new heaven and new earth as described in Revelation 21. Sung encourages believers to look beyond their current struggles and yearn for their eternal home, reminding them that God will wipe away all tears and there will be no more pain or sorrow. He stresses the importance of being spiritually thirsty for God and warns against the distractions of the world that can dull our appetite for His presence. Ultimately, he reassures the congregation that God's love and grace are ever-present, urging them to remain faithful and hopeful.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A new heaven and a new earth - See the notes on Pe2 3:13 : The ancient Jews believed that God would renew the heavens and the earth at the end of seven thousand years. The general supposition they founded on Isa 65:17. There was no more sea - The sea no more appeared than did the first heaven and earth. All was made new; and probably the new sea occupied a different position and was differently distributed, from that of the old sea. However, with respect to these subjects as they stand in this most figurative book, I must express myself in the words of Calmet: Vouloir dire quels seront ce nouveau ciel, et cette nouvelle terre, quels seront leurs ornamens et leur qualite, c'est a mon avis la plus grande de toutes les presomptions. En general, ces manieres de parler marquent de tres grands changemens dans l'univers. "To pretend to say what is meant by this new heaven and new earth, and what are their ornaments and qualities, is in my opinion the greatest of all presumptions. In general these figures of speech point out great alternations in the universe."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth,.... This vision relates to a glorious state of the church, not in the times of the apostles, or first dispensation of the Gospel; when the old Jewish church state, with its ordinances, rites, and ceremonies, passed away, and a new church state, a new dispensation, new ordinances, and a new people, took place; and when saints came not to Mount Sinai, but to Mount Sion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem; and when God tabernacled and dwelt with men in particular churches and congregations; and the curse of the law and the sting of death were taken away by Christ, and there was no condemnation to them that were in him; which is the sense of some: but death did not then cease, it has reigned over men in common ever since, in a natural way, and immediately upon that dispensation arose persecution unto death, both by Jews and Gentiles; and for the first three hundred years, instead death being no more, and sorrow and sighing fleeing away, there was scarce anything else: nor can it be said that there was no temple, or places of pubic worship, or that the church had no need of the sun and moon of the Gospel and Gospel ordinances then, since these have continued ever since, and will to the end of the world; nor did the kings of the earth bring their honour and glory into that church state in any sense, but set themselves against it, and endeavoured to destroy it; nor were the churches even of that age so pure as here described, Rev 21:27 many persons both of bad principles and bad practices crept into them; there were tares among the wheat, goats among the sheep, and foolish virgins with the wise: nor does this vision refer to the times of Constantine, when the old Pagan idolatry was removed out of the empire, and the Christian religion was revived, and came to be in a flourishing condition, and a new face of things appeared, and Christianity was embraced and honoured by the emperor, and the great men of the earth; there was not that purity as in this state; the Christian doctrine and worship were soon corrupted, being mixed with Judaism and Paganism; a flood of errors was brought in by Arius, Eutychius, Nestorius, Macedonius, and Pelagius, and others; yea, doctrines of devils, and which at length issued in a general apostasy, and in the revelation of the man of sin; nor was there that peace and comfort, and freedom from evils, as from death, pain, and sorrow; witness the Arian persecution, the incursions of the Goths and Vandals into the empire, and the inhuman butcheries and numerous massacres and murders of the Popish party since. Nor has this vision anything to do with the conversion and restoration of the Jews, when they will become a new people, quit their old principles and modes of worship, and there will be no more among them the sea of corrupt doctrine, respecting the Messiah, the works of the law, &c. for this will be over before this vision takes place, as appears from the 19th chapter: nor does it belong to the spiritual reign of Christ, which will be in the present earth, whereas this glorious state of the church will be in the new heavens and new earth; that will be at the sounding of the seventh trumpet, and in the Philadelphian church state, this will not be till prophetic time and antichristian times will be no more, when the mystery of God will be finished, and after the Laodicean state is at an end; in that there will be public worship, the ministry of the word, and administration of ordinances, but not in this; and though there will be then great spirituality and holiness, yet not in perfection, nor will the churches be clear of hypocrites and nominal professors, and will at last sink into a Laodicean state. Nor is this vision to be interpreted of the church triumphant in heaven, or of the ultimate glory of the saints there; since the new Jerusalem here described descends from heaven, that is, to earth, where the saints will reign with Christ; and since the church is represented as a bride, prepared and adorned for her husband, but not as yet at the entrance of this state, delivered up to him; and since the tabernacle of God is said to be with men, that is, on earth; and this dwelling of God with them is as in a tabernacle, which is movable, and seems to be distinct from the fixed state of the saints in the ultimate glory; to which may be added, that in this state, Christ, as King of saints, will be peculiarly and distinctly glorified, whereas in the ultimate one, when the kingdom is delivered to the Father, God will be all in all: this therefore is to be understood of the glorious state of the church during the thousand years of Satan's binding, and the saints' living and reigning with Christ; the holy city, and new Jerusalem, is the same with the beloved city in Rev 20:9 what is there briefly hinted, is here largely described and insisted on; this will be the time and state when the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven, will first meet together, and be brought to Christ, and be presented by him to himself a glorious church, without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, and Christ will reign gloriously among them: the seat of this church state will be the "new heaven" and "new earth" which John saw, and which are the same that Peter speaks of, in which dwelleth righteousness, or in which righteous persons only dwell, Pe2 3:13 for as the first heaven and earth both here and there are to be understood literally, so in like manner the new heaven and new earth; which will be new, not with respect to the substance, but their qualities; they will be renewed, or purged from everything that is disagreeable, and is the effect of the sin of man; the first heaven and earth were made chiefly for men, but, on account of the sin of man, the earth was cursed, and brought forth thorns and thistles, and both the earth and air, or the heaven, were attended with noxious vapours, &c. and the whole creation was made subject to vanity and corruption; from all which they will be cleared at the general conflagration, and a new earth and heaven will appear, fit for the habitation of the second Adam, and his posterity, for the space of a thousand years. So the Jews speak of new heavens, as "renewed" ones, which are the secrets of sublime wisdom (o): and they say (p), that the holy blessed God will renew his world a thousand years, and that in the seventh millennium there will be new heavens and a new earth (q): for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; not those in Rev 20:11 but the heaven and the earth which were first made, which passed away, as Peter also says, adding, with a great noise; meaning not as to their substance, but as to their form, fashion, and qualities: and there was no more sea; which may be understood either as to the being of it; it was "exhausted", as the Ethiopic version renders it, being dried up by the conflagration; see Amo 7:4 and if Mr. Burnet's hypothesis can be supported, that the paradisiacal earth, or the earth fore the flood, was without a sea, that being made, with the mountains and hills, by the falling of the surface of the earth into the waters under it, there is a surprising agreement between that earth and this new one; but the Alexandrian copy reads, "and I saw the sea no more"; it might be in being, though John saw it not and since, at the end of the thousand years, the sea will give up the dead which are in it, it must be in being, unless it can be interpreted of the place where the sea was: wherefore it seems best to understand it with respect to its use and qualities; and that as the heaven and earth will pass away, not as to their substance, but quality, so in like manner the sea will be no more used for navigation, nor may it be a tumultuous and raging one, or have its flux and reflux, or its waters be salt, as now; the schoolmen say it will no more be a fluid, but will be consolidated into the globe as the sphere; and, in a mystical sense, there will be no more wicked men; tumultuous and turbulent men are like the troubled sea, that cannot rest, Isa 57:20 for in the new heavens and earth only righteous persons will dwell, Pe2 3:13. (o) Zohar in Gen. fol. 5. 2. vid. Kimchi in lsa. lvi. 6. (p) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 92. 2. & Gloss. in ib. Zohar in Gen. fol. 69. 1. Tzeror Hammor, fol. 150. 2. (q) Zohar in Gen. fol. 35. 3.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here a more general account of the happiness of the church of God in the future state, by which it seems most safe to understand the heavenly state. I. A new world now opens to our view (Rev 21:1): I saw a new heaven and a new earth; that is, a new universe; for we suppose the world to be made up of heaven and earth. By the new earth we may understand a new state for the bodies of men, as well as a heaven for their souls. This world is not now newly created, but newly opened, and filled with all those who were the heirs of it. The new heaven and the new earth will not then be distinct; the very earth of the saints, their glorified bodies, will now be spiritual and heavenly, and suited to those pure and bright mansions. To make way for the commencement of this new world, the old world, with all its troubles and commotions, passed away. II. In this new world the apostle saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from heaven, not locally, but as to its original: this new Jerusalem is the church of God in its new and perfect state, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, beautified with all perfection of wisdom and holiness, meet for the full fruition of the Lord Jesus Christ in glory. III. The blessed presence of God with his people is here proclaimed and admired: I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, etc., Rev 21:3. Observe, 1. The presence of God with his church is the glory of the church. 2. It is matter of wonder that a holy God should ever dwell with any of the children of men. 3. The presence of God with his people in heaven will not be interrupted as it is on earth, but he will dwell with them continually. 4. The covenant, interest, and relation, that there are now between God and his people, will be filled up and perfected in heaven. They shall be his people; their souls shall be assimilated to him, filled with all the love, honour, and delight in God which their relation to him requires, and this will constitute their perfect holiness; and he will be their God: God himself will be their God; his immediate presence with them, his love fully manifested to them, and his glory put upon them, will be their perfect happiness; then he will fully answer the character of the relation on his part, as they shall do on their part. IV. This new and blessed state will be free from all trouble and sorrow; for, 1. All the effects of former trouble shall be done away. They have been often before in tears, by reason of sin, of affliction, of the calamities of the church; but now all tears shall be wiped away; no signs, no remembrance of former sorrows shall remain, any further than to make their present felicity the greater. God himself, as their tender Father, with his own kind hand, shall wipe away the tears of his children; and they would not have been without those tears when God shall come and wipe them away. 2. All the causes of future sorrow shall be for ever removed: There shall be neither death nor pain; and therefore no sorrow nor crying; these are things incident to that state in which they were before, but now all former things have passed away. V. The truth and certainty of this blessed state are ratified by the word and promise of God, and ordered to be committed to writing, as matter of perpetual record, Rev 21:5, Rev 21:6. The subject-matter of this vision is so great, and of such great importance to the church and people of God, that they have need of the fullest assurances of it; and God therefore from heaven repeats and ratifies the truth thereof. Besides, many ages must pass between the time when this vision was given forth and the accomplishment of it, and many great trials must intervene; and therefore God would have it committed to writing, for perpetual memory, and continual use to his people. Observe, 1. The certainty of the promise averred: These words are faithful and true; and it follows, It is done, is as sure as if it were done already. We may and ought to take God's promise as present payment; if he has said that he makes all things new, it is done. 2. He gives us his titles of honour as a pledge or surety of the full performance, even those titles of Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. As it was his glory that he gave the rise and beginning to the world and to his church, it will be his glory to finish the work begin, and not to leave it imperfect. As his power and will were the first cause of all things, his pleasure and glory are the last end, and he will not lose his design; for then he would no longer be the Alpha and Omega. Men may begin designs which they can never bring to perfection; but the counsel of God shall stand, and he will do all his pleasure. 3. The desires of his people towards this blessed state furnish another evidence of the truth and certainty of it. They thirst after a state of sinless perfection and the uninterrupted enjoyment of God, and God has wrought in them these longing desires, which cannot be satisfied with any thing else, and therefore would be the torment of the soul if they were disappointed but it would be inconsistent with the goodness of God, and his love to his people, to create in them holy and heavenly desires, and then deny them their proper satisfaction; and therefore they may be assured that, when they have overcome their present difficulties, he will give them of the fountain of the water of life freely. VI. The greatness of this future felicity is declared and illustrated, 1. By the freeness of it - it is the free gift of God: He gives of the water of life freely; this will not make it less but more grateful to his people. 2. The fulness of it. The people of God then lie at the fountain-head of all blessedness: they inherit all things (Rev 21:7); enjoying God, they enjoy all things. He is all in all. 3. By the tenure and title by which they enjoy this blessedness - by right of inheritance, as the sons of God, a title of all others the most honourable, as resulting from so near and endeared a relation to God himself, and the most sure and indefeasible, that can no more cease than the relation from which it results. 4. By the vastly different state of the wicked. Their misery helps to illustrate the glory and blessedness of the saints, and the distinguishing goodness of God towards them, Rev 21:8. Here observe, (1.) The sins of those who perish, among which are first mentioned their cowardliness and unbelief. The fearful lead the van in this black list. They durst not encounter the difficulties of religion, and their slavish fear proceeded from their unbelief; but those who were so dastardly as not to dare to take up the cross of Christ, and discharge their duty to him, were yet so desperate as to run into all manner of abominable wickedness - murder, adultery, sorcery, idolatry, and lying. (2.) Their punishment: They have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. [1.] They could not burn at a stake for Christ, but they must burn in hell for sin. [2.] They must die another death after their natural death; the agonies and terrors of the first death will consign them over to the far greater terrors and agonies of eternal death, to die and to be always dying. [3.] This misery will be their proper part and portion, what they have justly deserved, what they have in effect chosen, and what they have prepared themselves for by their sins. Thus the misery of the damned will illustrate the blessedness of those that are saved, and the blessedness of the saved will aggravate the misery of those that are damned.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:1–22:9 The final scenes of the new heaven and earth are striking pictures of a new community and home for God’s people that is fashioned and given by God. These scenes help to lift the spirits of persecuted Christians. John lays out his basic vision (21:1-8) and follows it with two expansions: (1) In 21:9-27, he presents the new Jerusalem as the site of holy perfection; (2) in 22:1-5, he describes the new Jerusalem as the ultimate Garden of Eden that Adam and Eve could have experienced had they not sinned. 21:1 The vision involves God’s creation of the new heaven and earth (cp. Gen 1:1 with Isa 65:17; 66:22). The old creation has disappeared—it was subject to decay (see Rom 8:20-21; 2 Pet 3:7, 10). • the sea was also gone: The sea was associated with chaos or the abyss (see study note on Rev 9:1-12) and was sometimes portrayed as a roaring monster (see Pss 46:3; 74:14; see also Job 3:8; 41:1-34; Luke 21:25). The new creation will be free from all such evil.