The New Creation

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”

Revelation 21 v 1

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”

Revelation 21 v 3

Scripture Readings:

• 1st Corinthians 15 v 24-28
• 2^nd Peter 3 v 12-14
• Revelation 21 v 1-8

The scripture predicts that this present creation is time limited, and that it will be replaced by a new heaven and a new earth.

Part 1:  1^st Corinthians 15 v 24-28

The reign of Christ will put in place conditions which will lead to a new order when the new creation is established. In this section Paul shows Christ

Delivering the kingdom to God (v24)

Abolishing rule, authority and power, delegated to men (v24)

Putting down all His enemies, presumably including Satan (v25)

The removal of death – the last enemy (v26)

When this is so, the Son will be subject to the Father, that God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) may be all in all (c.f. Colossians 3v11).  That is, the work of restoration will be complete. These are the pre-requisites for the new creation.

Part 2:  2^nd Peter 3 v 12-14

Peter has in mind four great truths for believers.

• We should live in anticipation of the coming of the day of God
• This will involve a new heaven and new earth.
• In this new creation, righteousness will dwell. This is an advance from the millennial reign where righteousness ruled. Now every discordant influence has been removed, and righteousness can dwell.
• The prospect of this eternal day should impact our behaviour now; we ought to live unspotted by the world and blameless.

Part 3:  Revelation 21 v 1-8

The opening eight verses of the chapter 21 gives the final of eight visions given to John. In fact in this short section, we have two visions (“l saw”) and four communications John heard (“l heard”).

1^st Vision: A new creation seen (verse 1)

• I saw a new heaven
• And a new earth
• The first heaven and the first earth were passed away
• There was no more sea

2^nd Vision: A new city (verse 2)

• Its nature – holy city
• Its state new Jerusalem – place of peace
• Its origin – coming down from God out of heaven
• Its beauty – prepared as a bride adorned for her husband

1^st Announcement – a great voice out of heaven

The message for John is

• The tabernacle of God is with men
• He will dwell with them
• They shall be his people(s) – observe, peoples not nations
• God shall wipe aways every tear from their eyes
• There is no more death, sorrow, crying, pain – the former things are passed.

2^nd Announcement – the voice of the throne sitter

• The declaration – “Behold, I make all things new”

3^rd Announcement – the voice of the throne sitter to John

• The instruction – “Write, for these words are true and faithful’

4^th Announcement – the voice of the throne sitter to John

• Purpose realised – “It is done”
• Revelation given – “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end”
• Promise given – “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely”
• Prospect presented – “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son”
• Warning sounded – the end of the fearful, unbelieving…

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