Revelation 21: The New Heaven and New Earth

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Revelation 21 unveils the breathtaking vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where God dwells with His people in perfect harmony. This chapter reveals the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, highlighting His eternal promise of a world free from pain, death, and sorrow. The radiant New Jerusalem becomes the eternal home of the redeemed, showcasing God’s glory and faithfulness. Explore this awe-inspiring chapter of Revelation 21 to understand God’s power, grace, and purpose for His creation. Dive into the hope of eternal joy and restoration as promised by the Almighty.

Revelation 21 Overview

The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21:1-8)
The Vision of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-21)
God’s Glory in the City (Revelation 21:22-27)

The New Heaven and New Earth

1 I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more. 2 I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with people; and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.

4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore. The first things have passed away.” 5 He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” He said, “Write, for these words of God are faithful and true.” 6 He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give freely to him who is thirsty from the spring of the water of life. 7 He who overcomes, I will give him these things. I will be his God, and he will be my son. 8 But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

The Vision of the New Jerusalem

9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls which were loaded with the seven last plagues came, and he spoke with me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” 10 He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 12 having a great and high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.

13 On the east were three gates, and on the north three gates, and on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb. 15 He who spoke with me had for a measure a golden reed to measure the city, its gates, and its walls. 16 The city is square, and its length is as great as its width. He measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand twelve stadia. Its length, width, and height are equal. 17 Its wall is one hundred forty-four cubits, by the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. 18 The construction of its wall was jasper. The city was pure gold, like pure glass.

19 The foundations of the city’s wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates was made of one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

God’s Glory in the City

22 I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city has no need for the sun or moon to shine, for the very glory of God illuminated it and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk in its light. The kings of the earth bring their glory into it. 25 Its gates will never be shut by day (for there will be no night there), 26 and they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. 27 There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Bible Commentary

▷ Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Bible, taken from e-Sword app.

Revelation 21:1-8

The new heaven and the new earth will not be separate from each other; the earth of the saints, their glorified, bodies, will be heavenly. The old world, with all its troubles and tumults, will have passed away. There will be no sea; this aptly represents freedom from conflicting passions, temptations, troubles, changes, and alarms; from whatever can divide or interrupt the communion of saints.

This new Jerusalem is the church of God in its new and perfect state, the church triumphant. Its blessedness came wholly from God, and depends on him. The presence of God with his people in heaven, will not be interrupt as it is on earth, he will dwell with them continually. All effects of former trouble shall be done away. They have often been in tears, by reason of sin, of affliction, of the calamities of the church; but no signs, no remembrance of former sorrows shall remain.

Christ makes all things new. If we are willing and desirous that the gracious Redeemer should make all things new in order hearts and nature, he will make all things new in respect of our situation, till he has brought us to enjoy complete happiness. See the certainty of the promise. God gives his titles, Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, as a pledge for the full performance.

Sensual and sinful pleasures are muddy and poisoned waters; and the best earthly comforts are like the scanty supplies of a cistern; when idolized, they become broken cisterns, and yield only vexation. But the joys which Christ imparts are like waters springing from a fountain, pure, refreshing, abundant, and eternal. The sanctifying consolations of the Holy Spirit prepare for heavenly happiness; they are streams which flow for us in the wilderness.

The fearful durst not meet the difficulties of religion, their slavish fear came from their unbelief; but those who were so dastardly as not to dare to take up the cross of Christ, were yet so desperate as to run into abominable wickedness. The agonies and terrors of the first death will lead to the far greater terrors and agonies of eternal death.

Revelation 21:9-21

God has various employments for his holy angels. Sometimes they sound the trumpet of Divine Providence, and warn a careless world; sometimes they discover things of a heavenly nature of the heirs of salvation. Those who would have clear views of heaven, must get as near to heaven as they can, on the mount of meditation and faith.

The subject of the vision is the church of God in a perfect, triumphant state, shining in its lustre; glorious in relation to Christ; which shows that the happiness of heaven consists in intercourse with God, and in conformity to him. The change of emblems from a bride to a city, shows that we are only to take general ideas from this description.

The wall is for security. Heaven is a safe state; those who are there, are separated and secured from all evils and enemies. This city is vast; here is room for all the people of God. The foundation of the wall; the promise and power of God, and the purchase of Christ, are the strong foundations of the safety and happiness of the church.

These foundations are set forth by twelve sorts of precious stones, denoting the variety and excellence of the doctrines of the gospel, or of the graces of the Holy Spirit, or the personal excellences of the Lord Jesus Christ. Heaven has gates; there is a free admission to all that are sanctified; they shall not find themselves shut out. These gates were all of pearls. Christ is the Pearl of great price, and he is our Way to God.

The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. The saints in heaven tread gold under foot. The saints are there at rest, yet it is not a state of sleep and idleness; they have communion, not only with God, but with one another. All these glories but faintly represent heaven.

Revelation 21:22-27

Perfect and direct communion with God, will more than supply the place of gospel institutions. And what words can more full express the union and co-equality of the Son with the Father, in the Godhead? What a dismal world would this be, if it were not for the light of the sun! What is there in heaven that supplies its place? The glory of God lightens that city, and the Lamb is the Light thereof.

God in Christ will be an everlasting Fountain of knowledge and joy to the saints in heaven. There is no night, therefore no need of shutting the gates; all is at peace and secure. The whole shows us that we should be more and more led to think of heaven as filled with the glory of God, and enlightened by the presence of the Lord Jesus. Nothing sinful or unclean, idolatrous, or false and deceitful, can enter.

All the inhabitants are made perfect in holiness. Now the saints feel a sad mixture of corruption, which hinders them in the service of God, and interrupts their communion with him; but, at their entrance into the holy of holies, they are washed in the laver of Christ’s blood, and presented to the Father without spot. None are admitted into heaven who work abominations. It is free from hypocrites, such as make lies. As nothing unclean can enter heaven, let us be stirred up by these glimpses of heavenly things, to use all diligence, and to perfect holiness in the fear of God.

Sermon Themes

Revelation 21 offers a glimpse of the eternal hope awaiting all believers—a perfect, renewed creation where God dwells among His people. How does this vision of the new heaven and earth inspire you to live with hope and faith today? Reflect on how this promise strengthens your walk with God and share it with others. Explore the following themes and topics to shape your sermon on this chapter of Revelation.

The End of the Old Creation (Revelation 21:1) – Radical transformation brought about by God, where the former realities of heaven and earth cease to exist, emphasizing God’s power to create anew.
The Eradication of Suffering (Revelation 21:4) – The removal of all negative aspects of the current existence—tears, death, mourning, crying, and pain—signifying the perfect and eternal joy in God’s presence.
The Newness of All Things (Revelation 21:5) – God’s comprehensive work of renewal and restoration, indicating a break from the imperfections of the past.
The Water of Life Freely Given (Revelation 21:6) – The spiritual nourishment and eternal life provided by God through Christ.
Inheritance for the Overcomers (Revelation 21:7) – The rewards and the intimate relationship with God promised to those who persevere in faith.
Judgment for the Ungodly (Revelation 21:8) – The stark contrast between the destiny of the righteous and the unrighteous, emphasizing the reality of eternal separation from God for those who reject Him.
New Beginnings are Possible (Revelation 21:1): Just as God creates a new heaven and earth, individuals can experience new beginnings through faith and repentance.
God’s Presence is Our Everything (Revelation 21:22-23): In this life, focusing on our relationship with God is more vital than any external structures or comforts.
Embrace God’s Renewing Power (Revelation 21:5): Allow God to bring freshness and transformation into your life and perspectives.
God Dwells With Us Now (Revelation 21:3): Even in the present, believers can experience the nearness and presence of God in their lives.
Hope Beyond Suffering (Revelation 21:4): Despite current pain and hardship, there is a certain future where all suffering will cease.
God’s Dwelling with Humanity (Revelation 21:3) – The ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenant promises, where God directly resides with His people
Thirst for Spiritual Life (Revelation 21:6): Seek and receive the spiritual nourishment and eternal life that God freely offers.
Persevere in Faith (Revelation 21:7): Endure trials and remain faithful to receive God’s promises.
The Importance of Our Choices (Revelation 21:8): Our present actions and beliefs have eternal consequences.
The Beauty and Glory of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:10-27): This rich imagery describes the perfection and splendor of God’s eternal dwelling place.
Reflecting God’s Glory (Revelation 21:11): As the New Jerusalem reflects God’s glory, believers are called to reflect His character in their lives.
Security in God’s Promises (Revelation 21:12-14): The foundations of the new city, bearing the names of Israel’s tribes and the apostles, symbolize the enduring and trustworthy nature of God’s promises to His people throughout history.
Living in Purity and Truth (Revelation 21:27): Strive to live a life that is free from sin and aligned with God’s truth.
New Heaven and New Earth – The old order of sin, death, and suffering will pass away, and God will create a new, perfect reality where His presence dwells with humanity. (Revelation 21:1-2)
No More Tears: The End of Suffering – In the new creation, God will wipe away every tear, eliminating pain, death, and sorrow forever. (Revelation 21:4)
All Things New: God’s Faithful Promise – God’s declaration, “Behold, I am making all things new,” assures believers of His power to restore and fulfill His promises. (Revelation 21:5)
The Alpha and Omega: God’s Eternal Sovereignty – God’s declaration as the Beginning and the End emphasizes His eternal nature and control over history and destiny. (Revelation 21:6)
The Water of Life: Free for the Thirsty – God offers the water of life freely to those who seek Him, symbolizing eternal satisfaction and salvation. (Revelation 21:6)
The Second Death: A Warning for the Unfaithful – The fate of the unrepentant is separation from God in the lake of fire, highlighting the urgency of repentance and faith. (Revelation 21:8)
Embrace Eternal Security – Live with confidence in God’s promise of eternal safety and peace. (Revelation 21:25)
Live as an Overcomer – Face life’s challenges with faith, knowing your ultimate victory is secure in Christ. (Revelation 21:7)

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▷ Scripture quotations taken from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.