Ancient Words:
A New Heaven, A New Earth, A New Name
The Apostle John writes, as instructed by the angel of Christ, from the island of Patmos in Rev 21.5: “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.’” About 70 years earlier, before the crucifixion, Jesus comforted his disciples one night when he said there were many mansions in heaven and he was going to finish preparing them to make ready a new place for them to go (John 14). Jesus did not give much more detail about heaven until the final revelation to John in about 100 AD. Here, John views a new heaven and a new earth. The spectacular description of what John saw is contained in the last two chapters (21-22) of the Book of Revelation.
We all live, since Adam, in a world filled with death, pain, crying and mourning. Heartache is known by all and no one is exempt. This is a part of the order for man since the first transgression of God’s command by the First Couple. John assures us that a new order is coming for everyone chosen to inherit eternal life. In the next life, “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Imagine, no more tears, no more heartache—-about anything! Looks like a definite step up from today’s world and hard to imagine why anyone would not desire this place.
John continues; man’s thirst will be quenched by the spring of water of life and without cost. The spring of water will also produce the tree of life that will bear 12 crops of fruit every month and without cost. This fruit no doubt will be for the enjoyment of heaven’s inhabitants. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of all nations so that no longer will there be any conflict, war, or curse. Many pray for peace today yet the more we pray the more conflict, war and curse seemingly comes upon the earth. God hears the prayers of his righteous saints without question but the enemy who prowls as a lion is seeking to devour more than ever—and therein lies the problem. Until Satan himself and until death itself is defeated finally and eternally for all, the war between good and evil will remain.
The Holy City seen by John is the New Jerusalem (containing the Mansions) where the inhabitants will live eternally. The Holy City is brilliant like a precious jewel! The 12 gates are 12 single pearls, the walls are of jasper, the 12 foundations are 12 precious stones, the great street is pure gold. There is no sun or moon for the glory of God is the light and the Lamb is its lamp. “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev 21.27).” In the final and eternal resting place (the new heaven and new earth) amazing joy and peace in glorious splendor exists forever. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it (Rev 2:17).”
Scott and Jane Johnson minister with East Faulkner Church of Christ and BRG Bible. Bible questions can be sent to [email protected].
• • •
Shalom
I am looking at the Mediterranean Sea and we are about to begin our day. I stand in awe to know that we are on a pilgrimage and will soon behold many spiritually historic places in approximate to where our Lord was born, ministered, taught, healed and ultimately gave His life for mankind. Today, we travel to the Jezreel Valley. We will spend time in meditation and scripture at Megiddo, Mukraha (Mt. Carmel), Mt. Precipice and then tonight to Tiberius/Sea of Galilee. Tomorrow, we travel on the Sea of Galilee with worship and singing. We will spend time in Capernaum reading scriptures and sharing devotions. Some opportunities of reflection will Be The Mount Of Beatitudes,Tel Dan, Caesarea Philippi, the Gilman Heights, Mount Of Olives. After spending time in Northern Galilee we will head to the Jordan Valley*Dead Sea (please remind me to tell you about an amazing prophecy that is being fulfilled there)! We will then begin to move into Jerusalem where we will begin to spend the rest of our pilgrimage. We begin the Palm Sunday Path. Some of the highlights, and I mean this with the most reverence and respect, is the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River and spend time with my Lord in prayer in the Garden of Gethsamene. Visiting the Upper Room, standing where Jesus stood in the House Caiaphas as He waited. The Pools Of Bethesda and Siloam and the Western Wall Tunnels, and services at the Garden Tomb. Forgive me for being all over the place in this but it is early and honestly I am overwhelmed with excitement like a child on Christmas morning. During this time of Spiritual Rejuvenation I lift our beloved El Dorado, to God! What Great things He hath done and will continue to do. Shalom.
Captain Jason Perdieu is corps officer of the Salvation Army of El Dorado.
