ETERNITY

Time is merely the marking off of eternity, to help finite beings until they reach the glory of eternity. --G. Campbell Morgan

• John is our designated person to give believers a preview of their future home (Rev 21.1, 2, 22).

“I saw…”

• Not merely renovated but re-created (cf 2Pet 3.10-13), v. 1

• Plenty of fresh water but no sea, v 1b.

• The sea is repeatedly mentioned in the Kingdom age (Millennial reign of Christ) (Ps 72.8; Isa 11.9; 60.5; Ezk 47-48).

New HEAVEN & EARTH, Rev 21

• Truly a holy city, v. 2• It descends (v. 2); does it ever land?• Prepared by Christ (cf John 14.3)• A dwelling place for saints:• “For he looked for a city which hath

foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” -Hebrews 11.10

• “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” -Hebrews 11.16

New JERUSALEM descends, v 2

• They are blessed, v. 3• They are tearless, v. 4 “all tears”

(singular)• They are secure, v. 5• They are satisfied, v. 6• They are privileged, v. 7• They have received great mercy,

v. 8

New JERUSALEM’s occupants, vv

3-8

• The Source of Her Glory, 9-11oAs the Bride, the Lamb’s Wife, 9-10• She is now spotless and pure (Eph 5.26-27)• There is a preview now in a believer’s life (Phil. 2.13-16)

• The Glorious Dimensions, oFoundation, vv 14, 19, 20oSize, v. 16 (largest city ever built!)oWall, vv. 17-18oGates, v. 21

Heaven’s Glory described, vv 9-21

The World’s Biggest City

1,500 miles

• The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple, v. 22.

• Presently believers are the sanctuary of God (2Cor 6.16), but there we will reside and worship in Him with no physical building necessary.

Heaven’s Worship Center, vv 22

• No sun or moon then, v. 23• God’s glory and the Lamb’s lamp are

its light source, v. 23.• Brilliant light will extend to all

nations, v. 24• It will be God’s eternal day, v. 25• God will be the focal point of worship

and gifts, v. 26• Occupied only by the Redeemed, v.

27.

Heaven’s Light, vv 23-27

• Water of life, 22.1• Tree of life, 22.2• God and His servants, 22.3-4• Everlasting life, 22.5

Paradise regained, Rev 22.1-5

For though that seat of earthly bliss be fail'd,A fairer Paradise is founded nowFor Adam and his chosen Sons, whom thouA Saviour art come down to re-install. Where they shall dwell secure, when time shall beOf Tempter and Temptation without fear.

from John Milton’s Paradise Regained (1670)