John narrates a vision that foretells the events revealed to Him through an angel about a New Heaven and a new earth, a holy city, the new Jerusalem and a beautiful home. This new home is for prepared believers to dwell with God, have a more meaningful and a steady relationship with God. However, this home described is not earthly but our eternal home where there will be no fear, shame, death, crying or pain. The redeemed of the Lord will dwell in the new home and reign with Jesus Christ forever.
The vision of the New Heaven was revealed to John in stages. First, John saw a new Heaven and a new earth, the first heaven and the first earth had passed away and there was no longer sea (Rev 21:1). Evidently, this assertion supports prophet Isaiah’s declaration of the new heaven and earth creation (Isaiah 65:17). Notably, the absence of the sea in the new heaven and earth depicts a picture of lack of conflict, separation and disorder among God’s people who will dwell in the new home. Secondly, the coming of the Holy City, the New Jerusalem coming out of Heaven from God is described as a bride adorned for her husband (Rev 21:2). Thirdly, John heard a loud voice that spoke from the throne saying “now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be His people and God Himself will be their God (Rev 21:3). This is the reinstatement of God’s covenant relationship with His people, Israel in the Old Testament (Exodus 19:4-6, Heb 8:8-12). In this covenant relationship, God has promised in (v.14) to wipe away our tears, no more deaths, no more grief, or crying or pain. The beauty of the new home cannot be compared to the beauty and riches of this world.
• Distinguish between the features of this present earthly home and our heavenly home.
• Mention some benefits that await Christians who live faithfully.
God’s word is true and guaranteed. He made a proclamation that He is making everything new. He enjoined John to write down the vision because His words are true and can be trusted, and He has the final authority. He declared “it is done; I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end” (v.6). The final home of believers is guaranteed, God Himself affirms it by saying “for what I tell you is trust worthy and true”. We are encouraged to trust God’s word because it is the instrument for living a consistent Christian life.
• Give some reasons why the word of God can be trusted?
• Why do believers fail to trust in God’s word in spite of the reason given above?
God has promised that “He who overcomes will have the right to drink from the springs of life and he has promised to maintain a father and son relationship with those who win the victory (v.9) In contrast, the cowardly, unbelieving, the rude, the murderers and liars will be condemned and be casted into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
• Mention some of the evils in churches today which are capable of bringing blemish to God’s people.
• Discuss church discipline and suggest ways churches can improve on it.
• God has promised a new home for the redeemed
• The word of God is trustworthy.
• God will reward us accordingly.
“He will wipe tears from their eyes: There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the other order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:4
