1. A NEW SPHERE OF LIFE FOR THE SAINTS. New Heavens and a new Earth: Paradise
regained; new spiritual environment; new physical conditions. Not surrounded by
the temptations and defects of this mortal life. "No more sea" -- to
the Jew a symbol of unmixed peril, trouble, and restlessness.
2. A NEW HOME FOR THE SAINTS.
Rev.21-22:5 -- A picture of the Holy
City, the New Jerusalem, which is to be the final and eternal abode of the
people of God.
Within the New Heavens and on the New
Earth is the Holy City. Note some characteristics of the Holy City: Its Name: New Jerusalem -- what
music to the ear of the Jew, who for so long had been without a city of his
own! Its Walls (21:17):
high, secure, and safe against all assaults. It’s Gates (21:15, 21): guarded by angels; names on gates; only
saints enter. Its Foundations (v.14):
the Apostles of the Lamb; lustrous (18). It’s Citizens: of the nations that are saved (citizens'
characteristics 21:6, 7; 22:14, R. V.; contrast with 21:8, 27). It’s Magnitude: 4800 stadia (the
earthly Jerusalem being but 33 stadia). Its Glory (11-23): what costliness!
3. NEW CONDITIONS OF LIFE FOR THE
REDEEMED.
God's home is there (21:3); thus the
believer has uninterrupted communion with God. Some things that used to be have
all passed away: death, mourning, curse, tears, sorrow, night -- all have gone.
New created things appear: the river of life, the tree of life, new service,
new relationships, new light (22:4).
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