Revelation #32: Revelation Chapter 21 All Things New

Revelation #32: Revelation Chapter 21 All Things New

Introduction

In the book of Revelation, we reach the final and most profound revelation of Scripture, especially in chapters 21 and 22. These chapters transition us from time to eternity, where sin, death, and all forces opposed to God are permanently defeated. As we explore Revelation 21, we are given a glimpse of the eternal future that awaits those who follow Christ, culminating in a “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1).

A New Heaven and a New Earth (Revelation 21:1-8)

In verse 1, we read: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.” The present world as we know it will be transformed, replaced by something entirely new. Little detail is provided about what this new heaven and earth will be like, but one significant fact is emphasized: there will be no more sea. This may symbolize the removal of chaos and separation, since the sea often represented turmoil in biblical imagery.

The second verse introduces a breathtaking vision: “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” The new Jerusalem, which we will explore further in verses 9-27, descends from heaven. Unlike human cities, this one is perfectly holy and designed by God Himself.

In verses 3-4, we encounter one of the most precious promises of Scripture: “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'”

This passage reflects God’s deep desire to dwell with humanity, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible. From the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:9), where God sought fellowship with Adam and Eve, to the tabernacle of Israel (Exodus 25:8), God has always desired to be near His people. This divine longing will finally be fulfilled in the new creation, where God Himself will wipe away every tear. Death, mourning, and pain—elements of the current fallen world—will be no more.

The One Who Sits on the Throne (Revelation 21:5-6)

In verse 5, the one seated on the throne declares: “I am making everything new!” God assures us that His words are trustworthy and true. The old creation, marred by sin, will be replaced by something entirely fresh. As the “Alpha and the Omega,” the Lord—Jesus Christ—affirms His eternal authority. He is both the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8; 22:13).

God extends a gracious invitation in verse 6: “To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.” This echoes the invitation found in Isaiah 55:1 and John 7:37, where those who thirst for righteousness and God’s presence are called to come freely. The gift of salvation is offered to all, and those who recognize their need for God will be satisfied.

The Overcomers and the Excluded (Revelation 21:7-8)

Verse 7 promises a special inheritance for those who overcome: “Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.” The victorious are those who have remained faithful to Christ, overcoming the trials and temptations of this world. They will enjoy a deep, personal relationship with God as His children.

In contrast, verse 8 offers a sobering warning: “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Those who reject God and persist in wickedness will face eternal separation from Him, a stark reminder that the choices we make in this life have eternal consequences.

The New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-27)

The remainder of Revelation 21 offers a detailed description of the new Jerusalem. This city is referred to as “the bride, the wife of the Lamb” (v. 9), symbolizing the place Christ has prepared for His people (John 14:2). The city’s divine origin is emphasized as it “comes down out of heaven from God” (v. 10). It is a city that shines with the glory of God, with dimensions and beauty that are beyond human comprehension.

The city’s dimensions are extraordinary: 2,200 kilometers (1,380 miles) in length, width, and height (v. 16), and its walls are 72 meters (230 feet) thick (v. 17). The walls are adorned with twelve foundations, each inscribed with the names of the twelve apostles, while its gates bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (vv. 12-14). This highlights the unity between Israel and the Church in God’s redemptive plan.

The city is described as being made of pure gold, as transparent as glass (v. 18), and its foundations are decorated with every kind of precious stone, representing the manifold beauty of God’s creation (vv. 19-20). Each of the twelve gates is made of a single pearl, and the streets of the city are also made of pure, transparent gold (v. 21).

Remarkably, there is no temple in the new Jerusalem: “The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (v. 22). The very presence of God and Jesus Christ will fill the city, rendering a physical temple unnecessary. Furthermore, there is no need for the sun or moon, as “the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp” (v. 23). God’s radiant presence will provide eternal illumination.

The Eternal Reign of God’s People (Revelation 21:24-27)

In verses 24-27, we are told that “the nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.” This suggests that even in the new creation, God’s people from every tribe, language, and nation will continue to honor Him.

Finally, the chapter closes with a solemn declaration: “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” (v. 27). The new Jerusalem will be a place of perfect holiness and purity, where only the redeemed, those whose names are recorded in the book of life, will dwell.

Conclusion

Revelation 21 presents a powerful vision of hope and restoration. For believers, it promises a future free from pain, sorrow, and death. God Himself will dwell with His people, and everything will be made new. However, it also contains a solemn warning for those who reject God’s offer of salvation.

The ultimate question we must ask ourselves is: are we ready for the new heaven and new earth? Are our names written in the Lamb’s book of life? The time to make that decision is now, for God’s invitation is open, but the day of final judgment is coming.

-sermon series by Pastor Michel Bohrer