New Heaven, New Earth, and the Hope of Eternity with God

Revelation 21:5 - "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." (KJV)

Have you ever longed for a world without pain, sorrow, or death and a place where peace and joy never end?

Revelation 21 paints a breathtaking picture of such a future: a new heaven and a new earth, where God Himself will dwell with His people. In this powerful Bible study, we’ll explore Revelation 21:1–7, uncovering the promise of the New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling place of God, and the glorious hope that awaits every believer in Christ.

This passage reveals more than prophecy. It offers real encouragement for today, reminding us that the struggles of this life are temporary, and that eternal life, peace, and fellowship with God are assured. Today we will dive deep into the Word of God and find strength, purpose, and unwavering hope in the promise: "Behold, I make all things new."

Revelation 21:1–7 Bible Commentary

Verse 1:

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."

John, the beloved disciple, is granted a vision of the eternal state. The "new heaven and new earth" indicate a complete renewal of creation. This is not a mere renovation but a transformation that is free from the corruption of sin (Romans 8:21–22).

Cross-references:

Isaiah 65:17 – “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”

2 Peter 3:13 – “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

Verse 2:

"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

The New Jerusalem represents both a literal city and the redeemed people of God - the bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7–8). The city descends from heaven, indicating that our eternal home is a gift from God, not a human achievement. Its bridal imagery signifies intimacy, beauty, and covenant love.

Cross-references:

Hebrews 11:10 – Abraham "looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."

Galatians 4:26 – “But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.”

Verse 3:

"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."

Here we see the climax of redemptive history: God dwelling permanently with His people. The term "tabernacle" hearkens back to the wilderness, where God's presence was in the tent of meeting. Now, God no longer dwells in a temple made with hands but abides directly with His children.

Cross-references:

John 1:14 – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...”

Leviticus 26:11–12 – “I will set my tabernacle among you... and will walk among you, and will be your God.”

Verse 4:

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

This is one of the most comforting promises in Scripture. The brokenness, grief, and agony of this life will be utterly removed. The curse of sin is reversed (Genesis 3). Every tear is noticed, and every wound will be healed.

Cross-references:

Isaiah 25:8 – “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces.”

1 Corinthians 2:9 – “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

Romans 8:18 – “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Verse 5:

"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."

Jesus speaks - the One who sits on the throne (Revelation 1:8). He declares His power to completely renew all things, including creation, our bodies, and our relationship with God. This echoes Jesus’ own words during His ministry.

👑 NOTE: Jesus shares the throne with God the Father

Revelation 22:1 - “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” (KJV)

In the New Creation, there is one throne, and it belongs to both God and the Lamb (Jesus Christ), highlighting their unity and co-regency.

Revelation 3:21 - “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.” (KJV)

🔑 This is a key verse - Jesus explicitly says He shares His Father’s throne.

Revelation 21:5 Cross-references:

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Matthew 19:28 – “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

Verse 6:

"And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."

“It is done” signals the completion of God's eternal plan. As Alpha and Omega, Christ encompasses all time and purpose. The “water of life” signifies eternal satisfaction, renewal, and spiritual life, freely given to all who thirst for God.

📒 Side Note: "The Alpha and the Omega" refers to both God the Father and Jesus Christ, depending on the context. See Revelation 22:13, since this is generally interpreted to refer to Jesus Christ, especially since the surrounding verses are words spoken by Jesus.

Cross-references:

John 4:14 – “...the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Isaiah 55:1 – “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters... without money and without price.”

Verse 7:

"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."

This verse ties the promise to those who overcome and the true believers who remain faithful through trials (Revelation 2 and Revelation 3). The reward is not only the inheritance of a renewed world, but also intimate sonship with God and a permanent, perfected relationship.

Cross-references:

Romans 8:17 – “If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ...”

1 John 3:1–2 – “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God... we shall be like him.”

Encouragement and Reflection

This passage is a precious anchor for every believer:

• It reminds us that this world is not our final home.
• The pain, trials, and injustices of this life are temporary and they will be swallowed up in eternal glory.
• The future God promises is the real paradise and a restored relationship with God Himself.
• We will experience everlasting fellowship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• The presence of Christ is what makes heaven "heaven" (John 14:3).

Jesus has gone to prepare this place for us (John 14:2–3), and it is the fulfillment of every longing of the soul.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before You in awe and wonder, my heart overwhelmed by the promise of what is to come. Thank You for the vision of the new heaven and new earth - a place where sorrow, pain, and death will be no more. Lord, in a world filled with brokenness, I cling to Your words: “Behold, I make all things new.” You are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, and in You alone my hope is secure.

God, sometimes the weight of this life feels too heavy. There are days when tears fall and hope feels distant. But Your Word reminds me that every tear will be wiped away by Your hand, and every heartache will be healed in Your presence. Help me to live with eternity in my eyes and faith in my heart. Let the promise of the New Jerusalem stir my soul and strengthen my steps.

Jesus, thank You for preparing a place for me. Thank You for the cross, for Your love, and for the assurance that I will one day see You face to face. I long for that day when I will dwell with You forever, where joy is unending, and love is complete. Until then, please help me to be faithful. Help me to overcome. Help me to live as Your child and to live holy, hopeful, and filled with Your Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit, please fill me now with peace that surpasses understanding. Remind me daily that this world is not my home, and that my true citizenship is in heaven. Draw my heart to what is eternal. Keep me close to Jesus, and let every part of my life reflect the glory of the one who sits on the throne.

Dear Lord, let Your light be my path, and may the hope of being with You forever burn always in my heart.

In Jesus’ mighty and faithful name I pray,

Amen 🙏