The New Heaven and the New Earth — Tracing the Eternal Purpose of God Through the Throne, the Ages, Zion, and the Manifest Sons of God Until God Is All in All
By Carl Timothy Wray
AUTHOR
Carl Timothy Wray has spent more than forty years studying the Scriptures and tracing the unfolding purpose of God from Genesis to Revelation. Through hundreds of teachings and books distributed freely around the world, his work focuses on the Finished Work of Christ, the Throne of God, the Book of Revelation, the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the Plan of the Ages, the Manifest Sons of God, and God’s ultimate purpose to gather all things together in Christ. His ministry is dedicated to freely sharing the revelation of Jesus Christ and proclaiming the eternal purpose of God until He becomes all in all.
The New Heaven and the New Earth is a comprehensive study tracing God’s eternal purpose from before the foundation of the world to the consummation of all things in Christ. Through the Scriptures, this book explores the Throne of God, the Plan of the Ages, Zion, the Manifest Sons of God, the New Creation, the Holy City, and the restoration of all things. Rather than viewing the New Heaven and New Earth as merely a future event, this study reveals how God’s Kingdom unfolds through divine administration, spiritual transformation, and the manifestation of Christ in His people until God is all in all. Readers interested in Revelation 21, the Kingdom of God, New Creation realities, the Book of Revelation, the Manifest Sons of God, and the Full Counsel of God will discover a rich biblical framework that connects Genesis, the Prophets, the Gospels, the Epistles, and Revelation into one unified purpose.
INTRODUCTION
One of the greatest mistakes believers make when studying the New Heaven and the New Earth is beginning in Revelation 21.
While Revelation unveils the consummation of God’s purpose, it does not reveal the origin of God’s purpose.
The New Heaven and the New Earth did not begin with John.
The New Heaven and the New Earth did not begin with the Church.
The New Heaven and the New Earth did not begin with Adam.
The New Heaven and the New Earth did not begin with creation itself.
The New Heaven and the New Earth were conceived within the eternal purpose of God before the foundation of the world.
Before there was a garden, there was a throne.
Before there was a fall, there was a Lamb.
Before there was time, there was purpose.
Before there was creation, there was Christ.
The Scriptures reveal a God who declares the end from the beginning and works all things according to the counsel of His own will. The New Heaven and the New Earth are not an afterthought. They are not God’s response to failure. They are not a divine recovery plan. They are part of an eternal purpose that existed before the foundation of the world and unfolds through the ages until all things are gathered together in Christ.
Throughout the Scriptures, God progressively unveils His purpose through shadows, types, covenants, kingdoms, prophets, apostles, and ultimately through His Son. What begins as a promise becomes a process. What begins as a seed becomes a harvest. What begins as a mystery becomes a manifestation.
This book follows that unfolding revelation.
We will trace the New Heaven and the New Earth from the eternal purpose of God, through the Throne, through the Ages, through Zion, through the manifestation of the sons of God, and into the glorious consummation where God becomes all in all.
The goal of this study is not merely to understand Revelation 21.
The goal is to understand the purpose that Revelation 21 reveals.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not merely the conclusion of the biblical story.
They are the unveiling of the eternal purpose of God.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Why Most Interpretations Begin Too Late
Chapter 1
The Eternal Purpose Before the Foundation of the World
Chapter 2
The Throne Before Creation
Chapter 3
Heaven Rules and Earth Manifests
Chapter 4
The First Heaven and the First Earth
Chapter 5
The Plan of the Ages
Chapter 6
The Last Adam and the New Creation
Chapter 7
Zion: Where God Plants the Heavens
Chapter 8
The New Heaven and the New Earth Within
Chapter 9
No More Sea
Chapter 10
The Lake of Fire and the Passing of the Former Things
Chapter 11
The Manifest Sons of God
Chapter 12
The Holy City Coming Down From God Out of Heaven
Chapter 13
Making All Things New
Chapter 14
Every Man in His Own Order
Chapter 15
God All in All
Conclusion
The New Heaven and the New Earth — The Consummation of the Eternal Purpose of God
CHAPTER 1
THE ETERNAL PURPOSE BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH DID NOT BEGIN IN REVELATION
One of the greatest mistakes believers make when studying the New Heaven and the New Earth is beginning in Revelation 21.
While Revelation reveals the consummation of God’s purpose, it does not reveal the beginning of God’s purpose.
The New Heaven and the New Earth did not begin with John.
The New Heaven and the New Earth did not begin with the Church.
The New Heaven and the New Earth did not begin with Israel.
The New Heaven and the New Earth did not begin with Adam.
The New Heaven and the New Earth existed within the eternal purpose of God before the foundation of the world.
If we fail to begin where God begins, we will misunderstand where God is taking creation.
To understand the New Heaven and the New Earth, we must first understand the purpose of God that existed before creation itself.
BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD
The apostle Paul takes us beyond Genesis.
He takes us beyond Adam.
He takes us beyond creation itself.
Ephesians 1:4
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.”
Before there was a world, there was a people chosen in Christ.
Before there was a garden, there was a purpose.
Before there was sin, there was redemption.
Before there was time, there was a plan.
God was not reacting to events.
God was working according to an eternal purpose.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not God’s response to failure.
They are the unfolding of His eternal intention.
THE THRONE EXISTED BEFORE CREATION
Before there was a heaven to observe or an earth to inhabit, there was a throne.
Psalm 103:19
“The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.”
The throne is the center of divine administration.
Everything proceeds from the throne.
Everything returns to the throne.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not independent realities.
They proceed from the One seated upon the throne.
Revelation 21 does not begin with a city.
It does not begin with a people.
It does not begin with a new earth.
It begins with the One seated upon the throne declaring:
“Behold, I make all things new.”
The throne is the source.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are the result.
THE LAMB WAS SLAIN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD
The book of Revelation reveals another astonishing truth.
Revelation 13:8
“The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
The cross was not an emergency measure.
Redemption was not an afterthought.
The Lamb existed within the purpose of God before Adam ever sinned.
God knew the end from the beginning.
The New Heaven and the New Earth were already contained within the redemptive purpose revealed in Christ.
The cross was not merely intended to forgive sin.
The cross was intended to bring creation into the fullness of God’s eternal purpose.
GOD DECLARES THE END FROM THE BEGINNING
Isaiah 46:9-10
“I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done.”
God does not discover outcomes.
God declares outcomes.
The New Heaven and the New Earth were not uncertain possibilities.
They were established within the counsel of God before the ages began.
The Lord saw the end before He spoke the beginning.
The New Heaven and the New Earth were already present in the heart of God before Genesis 1:1 was ever written.
THE MYSTERY HIDDEN FROM AGES
Throughout Scripture God progressively unveils His purpose.
What was hidden in eternity is revealed in time.
What was concealed in purpose becomes manifested through the ages.
Colossians 1:26-27
“Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints.”
The New Heaven and the New Earth are part of that mystery.
The prophets saw portions of it.
The apostles proclaimed portions of it.
John saw its consummation.
Yet all of it was contained within the eternal purpose of God before the foundation of the world.
ALL THINGS WERE CREATED FOR CHRIST
Colossians 1:16
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible…all things were created by him, and for him.”
Creation exists for Christ.
History exists for Christ.
The ages exist for Christ.
The Kingdom exists for Christ.
The New Heaven and the New Earth exist for Christ.
Everything begins in Him.
Everything is sustained through Him.
Everything ultimately returns unto Him.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not merely the destination of creation.
They are the manifestation of Christ filling all things.
THE GATHERING OF ALL THINGS
Ephesians 1:10 reveals one of the great keys to understanding the New Heaven and the New Earth.
“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ.”
Notice the language.
All things.
Things in heaven.
Things in earth.
Everything is moving toward a divine gathering.
Everything is moving toward unity in Christ.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not separate from this purpose.
They are the environment produced by this purpose.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal what creation looks like when all things are gathered together in Christ.
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH WERE ALWAYS THE GOAL
From Genesis to Revelation, God is moving creation toward one grand objective.
A people conformed to the image of Christ.
A Kingdom administered from the throne.
A creation filled with righteousness.
A city prepared as a bride.
A universe reconciled to God.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not the beginning of the story.
They are the unveiling of the purpose that has existed from before the foundation of the world.
The purpose was hidden.
The purpose was revealed.
The purpose is being manifested.
And the purpose shall ultimately be fulfilled when God becomes all in all.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
Before there was creation, there was purpose.
Before there was Adam, there was Christ.
Before there was time, there was the throne.
Before there was sin, there was redemption.
Before there was a first heaven and a first earth, there existed within the heart of God the purpose that would ultimately culminate in the New Heaven and the New Earth.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not an afterthought.
They are the eternal purpose of God unveiled.
CHAPTER 2
THE THRONE BEFORE CREATION
BEFORE THERE WAS A GARDEN THERE WAS A THRONE
When most believers think about the New Heaven and the New Earth, they begin with creation.
They begin with Adam.
They begin with the garden.
They begin with the fall.
Yet the Scriptures reveal something far greater.
Before there was a garden, there was a throne.
Before there was an earth to govern, there was a government.
Before there was creation, there was a King.
The New Heaven and the New Earth cannot be understood apart from the throne, because the throne is the source from which all divine purpose proceeds.
The throne existed before creation.
The throne existed before Adam.
The throne existed before sin.
The throne existed before time.
The throne is eternal.
THE THRONE IS THE CENTER OF DIVINE ADMINISTRATION
Psalm 103:19
“The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.”
The throne is not merely a seat.
The throne represents authority.
The throne represents government.
The throne represents administration.
The throne reveals who rules.
The throne reveals whose will is being accomplished.
The throne reveals the source from which all activity proceeds.
Throughout Scripture, whenever God unveils His purpose, He first unveils His throne.
The throne is always first.
The administration always precedes the manifestation.
The government always precedes the kingdom.
The ruler always precedes the realm.
This principle is essential to understanding the New Heaven and the New Earth.
ISAIAH SAW THE THRONE
Isaiah 6:1
“I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.”
Before Isaiah received his commission, he saw the throne.
Before Isaiah received revelation, he saw the throne.
Before Isaiah understood his ministry, he saw the throne.
The throne was the first revelation.
Why?
Because all true revelation proceeds from the throne.
The New Heaven and the New Earth proceed from the throne.
The Kingdom proceeds from the throne.
The ages proceed from the throne.
The purpose proceeds from the throne.
Everything begins there.
EZEKIEL SAW THE THRONE
Ezekiel 1:26
“And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne.”
When Ezekiel was shown the purposes of God, he was shown a throne.
The wheels moved.
The creatures moved.
The administration moved.
But above all movement stood the throne.
This is one of the great lessons of Scripture.
Circumstances change.
Empires rise and fall.
Generations come and go.
Ages begin and end.
Yet above it all remains the throne.
The throne never changes.
The throne governs every age.
The throne governs every administration.
The throne governs every purpose.
DANIEL SAW THE THRONE
Daniel 7:9
“I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit.”
Daniel saw kingdoms rise.
Daniel saw kingdoms fall.
Daniel saw beasts.
Daniel saw empires.
Daniel saw world governments.
But above every earthly throne sat the Ancient of Days.
This is one of the foundational truths of the New Heaven and the New Earth.
The kingdoms of men are temporary.
The throne of God is eternal.
The governments of men pass away.
The government of God remains.
The first heaven and first earth pass away.
The throne remains.
The New Heaven and the New Earth emerge from that eternal throne.
JOHN SAW THE THRONE
Revelation 4:2
“And, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.”
Before John saw seals, he saw a throne.
Before John saw trumpets, he saw a throne.
Before John saw beasts, he saw a throne.
Before John saw Babylon, he saw a throne.
Before John saw New Jerusalem, he saw a throne.
The throne dominates the entire book of Revelation.
Everything that follows is governed by the One seated upon the throne.
The book of Revelation is not primarily about beasts.
It is not primarily about judgments.
It is not primarily about prophecy.
It is a revelation of the throne governing creation until all things are brought into divine order.
THE THRONE PRODUCES THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH
Revelation 21:5
“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.”
Notice carefully.
The New Heaven and the New Earth do not speak.
The city does not speak.
The nations do not speak.
The throne speaks.
The One seated upon the throne declares:
“Behold, I make all things new.”
The throne is the cause.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are the effect.
The throne is the source.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are the manifestation.
The throne is the administration.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are the result of that administration.
THE RIVER FLOWS FROM THE THRONE
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.”
The river does not originate in the earth.
The river originates in the throne.
Life proceeds from the throne.
Light proceeds from the throne.
Authority proceeds from the throne.
Government proceeds from the throne.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are sustained by what flows from the throne.
Everything that brings life to creation originates there.
ONE THRONE, ONE ADMINISTRATION
One of the greatest revelations in Scripture is that there is only one throne.
There are not separate thrones for grace and judgment.
There are not separate thrones for redemption and restoration.
There are not separate thrones for the Church Age and the Kingdom Age.
There is one throne.
One government.
One administration.
One purpose.
One King.
One Lord.
One Kingdom.
Everything that God has done, is doing, and shall yet do proceeds from the same throne.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not a different purpose.
They are the fulfillment of the purpose administered from the throne from the beginning.
THE THRONE AND THE ETERNAL PURPOSE
The throne existed before creation.
The throne governed creation.
The throne governed redemption.
The throne governs the ages.
The throne governs the manifestation of the sons of God.
The throne governs the New Heaven and the New Earth.
And when God’s purpose reaches its fullness, the throne shall still remain.
The throne is eternal because the One seated upon it is eternal.
Everything changes.
The throne remains.
The first heaven changes.
The first earth changes.
The ages change.
The administrations change.
But the throne remains forever.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
Before there was a garden, there was a throne.
Before there was Adam, there was a throne.
Before there was sin, there was a throne.
Before there was a first heaven and a first earth, there was a throne.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not independent realities.
They are the result of the administration that proceeds from the eternal throne of God.
The throne is the source.
The throne is the government.
The throne is the administration.
The throne is the center of the eternal purpose of God.
And from that throne proceeds the purpose that ultimately culminates in the New Heaven and the New Earth.
CHAPTER 3
HEAVEN RULES AND EARTH MANIFESTS
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH REVEAL A DIVINE PATTERN
To understand the New Heaven and the New Earth, we must understand one of the great principles that governs all Scripture:
Heaven rules.
Earth manifests.
This principle appears from Genesis to Revelation.
It appears in creation.
It appears in redemption.
It appears in the Kingdom.
It appears in the New Heaven and the New Earth.
The mistake many make is assuming heaven and earth are merely locations.
The Scriptures reveal something deeper.
Heaven speaks of administration.
Earth speaks of manifestation.
Heaven is the source.
Earth is the expression.
Heaven initiates.
Earth demonstrates.
The New Heaven and the New Earth cannot be understood apart from this principle.
THE HEAVENS DO RULE
Daniel 4:26
“The heavens do rule.”
This simple statement unlocks an enormous revelation.
Daniel did not say:
The earth rules.
The nations rule.
The kingdoms rule.
He said:
“The heavens do rule.”
The source of government is heaven.
The source of authority is heaven.
The source of administration is heaven.
Throughout Scripture, heaven is consistently presented as the realm from which government proceeds.
Earth receives the influence of heaven.
Earth reflects the administration of heaven.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the perfect union of divine administration and divine manifestation.
THE PATTERN BEGINS IN GENESIS
Genesis 1 reveals the pattern.
God speaks.
Creation responds.
Heaven initiates.
Earth manifests.
“And God said…”
“And it was so.”
Again and again the pattern repeats.
God speaks.
Creation obeys.
The word proceeds from above.
The manifestation appears below.
This is the first great revelation of government in Scripture.
The earth never originates the purpose.
The earth manifests the purpose.
The heavens rule.
The earth responds.
EDEN REVEALS THE PRINCIPLE
The Garden of Eden reveals the same truth.
God gives the command.
Adam manifests the administration.
God establishes the purpose.
Adam expresses the purpose within the earth.
The pattern is simple.
Heaven governs.
Earth manifests.
As long as Adam remained submitted to heaven, earth reflected heaven.
The moment Adam departed from divine administration, disorder entered the earth realm.
The problem was not the earth.
The problem was the government over the earth.
The administration had changed.
ISRAEL REVEALS THE PRINCIPLE
Throughout Israel’s history we see the same pattern.
When Israel submitted to God’s government, blessing followed.
When Israel rejected God’s government, confusion followed.
The issue was never merely behavior.
The issue was administration.
Who was ruling?
God?
Or self?
The heavens do rule.
Whatever rules a people eventually manifests through that people.
JESUS REVEALS THE PERFECT PATTERN
No one demonstrated this principle more perfectly than Christ.
John 5:19
“The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do.”
Jesus never acted independently.
He manifested what He received from the Father.
The Father administered.
The Son manifested.
The Father spoke.
The Son revealed.
The Father ruled.
The Son expressed that rule in the earth.
Christ became the perfect union of heaven and earth.
He brought heaven into earthly manifestation.
THY KINGDOM COME
Matthew 6:10
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
This verse may be one of the clearest statements of the principle.
The goal is not escape from earth.
The goal is heavenly administration manifested in earth.
The prayer is not:
Take earth to heaven.
The prayer is:
Bring heaven into earth.
Bring God’s rule.
Bring God’s will.
Bring God’s government.
Bring God’s nature.
Bring God’s life.
This prayer ultimately finds its fulfillment in the New Heaven and the New Earth.
THE FIRST HEAVEN PRODUCES THE FIRST EARTH
Every heaven produces an earth.
Every administration produces a manifestation.
The first heaven produced the first earth.
The old administration produced the old order.
The old heaven was characterized by limitation.
The old earth reflected that limitation.
Death reigned.
Corruption reigned.
Bondage reigned.
Creation groaned.
The manifestation reflected the administration governing it.
The first heaven and first earth belonged to an order that could not bring creation into fullness.
THE NEW HEAVEN PRODUCES THE NEW EARTH
Revelation 21:1
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth.”
Notice the order.
A new heaven first.
A new earth second.
Administration precedes manifestation.
Government precedes expression.
The New Heaven comes first because the New Earth can only arise from a new administration.
When the government changes, the manifestation changes.
When the heavens change, the earth changes.
When divine rule fills all things, divine life fills all things.
The New Earth is the manifestation of the New Heaven.
CHRIST IS THE NEW HEAVEN
The New Heaven is ultimately revealed in Christ.
He is the Head.
He is the King.
He is the source of divine administration.
Colossians 1:18
“That in all things he might have the preeminence.”
The New Heaven is not merely a place.
The New Heaven is the reign of Christ.
The New Heaven is the government of Christ.
The New Heaven is the administration of Christ filling all things.
THE SONS MANIFEST THE NEW EARTH
As Christ governs, His life is manifested through His people.
Romans 8:19
“For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.”
The earth is waiting for manifestation.
The earth is waiting for expression.
The earth is waiting for the visible demonstration of what heaven has already established.
The sons become the earthly manifestation of heavenly administration.
They become the evidence that the New Heaven is producing the New Earth.
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH ARE THE UNION OF ADMINISTRATION AND MANIFESTATION
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the ultimate fulfillment of God’s purpose.
No division.
No separation.
No conflict.
No contradiction.
The will of God is perfectly manifested.
The nature of God is perfectly expressed.
The government of God is perfectly established.
The life of God fills all things.
The New Heaven rules.
The New Earth manifests.
The throne administers.
Creation responds.
Christ governs.
His life is expressed.
This is the great mystery unfolding throughout Scripture.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The heavens do rule.
Throughout Scripture, heaven represents administration and earth represents manifestation.
God speaks.
Creation responds.
The Father administers.
The Son manifests.
Christ governs.
His people express His life.
The first heaven produced the first earth.
The New Heaven produces the New Earth.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the perfect union of divine administration and divine manifestation.
What proceeds from the throne is ultimately manifested throughout creation until God’s purpose stands fully revealed.
CHAPTER 4
THE FIRST HEAVEN AND THE FIRST EARTH
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH REQUIRE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE FIRST HEAVEN AND THE FIRST EARTH
Before we can understand the New Heaven and the New Earth, we must first understand the First Heaven and the First Earth.
No one can appreciate the glory of the new without first understanding the limitations of the old.
No one can appreciate the fullness of Christ without first understanding the weakness of Adam.
No one can appreciate the New Creation without first understanding the first creation.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are God’s answer to everything the First Heaven and the First Earth could never accomplish.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not merely replacements.
They are fulfillments.
They are the consummation of a purpose that was hidden from the foundation of the world.
IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
Creation began under divine administration.
The heavens ruled.
The earth responded.
Everything was created by God, through God, and for God.
The First Heaven and the First Earth were not evil.
They were created good.
Genesis 1:31
“And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.”
The problem was not creation.
The problem was that creation was not yet complete.
Creation was perfect for its purpose.
But it was not the final purpose.
The First Heaven and the First Earth were the beginning of the journey, not the end of the journey.
THE FIRST MAN WAS OF THE EARTH
1 Corinthians 15:47
“The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.”
Paul reveals a profound contrast.
The First Man belonged to the First Earth.
The Second Man belongs to the New Heaven.
Adam was earthly.
Christ is heavenly.
Adam represents the beginning.
Christ represents the fulfillment.
Adam reveals the natural.
Christ reveals the spiritual.
Adam reveals the shadow.
Christ reveals the substance.
The First Heaven and the First Earth find their highest expression in Adam.
The New Heaven and the New Earth find their highest expression in Christ.
THE FIRST HEAVEN GOVERNED THE FIRST EARTH
Every heaven produces an earth.
Every administration produces a manifestation.
The First Heaven produced the First Earth.
The First Administration produced the First Order.
The First Man governed through limitation.
The First Creation existed within corruption and mortality.
The First Earth was subject to change.
The First Earth was subject to death.
The First Earth was subject to decay.
This was not because God failed.
It was because God was unfolding His purpose progressively through the ages.
THE FALL REVEALED THE LIMITATIONS OF THE FIRST ORDER
Genesis 3 records one of the most significant transitions in Scripture.
Adam chose independence.
Man departed from divine administration.
The earth immediately reflected the change.
What happened in the government manifested in the realm being governed.
Death entered.
Fear entered.
Shame entered.
Toil entered.
Corruption entered.
The earth began manifesting the condition of its administration.
This principle remains true throughout Scripture.
Whatever governs a people ultimately manifests through that people.
THE FIRST EARTH BECAME SUBJECT TO VANITY
Romans 8:20
“For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope.”
Creation became subject to frustration.
Creation became subject to limitation.
Creation became subject to corruption.
Yet notice the final phrase:
“In hope.”
Even within the limitation of the First Heaven and the First Earth, God had already established the hope of something greater.
The New Heaven and the New Earth were already present within the purpose of God.
CREATION GROANS FOR SOMETHING GREATER
Romans 8:22
“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.”
Creation is groaning.
Why?
Because the First Heaven and the First Earth cannot produce God’s ultimate purpose.
The groaning of creation is the cry for fulfillment.
The groaning of creation is the cry for transformation.
The groaning of creation is the anticipation of the New Heaven and the New Earth.
Creation is waiting for the manifestation of what God purposed from the beginning.
THE LAW REVEALED THE WEAKNESS OF THE FIRST ORDER
The history of Israel demonstrates the same principle.
The Law was holy.
The Law was righteous.
The Law was good.
Yet the Law could not bring mankind into fullness.
Romans 8:3
“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh.”
The weakness was not the Law.
The weakness was the flesh.
The weakness was the First Man.
The weakness was the First Order.
The Law exposed the need for something greater.
The Law pointed beyond itself toward Christ.
The Law pointed beyond the First Heaven and the First Earth toward the New Heaven and the New Earth.
THE FIRST HEAVEN AND FIRST EARTH WERE TEMPORARY
Hebrews 12:27
“And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken.”
Everything belonging to the First Order is temporary.
Everything belonging to Adam is temporary.
Everything belonging to mortality is temporary.
Everything belonging to corruption is temporary.
The First Heaven and the First Earth were never intended to be permanent.
They were preparatory.
They were instructional.
They were prophetic.
They pointed toward something greater.
THE FIRST ORDER POINTED TO CHRIST
Galatians 3:24
“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.”
The entire First Order points to Christ.
Adam points to Christ.
Israel points to Christ.
The Law points to Christ.
The sacrifices point to Christ.
The priesthood points to Christ.
The temple points to Christ.
Everything in the First Heaven and the First Earth serves as a witness to the One who would bring forth the New Heaven and the New Earth.
THE FIRST HEAVEN AND FIRST EARTH COULD NOT PRODUCE GOD ALL IN ALL
1 Corinthians 15:28
“That God may be all in all.”
This was always the goal.
Not merely forgiveness.
Not merely redemption.
Not merely restoration.
God All in All.
The First Heaven and the First Earth could reveal the need.
They could reveal the problem.
They could reveal the promise.
But they could not reveal the fullness.
Only Christ can accomplish that.
Only the New Heaven and the New Earth can fully manifest that purpose.
THE NEW WAS HIDDEN WITHIN THE OLD
Even in Genesis the New Heaven and the New Earth are present in seed form.
The promise of the Seed.
The promise of redemption.
The promise of restoration.
The promise of victory.
The promise of life.
The New Heaven and the New Earth were concealed within the First Heaven and the First Earth.
The fulfillment was hidden within the beginning.
The harvest was hidden within the seed.
The end was hidden within the beginning.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The First Heaven and the First Earth were created by God and declared good.
Yet they were not God’s final objective.
Adam revealed the natural man.
The Law revealed the weakness of the flesh.
Creation revealed the need for transformation.
The First Heaven and the First Earth pointed beyond themselves to Christ.
The groaning of creation reveals the limitation of the First Order and the anticipation of the New.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not an afterthought.
They are the fulfillment of everything the First Heaven and the First Earth were designed to reveal.
The beginning pointed to the end.
The shadow pointed to the substance.
The First Heaven and the First Earth pointed to the New Heaven and the New Earth.
CHAPTER 5
THE PLAN OF THE AGES
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH DID NOT APPEAR IN A MOMENT
One of the greatest misunderstandings concerning the New Heaven and the New Earth is the assumption that God suddenly introduces them at the end of the book of Revelation.
The Scriptures reveal a different story.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not an isolated event.
They are the culmination of a divine plan unfolding through the ages.
God is a God of purpose.
God is a God of order.
God is a God of administration.
Everything He does moves according to a predetermined counsel established before the foundation of the world.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are the mature fruit of that eternal purpose.
GOD WORKS THROUGH AGES
Ephesians 2:7
“That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”
Notice carefully.
Paul speaks of ages.
Not merely one age.
Not merely one administration.
Not merely one period of time.
God unfolds His purpose through successive ages.
Each age reveals another dimension of His wisdom.
Each age reveals another dimension of His government.
Each age reveals another dimension of His purpose.
The New Heaven and the New Earth stand as the culmination of God’s administration through the ages.
THE DISPENSATION OF THE FULLNESS OF TIMES
Ephesians 1:10
“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ.”
This verse may be one of the most important verses in the entire Bible.
Notice the language.
Dispensation.
Fullness.
Times.
Gather together.
All things.
Christ.
The ages are not random.
History is not random.
Human events are not random.
Everything is moving toward a divine gathering.
Everything is moving toward unity in Christ.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are the environment produced when this gathering reaches its fullness.
THE AGES REVEAL THE PROGRESSIVE PURPOSE OF GOD
Throughout Scripture we see God revealing His purpose progressively.
First comes promise.
Then comes process.
Then comes fulfillment.
God reveals truth in seed form.
The seed grows.
The harvest appears.
The New Heaven and the New Earth follow this same pattern.
What appears fully developed in Revelation 21 first appears as a seed in Genesis.
The Bible is the story of that seed growing toward maturity.
THE AGE OF CREATION
The first age reveals God as Creator.
Genesis reveals God’s power.
Genesis reveals God’s wisdom.
Genesis reveals God’s intention.
Creation establishes the stage upon which redemption will unfold.
The First Heaven and the First Earth reveal God’s ability to create.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal God’s ability to bring creation into fullness.
Creation is not the destination.
Creation is the beginning of the journey.
THE AGE OF LAW
The Law reveals God’s righteousness.
The Law reveals God’s holiness.
The Law reveals man’s inability.
Romans 3:20
“For by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
The Law exposes the condition of Adam.
The Law exposes the weakness of the flesh.
The Law reveals the need for a Savior.
The Law prepares the way for Christ.
The Law serves the purpose of God within its appointed age.
Yet the Law could never produce the New Heaven and the New Earth.
It could only point toward them.
THE AGE OF GRACE
Galatians 4:4
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son.”
At the appointed time Christ appeared.
The Word became flesh.
The Kingdom entered history.
The age of grace revealed the Finished Work of Christ.
Through His death, burial, resurrection, and exaltation, a New Creation began.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.”
The New Heaven and the New Earth began appearing within God’s people through Christ.
The seed of the New Creation was planted.
Yet the harvest still lies ahead.
THE AGE OF MANIFESTATION
Romans 8:19
“For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.”
The present creation is waiting.
Waiting for manifestation.
Waiting for maturity.
Waiting for sonship.
Waiting for the unveiling of what God has been producing through the ages.
The manifestation of the sons of God is not separate from the New Heaven and the New Earth.
It is one of the great transitions leading into their full unveiling.
The government of Christ must be manifested before creation can experience its liberty.
THE AGES MOVE TOWARD RESTORATION
Acts 3:21
“Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things.”
The goal of the ages is restoration.
Not abandonment.
Not defeat.
Not failure.
Restoration.
Everything God begins He brings toward completion.
Everything God purposes He brings toward fulfillment.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the triumph of God’s purpose through the ages.
THE AGES MOVE TOWARD RECONCILIATION
Colossians 1:20
“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself.”
The purpose of God is larger than many imagine.
Paul speaks of all things.
Things in heaven.
Things in earth.
The cross was not merely intended to save individuals.
The cross was intended to reconcile creation.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the mature outcome of that reconciliation.
THE AGES MOVE TOWARD GOD ALL IN ALL
1 Corinthians 15:24-28 reveals the climax of God’s purpose.
Christ reigns.
Enemies are subdued.
Death is destroyed.
The Kingdom is fully established.
Then comes the end.
“That God may be all in all.”
This is the goal toward which every age moves.
This is the purpose hidden before the foundation of the world.
This is the reason for creation.
This is the reason for redemption.
This is the reason for the ages.
This is the reason for the New Heaven and the New Earth.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not the ultimate objective.
They are the glorious environment in which God’s eternal purpose reaches its consummation.
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH ARE THE FULLNESS OF THE AGES
Every age contributes something to the purpose.
Creation contributes.
Law contributes.
Grace contributes.
Manifestation contributes.
Restoration contributes.
Each age serves its appointed purpose.
Each age advances the plan.
Each age moves history closer to fulfillment.
The New Heaven and the New Earth stand as the mature fruit of all that God has administered through the ages.
Nothing is wasted.
Nothing is accidental.
Nothing is outside His purpose.
The ages are the pathway.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are the unveiling.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
God is administering an eternal purpose through the ages.
Creation, Law, Grace, Manifestation, Restoration, and Consummation each serve a role within His plan.
History is not random.
The ages are not disconnected.
Everything is moving toward the gathering together of all things in Christ.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are the culmination of God’s administration through the ages.
What began before the foundation of the world unfolds through time until the fullness of God’s purpose stands revealed.
The ages are the journey.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are the unveiling of that journey’s completion.
CHAPTER 6
THE LAST ADAM AND THE NEW CREATION
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH BEGIN IN CHRIST
The New Heaven and the New Earth do not begin with a location.
They begin with a Person.
The New Heaven and the New Earth do not begin with a city.
They begin with Christ.
The New Heaven and the New Earth do not begin with a future event.
They begin with the appearance of the Last Adam.
To understand the New Heaven and the New Earth, we must understand the difference between the First Adam and the Last Adam.
Everything that came through Adam belongs to the First Heaven and the First Earth.
Everything that comes through Christ belongs to the New Heaven and the New Earth.
THE FIRST ADAM
1 Corinthians 15:45
“The first man Adam was made a living soul.”
Adam was the head of the first creation.
Adam was the head of the first order.
Adam was the head of the earthly administration.
Through Adam came mortality.
Through Adam came corruption.
Through Adam came limitation.
Through Adam came death.
Romans 5:12
“By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin.”
Adam became the representative of an order that could never bring creation into fullness.
The First Heaven and the First Earth could reveal purpose.
They could reveal promise.
But they could not produce completion.
THE LAST ADAM
1 Corinthians 15:45
“The last Adam was made a quickening spirit.”
Christ is not merely another Adam.
Christ is the Last Adam.
Christ is the conclusion of one order and the beginning of another.
Adam introduced the first creation.
Christ introduces the New Creation.
Adam introduced death.
Christ introduces life.
Adam introduced corruption.
Christ introduces incorruption.
Adam introduced separation.
Christ introduces reconciliation.
The appearance of Christ marks the beginning of the New Heaven and the New Earth.
THE SECOND MAN IS THE LORD FROM HEAVEN
1 Corinthians 15:47
“The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.”
Paul presents two men.
Two creations.
Two administrations.
Two orders.
The first man belongs to earth.
The second man belongs to heaven.
The first man reveals the natural.
The second man reveals the spiritual.
The first man reveals what man became.
The second man reveals what man was always destined to become.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are revealed in the Second Man.
CHRIST IS THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW CREATION
Colossians 1:18
“Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.”
Notice the language.
Christ is the beginning.
Not merely a participant.
Not merely a messenger.
Not merely a teacher.
The beginning.
The New Heaven and the New Earth begin in Him.
The New Creation begins in Him.
The restoration of all things begins in Him.
The gathering together of all things begins in Him.
Everything God intends to accomplish is first revealed in Christ.
IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.”
Many read this verse as a statement about personal salvation.
It is much larger than that.
Paul is introducing the reality of a New Creation.
The believer is no longer merely connected to Adam.
The believer has been joined to Christ.
The believer is no longer identified solely with the First Heaven and the First Earth.
The believer has become a participant in the New Creation.
The New Heaven and the New Earth have already begun appearing within God’s people.
CHRIST IS THE FIRSTBORN
Romans 8:29
“That he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
The word firstborn reveals something important.
A firstborn implies others will follow.
Christ is not the end of the story.
Christ is the beginning of a corporate expression.
The Firstborn is followed by many brethren.
The Head is followed by the Body.
The Son is followed by sons.
The New Heaven and the New Earth begin in Christ and continue through those conformed to His image.
THE IMAGE OF THE HEAVENLY
1 Corinthians 15:49
“And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.”
The purpose of God has always been transformation.
Not merely forgiveness.
Not merely justification.
Transformation.
Conformity.
Manifestation.
The image of the earthy belongs to Adam.
The image of the heavenly belongs to Christ.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are revealed through a people bearing the image of the heavenly.
THE NEW CREATION IS GREATER THAN THE FIRST CREATION
The first creation was good.
The New Creation is glorious.
The first creation revealed God’s power.
The New Creation reveals God’s nature.
The first creation revealed God’s wisdom.
The New Creation reveals God’s life.
The first creation revealed what God could create.
The New Creation reveals what God can transform.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the triumph of transformation over corruption.
CHRIST IS THE PATTERN OF THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH
Everything God intends to do in creation is first revealed in Christ.
His death reveals the end of the old.
His resurrection reveals the beginning of the new.
His ascension reveals heavenly administration.
His exaltation reveals divine government.
His life reveals the destiny of creation.
Christ is not merely preparing the New Heaven and the New Earth.
Christ is the pattern of the New Heaven and the New Earth.
When we see Him, we see God’s intention.
When we see Him, we see God’s purpose.
When we see Him, we see the future of creation.
THE NEW CREATION MOVES TOWARD FULLNESS
Romans 8:19
“For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.”
The New Creation has begun.
Yet its fullness remains ahead.
Creation waits.
The nations wait.
The earth waits.
The ages wait.
Everything waits for the full manifestation of what began in Christ.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not merely a future revelation.
They are a present reality moving toward fullness.
CHRIST FILLS ALL THINGS
Ephesians 4:10
“That he might fill all things.”
This is one of the great themes of Scripture.
Christ filling all things.
Christ filling heaven.
Christ filling earth.
Christ filling creation.
Christ filling His people.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the fullness of Christ filling all things.
What begins in the Last Adam ultimately expands until creation itself reflects His life and glory.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The New Heaven and the New Earth begin in Christ.
Adam represents the First Heaven and the First Earth.
Christ represents the New Heaven and the New Earth.
The First Adam introduced death.
The Last Adam introduces life.
The First Adam revealed the natural.
The Last Adam reveals the spiritual.
The New Creation begins in Christ, the Firstborn from the dead, and expands through a people conformed to His image.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not merely future realities.
They began with the appearance of the Last Adam and continue moving toward their full manifestation as Christ fills all things.
CHAPTER 7
ZION: WHERE GOD PLANTS THE HEAVENS
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH ARE PLANTED IN A PEOPLE
One of the greatest mysteries concerning the New Heaven and the New Earth is the realization that God does not merely create a new order.
He plants a new order within a people.
Many believers search for the New Heaven and the New Earth as though they were locations.
The Scriptures reveal something far greater.
God plants His purpose within His elect.
God establishes His government within His people.
God forms His Kingdom within His sons.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not merely destinations.
They are realities established by God within a people called Zion.
I HAVE PUT MY WORDS IN THY MOUTH
Isaiah 51:16
“And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.”
This may be one of the most remarkable verses in all of Scripture.
Notice what God says.
He does not say He destroys the heavens.
He says He plants the heavens.
He does not say He abandons the earth.
He says He lays the foundations of the earth.
And where does this occur?
In Zion.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are connected directly to God’s work within His people.
The heavens are planted.
The earth is established.
Zion becomes the vessel through which God’s purpose is manifested.
ZION IS NOT MERELY A PLACE
Throughout Scripture Zion becomes much more than a geographical location.
Zion becomes a people.
Zion becomes a company.
Zion becomes a spiritual reality.
Psalm 132:13
“For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.”
God chooses Zion as His dwelling place.
God chooses Zion as His habitation.
God chooses Zion as the place where His government is revealed.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are inseparable from Zion because Zion becomes the habitation of God.
OUT OF ZION SHALL GO FORTH THE LAW
Isaiah 2:3
“For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”
Notice the pattern.
The word proceeds from Zion.
Government proceeds from Zion.
Administration proceeds from Zion.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not established by human effort.
They are established through the Word of God proceeding from His people.
The same Word that created the heavens and the earth in Genesis now creates the New Heaven and the New Earth through a people who have become one with His purpose.
THE MOUNT OF GOD’S GOVERNMENT
Throughout Scripture mountains symbolize government.
Kingdoms.
Authority.
Rule.
Dominion.
Among all mountains, Zion occupies a unique place.
Psalm 48:1-2
“Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion.”
Zion represents the mountain of God’s government.
The New Heaven and the New Earth require a new administration.
That administration proceeds from Zion.
The government of Christ is established in a people before it is manifested throughout creation.
YE ARE COME UNTO MOUNT ZION
Hebrews 12:22
“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.”
Notice the language.
Not:
You shall come.
Not:
One day you will arrive.
But:
Ye are come.
Zion is presented as a present reality.
A spiritual reality.
A heavenly reality.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are already appearing within those who have come unto Mount Zion.
The Kingdom begins within.
The administration begins within.
The manifestation begins within.
ZION AND THE FIRSTFRUITS
Revelation 14:1
“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand.”
Again Zion appears.
Not as geography.
Not as natural territory.
But as a company united with the Lamb.
A people bearing His image.
A people carrying His nature.
A people sharing His purpose.
Throughout Scripture Zion becomes the gathering place of God’s firstfruits.
Those who are called to participate in His administration.
Those who are called to reveal His Kingdom.
Those through whom the New Heaven and the New Earth begin to appear.
THE WORD PLANTS THE HEAVENS
Returning to Isaiah 51:16, we discover another profound truth.
God says:
“I have put my words in thy mouth…that I may plant the heavens.”
God creates through His Word.
Genesis begins:
“And God said…”
The ages unfold through His Word.
The prophets speak His Word.
Christ is the Word made flesh.
The apostles proclaim His Word.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are planted through the living Word of God.
The Word enters a people.
The Word transforms a people.
The Word establishes a people.
The Word plants the heavens within a people.
ZION IS THE BRIDGE BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH
Throughout Scripture Zion stands between heaven and earth.
Zion receives from heaven.
Zion manifests into earth.
Zion receives administration.
Zion manifests government.
Zion receives life.
Zion manifests life.
Zion receives the Word.
Zion manifests the Kingdom.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are revealed through this union.
Heaven rules.
Earth manifests.
Zion becomes the vessel through which both realities meet.
THE NEW JERUSALEM EMERGES FROM ZION
The story of Zion ultimately leads to the Holy City.
Revelation 21:2
“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven.”
The city does not originate from earth.
The city comes from God.
The city reflects divine administration.
The city manifests divine life.
The city is the mature expression of everything God planted in Zion.
What began as a seed becomes a city.
What began as a people becomes a government.
What began as a promise becomes a manifestation.
ZION PREPARES THE WAY FOR THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH
The New Heaven and the New Earth do not suddenly appear.
God prepares a people.
God plants His Word.
God establishes His government.
God forms His image.
God raises up Zion.
Through Zion, divine administration enters the earth.
Through Zion, the Kingdom advances.
Through Zion, the New Heaven and the New Earth begin to manifest.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The New Heaven and the New Earth are planted in a people called Zion.
Isaiah revealed that God plants the heavens and lays the foundations of the earth through His Word placed within His people.
Zion becomes the habitation of God.
Zion becomes the mountain of His government.
Zion becomes the vessel through which heaven rules and earth manifests.
The Word plants the heavens.
The Kingdom establishes the earth.
The people of Zion become the bridge between divine administration and earthly manifestation.
What God plants in Zion ultimately matures into the New Heaven and the New Earth.
CHAPTER 8
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH WITHIN
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH BEGIN AS AN INWARD REALITY
One of the greatest misunderstandings concerning the New Heaven and the New Earth is the assumption that they exist only as future realities.
Many believers are waiting for a New Heaven.
Many believers are waiting for a New Earth.
Many believers are waiting for a future manifestation while neglecting the present work of God within them.
Yet the Kingdom of God always begins inwardly before it is manifested outwardly.
Before the New Heaven and the New Earth are revealed universally, they must first be revealed personally.
Before they are manifested in creation, they must be established within God’s people.
The New Heaven and the New Earth begin as an inward reality.
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU
Luke 17:20-21
“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation…for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”
The Kingdom does not begin with outward observation.
The Kingdom begins with inward transformation.
The Kingdom begins when Christ takes His rightful place within the heart.
The Kingdom begins when divine administration is established within a person.
The Kingdom begins when heaven rules within.
The New Heaven and the New Earth follow this same pattern.
What God establishes within is eventually manifested without.
A NEW HEART AND A NEW SPIRIT
Ezekiel 36:26
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.”
God did not merely promise a new location.
God promised a new condition.
God promised a new nature.
God promised a new administration.
God promised a new reality within His people.
The New Heaven and the New Earth begin with a new heart and a new spirit.
Before there can be a transformed creation, there must be transformed people.
Before there can be a New Earth without, there must be a New Earth within.
THE NEW HEAVEN IN THE SPIRIT
Jesus declared:
John 3:6
“That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
The regenerated spirit becomes the dwelling place of God.
The spirit becomes the realm where Christ reigns.
The spirit becomes the place of heavenly administration.
The spirit becomes the sanctuary of divine government.
In this sense, the New Heaven begins within.
The throne of God is established within the spirit.
The rule of Christ is established within the spirit.
The life of God flows from the spirit.
The New Heaven is first experienced inwardly before it is manifested outwardly.
THE NEW EARTH IN THE SOUL
Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
The soul becomes the earth realm of experience.
The mind.
The emotions.
The will.
The understanding.
All must come under the government of Christ.
Just as the earth receives influence from heaven, the soul must come under the administration of the spirit.
The New Earth is revealed as the soul is transformed by the life of God.
The New Heaven rules.
The New Earth manifests.
The spirit governs.
The soul responds.
CHRIST FORMED IN YOU
Galatians 4:19
“My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.”
The purpose of God is not merely that Christ be believed.
The purpose of God is that Christ be formed.
The New Heaven and the New Earth become realities as Christ is formed within His people.
Every area brought under His government becomes part of that New Creation reality.
Every area transformed by His life becomes evidence of the New Heaven and the New Earth.
THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE
Romans 8:2
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
Notice the contrast.
Two laws.
Two administrations.
Two orders.
One belongs to the old creation.
One belongs to the new.
One produces bondage.
One produces liberty.
One belongs to the First Heaven and First Earth.
One belongs to the New Heaven and the New Earth.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are revealed wherever the law of the Spirit of life prevails.
CHRIST IN YOU THE HOPE OF GLORY
Colossians 1:27
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
The hope of glory is not merely Christ around you.
It is Christ within you.
The hope of glory is the unfolding of divine life from within outward.
The New Heaven and the New Earth begin with Christ within.
The glory that shall one day fill creation first begins as a seed within God’s people.
What is internal today becomes universal tomorrow.
What is hidden today becomes manifested tomorrow.
What is planted today becomes harvest tomorrow.
THE INWARD WORK PRECEDES THE OUTWARD MANIFESTATION
Throughout Scripture God follows the same pattern.
Seed before harvest.
Foundation before building.
Root before fruit.
Spirit before manifestation.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are no exception.
The work begins inwardly.
The transformation begins inwardly.
The administration begins inwardly.
The Kingdom begins inwardly.
Then comes manifestation.
Then comes demonstration.
Then comes fulfillment.
THE NEW CREATION IS ALREADY AT WORK
2 Corinthians 5:17
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.”
The New Creation is not merely future.
The New Creation is already operating.
The life of Christ is already transforming.
The Spirit is already renewing.
The Kingdom is already advancing.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are already appearing wherever Christ reigns.
What exists inwardly within God’s people today will eventually fill the earth.
THE EARTH SHALL BE FILLED WITH HIS GLORY
Habakkuk 2:14
“For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”
The glory that fills the earth begins within a people.
The Kingdom that fills the earth begins within a people.
The New Heaven and the New Earth begin within a people.
God always starts small.
God always starts hidden.
God always starts with a seed.
Then comes increase.
Then comes manifestation.
Then comes fullness.
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH ARE FIRST REVEALED IN A PEOPLE
Before New Jerusalem descends.
Before creation enters liberty.
Before all things are reconciled.
Before God becomes all in all.
The New Heaven and the New Earth must first appear within God’s people.
A transformed spirit.
A renewed mind.
A sanctified life.
A people governed by Christ.
A people walking in union with God.
A people becoming the visible expression of an invisible Kingdom.
This is the beginning of the New Heaven and the New Earth.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The New Heaven and the New Earth begin as an inward reality before they become an outward manifestation.
The Kingdom begins within.
The New Heaven is established within the regenerated spirit.
The New Earth is revealed through the transformed soul brought under the government of Christ.
The life of God, the law of the Spirit, and the formation of Christ within His people are all evidence that the New Creation has already begun.
What God establishes within His people today will ultimately fill creation tomorrow.
The New Heaven and the New Earth begin within and move outward until the glory of the Lord fills all things.
CHAPTER 9
NO MORE SEA
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH REQUIRE THE REMOVAL OF THE SEA
Revelation 21:1
“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.”
One of the most overlooked statements in the entire book of Revelation is found at the end of this verse.
“And there was no more sea.”
Most readers immediately focus on the New Heaven.
Most readers immediately focus on the New Earth.
Few stop to ask:
Why is there no more sea?
The Holy Spirit did not place these words in Scripture without purpose.
If we are to understand the New Heaven and the New Earth, we must understand why there is no more sea.
THE SEA IS A PROPHETIC SYMBOL
Throughout Scripture the sea often represents unrest, instability, turmoil, rebellion, and the restless condition of fallen humanity.
Isaiah 57:20-21
“But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.”
The sea is never at rest.
The sea is constantly moving.
The sea is constantly agitated.
The sea is constantly producing waves.
The prophet uses the sea as a picture of the fallen nature of man.
The carnal mind.
The restless heart.
The ungoverned soul.
The rebellious nature.
The sea represents a realm that lacks peace because it lacks proper government.
THE SEA REVEALS THE ADAMIC CONDITION
Since the fall of Adam, mankind has lived in a state of unrest.
Wars.
Violence.
Fear.
Greed.
Lust.
Pride.
Confusion.
Division.
The sea has been raging throughout human history.
Nations rise.
Nations fall.
Empires come.
Empires go.
Yet beneath it all remains the same turbulent nature.
The sea represents humanity apart from the government of God.
The sea represents life apart from the Throne.
The sea represents the First Heaven and the First Earth operating through the Adamic nature.
THE BEAST RISES FROM THE SEA
Revelation 13:1
“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea.”
Notice where the beast originates.
The beast does not come from heaven.
The beast comes from the sea.
Throughout Revelation, disorder rises from the sea.
Opposition rises from the sea.
Rebellion rises from the sea.
The beast nature finds its source in the turbulent realm of fallen humanity.
This reveals an important truth.
As long as the sea remains, the beast continues to arise.
As long as the Adamic nature remains, opposition continues to manifest.
THE DISCIPLES FEARED THE SEA
Mark 4:39
“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.”
Immediately the sea obeyed.
Why?
Because the One who stood in the boat possessed authority.
The sea submitted to divine government.
The sea submitted to heavenly administration.
The sea submitted to the authority of Christ.
This miracle reveals more than power over nature.
It reveals Christ’s authority over chaos.
Christ’s authority over fear.
Christ’s authority over disorder.
Christ’s authority over the restless condition of humanity.
The sea becomes peaceful when Christ governs.
THE SEA CANNOT EXIST UNDER PERFECT GOVERNMENT
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the complete establishment of divine administration.
The throne is fully established.
The government of Christ is fully manifested.
The Kingdom has come.
The will of God is being done.
Righteousness fills creation.
In such a condition, the sea has no place.
The sea cannot survive where perfect peace reigns.
The sea cannot survive where Christ governs all things.
The sea cannot survive where righteousness fills the earth.
The sea cannot survive where the nature of God has triumphed.
NO MORE SEA MEANS NO MORE REBELLION
The statement “there was no more sea” reveals far more than geography.
It reveals victory.
The sea of rebellion has ended.
The sea of unrest has ended.
The sea of fear has ended.
The sea of corruption has ended.
The sea of division has ended.
The sea of alienation has ended.
The sea of Adam has ended.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal a creation where divine peace has replaced human turmoil.
THE PRINCE OF PEACE HAS PREVAILED
Isaiah 9:6-7
“And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Christ is not merely the giver of peace.
Christ is peace.
The increase of His government produces the increase of peace.
Where His government expands, peace expands.
Where His Kingdom advances, peace advances.
The disappearance of the sea reveals the triumph of His government.
The Prince of Peace has prevailed.
THE SEA WITHIN
Before there is no more sea without, there must be no more sea within.
The New Heaven and the New Earth begin inwardly.
Therefore the sea must also be addressed inwardly.
The restless mind.
The anxious heart.
The divided soul.
The fleshly nature.
The carnal desires.
The inner storms.
All must come under the government of Christ.
The same voice that spoke to Galilee still speaks today:
“Peace, be still.”
The sea within must yield to the Throne within.
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH REVEAL PERFECT PEACE
Isaiah 26:3
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.”
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the full triumph of divine peace.
Not temporary peace.
Not political peace.
Not emotional peace.
Perfect peace.
The peace of Christ.
The peace of the Kingdom.
The peace of creation fully reconciled to God.
The peace of all things gathered together in Christ.
THE SEA GIVES WAY TO THE RIVER
One of the beautiful contrasts in Revelation is this:
The sea disappears.
The river remains.
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.”
The sea originates in unrest.
The river originates in the throne.
The sea is turbulent.
The river is clear.
The sea produces fear.
The river produces life.
The sea belongs to the old order.
The river belongs to the New Heaven and the New Earth.
When the sea disappears, the river remains.
The government of God replaces the turmoil of man.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The sea throughout Scripture represents unrest, rebellion, instability, and the fallen Adamic condition.
The beast rises from the sea.
Fear is associated with the sea.
Chaos is associated with the sea.
But Revelation declares that in the New Heaven and the New Earth there is no more sea.
The government of Christ has triumphed.
The Prince of Peace reigns.
The Adamic condition has been overcome.
The inner storms have ceased.
The rebellious nature has been subdued.
The sea gives way to the river that proceeds from the throne.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal a creation fully governed by God, filled with righteousness, and established in everlasting peace.
CHAPTER 10
THE LAKE OF FIRE AND THE PASSING OF THE FORMER THINGS
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH REQUIRE THE PASSING OF THE FORMER THINGS
Revelation 21:1
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.”
Revelation 21:4
“For the former things are passed away.”
One of the great principles of Scripture is this:
God removes the old in order to reveal the new.
The New Heaven and the New Earth do not appear alongside the old order.
The New Heaven and the New Earth emerge as the former things pass away.
Throughout Scripture, God consistently follows this pattern.
The old covenant gives way to the new covenant.
The old man gives way to the new man.
The first Adam gives way to the Last Adam.
The earthly gives way to the heavenly.
The corruptible gives way to the incorruptible.
The former things pass away so that the New Heaven and the New Earth may appear.
THE GREAT WHITE THRONE
Revelation 20:11
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away.”
Before John sees the New Heaven and the New Earth, he sees a throne.
This should not surprise us.
The throne has governed every chapter of this book.
The throne administered creation.
The throne administered redemption.
The throne administered the ages.
The throne administers judgment.
The New Heaven and the New Earth emerge from the administration of the throne.
The throne is not reacting.
The throne is accomplishing purpose.
WHITE SPEAKS OF REVELATION
The throne is called a Great White Throne.
White throughout Scripture speaks of purity.
White speaks of light.
White speaks of revelation.
White speaks of righteousness.
Everything hidden is exposed before this throne.
Everything false is revealed.
Everything contrary to God’s nature is uncovered.
Nothing remains concealed in the presence of divine light.
The Great White Throne reveals the absolute righteousness of God’s government.
THE BOOKS WERE OPENED
Revelation 20:12
“And the books were opened.”
God judges according to truth.
God judges according to reality.
God judges according to righteousness.
Judgment is not arbitrary.
Judgment is not emotional.
Judgment proceeds from wisdom.
Judgment proceeds from truth.
Judgment proceeds from the throne.
The purpose of divine judgment is not merely punishment.
The purpose of divine judgment is the establishment of righteousness.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are a realm wherein righteousness dwells.
Therefore everything contrary to righteousness must be dealt with.
OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE
Hebrews 12:29
“For our God is a consuming fire.”
Fire is one of the great symbols of God’s nature.
Fire illuminates.
Fire purifies.
Fire refines.
Fire consumes.
Fire transforms.
Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly reveals Himself through fire.
Moses saw the burning bush.
Israel followed the pillar of fire.
The prophets encountered heavenly fire.
The apostles received tongues of fire.
Fire is not foreign to God’s purpose.
Fire is part of God’s administration.
THE REFINER’S FIRE
Malachi 3:2-3
“For he is like a refiner’s fire.”
The refiner does not burn gold to destroy it.
The refiner burns gold to purify it.
The fire removes impurities.
The fire reveals purity.
The fire exposes what cannot remain.
The fire preserves what is valuable.
This principle helps us understand the Lake of Fire.
The purpose is not merely destruction.
The purpose is the removal of everything contrary to the nature of God.
THE SECOND DEATH
Revelation 20:14
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
Notice something remarkable.
Death itself is cast into the fire.
Hell itself is cast into the fire.
The enemies of God are being removed.
The administration of death is coming to an end.
The reign of corruption is ending.
The First Heaven and the First Earth are giving way to the New Heaven and the New Earth.
The purpose of God is moving toward life.
The purpose of God is moving toward righteousness.
The purpose of God is moving toward restoration.
THE FORMER THINGS MUST PASS AWAY
What are the former things?
Death.
Fear.
Corruption.
Bondage.
Sin.
Sorrow.
Pain.
Alienation.
Everything that belongs to the old order.
Everything that belongs to Adam.
Everything that belongs to the First Heaven and the First Earth.
Everything contrary to God’s purpose.
The New Heaven and the New Earth require the passing away of the former things.
JUDGMENT BEGINS WITH THE HOUSE OF GOD
1 Peter 4:17
“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.”
The Lake of Fire is not merely an end-of-the-age concept.
The fire of God works even now.
God judges His people.
God purifies His people.
God refines His people.
God removes what cannot remain.
The New Heaven and the New Earth begin inwardly.
Therefore the fire begins inwardly.
The old nature must pass away.
The old mind must pass away.
The old ways must pass away.
The former things must yield to the life of Christ.
THE FIRE PREPARES A PEOPLE
Throughout Scripture, God prepares His people through process.
Abraham experienced testing.
Joseph experienced testing.
Moses experienced testing.
David experienced testing.
The prophets experienced testing.
The apostles experienced testing.
God uses fire to prepare vessels for His purpose.
The New Heaven and the New Earth require a people prepared by God.
A people purified by truth.
A people refined by His dealings.
A people conformed to the image of Christ.
BEHOLD, I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW
Revelation 21:5
“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.”
Notice the sequence.
The throne judges.
The fire purifies.
The former things pass away.
Then comes the declaration:
“Behold, I make all things new.”
The purpose of God is not merely removal.
The purpose of God is renewal.
The purpose of God is not merely ending.
The purpose of God is fulfillment.
The purpose of God is bringing creation into the fullness of His eternal purpose.
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH EMERGE FROM DIVINE TRANSFORMATION
The New Heaven and the New Earth do not emerge from chaos.
They emerge from divine administration.
They emerge from the throne.
They emerge through righteousness.
They emerge through truth.
They emerge through purification.
They emerge through transformation.
The fire removes what is contrary to God’s purpose.
The throne establishes what is according to God’s purpose.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the triumph of God’s government over everything that opposes His will.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The New Heaven and the New Earth require the passing away of the former things.
The Great White Throne reveals the righteousness of God’s government.
The Lake of Fire reveals the purifying nature of God’s dealings.
The fire removes everything contrary to His purpose.
Death is abolished.
Corruption is removed.
The former things pass away.
Then the One seated upon the throne declares:
“Behold, I make all things new.”
The New Heaven and the New Earth emerge from divine administration, divine judgment, and divine transformation until righteousness fills all things.
CHAPTER 11
THE MANIFEST SONS OF GOD
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH REQUIRE A CORPORATE EXPRESSION
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not merely about a new administration.
They are not merely about a new creation.
They are not merely about a new order.
They are about a people.
Throughout Scripture, God does not merely reveal a purpose.
God reveals a people through whom that purpose is manifested.
The New Heaven and the New Earth require a corporate expression.
They require a people through whom the government of God is revealed in the earth.
This brings us to one of the great themes of the Scriptures:
The Manifest Sons of God.
CREATION IS WAITING
Romans 8:19
“For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.”
This is one of the most remarkable statements in the Bible.
Creation is waiting.
The nations are waiting.
The earth is waiting.
History is waiting.
The ages are waiting.
But what is creation waiting for?
Not merely a doctrine.
Not merely a message.
Not merely a movement.
Creation is waiting for manifestation.
Creation is waiting for sons.
Creation is waiting for a people in whom the life of Christ has reached maturity.
The New Heaven and the New Earth require manifestation.
SONSHIP WAS ALWAYS THE PURPOSE
Romans 8:29
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son.”
God’s purpose was never merely forgiveness.
God’s purpose was never merely escape.
God’s purpose was conformity.
God’s purpose was sonship.
God’s purpose was a family.
Before the foundation of the world, God purposed to bring many sons unto glory.
Hebrews 2:10
“For it became him…in bringing many sons unto glory.”
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the mature expression of that purpose.
THE FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN
Christ is the pattern.
Christ is the prototype.
Christ is the Firstborn.
Romans 8:29
“That he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
A firstborn implies others will follow.
The Head requires a Body.
The King requires a Kingdom.
The Firstborn requires brethren.
The Son requires sons.
The New Heaven and the New Earth begin in Christ, but they are manifested through a corporate company brought into His image.
THE GOVERNMENT SHALL BE UPON HIS SHOULDER
Isaiah 9:6
“And the government shall be upon his shoulder.”
The shoulder speaks of strength.
The shoulder speaks of responsibility.
The shoulder speaks of government.
Christ is the Head.
His Body becomes the corporate expression of His government.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the increase of His government throughout creation.
The throne administers.
The sons manifest.
The Head governs.
The Body expresses.
A KINGDOM OF KINGS AND PRIESTS
Revelation 5:10
“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”
Notice the language.
Kings.
Priests.
Reign.
Government.
Administration.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not passive realities.
They are governed realities.
The Kingdom of God is administered through a royal priesthood.
The sons are called to participate in the administration of God’s purpose.
Not independent from Christ.
Not separate from Christ.
But as one with Christ.
THE MAN-CHILD AND THE THRONE
Revelation 12:5
“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.”
The throne appears again.
The throne is always central.
The Man-Child is connected to the throne.
Government flows from the throne.
Authority flows from the throne.
Administration flows from the throne.
The Man-Child is not merely caught up to heaven.
The Man-Child is caught up unto God and unto His throne.
This reveals a company joined to divine administration.
The New Heaven and the New Earth require a people aligned with the throne.
THE OVERCOMERS
Revelation 2:26-27
“And he that overcometh…to him will I give power over the nations.”
The overcomer is not merely one who survives.
The overcomer is one who matures.
The overcomer is one who comes into union with Christ.
The overcomer is one who learns obedience.
The overcomer is one who participates in divine government.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are revealed through overcomers who have learned to live under the administration of the throne.
THE GLORY OF SONSHIP
Romans 8:21
“The glorious liberty of the children of God.”
Creation is not waiting for religion.
Creation is not waiting for programs.
Creation is not waiting for institutions.
Creation is waiting for liberty.
Creation is waiting for glory.
Creation is waiting for sonship.
Creation is waiting for the manifestation of a people fully governed by the life of Christ.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal that liberty on a universal scale.
THE SONS REVEAL THE KINGDOM
Jesus declared:
Matthew 5:14
“Ye are the light of the world.”
The sons become witnesses.
The sons become lights.
The sons become cities set upon a hill.
The sons reveal the nature of the Kingdom.
The sons reveal the character of the King.
The sons reveal the government of heaven manifested in earth.
The New Heaven and the New Earth become visible through a people transformed into the image of Christ.
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH REQUIRE MATURE SONSHIP
Children inherit promises.
Sons administer purpose.
Children receive.
Sons govern.
Children learn.
Sons manifest.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are connected to mature sonship because God’s purpose is not merely to save creation.
God’s purpose is to bring creation under the administration of Christ through a mature corporate expression.
The throne requires administration.
The Kingdom requires government.
The New Heaven and the New Earth require sons.
THE MANY-MEMBERED CHRIST
1 Corinthians 12:12
“For as the body is one, and hath many members.”
The manifestation of the sons of God is not individualistic.
It is corporate.
One Head.
One Body.
One Spirit.
One Kingdom.
One purpose.
Christ is the Head.
The sons are members of His Body.
Together they become the corporate expression of divine government in the earth.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The New Heaven and the New Earth require a people through whom God’s government is manifested.
Creation is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Christ is the Firstborn among many brethren.
The throne administers.
The sons manifest.
The overcomers participate in divine government.
The Man-Child is connected to the throne.
The sons reveal the Kingdom.
The many-membered Christ becomes the corporate expression of God’s purpose in the earth.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not merely the revelation of a new creation.
They are the revelation of a mature company of sons through whom the government of Christ is manifested until creation enters the glorious liberty of the children of God.
CHAPTER 12
THE HOLY CITY COMING DOWN FROM GOD OUT OF HEAVEN
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH REVEAL A CITY
Revelation 21:2
“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
As John beholds the New Heaven and the New Earth, the next great revelation he sees is a city.
Not a denomination.
Not an organization.
Not a religious system.
A city.
This city stands at the center of God’s purpose.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not complete without the revelation of the Holy City.
The city is the visible expression of divine government.
The city is the habitation of God.
The city is the corporate manifestation of Christ and His people.
THE CITY COMES DOWN
Notice the direction.
The city does not ascend.
The city descends.
The city comes down from God out of heaven.
This reveals a principle that runs throughout Scripture.
God’s purpose is not the escape of man from earth.
God’s purpose is the manifestation of heaven in earth.
Jesus taught us to pray:
Matthew 6:10
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
The New Jerusalem is the answer to that prayer.
Heavenly reality becomes earthly manifestation.
Divine administration becomes visible expression.
The New Heaven produces the New Earth.
The city becomes the evidence.
NEW JERUSALEM IS A PEOPLE
Many have interpreted New Jerusalem as a literal city of gold somewhere beyond the stars.
Yet the Scriptures reveal something much deeper.
Revelation 21:9-10
“Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”
What does John see?
A city.
What is the city?
The Bride.
The city is a people.
The city is a corporate company.
The city is the mature expression of God’s purpose.
Throughout Scripture, cities represent corporate realities.
Babylon represents one corporate system.
Jerusalem represents another.
The New Jerusalem reveals a people fully united with Christ.
THE BRIDE PREPARED FOR HER HUSBAND
Revelation 21:2
“Prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
The city is not merely governmental.
The city is relational.
The city reveals union.
The city reveals covenant.
The city reveals intimacy.
The goal of God’s purpose has always been union.
God dwelling in man.
Man dwelling in God.
Christ in His people.
His people in Christ.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the fullness of that union.
THE TABERNACLE OF GOD IS WITH MEN
Revelation 21:3
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men.”
This may be one of the greatest declarations in all Scripture.
Notice what it does not say.
It does not say men finally reach God.
It says God dwells with men.
From Genesis onward, this has been the purpose.
The garden.
The tabernacle.
The temple.
The incarnation.
The Church.
Each was a progressive revelation of God’s desire to dwell among His people.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the fulfillment of that purpose.
THE CITY HAS FOUNDATIONS
Revelation 21:14
“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations.”
God builds upon foundations.
The city is not an accident.
The city is not improvised.
The city is built according to divine design.
Its foundations reveal stability.
Its foundations reveal permanence.
Its foundations reveal completion.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not temporary administrations.
They reveal an eternal order established upon divine foundations.
THE CITY HAS WALLS
Revelation 21:12
“And had a wall great and high.”
Walls in Scripture speak of separation and protection.
Not exclusion.
Not fear.
Protection.
The city is secure.
The city is established.
The city is preserved by the life of God.
Everything within the city reflects divine order.
Everything within the city reflects divine government.
Everything within the city reflects divine peace.
THE CITY HAS GATES
Revelation 21:12
“And had twelve gates.”
Gates speak of access.
Gates speak of administration.
Gates speak of authority.
In ancient cities, government was conducted at the gates.
The city reveals perfect administration.
The city reveals righteous government.
The city reveals heavenly authority manifested in the earth.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal a creation governed through righteousness.
THE CITY NEEDS NO SUN
Revelation 21:23
“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon.”
This is one of the most profound statements in the chapter.
The city no longer depends upon created light.
The city is illuminated by divine light.
The old order depended upon external sources.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are illuminated by the presence of God Himself.
The glory of God becomes the light of the city.
The Lamb becomes the lamp thereof.
THE NATIONS WALK IN ITS LIGHT
Revelation 21:24
“And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it.”
The city does not exist for itself.
The city exists as a blessing to creation.
The city becomes a source of light.
The city becomes a source of life.
The city becomes a source of government.
The city becomes a source of healing.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal God’s purpose extending outward through the city to the nations.
THE CITY IS THE CORPORATE CHRIST
Ephesians 2:22
“In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
The city is not merely individual believers.
The city is a corporate habitation.
Living stones.
Joined together.
Built together.
Growing together.
Manifesting together.
The city reveals Christ expressed corporately through His people.
The Head and the Body functioning as one.
The King and His Kingdom revealed together.
The Bride and the Bridegroom united as one.
THE HOLY CITY AND THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH
The city cannot be separated from the New Heaven and the New Earth.
The New Heaven provides the administration.
The New Earth provides the manifestation.
The city becomes the corporate expression.
The throne governs.
The river flows.
The city shines.
The nations walk in its light.
The purpose of God reaches visible expression.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The Holy City, New Jerusalem, is not merely a location but a corporate people prepared as a bride for Christ.
The city comes down from God out of heaven, revealing heaven manifested in earth.
The city is the habitation of God.
The city is the Bride.
The city is the corporate Christ expressed through His people.
The city shines with the glory of God.
The nations walk in its light.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the environment of God’s Kingdom, while the Holy City reveals the corporate expression of that Kingdom.
The throne administers.
The city manifests.
The Bride reveals the Bridegroom.
The New Heaven and the New Earth find visible expression in the Holy City coming down from God out of heaven.
CHAPTER 13
MAKING ALL THINGS NEW
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH REVEAL GOD’S ULTIMATE INTENTION
Revelation 21:5
“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.”
This declaration stands as one of the most powerful statements in all of Scripture.
It proceeds directly from the throne.
It proceeds from the One who created all things.
It proceeds from the One who governs all things.
It proceeds from the One who is bringing all things to their appointed end.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the fulfillment of this declaration.
God is making all things new.
THE THRONE SPEAKS
Notice carefully who speaks.
The city does not speak.
The nations do not speak.
The angels do not speak.
The One seated upon the throne speaks.
Everything in this book has proceeded from the throne.
The seals.
The trumpets.
The judgments.
The restoration.
The city.
The river.
The New Heaven and the New Earth.
Now the One seated upon the throne reveals His purpose.
“Behold, I make all things new.”
The throne has been administering this purpose from the beginning.
NOT ALL NEW THINGS
The statement is remarkable.
God does not say:
“I make all new things.”
He says:
“I make all things new.”
This is a statement of transformation.
This is a statement of restoration.
This is a statement of fulfillment.
The purpose of God is not merely replacement.
The purpose of God is renewal.
The purpose of God is to bring creation into the fullness of His original intention.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal that completed work.
THE PURPOSE OF GOD HAS ALWAYS BEEN TRANSFORMATION
Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself as One who transforms.
Water becomes wine.
Jacob becomes Israel.
Saul becomes Paul.
Fishermen become apostles.
Sinners become saints.
The earthly becomes heavenly.
The corruptible becomes incorruptible.
The mortal becomes immortal.
Transformation lies at the heart of God’s purpose.
The New Heaven and the New Earth represent the greatest transformation of all.
THE NEW CREATION IS ALREADY AT WORK
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.”
The New Creation is not merely future.
The New Creation has already begun.
The life of Christ has already entered humanity.
The Spirit has already begun transforming lives.
The Kingdom has already been planted.
The seed has already been sown.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are the harvest of what has already begun in Christ.
THE RECONCILIATION OF ALL THINGS
Colossians 1:20
“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself.”
Notice again the language.
All things.
Things in heaven.
Things in earth.
The purpose of God is comprehensive.
The cross reaches farther than many imagine.
The blood of Christ speaks of reconciliation.
The purpose of God is not fragmentation.
The purpose of God is unity.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal a reconciled creation.
THE RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS
Acts 3:21
“Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things.”
Peter speaks of restoration.
Restitution.
Recovery.
Renewal.
God is moving creation toward restoration.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the mature fruit of that restoration.
What was lost is restored.
What was broken is healed.
What was divided is reconciled.
What was corrupted is transformed.
Everything moves toward the purpose established before the foundation of the world.
CREATION SHALL BE DELIVERED
Romans 8:21
“Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
Creation is not abandoned.
Creation is delivered.
Creation is not discarded.
Creation is liberated.
Creation is not forgotten.
Creation is restored.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the liberation of creation from corruption and bondage.
The groaning of creation gives way to the liberty of creation.
THE INCREASE OF HIS GOVERNMENT
Isaiah 9:7
“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.”
God’s purpose is increasing.
His government is increasing.
His Kingdom is increasing.
His peace is increasing.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the fullness of that increase.
The throne has accomplished its purpose.
The Kingdom has filled creation.
The government of Christ stands fully manifested.
THE EARTH FILLED WITH HIS GLORY
Habakkuk 2:14
“For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”
This promise stretches across the ages.
The prophets saw it.
The apostles proclaimed it.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal its fulfillment.
The earth becomes filled with divine knowledge.
The earth becomes filled with divine life.
The earth becomes filled with divine glory.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the triumph of God’s purpose throughout creation.
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH ARE THE FRUIT OF THE FINISHED WORK
The Finished Work of Christ is not merely the forgiveness of sins.
The Finished Work reaches toward the reconciliation of all things.
The Finished Work reaches toward the restoration of creation.
The Finished Work reaches toward the gathering together of all things in Christ.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the mature fruit of what Christ accomplished through His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and exaltation.
Everything moves toward fulfillment.
Everything moves toward completion.
Everything moves toward God’s eternal purpose.
THE THRONE’S DECLARATION IS CERTAIN
After declaring:
“Behold, I make all things new,”
the Lord immediately says:
“These words are true and faithful.”
The purpose of God is not uncertain.
The purpose of God is not fragile.
The purpose of God is not dependent upon the wisdom of man.
The purpose of God proceeds from the throne.
The purpose of God is true.
The purpose of God is faithful.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not possibilities.
They are certainties established within the counsel of God.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the fulfillment of God’s declaration:
“Behold, I make all things new.”
The purpose of God is transformation, restoration, reconciliation, and fulfillment.
The New Creation has already begun in Christ.
The cross has initiated the reconciliation of all things.
Creation itself shall be delivered from corruption.
The earth shall be filled with the glory of God.
The increase of Christ’s government shall know no end.
The New Heaven and the New Earth stand as the mature fruit of the Finished Work of Christ and the eternal purpose of God.
The throne has spoken.
The purpose is certain.
God is making all things new.
CHAPTER 14
EVERY MAN IN HIS OWN ORDER
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH UNFOLD ACCORDING TO DIVINE ORDER
One of the greatest mistakes believers make when studying the New Heaven and the New Earth is assuming that God accomplishes everything at once.
The Scriptures reveal a different pattern.
God works progressively.
God works administratively.
God works according to divine order.
The New Heaven and the New Earth do not appear randomly.
They emerge according to the eternal purpose of God unfolding through the ages.
Everything in God’s Kingdom moves according to order.
Everything in God’s Kingdom moves according to purpose.
Everything in God’s Kingdom moves according to appointed times.
EVERY MAN IN HIS OWN ORDER
1 Corinthians 15:22-23
“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order.”
This statement unlocks one of the great principles of Scripture.
Notice the certainty.
“All shall be made alive.”
Then notice the process.
“Every man in his own order.”
God’s purpose is certain.
God’s administration is progressive.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not revealed through chaos.
They are revealed through divine order.
GOD IS A GOD OF ORDER
1 Corinthians 14:33
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.”
Throughout Scripture we see divine order.
Creation unfolds in order.
Israel unfolds in order.
The priesthood unfolds in order.
The feasts unfold in order.
The harvest unfolds in order.
The Kingdom unfolds in order.
The New Heaven and the New Earth unfold in order.
The throne administers purpose through appointed seasons and appointed ages.
FIRST THE BLADE, THEN THE EAR
Mark 4:28
“First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.”
Jesus revealed how the Kingdom operates.
Seed.
Growth.
Maturity.
Harvest.
The New Heaven and the New Earth follow the same pattern.
What God purposed before the foundation of the world appears first as a seed.
The seed grows through the ages.
The harvest appears in fullness.
God never skips the process.
CHRIST THE FIRSTFRUITS
1 Corinthians 15:23
“Christ the firstfruits.”
Christ stands first in every dimension of God’s purpose.
First in resurrection.
First in sonship.
First in authority.
First in inheritance.
First in manifestation.
Everything God intends to accomplish in creation is first revealed in Christ.
The New Heaven and the New Earth begin in Him.
He is the Firstfruits of the harvest that follows.
AFTERWARD THEY THAT ARE CHRIST’S
1 Corinthians 15:23
“Afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”
The principle continues.
First Christ.
Then those who belong to Christ.
God always works from Head to Body.
From Firstborn to brethren.
From Seed to harvest.
From Son to sons.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are progressively manifested through those conformed to the image of Christ.
THE MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS
Romans 8:19
“For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.”
Creation waits because God’s purpose unfolds progressively.
The manifestation of the sons does not occur before preparation.
The manifestation does not occur before maturity.
The manifestation does not occur before transformation.
God develops sons before He reveals sons.
God prepares vessels before He uses vessels.
God forms Christ within before He manifests Christ through.
THE HARVEST PRINCIPLE
Throughout Scripture, harvest reveals order.
Firstfruits.
Harvest.
Gleanings.
Each appears in its appointed season.
The farmer understands this principle.
The prophets understood this principle.
The apostles understood this principle.
The New Heaven and the New Earth unfold according to this same harvest pattern.
The throne administers every stage.
Nothing is premature.
Nothing is delayed.
Everything arrives at its appointed time.
THE DISPENSATION OF THE FULLNESS OF TIMES
Ephesians 1:10
“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ.”
Notice again the language.
Dispensation.
Fullness.
Times.
Gathering.
God is administering history.
The ages are moving toward fullness.
The Kingdom is moving toward fullness.
The purpose is moving toward fullness.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the fullness of God’s administration through the ages.
DEATH IS THE LAST ENEMY
1 Corinthians 15:26
“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”
Even the destruction of death occurs according to divine order.
The Kingdom advances.
Enemies are subdued.
Life increases.
Light increases.
Truth increases.
Christ reigns.
Then death itself is abolished.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the triumph of life over death.
The final enemy gives way to the eternal purpose of God.
THE KINGDOM UNTIL
1 Corinthians 15:25
“For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.”
Notice the word:
Till.
The Kingdom is active.
The Kingdom is advancing.
The Kingdom is increasing.
Christ reigns until His purpose is accomplished.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the mature outcome of that reign.
The throne has administered purpose throughout the ages.
Now the fruit of that administration stands revealed.
THE GATHERING OF ALL THINGS
The purpose has never changed.
From before the foundation of the world, God purposed to gather all things together in Christ.
Every age serves that purpose.
Every administration serves that purpose.
Every dealing serves that purpose.
Every revelation serves that purpose.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the visible result of God’s gathering purpose.
Everything finds its proper place in Christ.
Everything finds its proper order in Christ.
Everything finds its fulfillment in Christ.
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH REVEAL THE FULLNESS OF DIVINE ORDER
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not the result of chance.
They are the result of divine administration.
They are the result of divine order.
They are the result of divine purpose.
Nothing has been wasted.
Nothing has been forgotten.
Nothing has been outside the counsel of God.
The throne has governed every age.
The throne has governed every administration.
The throne has governed every stage of the journey.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the maturity of that process.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The New Heaven and the New Earth unfold according to divine order.
God works progressively through appointed ages, appointed seasons, and appointed administrations.
Christ is the Firstfruits.
The sons follow.
The harvest unfolds according to divine order.
The Kingdom advances until every enemy is subdued and death itself is abolished.
Everything moves toward the gathering together of all things in Christ.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the mature fruit of God’s orderly administration throughout the ages.
Every man in his own order.
Every purpose in its appointed season.
Every promise in its appointed fulfillment.
The throne governs all things until God’s eternal purpose stands complete.
CHAPTER 15
GOD ALL IN ALL
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH ARE NOT THE END OF THE STORY
Many believers view the New Heaven and the New Earth as the final destination of God’s purpose.
Yet the apostle Paul carries us one step further.
Beyond the ages.
Beyond the Kingdom.
Beyond the victory over death.
Beyond the reconciliation of all things.
Beyond the New Heaven and the New Earth.
Paul reveals the ultimate objective that existed within the heart of God before the foundation of the world.
1 Corinthians 15:28
“That God may be all in all.”
This is the consummation.
This is the goal.
This is the purpose hidden before the ages.
This is the reason for creation.
This is the reason for redemption.
This is the reason for the throne.
This is the reason for the New Heaven and the New Earth.
God All in All.
THE ETERNAL PURPOSE REACHES ITS CONSUMMATION
From the beginning of this book we have traced the purpose of God.
Before the foundation of the world there was purpose.
Before creation there was a throne.
Before Adam there was Christ.
Before time there was a plan.
Every age has moved toward fulfillment.
Every administration has moved toward completion.
Every revelation has moved toward manifestation.
Now the purpose reaches its consummation.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the mature environment in which God’s eternal purpose stands fully unveiled.
THE REIGN OF CHRIST
1 Corinthians 15:25
“For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.”
Throughout the ages Christ reigns.
His Kingdom advances.
His government increases.
His purpose unfolds.
His authority extends.
The throne continues its administration.
Nothing can prevent the accomplishment of His purpose.
Nothing can overthrow His Kingdom.
Nothing can frustrate His will.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the mature fruit of Christ’s reign.
THE LAST ENEMY DESTROYED
1 Corinthians 15:26
“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”
Death entered through Adam.
Death reigned through the First Order.
Death dominated the First Heaven and the First Earth.
Yet death was never intended to reign forever.
The Kingdom advances until death itself is abolished.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal a realm where death has lost its dominion.
Life triumphs.
Righteousness triumphs.
The purpose of God triumphs.
The final enemy falls before the authority of Christ.
ALL THINGS GATHERED TOGETHER IN CHRIST
Ephesians 1:10
“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ.”
The purpose has never changed.
God has always been moving toward unity.
God has always been moving toward reconciliation.
God has always been moving toward fullness.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the visible manifestation of that gathering.
Everything finds its source in Christ.
Everything finds its purpose in Christ.
Everything finds its fulfillment in Christ.
The ages accomplish their purpose.
The gathering is complete.
THE RECONCILIATION OF ALL THINGS
Colossians 1:20
“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself.”
The cross reaches farther than many imagine.
The blood speaks of reconciliation.
The blood speaks of restoration.
The blood speaks of peace.
The blood speaks of purpose.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the mature outcome of God’s reconciling work.
The purpose hidden before the foundation of the world stands unveiled.
THE TABERNACLE OF GOD IS WITH MEN
Revelation 21:3
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men.”
From Genesis to Revelation, God has desired habitation.
The garden pointed toward it.
The tabernacle pointed toward it.
The temple pointed toward it.
Christ revealed it.
The Church experienced it.
The New Heaven and the New Earth unveil its fullness.
God dwelling with man.
Man dwelling with God.
No separation.
No division.
No distance.
The eternal purpose fulfilled.
THE RIVER OF LIFE
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.”
The river continues to flow.
The throne continues to administer.
Life continues to increase.
The government of God continues without end.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not static realities.
They are living realities.
Life flows.
Light shines.
Glory increases.
The purpose of God stands fully manifested.
THE GLORY OF GOD FILLS ALL THINGS
Habakkuk 2:14
“For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”
What was promised by the prophets is fulfilled.
The glory fills creation.
The glory fills the nations.
The glory fills the earth.
The glory fills all things.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the triumph of divine glory throughout creation.
Nothing remains untouched by His presence.
Nothing remains outside His purpose.
THE THRONE REMAINS
One truth has remained constant throughout this book.
The throne.
Before creation there was a throne.
Through the ages there was a throne.
Through redemption there was a throne.
Through judgment there was a throne.
Through manifestation there was a throne.
Within the New Heaven and the New Earth there remains a throne.
The throne reveals the eternal government of God.
The throne reveals the eternal administration of God.
The throne reveals the eternal purpose of God.
The throne remains because God remains.
GOD ALL IN ALL
Finally Paul declares:
1 Corinthians 15:28
“That God may be all in all.”
Not all in some.
Not all in many.
All in all.
The purpose reaches completion.
The ages reach fulfillment.
The Kingdom reaches maturity.
The enemies are subdued.
Death is abolished.
Creation is liberated.
The sons are manifested.
The city shines.
The river flows.
The throne reigns.
The New Heaven and the New Earth stand unveiled.
And God becomes all in all.
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH REVEAL THE VICTORY OF GOD’S PURPOSE
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not merely prophetic subjects.
They are the revelation of God’s victory.
The victory of His purpose.
The victory of His Kingdom.
The victory of His government.
The victory of His Son.
The victory of His love.
The victory of His wisdom.
The victory of His eternal purpose.
Everything God purposed before the foundation of the world reaches fulfillment.
Everything God promised reaches manifestation.
Everything God began reaches completion.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The New Heaven and the New Earth are the mature unveiling of God’s eternal purpose.
Christ reigns until every enemy is subdued and death itself is abolished.
All things are gathered together in Christ.
All things are reconciled through Christ.
The glory of God fills creation.
The river of life flows from the throne.
The tabernacle of God is with men.
The Kingdom stands established.
The purpose stands fulfilled.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the consummation of the ages, the triumph of the Kingdom, and the fulfillment of God’s eternal purpose.
And at the end of the journey stands the ultimate declaration of Scripture:
God All in All.
CONCLUSION
THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH — THE CONSUMMATION OF THE ETERNAL PURPOSE OF GOD
As we come to the end of this study, we must remember where we began.
We did not begin in Revelation 21.
We began before the foundation of the world.
We began in the eternal purpose of God.
We began before Adam.
We began before creation.
We began before time itself.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not an afterthought.
They are not God’s response to failure.
They are not a divine recovery plan.
They are the unveiling of a purpose that existed in the heart of God before the world began.
Throughout this study we have followed the river of divine purpose from its source to its consummation.
We saw the eternal purpose before the foundation of the world.
We saw the throne before creation.
We saw that heaven rules and earth manifests.
We saw the First Heaven and the First Earth.
We saw the unfolding Plan of the Ages.
We saw the Last Adam and the New Creation.
We saw Zion, where God plants the heavens.
We saw the New Heaven and the New Earth revealed within God’s people.
We saw the passing of the sea.
We saw the passing of the former things.
We saw the manifestation of the sons of God.
We saw the Holy City descending from God out of heaven.
We saw God making all things new.
We saw every man in his own order.
And finally we arrived at the great declaration:
God All in All.
Throughout Scripture one truth remains constant.
The throne.
The throne existed before creation.
The throne governed creation.
The throne governed redemption.
The throne governed the ages.
The throne governs the Kingdom.
The throne governs the New Heaven and the New Earth.
Everything proceeds from the throne.
Everything moves toward the fulfillment of the purpose established by the One seated upon the throne.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are the mature fruit of that administration.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the triumph of Christ over Adam.
The triumph of life over death.
The triumph of righteousness over corruption.
The triumph of light over darkness.
The triumph of peace over turmoil.
The triumph of the Kingdom over every opposing kingdom.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the fulfillment of God’s promise to gather together all things in Christ.
They reveal the fulfillment of God’s promise to reconcile all things unto Himself.
They reveal the fulfillment of God’s promise that the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal a creation no longer governed by Adam but governed by Christ.
A creation no longer dominated by death but filled with life.
A creation no longer ruled by fear but established in peace.
A creation no longer separated from God but filled with His presence.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the ultimate victory of the Finished Work of Christ.
The cross was never merely about forgiveness.
The cross was never merely about escape.
The cross was never merely about individual salvation.
The cross was the doorway through which God’s eternal purpose would unfold until all things are gathered together in Christ.
The New Heaven and the New Earth reveal the mature fruit of that Finished Work.
Yet even here we must remember the final revelation of Scripture.
The New Heaven and the New Earth are not the end of the story.
They are the unveiling of the environment in which God’s eternal purpose reaches its fullness.
Beyond every age.
Beyond every administration.
Beyond every enemy.
Beyond death itself.
There stands the ultimate declaration:
“That God may be all in all.”
This is the goal.
This is the purpose.
This is the mystery hidden from ages and generations.
This is the reason for creation.
This is the reason for redemption.
This is the reason for the throne.
This is the reason for the Kingdom.
This is the reason for the New Heaven and the New Earth.
The story that began before the foundation of the world concludes with God fully revealed in His creation.
The throne remains.
The river flows.
The city shines.
The sons are manifested.
The nations walk in the light.
Life fills all things.
Glory fills all things.
Christ fills all things.
And God becomes all in all.
This is the consummation of the eternal purpose.
This is the revelation of the New Heaven and the New Earth.
This is the Full Counsel of God.
