Revelation 21:1-5
In verse 1 John now sees a new heaven and a new earth. Most likely this is not a reference to the Kingdom of Heaven where God’s Throne resides and where all things are sustained from. The heaven John is speaking of is the atmospheric heaven surrounding the earth and perhaps the vast universe.
However things are to be made new. Some subscribe to God scraping the whole thing and making it all new and others think that He will just recreate it. Since God is doing it we know it will be good either way!
John, making a reference to there being no sea is not made clear. It may represent a new world without the need of seas; however other water sources are not mentioned either.
It could also be a reference to no more evil such as seen in chapter thirteen where the beast and the false prophet rise out of the sea. Seas can represent nations and peoples which can be evil.
In verse 2 there is another controversial passage that concerns the New Jerusalem and the Bride of Christ. Notice the statement; “the city was coming down out of Heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband.”
Note the word “as;” it is being used here in a descriptive sense. The statement does not say that the city was being prepared to be the bride; it is saying that the appearance of the city was “as a bride.”
This type of figurative descriptive has been used throughout the Bible many times. Think about it, a bride preparing for a wedding is completely decked out. There are not many times that a woman is considered more beautiful than a bride coming down to the altar on her wedding day.
The city being decked out is a match when you consider the precious metals, jewels, pearls and colors that will be so brilliant and shown with such magnificence. The scene is one of anticipation, such as a bridegroom awaiting his bride.
Jesus is not getting married to a city. He is marrying the people of the city. The Apostle Paul clarifies this in Ephesians and again in 1 Corinthians when he states that the church is the bride and betrothed to Jesus Christ.
The confusion for some is the references of the Body of Christ and of being Jesus’ brethren. There are many facets to spirituality. Being the Bride of Christ is a unique relationship of love and unity, of becoming one with Him for eternity. Since there will be no sexual relations, it must not enter into the understanding of this love relationship we will have with Christ.
So the different references are to signify our relationship with Jesus anywhere from a place of authority to an intimate place we can enjoy with Him.
In verse 3 a great voice declares out of Heaven that God is going to Tabernacle with men. God Himself is planning on dwelling with us. He will be our God and we will be His people.
This is the relationship that He created mankind for. It has always been His plan to have a people, a family to enjoy fellowship with and to show all His goodness and love to according to Ephesians 2:7. So we have something to look forward to on a level that we cannot even fathom with our finite minds, 1Corinthians 2:9.
In verse 4 notice the timing of this next demonstration of His love. God Himself is going to wipe away all our tears; this will take place after the White Throne Judgment. He cannot do this until that solemn moment of time has passed.
One Evangelist that was given the opportunity to visit Heaven stated that Jesus Himself told him He is not looking forward to that day. Some of the very creation He loves is going to be condemned for eternity and it is final. He also told him that He too will be weeping on that day. It is so important to help those that are on this path to judgment to see the truth and get off of it while there is still time!
Imagine a place and time of no more death, no more crying, no more pain. That means no more devil, no more evil and everything is good. I know that we are all looking forward to that day!
In verse 5 a powerful scene is shown to us. The One that is seated on the Throne will make a declaration that ‘He makes all things new.’ He instructs John to write these things down; that they are faithful and true.
We have His Word on it and nothing in all creation can change it. Not man’s puffed up intellect, not global warming, not the devil, nothing! It will be as He has said!