Revelation 21 - Introduction

A New Heaven and A New Earth Revelation Twenty-One

Revelation Twenty-one begins with the encouraging statement, "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. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:1-2) The "new heaven and new earth" was a picture of victory for the saints of God.

2 Peter 3:13 also speaks of a "new heavens and a new earth." Peter wrote, "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." The most glorious characteristic of this new heaven and new earth is that it is a place in which righteousness dwells. Isaiah 44:1-28; Isaiah 45:1-25; Isaiah 46:1-13; Isaiah 47:1-15; Isaiah 48:1-22; Isaiah 49:1-26; Isaiah 50:1-11; Isaiah 51:1-23; Isaiah 52:1-15; Isaiah 53:1-12; Isaiah 54:1-17; Isaiah 55:1-13; Isaiah 56:1-12; Isaiah 57:1-21; Isaiah 58:1-14; Isaiah 59:1-21; Isaiah 60:1-22; Isaiah 61:1-11; Isaiah 62:1-12; Isaiah 63:1-19; Isaiah 64:1-12; Isaiah 65:1-25; Isaiah 66:1-24 likewise deals with the theme of a new heaven and a new earth.

Isaiah, Peter and John all had in mind the same thing as they wrote of the new heaven and new earth. They are writing about the time when persecution will be over and the saints of God will be victorious. The "new heaven and the new earth" means a new order of things. God's faithful people will be victorious!

Revelation Twenty-one gives us a look at the wonderful fellowship with God that will be enjoyed by those that die faithful. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4) We are also provided a glimpse into the beauty and protection enjoyed by those that die faithful.