06/11/2024
Jean Morrison
Today’s life expectancy ranges from 70 to over 80 years, depending on the country. Contemplating our future death isn’t a favorite topic of discussion for anyone. In fact, conversations about what lies beyond the grave continue to spark debate with varying opinions. However, as believers, we know that our final destiny in Christ Jesus can be known with certainty, anticipation, and celebration!
The Bible makes it clear that Jesus has overcome death, and those who believe in Him will inherit eternal life, living forever in God’s presence. Jesus will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords in this new kingdom! Imagine being citizens of the Most High in a place free from sadness, sickness, disease, political corruption, or racism. In this place, love and respect abound, and everyone works together under the leadership of King Jesus. Now, that’s something to get happy about!
The Apostle John gives us a glimpse of this in the book of Revelation. Derived from the Greek word “apokalypsis,” meaning “to unveil” or “to disclose,” the official name of the book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. As the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, Jesus reveals our future as His bride and the hope accompanying it. We need the book of Revelation because it offers wisdom and hope for the future, assuring us that God will be with us. Many people find this book intimidating, but God promises a blessing to those who read it and takes its words to heart (Revelation 1:3).
Revelation 21:1-4 says: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God will be with them and their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”
Here are three Absolute Truths from the Word of God that assure us as believers that this world is not our home and we can look forward to a new heaven and earth!
Absolute Truth #1: We are not designed to stay here on earth forever.
Jesus’ Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-13) teaches us not to get bogged down with worldly cares, not only because it distracts us from our relationship with Jesus, but also because this world is temporary—it’s not our final destination. While some believe earth is our permanent home, our life expectancy here is about 79 years. Looking at it from a natural perspective, we know that we cannot survive on other planets because the atmosphere is not suited for our present bodies.
In addition, John’s vision in Revelation highlights that the new heaven and earth will have no sea, which symbolizes the absence of danger and separation which we currently experience here on earth. Lastly, as Christ was resurrected in physical form, we, too, as believers will receive new bodies to dwell with God forever. Revelation 21:1-4 promises us as believers a new, beautiful, and eternal home because this world is not our home.
Absolute Truth #2: The New Jerusalem.
One day, we will live in a new, beautiful Holy City. The New Jerusalem is coming down. This is a unilateral effort of God, with no help from mankind. Our new home is a place God designed for us so He can be in a relationship with us forever, face to face. God literally creates a new heaven to dwell with His people on the new earth. Again, God takes the initiative to connect with His people, even dressing the city as a beautiful bride. How awesome is that?
Absolute Truth #3: Hope is loud.
The book of Revelation was written and shared during the widespread persecution of Christians to bring encouragement and hope. From His throne, God announced that a new heaven and new earth would come to pass! What an awesome message! Apostle John, when he heard it, said it was “Loud!” Whenever we hear good news proclaimed in the Bible, we should share it openly! Our new home in heaven with God should fill us with joy and hope—something to shout about for all to hear!
Absolute Truth #4: Tears, grief, mourning, crying, and pain will have no place in the New Jerusalem.
Imagine Jesus personally wiping away all your tears in your new eternal home. That means that every grief, along with every situation that caused you pain or sorrow, will be purged away. You will never experience those negative emotions ever again. In the new Jerusalem, there will be unimaginable joy in the presence of our Lord and Savior, forever and ever!"
So, what’s the bottom line?
Your best life is yet to come because the Revelation of Jesus Christ assures us so!
Want to dig deeper on this topic? Click below to watch Rev. Rountree's message, "Is This World Not Our Home?"
