The Thread - Tying it All Together
Main Point: What God has planned for us is far better than what we have now
As Christians our final destination is not “a home far away” but a home right here – a new heaven and a new earth
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 himself will be with them and be their God. —Revelation 21:1-3
“The Bible teaches that the future is not an immaterial ‘paradise’ but a new heaven and a new earth. In Revelation 21, we do not see human beings being taken out of this world into heaven, but rather heaven coming down and cleansing, renewing, and perfecting this material world.” —Tim Keller
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. —2 Peter 3:13
In the new heaven/new earth the curse will be canceled
‘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.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” —Revelation 21:4-5
Life in the new heaven/new earth is available to all who are thirsty
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. —Revelation 21:6-7
Not everyone will live in the new heaven/new earth
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” —Revelation 21:8
What should all of this mean for us who live on the current earth?
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
—2 Peter 3:11-18
Takeaway: If we are living only for this life we will miss out on our best life
Discussion Questions:
1. How often do you think about heaven? When you do think of heaven how do you picture it?
2. Did you learn anything today that was new to you or challenged your understanding of heaven?
3. What most excites you about heaven? What concerns you? Or does thinking about heaven seem morbid to you?
Table Discussion Question: How do you think you’ll respond when you first see Jesus in heaven?