Revelation Chapter 21:1-8/Commentary

Revelation Chapter 21:1-8 Revelation 21:1-10 “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea.

2And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them, 4and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. " 5And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true." 6And He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. 7"He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. 8"But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

21:1 “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth�: Some commentators have interpreted this section as being a figurative vision of the church in her present glory rather than a picture of heaven. I would respond that this is a picture of a heaven, or the redeemed in heaven: 1. This follows the final judgment (20:1115). 2. All the problems of this earthly life have been removed (21:4). The curse that originated in Genesis has been completely eliminated (22:3). 3. What is being described is what the faithful Christian actually inherits (21:7). 4. While the church has from time to time unfaithful members (Revelation chapters 2-3), the city described in this vision is completely off limits to anyone who is unfaithful (21:27).

Some take the descriptions in these chapters to refer to a brand new planet and universe, which will be supposedly created after the close of the Millennium (premillennialists and some postmillennialists). As noted above, others feel that the new heaven and new earth are the new covenant, and the new Jerusalem is the church as she presently exists on the earth.

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The reader should note that the expression “new heavens and new earth” can apply to the passing away of an old order and the institution of a new order. In the Old Testament it was used of the passing away of the old covenant (Isaiah 65:17-19; compare verse 25 with Isaiah 2:2-4. Yet this expression also clearly refers to the complete passing away of the physical universe as well (2 Peter 3:10,13; Revelation 20:11).

Consider the striking parallels between the new heaven and earth described by Peter, and what John speaks of in the Revelation letter. In both passages, the new heavens and earth happens after the judgment and destruction of ungodly individuals (2 Peter 3:7; Revelation 20:13); and the removal or passing away of the present physical universe (2 Peter 3:10; 20:11). Therefore, the expression “new heavens and new earth” in these passages is talking about the future home of the righteous. The Greek word rendered “new” in these passages is more in reference to kind or quality than in reference to time. The new heavens and earth is not simply the old physical creation with a face-lift. In 2 Peter 3:10 it is clear that the present earth and universe will have been completely destroyed.

Not only are all the works on the planet burned up with fervent heat, but the planet, the heavens, and the elements are equally consumed. The word “elements” refers to the elemental substances, the basic elements in the natural world from which everything is made or composed. God is making it clear that the removal of the entire physical creation will not simply leave us with a huge hole or void. Rather, God has another “place”, or what one writer termed a new type of environment, designed and planned for the righteous, what we might call a spiritual universe, and like the old order that had the holy city Jerusalem, the new heavens and earth has a holy city (Revelation 21:2). When John says that the new Jerusalem came down out of heaven from God, he is not saying that the physical earth will be the home for this new city, but rather, God is the builder of this city, the city has a Divine origin. In addition, this is being let down in a vision in order that John might see it and write about it for us.

From the following passages we learn that heaven is indeed a place, rather than simply being a state of mind. Notice the terms that are used in reference to heaven: It is called a “city”, “the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Some very beautiful cities exist in this world, and yet they are the result of man’s imagination, human skill, planning, design and architecture. What does the city look like that God has completely planned, designed and constructed in every detail? “For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). The word “lasting” should be very important to us because cities on this earth are destroyed by invading armies, decay from within, are vulnerable to fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, and can become simply too big and expensive to maintain. Even our very modern cities have roads and bridges and other public works which are simply too expensive at the moment to adequately repair.

Heaven is spoken of as a “country”, “they desire a better country” (Hebrews

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11:16). 3. It is also spoken of as “new heavens and a new earth”, “But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1).

21:1 “For the first heaven and the first earth passed away”: Compare with 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 20:11. This is not talking about the passing away of the Old Covenant, for that had already happened decades before this book was written. Jesus reminded us that the physical universe was not permanent (Matthew 24:35). This passage does contradict the claim made by some religious groups that the earth is eternal and will be the eternal home of the righteous or most of the righteous. This is one more reason not to place all our hopes and treasures in this life (Matthew 6:19-21). Repeatedly throughout the New Testament, the hope (Ephesians 4:4-6) of the Christian is squarely rooted in heaven (Colossians 3:1-2; 1 Peter 1:4).

21:1“And there is no longer any sea”: This is interpreted to either mean the sea of glass which earlier separated God from His servants (4:6), thus allowing direct access to God in eternity. Or it refers to the sea in chapter 13, that is the rebellious mass of humanity out of which arose the beast. “The nations which have been endlessly at war with God and with one another shall be no more” (Harkrider p. 239). Some Premillennial writers actually contend at this point that God not only creates a new material universe, but the earth in that universe does not have any oceans. Some go so far as to argue that the oceans are consumed by what Peter describes in 2 Peter 3:10.

21:2 “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem”: The term “new” means new in kind and superior to that which preceded it. This is not merely the glorified church but the environment or city where the redeemed will abide for all eternity (Hebrews 12:22; Galatians 4:26). This city presently exists! Abraham was looking for this city (Hebrews 11:13,16; 13:14).

21:2 “Coming down out of heaven from God”: Some interpret this as meaning that this new Jerusalem comes from heaven and is then placed on the earth, but the text does not say that. Rather, the city is brought down for John to see it, and the emphasis here is that the city originates from God. This city is heavenly and not earthly in nature, and God is the architect of this city.

21:2 “Made ready as a bride adorned for her husband”: Some see this as a reference to the glorified church, the bride of Christ, which is presented to Christ in eternity without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:25-27). It is also true that the church is often spoken of as being the bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Romans 7:4; Ephesians 5:22-33). “This heavenly city is also prepared as a bride, dressed in spotless white, a picture of innocence, purity, and love” (Harkrider p. 240). Another idea could be that for centuries the church has been making itself ready for the marriage with the Lamb (Revelation 19:7) and now the time has come for the actual marriage. In verse 9 it is clear that this city

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represents the wife of the Lamb (21:9-10). Tied up in this imagery may also be the future condition or environment that surrounds this wife. That is, the final condition as well as abode of the righteous is as beautiful and breath taking as a bride prepared for her husband!

21:3 “Behold the tabernacle of God is among men”: The word “tabernacle” means a tent, booth, a lodging, or dwelling place. Throughout the Bible there has been a continuing movement towards a closer and closer dwelling between God and men. In the Old Testament God dwelled in the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 40:16-34). When Jesus came, God actually dwelled in flesh and walked among men (John 1:14), and then He dwelled in the new spiritual household, the church (Ephesians 2:21f). “The development of God’s presence among His people now reaches its zenith as He dwells or tabernacles with them in His heavenly fellowship” (Hailey p. 407). This refers to that time when we will see God face to face (1 John 3:1-3).

21:3 “He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them”: That is, God will actually be in their very presence.

21:4 “And He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes”: Even though God presently dwells among His people (Ephesians 2:21f; 3:17), this present dwelling does not wipe away every tear and neither does it remove death, pain and suffering. Some argue that this verse applies now, that our relationship with God through Christ has even transformed these experiences so that, while we do still mourn the loss of loved ones, we do not ‘sorrow as others who have no hope’ (1 Thess. 4:13). While that is true, the above verse is talking about the complete removal of “every” tear, and not just “some” tears. Faithful Christians in this life still shed tears (2 Timothy 1:4). “The old heaven and earth have passed away; and with their going went also everything that married life on earth as God would have had it: the fruit of sin, death, and its consequences” (Hailey p. 407). There are no more tears, because all the consequences of sin, including, disease and death have been removed. Here is one description of the bliss of being with God: no tears, no death, no mourning, no crying, and no pain. This must be a description of eternity, for death is not finally removed until the resurrection on the last day (1 Corinthians 15).

21:4 “And there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain” No more tearful experiences, which means that our enjoyment in heaven will not be spoiled by the thought of those who didn’t make it. This verse is describing the quality of life enjoyed by those in heaven.

“No longer be any death”: This also means no aging, no disease, aches and pains of the body, no frustrations with a body or memory that is failing and will no longer cooperate with us. We will never again be over the hill, or on the down 4

hillside, no longer hindered by a body that is wearing out. In addition, there will be no fear of accidents, time and chance catching up to us, or being the victim of someone’s rage or foolishness. By this time death will have been completely conquered and eliminated (Revelation 20:14; 1 Corinthians 15:25-26).

“No longer be any mourning”-No frustrations, disappointments or setbacks, and no more painful separations, misunderstandings or hurt feelings. This means that there won’t be any sin in heaven. In this life we often mourn over our own sins (Matthew 5:4). No longer will we shoot ourselves in the foot, undermine our own progress, or fail. There will be no more guilt, no more being beaten by a temptation, or shamed by our own selfishness (Romans 6:21). There will be no more unfaithfulness, or lack of moral courage. In this life we also often mourn over the sins of others (1 Cor. 5:2). In this life, we mourn as we see young people destroy themselves with drugs, families disintegrate because of immorality and divorce, and Christians fall away due to apathy or selfishness (2 Timothy 4:10). All of this means that I can deal with disappointments in this life, I can worry about the souls of the weak and unfaithful here, because I know that such is only a very temporary task. In view of heaven, qualified Christian men should be willing to serve as deacons and elders, because whatever hardships such places upon yourself and your family, it is a greatly needed task among the people of God and it is only temporary. In addition, we could also note that heaven means the ending of accusations against the bride of Christ and the faithful. All the critics have been silenced (Jude 15). There will be no more congregational problems, no more divisions, and no more misunderstandings between brethren. So many things in this life seem to frustrate and hinder the progress of the local church. So much of our time is spent trying to encourage the weak and discouraged, or resolve conflicts, that it feels we are neglecting the lost.

“Or crying, or pain”: Whether that pain is emotional, mental, or physical. All persecution has ceased in all its forms. In this life, being a Christian often means being separated emotionally from family members who refuse to obey the gospel, remain faithful, or simply listen to God. Becoming a Christian often means finding yourself emotionally and spiritually isolated from people with whom you would love to have a close relationship (Matthew 10:34-36). We are discouraged and disappointed when people that we love just don’t get it. In many relationships we are forced to keep at a shallow level, because people often don’t want to talk about God and His word. We are saddened when we realize that family members don’t appreciate what we are trying to accomplish, that we have found the truth! Even in the local congregation we might feel somewhat isolated, especially if we don’t have a lot of physical family in the church. In heaven, we will no longer feel this isolation. There are no outsiders in heaven, and no more uncomfortable interactions or confrontations.

21:5 “The first things have passed away”: It is hard to imagine that the effects of sin will ever be removed, but they will! Note that only God can make all things 5

new. “People may vainly imagine that by means of better education, a better environment, better legislation, and a more equitable distribution of wealth they are going to usher in a new era, a golden age, the Utopia of man’s ardent desire.

Their dream remains a dream! Neither economic nor disarmament conferences, neither better schools nor share-the-wealth programs are going to bring about a real golden age” (More Than Conquerors, William Hendriksen, p. 200). How foolish for man to try to make “heaven” on earth. This life will always be filled with setbacks, frustrations, pain, death, disease, natural and economic woes, etc….(John 16:33). This is not the “newness” that is associated with becoming a Christian (2 Corinthian 5:17), for death, suffering, tears and pain do not stop at one’s conversion. This is a newness that has removed the entire physical creation and all of the effects of sin. “The grandeur of the ‘all things new’ will surely surpass and exceed anything that our imaginations can conceive” (Hailey p. 408).

21:5 “And He who sits on the throne said”: Both the Father and the Son sit on the throne (3:21). “Behold, I am making all things new”: See the above verse.

21:5 “Write, for these words are faithful and true”: Once again John is instructed to write, “for these words are faithful and true, bearing the signature of God Himself. For a message of such stupendous import and assurance must be preserved for all mankind for all time” (Hailey p. 408).

21:6 “And He said to me, ‘It is done’”: “The scheme of redemption and its revelation originate and terminate with God” (Hailey p. 408). God is the One who planned from eternity to save the faithful, and now that plan comes to completion.

21:6 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end”: God is the source and origination of the universe and man, everything was created for His purpose and all ends in Him as well. This title is applied to Christ in 1:8, 17-18 and 22:13. “This is more than a marker of time. It speaks of purpose and goal.

It began because there was a reason for its beginning, and that purpose will be accomplished. It will end only when God has seen that His purposes are fulfilled.

He is the beginning and the end; therefore, He is in a position to know of the certainty of fulfillment. So when he says “they are come to pass”, we can be sure of it!” (McGuiggan p. 323).

21:6 “I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost”: “Though people have spent great sums of money to find a fountain of youth, God holds it out freely to all who come to Him. All good things men vainly work to acquire and retain in this world will be inherited for ever and ever by faithful saints (John 14:1-3; Romans 8:18-24)” (Harkrider p. 242).

“Nothing will be lacking in the complete fullness and realization of all spiritual desires of the glorified soul in heaven” (Hailey p. 408). What Jesus offered in this life (John 4:10,14; 7:37f), will be completely fulfilled in heaven. Notice that God does not force thirsty people to drink. The world is filled with thirsty people who

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are trying all the wrong things to quench their spiritual thirst. Only heaven will finally provide and quench the desires of the human soul.

21:7 “He who overcomes”: Special promises in this letter were offered to those who overcome (2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21). In addition, we have already been told about the type of person who overcomes (12:11). “Shall inherit these things”: Again, we are talking about what the Christian inherits in the future (Matthew 19:29; 1 Peter 3:9; Hebrews 1:14; Matthew 25:34). “Along with the glorious presence of God, the immunities from death, sorrows, and griefs, and the abundance of water to refresh and satisfy every desire of the soul” (Hailey p.

409). “And I will be his God and he will be My son”: Here is the promise of an eternal parent child relationship, “like that of a son receiving the inheritance which has been guaranteed to him” (Hailey p. 409).

21:8 “But”: In contrast to those who are faithful, is the future that the unfaithful will face. Note, once again we are talking about future rewards and punishments. “The cowardly”: Are in contrast to those who are faithful unto death (2:10). This would include the timid, who in fear shrink back (Hebrews 10:38f). In this army is there is tolerance for cowards (Matthew 10:37-38).

“Unbelieving”: Which would include the atheists, skeptics, agnostics, and people who do not take Jesus or His word seriously. Rebellion to His word is a manifestation of unbelief (Hebrews 3:18-19). “Abominable”: The idea is one who is morally and spiritually foul. Those who participate in things that are morally unclean. “Murderers”: Notice that God lumps cowards and unbelievers into the same category with murderers (Romans 1:29-31). “Immoral persons”: Here the KJV says “whoremongers”, that is people who are sexually immoral, fornicators, adulterers, homosexuals, and so on. “People “who live to gratify sexual lusts outside of the confines of the marriage bed” (Hebrews 13:4)” (Harkrider p. 243). “Sorcerers”: People who are involved in the occult.

“Idolaters”: Worshipers of false gods, “whether visible idols or invisible mental images” (Hailey p. 410). Remember, when anything replaces God in one’s heart and devotion, it is idolatry (Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5). “All liars”: Not just some or just those who tell really big lies, but everyone who is false in their speech. “Those who practice all that is deceitful or false, whether in word or by silence, by deed or intimation” (Hailey p. 410). See Acts 5:1ff.

21:8 “Their part will be”: It is clear that God will punish sinners who do not repent. God will not change His mind, and there will be no second chances after the judgment. This will be the fate of those who oppose Him (Romans 2:6-11; Galatians 5:9-21; Ephesians 5:3-6).

21:8 “In the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death”: Compare with Revelation 20:14-15. This is the future for all those who names are not written in the book of life. One’s company here consists of the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).

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