Scripture – “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. ‘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.” Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
Revelation 21:1-4, 27 NIV
Observation – Verses 1-4 describe the new heaven and the new earth where God will be with his people, where he will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain. Verse 27 states that nothing impure will enter heaven, nor anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Application – A common question is, “How can a loving God send people to hell?” It is a good question and, initially seems like there is a contradiction between God’s character and a place like hell. If you read these verses carefully there is not a way for a non-believer to enter into heaven. Heaven is going to be a place where people love God and want to spend time with him. I have an old friend who hates Christians and who is actively trying to turn people from their faith in Christ. Can you imagine a person like that walking around in heaven? The logical question is then, “well what about good people who just haven’t accepted Jesus, what about them?” They are still impure, they haven’t repented of their sins and have rejected the God that made them and gave them life. God is good, he has provided people the opportunity to seek him while he can be found. Don’t put it off.
Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for the promise of heaven and the hope of spending eternity with you in a perfect place. Amen.
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