Question 1

What does it mean that there is a new heaven and a new earth?

Accepted Answer

When John says he sees a new heaven and a new earth, he is shown a renewed creation where the old order of pain, sin, and death has passed away. This is not just a small change but a complete change in the way things are. There is no more sea, which points to the end of chaos and fear. In this new creation, God lives closely with His people, and everything is suited for a life of holiness, peace, and joy in His presence forever.

Question 2

What is the New Jerusalem and why is it called the bride?

Accepted Answer

The New Jerusalem is described as a holy city coming down from God, prepared like a bride dressed for her husband. This picture shows the perfected people of God, completely pure, beautiful, and ready for full union with Christ. The city’s walls, gates, and foundations covered with precious stones point to its value and glory. Calling it the bride reminds us that the close, loving relationship between Christ and His people reaches its full and final joy in this future state.

Question 3

What does it mean that God will wipe away every tear from their eyes?

Accepted Answer

The promise that God will wipe away every tear means that all reasons for sorrow will be removed. In this new state there is no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. The things that now break our hearts are called “former things,” and they are gone forever. This is not just comfort from far away; God Himself is near to His people and takes away every cause of grief. It shows tender care, lasting peace, and complete healing for all who belong to Him.

Question 4

Who are those who overcome and what do they inherit?

Accepted Answer

Those who overcome are the ones who keep trusting God and hold to Him through temptation, suffering, and pressure to turn away. God promises that such people will “inherit all things,” which means they fully share in this new creation, the holy city, and the blessings He gives. God says, “I will be his God, and he shall be my son,” showing a close family bond. Their reward is not only a place, but a secure, loving relationship with God forever.

Question 5

Why are some people cast into the lake of fire and called the second death?

Accepted Answer

The passage lists the fearful, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars. These are people who turn from God and cling to sin, refusing His way. Their “part” is in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is called the second death. This shows a final, serious judgment after physical death. It warns that life apart from God’s grace leads to lasting separation and misery, in sharp contrast to the joy of the new creation.

Question 6

Why does the city have no temple, sun, or moon in this vision?

Accepted Answer

John says there is no temple in the city because God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. People do not need a special building to meet God; His presence fills everything. The city also does not need the sun or moon, because the glory of God lights it, and the Lamb is its light. This picture shows that God’s presence and Christ’s glory give all the light and closeness His people need, without any darkness, distance, or interruption in their fellowship with Him.

Question 7

What is the Lamb’s book of life and who enters the city?

Accepted Answer

Only those written in the Lamb’s book of life may enter the holy city. This book pictures God’s sure knowledge of those who belong to Christ, the Lamb who was slain and rose again. The passage says nothing that defiles, no one who does shameful acts, and no one who loves lies will go in. The people inside are those made clean and kept by God. Their names are secure with Him, and they live in a place where sin and corruption never enter again.

Question 8

How should believers today respond to this vision of the holy city?

Accepted Answer

This vision calls believers to hold on to hope and live in a way that fits their future home. Knowing that God will dwell with His people and remove all sorrow encourages patience in trials. The picture of a pure city where nothing unclean enters urges believers to seek holiness and turn from sin. It also reassures them that their faith is not empty; God’s words are “true and faithful,” and He will finish what He has started for all who trust Him.

Question 9

Why are the twelve gates and twelve foundations described in such detail?

Accepted Answer

The twelve gates have the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the twelve foundations have the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. This shows the unity and fullness of God’s people from both old and new covenants. The precious stones and careful measurements highlight beauty, order, and security. The equal length, breadth, and height stress perfection and balance. All this tells us that the people of God in the end are complete, safe, and honored in God’s sight.

Question 10

What does it mean that some see this vision as a phase in God’s future plan?

Accepted Answer

Faithful readers have understood the timing of this vision in more than one way. Some see it as the final, eternal state after all judgment, while others see it as a great future stage in Christ’s reign before the very end. Both views agree that it describes a real future renewal where God’s people enjoy His presence, and sin and sorrow are gone. The main point is the sure hope of a renewed creation, not the exact timetable of when every detail takes place.

Revelation 21:1

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.

A New Heaven and a New Earth

The New Jerusalem

A New Heaven and a New Earth

Cross References

Revelation 21:1

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.

Share Options

All Verses

Verse + Context

Current Verse

A New Heaven and a New Earth

The New Jerusalem

A New Heaven and a New Earth

Cross References