Question 1

What is meant by a new heaven and a new earth in this passage?

Accepted Answer

When John speaks about a new heaven and a new earth, he is describing a future state where God has fully renewed his creation. The old world, marked by sin, suffering, and death, has passed away. This is not just a clean-up of what we know now, but a complete change in the way things are. It is a place where God’s people have glorified bodies suited for this new world, and everything is pure and holy. It shows God finishing what he started and bringing his people into a perfect home with him.

Question 2

Why is there no more sea in John’s vision of the new creation?

Accepted Answer

The line about there being no more sea points to the end of everything that brought unrest and danger. In the world John knew, the sea could picture chaos, separation, and trouble. In the new creation there is no place for that kind of turmoil and threat. Only those made righteous by God are there, and nothing remains that can disturb their peace with him. The focus is not on geography but on the fact that all sources of fear, conflict, and uncertainty are gone forever in God’s renewed world.

Question 3

What is the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from God?

Accepted Answer

The holy city, the New Jerusalem, is a picture of God’s people in their final, perfect state. It is described as coming down from God, which shows that this perfected state is his work, not something people build for themselves. The city is prepared like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband, pointing to the close, joyful relationship between Christ and his people. It is pure, holy, and ready for full fellowship with the Lord. This vision shows the church gathered, complete, and made ready to enjoy God’s presence forever.

Question 4

What does it mean that the tabernacle of God is with men and he will dwell with them?

Accepted Answer

The tabernacle of God being with men means that God will live closely and openly with his people. In earlier times, God’s presence was shown in a tent or temple and could seem distant or interrupted. Here, that distance is gone. God himself is with his people as their God, and they fully belong to him. There is no more barrier, no more break in fellowship. This is the heart of the hope held out in this passage: God’s people enjoying his loving presence without end, with no sin or weakness to get in the way.

Question 5

What does God wiping away all tears and ending death, sorrow, and pain mean?

Accepted Answer

God wiping away all tears shows a very tender picture of how complete his comfort will be. Every reason for crying, whether from sin, loss, persecution, or any kind of pain, will be removed. There will be no more death, so there is no more grief. There is no more suffering, so there is no more crying out in distress. The former things that caused misery belong to the old world and are gone. God himself is pictured as gently removing every tear, turning past troubles into a backdrop for present joy with him.

Question 6

What does it mean that God says, "Behold, I make all things new" and "It is done"?

Accepted Answer

When God says, “Behold, I make all things new,” he is declaring that he will completely renew everything affected by sin and decay. This is not a vague hope; he follows it with “It is done,” speaking of it as certain and settled. His words are described as faithful and true, so his people can treat his promise as sure even before they see it. He also calls himself the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, showing that the one who started creation and his work in his people will also bring it all to perfect completion.

Question 7

Who are the ones who overcome, and what do they inherit in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The ones who overcome are those who keep trusting God and do not turn back from him, even through trials and temptations. They do not give up their faith to avoid hardship or to join in sinful ways. God promises that such people will inherit all things. This means they share fully in the blessings of the new creation and in fellowship with God. He says, “I will be his God, and he shall be my son,” showing a close, family-like relationship. Their inheritance is not just things, but God himself and life with him forever.

Question 8

What is the water of life that God gives freely to the thirsty?

Accepted Answer

The water of life is a picture of the life and satisfaction God gives to those who feel their need of him. To be thirsty here is to long for freedom from sin and for closeness with God. God promises to give this water freely, meaning it is a gift, not something earned. In the new creation his people are at the very source of life and joy, with nothing between them and that fountain. This promise lines up with God’s work now in hearts that hunger for holiness and deeper fellowship with him.

Question 9

Who are listed as having their part in the lake of fire, and what is the second death?

Accepted Answer

The passage names several groups: the fearful, the unbelieving, the abominable, murderers, those who practice sexual immorality, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars. These are people who refuse God’s way, either shrinking back from him in unbelief or giving themselves to what he calls evil. Their “part” is in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is called the second death. This is a final, ongoing separation from God after physical death. It is the settled result of a life that rejected God’s call and chose sin instead of turning to him.

Question 10

How can this passage give comfort and warning at the same time?

Accepted Answer

This passage comforts believers by showing the end of their story with God: a renewed creation, no more death or pain, and perfect fellowship with the Lord. It assures them that their present tears and struggles are not the final word. At the same time, it gives a sober warning. Those who will not trust God, who choose unbelief and a life of sin, face the second death in the lake of fire. The sharp contrast shows both God’s kindness to those who turn to him and his justice toward ongoing rebellion, urging people to seek him now.

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

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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.

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A New Heaven and a New Earth

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