New Heavens and New Earth

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12. NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH God’s purpose, as manifested since the fall of Adam and Eve, has been to bring back humanity to His original plan of eternal harmony with Him. This will be possible for those who allowed God to accomplish His plan for them in their lives.

After the millennium and the final destruction of sin and death, God will restore planet earth for human beings to dwell on it eternally.

1. 2W HAT DID JESUS PROMISE TO HIS DISCIPLES REGARDING HIS PLANS FOR THEM?

 John 14:1-3 Jesus asked them to believe in Him as He was giving to them a promise that would have brought hope and joy to them after His departure.

He promised that He was going to prepare a place where they would have forever been with Jesus.

This promise is valid also for us today.

2. Of What Place was Jesus Talking About?

 Hebrews 11:9-10; Revelation 21:2 The Bible describes this place as a city built by God Himself for His faithful ones (see also Hebrews 11:16). This city is called the New Jerusalem and will come out of Heaven, from the presence of God, after the millennium.

3. How does the Bible Describe This City Built by God Himself?

 Revelation 21:16-21 The New Jerusalem will be a huge city. Its base is described as square shaped, with a side about 2,200 km long. This means that the full area of the city will be a bit more than half of the area of China.

Also the highest point in the city will be about 2,200 km high, so the city will be visible from more than 4,000 km (considering that all earth will be in darkness and the city will be shining with the splendor of God, according to Revelation 21:23).

The wall around the city will be 144 cubits, being therefore higher than the Statue of Liberty. 2 12. New Heavens and New Earth – Menorah Mission School – 2018/2019 The main material is pure gold that is described as clear, transparent glass. Only in the last few years science has discovered that gold could be made transparent and is today used as a protection from intense light and radiations in NASA astronauts’ spacesuits.

Different other precious stones have been used by God to build this beautiful city.

All these details that the Bible gives us tell us that we are talking about a real city, that God Himself is preparing for those who are faithful to Him.

4. Who Will Dwell in This Marvelous City?

 Revelation 21:22-24 God the Father and Jesus will dwell Themselves with the saved in this city. What a beautiful way to fully rehabilitate a planet and a people who passed through the awful experience of sin and death.

5. How Will the Life of the Saved Look Like in This Beautiful Place?

 Isaiah 35:5-6; Isaiah 65:21-23, 25; Revelation 21:3-4 There will be no sickness or handicap in heaven. God will fix all physical defects!

Everyone will have a piece of land where to build a house, do gardening and spend time with dear ones. Nothing will hinder this joy from continuing throughout eternity.

God will wipe away every tear from the eyes of the saved. There will be no more death, sorrow, crying or pain. This will be a totally new experience compared to this life we have now on earth.

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BE ABLE TO ENTER THE NEW JERUSALEM?

 Revelation 21:7; Revelation 22:14 Those who overcome in the battle with sin, following the steps of Jesus (see John 16:33 and

Romans 12:21), will inherit all things.

An important sign that will distinguish those who will enter the city is that they do God’s commandments. We will see more on that in the next study.

WHAT SHOULD THEN BE OUR ATTITUDE TODAY?

 Philippians 3:13-14 We should forget the things that are behind. Our life on this earth should be seen of secondary importance compared to the greatness of the promise of God.

We should reach forward and press toward the amazing prize that God is offering us, depending continually on His help and focusing continually on His priorities. 12. New Heavens and New Earth – Menorah Mission School – 2018/2019 3

Appeal

The invitation to us is to accept His call and His help, that we may get at the end of our lives ready to enter the gates of New Jerusalem and see new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Wouldn’t it be beautiful to live in this marvelous city for eternity, without suffering and death, together with our friends and family?

Knowing that life on this earth is temporary and will have an end, but God’s plans for you are everlasting, do you take the decision today that you will give priority to the things of God in your life?