The Hope of the New Heaven and New Earth

Since leaving the garden of Eden, humanity has had to navigate a broken world. But God is redemptive in all His ways, and He is not leaving us in the brokenness of this world. God has promised that Christ will return to earth. The book of Revelation is a prophecy of the future that gives believers hope as we wait for His return.

Christ is going to return to earth for a final judgment and a final resurrection. He is going to reign for a thousand years on the present earth. After the thousand-year reign of Christ, there will be a fire that permanently cleanses the world from sin. Then, there will be a new heaven and a new earth; a new home for all who are saved.13 Just as our bodies are raised to a new life, the earth will be given a new life by Christ. A New Jerusalem will descend onto the new earth and serve as its capital for eternity. Here the bride, the body of Christ that is the universal church of all who are saved, will be united with Christ forever (2 Corinthians 11:2).

There will not be a need for temples, because we will have direct access to God. There will not be a need for light, the sun or the moon, because the glory of God will shine brightly. Believers will get to be in the presence of God—a presence of complete purity. Any glory that we are capable of producing now will pale in comparison to how we will worship Jesus when He returns. Every ounce of glory will rightly be given to God. Tears, mourning, and pain will be completely eliminated. The new heaven and earth will be free of the current suffering that characterizes the world we live in. Christ is making all things new. The curse of Adam will be forever lifted. For eternity, we will be with God and His people.

It is hard to imagine the future home we will have with Jesus. It will be far greater than we can picture and far more magnificent than words can describe. Though the prophetic nature of Revelation can be difficult to understand, we can trust that the words are true. Christ’s return is exciting! Hoping in His return reminds us that life as it is right now is not how life was designed to be. Jesus is coming back. We will get to be with Him and worship Him for forever.

Believers get to have complete assurance of being with Christ for all eternity. There is no work you can accomplish that will bring salvation for yourself. There is no behavior modification you can adopt to make your way into eternity with Christ. Salvation is the free gift given to all who come to faith in Him by His grace. Admit that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believe that Christ died for payment of your sin and was brought back to life. Have hope in knowing that Christ is going to return to earth, in His perfect timing, so we will be able to remain with Him for all eternity.