Read: Revelation 21:1-4
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. (v. 1)
Genesis 1–2 and Revelation 21–22 show us a time when there will be no death or mourning or crying or pain (v. 4). We live in a world tainted by sin where we struggle with temptation, disease, sorrow, and death. Thankfully, it won’t always be this way. When Christ returns there will be a glorious transition. Eden will be restored. The tree of life will bear fruit. Jesus the Lamb will reign, and Christians will live with Christ forever.
Of all the transitions you might experience, this is the transition you must be most ready for. Everyone is born with a sinful nature and everyone needs the saving work of Jesus Christ to provide forgiveness and reconciliation with God. You can be redeemed if you repent of your sin, believe in Jesus Christ and submit your life to him (consider John 3:16, Acts 16:31, Rom. 10:9-11, and 1 John 5:11-12).
Are you ready to transition from this life to the next? If not, or if you are not sure, talk to someone who knows and loves Jesus. Find out how you can be reconciled with God through his gift of salvation. If you are ready, use your God-given gifts to witness to God’s love and share the good news with others. After all, what good is it to navigate the transitions in this life but miss out on the glory of spending eternity with Jesus? —Steve Petroelje
As you pray, thank God for sending Jesus to reconcile, redeem, and restore.
About the Author
Rev. Steve Petroelje is a specialized transition pastor who serves vacant churches and helps them assess health, pursue missional effectiveness, and conduct a pastoral search process. He is the past-president of the Words of Hope Board of Trustees.
