Read: Revelation 20:11-21:8
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true” (21:5)
Multitudes stand before the throne. All the unrepentant dead are raised—whether buried, cremated, drowned, bombed to bits, or lost in space! Their fate was fixed long since by their own bad, obstinate choices. But all will know they rejected the Judge of the earth and the King of kings. Books are opened—their biographies.
Jesus owed us nothing. Yet he paid for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). Defendants will not be damned for their sins, but for refusing Jesus’ free offer of life. All who rejected him are cast into the fiery lake—the second death. Then Death itself, and the Grave, are abolished.
Jesus’ followers are registered in the Lamb’s Book. For them God has a surprise. John sees a new heaven and earth. God designed our earth so he could live with us here for eternity (Gen. 1-2). Every part pleased him. Jesus loved the red poppy fields in Galilee (Matt. 6:28). The Father loved the birds (Matt. 10:29). Everything he made reflects a facet of his glory. He will transform our planet, even plants and animals (Rom. 8:18; Isa. 11:6). Our new earth will never be less than the one we have now. Our new body will never be less than the one we have now. Both will be much more! —Ruth Siemens
As you pray, ask God to help you remember his promises to you.
About the Author
Ruth Siemens was a campus minister with IVCF/IFES, then started Global Opportunities to prepare professionals to work and witness in secular employment abroad.
