Heaven Is…
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Heaven Is…
1. Heaven Is a Physical Place
Revelation 21 opens with a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and earth have passed away. The holy city, the New Jerusalem, comes down from heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. God’s intention from the beginning was for humanity to experience a physical existence. He created a physical earth, a garden, and gave physical bodies to Adam and Eve. Though our bodies may be separated from us for a time after death, they will one day be resurrected and reunited with us for eternity.
This new heaven and new earth will not be a disembodied existence floating on clouds. It will be a physical place with continuity to what we know now—mountains, rivers, trees, and beauty, but purified and perfected. While Revelation mentions there will be no sea, this symbolizes the removal of chaos and danger, not necessarily the absence of large bodies of water. The absence of the sea represents the removal of evil and death.
There will be a city where activities happen and work will be done. Work existed before the fall and was good; it only became toil after sin entered. In the new earth, work will be joyful and fulfilling as we reign and serve with Christ.
2. Heaven Is Where God Unites with His People
Revelation 21:3 declares that the dwelling place of God is with man. God has always desired to be with His people, first in the tabernacle, then in the temple, and ultimately through Jesus coming to earth. Today, He dwells in us through the Holy Spirit by faith, but one day we will see Him face to face.
In the new heaven and new earth, we will be in God's very presence, seeing Him in all His glory and majesty. We will no longer live by faith but by sight, united with Jesus for all eternity. This union is not a distant observation; we will be intimately joined with Him, sharing in His glory and presence.
Despite our unworthiness, we will be declared worthy through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. He took our sin so that we might stand before God holy and blameless, as a bride beautifully prepared for her husband.
3. Heaven Is Free of Suffering
Revelation 21:4 promises that God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. The former things will have passed away.
On this earth, suffering is a reality due to sin and the curse. We experience pain, loss, and heartache. While God uses suffering for our growth and His purposes, we long for relief and freedom from it. Heaven promises that ultimate freedom.
In heaven, there will be no war, political strife, disease, accidents, or any form of pain and injustice. Every source of suffering will be gone. We will experience perfect peace and wholeness forever.
4. Heaven Is a Place of Certainty
God declares, “Behold, I am making all things new... these words are trustworthy and true” (Revelation 21:5). He assures us that what He promises will certainly come to pass.
Unlike empty marketing slogans that promise change but deliver nothing, God’s words are true and reliable. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He controls all things and guarantees the fulfillment of His promises.
Our bodies, though now wearing out, will be made new. Just as Jesus had a glorified yet recognizable body after His resurrection, so will we. God emphasized to John to write these words down because He knows we need this assurance. We can live with confidence, trusting that He is faithful.
5. Heaven Is an Inheritance for Conquerors
Revelation 21:7–8 tells us that those who conquer will inherit all this. They will be God’s children, and He will be their God. However, those who live in habitual sin and rebellion without repentance will face eternal separation from God.
This call to conquer is repeated throughout Revelation. It is not about achieving victory in our own strength but overcoming through the blood of the Lamb and the power of the Holy Spirit.
We are called to resist the temptations of this world and remain faithful, knowing that eternity is at stake. The inheritance of the new heaven and new earth is promised to those who persevere, who overcome, and who follow Christ faithfully.
Let us live in light of this promise, examining our lives and turning fully to Jesus. He alone makes us worthy to share in this glorious inheritance, to dwell forever with Him in perfect joy and peace.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Revelation
Sermon Title: Heaven Is…
Date: Aug 11, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Revelation 21:1–8
2 Peter 3:7
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