Week 52: The New Heaven and New Earth
Week 52: The New Heaven and New Earth
Revelation 20 concluded with the fearful contrast between those who are registered in the Book of Life and those whose fate is the second death, and so between life and death as the alternative destinies awaiting humankind. Revelation 21 and 22 (the book’s last two chapters) also mention the second death, but their whole focus is on life—the Book of Life, the water of life, and the tree of life.
Eternal life means the personal knowledge of God through Jesus Christ, as Jesus himself taught (John 17:3). John now illustrates this by three metaphors—security in the city of God, the New Jerusalem; restored access to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden; and the intimate relationship of bride and bridegroom in marriage. John jumps from one metaphor to another—the city, the garden, and the wedding—without any apparent sense of incongruity. For all three represent our close personal fellowship with God, which begins now (once we have been reconciled to him through Christ) and will be consummated when he returns.
Sunday: All Things New
Monday: The Holy City
Tuesday: The Garden
Wednesday: The Words of This Prophecy
Thursday: “I Am Coming Soon!”
Friday: The Wedding
Saturday: The Waiting Church