Anticipating the New Creation: Hope and Fulfillment

 

Summary

In the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan, we find ourselves at the threshold of a new heaven and a new earth, a reality that transcends our current understanding. Before the rebellion on earth, there was rebellion in heaven, but God promises a future where evil is not only absent but impossible. As John describes in Revelation, the first heaven and earth pass away, and God's redeemed people await the unveiling of what He has prepared for them. The sea, symbolizing separation from God and the source of evil, is no more, indicating a new era free from monstrosities of human history.

The new earth will be both wonderfully different and strangely familiar, a place where God reshapes, replenishes, and recreates this planet. The creation itself will be liberated from decay, entering into the glorious freedom of God's children. Two images help us grasp this future: the city and the garden. The new Jerusalem, descending from heaven, is a place where God will dwell with His people forever. Its vastness signifies a place for all of God's redeemed, a perfect cube reminiscent of the Holy of Holies, where God's presence was most intimate.

In this new creation, the garden imagery returns, with the river of life and the tree of life, symbolizing paradise restored. The gifts lost in Eden—home, work, companionship, and God's presence—are not only restored but surpassed. We will have a better home, where the tree of life bears fruit perpetually, symbolizing eternal life that is ever-refreshing and never boring. Our work will be fulfilling, as we serve, worship, and reign with God, free from the tyranny of time and dysfunction. We will enjoy perfect companionship with a vast company of redeemed people from every nation, and we will have a deeper knowledge of God, seeing Him face to face.

In this vision, we are reminded that despite our current struggles, we are blessed in Christ. We are called to come, to receive the life He offers, and to anticipate the indescribable glory that awaits us. As we journey through life, let us hold onto the promise of a future where we are truly at home, fulfilled in our work, and in perfect relationship with God and others.

Key Takeaways:

- The New Creation: The new heaven and earth signify a future where evil is not only absent but impossible. This transformation reflects God's ultimate plan to liberate creation from decay and bring it into the glorious freedom of His children. The promise of a new earth is both wonderfully different and strangely familiar, as God reshapes and recreates this world. [06:11]

- The City and the Garden: The new Jerusalem represents God's eternal dwelling with His people, a place of perfect intimacy and presence. The garden imagery, with the river and tree of life, symbolizes paradise restored, where the gifts lost in Eden are not only restored but surpassed. This vision assures us of a future where we are at home, fulfilled, and in perfect relationship with God. [19:01]

- Eternal Life and Fulfillment: In the new creation, eternal life is ever-refreshing and never boring, symbolized by the tree of life bearing fruit perpetually. Our work will be fulfilling, as we serve, worship, and reign with God, free from the tyranny of time and dysfunction. This vision encourages us to anticipate a future where we are truly at home and fulfilled in our work. [23:22]

- Perfect Companionship: The new creation promises perfect companionship with a vast company of redeemed people from every nation. This vision of a reconciled community reminds us of the joy and fulfillment found in relationships that are whole and free from the brokenness of this world. It is a glimpse of the perfect community we will enjoy in God's presence. [28:30]

- Seeing God Face to Face: The promise of seeing God face to face signifies a deeper knowledge and intimacy with Him. This vision assures us that despite our current struggles and questions, a day is coming when faith will be turned to sight, and we will be made like Him. It is a reminder of the ultimate fulfillment and joy found in God's presence. [30:13]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:53] - Rebellion in Heaven and Earth
- [06:41] - The Sea is No More
- [07:24] - A New Earth
- [08:27] - The City and the Garden
- [10:01] - The New Jerusalem
- [11:13] - The Size of the New Jerusalem
- [13:41] - The Holy of Holies
- [15:18] - No Temple Needed
- [17:14] - Redeemed Creation
- [18:15] - Inside the New Jerusalem
- [19:01] - The Garden Restored
- [21:48] - Gifts Restored and Surpassed
- [24:06] - Better Home and Work
- [28:30] - Perfect Companionship
- [30:13] - Seeing God Face to Face
- [33:11] - Blessed in Christ
- [36:00] - The Invitation to Come
- [37:14] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Revelation 21:1-4
2. Romans 8:21
3. Genesis 2:8-10

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Revelation 21:1-4 describe about the new heaven and new earth? How does this passage depict the absence of the sea? [06:41]

2. In Romans 8:21, what is the creation waiting for, and how does this relate to the sermon’s description of liberation from decay? [07:55]

3. How does the imagery of the city and the garden in Revelation 21 and 22 connect to the original garden in Genesis 2:8-10? [19:01]

4. What are the key differences between the old Jerusalem and the new Jerusalem as described in the sermon? [15:18]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the promise of a new creation where evil is impossible impact the way believers view their current struggles? [06:11]

2. What significance does the imagery of the new Jerusalem as a perfect cube have in understanding God's presence with His people? [13:41]

3. How does the restoration and surpassing of Eden’s gifts in the new creation reflect God’s redemptive plan? [21:48]

4. In what ways does the vision of perfect companionship in the new creation challenge our current understanding of community and relationships? [28:30]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a current struggle you are facing. How does the promise of a future without evil give you hope and perspective in dealing with it? [06:11]

2. The sermon describes a future where work is fulfilling and free from dysfunction. How can you find fulfillment in your current work or service, even amidst challenges? [24:19]

3. Consider your relationships with others. How can you work towards experiencing a taste of the perfect companionship promised in the new creation in your current community? [28:30]

4. The sermon emphasizes seeing God face to face. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God now, in anticipation of this future intimacy? [30:13]

5. How can the vision of a new heaven and earth motivate you to live a life that reflects God’s glory and redemption today? [17:14]

6. The invitation to "come" is extended to all. How can you extend this invitation to someone in your life who may not yet know the hope of the new creation? [36:00]

7. In what ways can you remind yourself daily that you are blessed in Christ, despite any current difficulties you may be facing? [33:11]

Devotional

Day 1: The Impossibility of Evil in the New Creation
In the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan, the new heaven and earth signify a future where evil is not only absent but impossible. This transformation reflects God's ultimate plan to liberate creation from decay and bring it into the glorious freedom of His children. The promise of a new earth is both wonderfully different and strangely familiar, as God reshapes and recreates this world. The absence of the sea, a symbol of separation and chaos, marks the beginning of a new era where the monstrosities of human history are no more. This vision invites us to anticipate a future where we are truly at home, free from the tyranny of evil and decay. [06:11]

Isaiah 65:17-18 (ESV): "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel the weight of evil or decay? How can you invite God's transformative power into that area today?


Day 2: The City and the Garden: Symbols of God's Eternal Presence
The new Jerusalem represents God's eternal dwelling with His people, a place of perfect intimacy and presence. This city, vast and welcoming, signifies a home for all of God's redeemed, where His presence is most intimate. The garden imagery, with the river and tree of life, symbolizes paradise restored, where the gifts lost in Eden are not only restored but surpassed. This vision assures us of a future where we are at home, fulfilled, and in perfect relationship with God. The city and the garden together paint a picture of a reconciled creation, where God's presence is the source of life and joy. [19:01]

Ezekiel 47:12 (ESV): "And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of God's presence in your daily life, creating a personal 'garden' where His peace and joy can flourish?


Day 3: Eternal Life: Ever-Refreshing and Never Boring
In the new creation, eternal life is symbolized by the tree of life bearing fruit perpetually, representing a life that is ever-refreshing and never boring. Our work will be fulfilling, as we serve, worship, and reign with God, free from the tyranny of time and dysfunction. This vision encourages us to anticipate a future where we are truly at home and fulfilled in our work. The gifts lost in Eden—home, work, companionship, and God's presence—are not only restored but surpassed, offering us a glimpse of the eternal joy and satisfaction that awaits. [23:22]

Revelation 22:1-2 (ESV): "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."

Reflection: What is one aspect of your work or daily routine that feels mundane or unfulfilling? How can you invite God to transform it into a source of joy and purpose?


Day 4: Perfect Companionship in a Reconciled Community
The new creation promises perfect companionship with a vast company of redeemed people from every nation. This vision of a reconciled community reminds us of the joy and fulfillment found in relationships that are whole and free from the brokenness of this world. It is a glimpse of the perfect community we will enjoy in God's presence, where every barrier is removed, and love reigns supreme. This promise encourages us to seek reconciliation and unity in our current relationships, reflecting the harmony of the new creation. [28:30]

Zephaniah 3:9 (ESV): "For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord."

Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life that needs healing or reconciliation. What step can you take today to move towards unity and understanding?


Day 5: Seeing God Face to Face: The Ultimate Fulfillment
The promise of seeing God face to face signifies a deeper knowledge and intimacy with Him. This vision assures us that despite our current struggles and questions, a day is coming when faith will be turned to sight, and we will be made like Him. It is a reminder of the ultimate fulfillment and joy found in God's presence, where every longing is satisfied, and every question is answered. This hope encourages us to persevere in our faith, knowing that the ultimate reward is a relationship with God that is unmediated and complete. [30:13]

1 John 3:2 (ESV): "Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is."

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your relationship with God today, preparing your heart for the day when you will see Him face to face?

Quotes


Before there was ever rebellion on earth, there was rebellion in heaven. Satan wanted to assault and ascend to the throne of God, but now we find that evil is consigned to destruction forever. God shapes a new heaven and a new earth that's not only free from the presence of evil, it's free even from the possibility of evil. [00:05:51]

The destiny of Christian believers is not a dreamlike existence on some kind of spiritualized world. The promise of the Bible is that God will reshape, replenish, renew, and recreate this planet. The creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and it will enter into the glorious freedom of the children of God. [00:07:44]

The significance of a new Jerusalem is that this is the place where God will meet with His people, and they will enjoy His presence forever and forever. The old Jerusalem had a holy place; the new Jerusalem is a holy place. The old Jerusalem had one little room to which God came down and only on occasion. [00:11:06]

The new Jerusalem will be full of His glory. The old Jerusalem had one little room into which only one person could go, and that was the high priest, and even he could only go on one day in the year. But the new Jerusalem will be a place where God's people can enjoy Him every moment of every day to all eternity. [00:14:44]

The angel showed me the river of the water of life, brightest crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. And also on either side of the river, the tree of life. Now John must have gasped when he saw this because, of course, he knew well as we do that the Bible story began in a garden. [00:19:05]

Paradise was lost as sin entered into the world, but now in the last chapters of the Bible, these same gifts that were evident at the beginning are not only restored, they are wonderfully in every way surpassed in God's new garden city. And so, brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, what we have to look forward to, we can describe in these ways. [00:21:48]

In the old Eden, the man and the woman were not permitted to eat off the tree of life, but now there is free access to the tree of life. In fact, the tree of life is bearing 12 different crops of fruit, ready to pick every month. Winter never comes. It's always fruit season, and every month it's a different kind of fruit that's being produced. [00:22:52]

In the new creation, you will serve, you will worship, and you will reign. He said, what are we going to be doing for all eternity? An endless variety of activity. The model, of course, is given to us in the garden of Eden right at the beginning of the Bible story. Adam was given work to keep the garden. [00:24:48]

God has redeemed these people out of the pain of human history, and they now enter into greater joy than any of them have ever known. All evil is outside. Only God's redemption made perfect, only God's glorified people are in the glory of His presence. And notice that there are 12 entrances facing in every direction. [00:27:56]

Adam and Eve knew what it was to walk with the Lord who made Himself visible in the garden, but they only knew it on occasion when He came in the cool of the day. Brothers and sisters, we will see His face. Try and put this together. There are times in our lives in this world where we just don't feel at home. [00:30:23]

When John heard these words and saw this vision, he was languishing in prison. Life was not good for him. He was an old man, and his horizons were bleak. This world held little for him, and what God did was opened up a wonderful glimpse of what one day will be, and at the end of it, God says, blessed. [00:33:11]

The Spirit and the bride say come. Let the one who hears say come, and let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who desires to take the water of life take the water of life without price. The Spirit and the bride say come. The bride, of course, is a reference to the bride of Christ, which is the church. [00:36:00]

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Transcript
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