Selective Memory and Joy in the New Creation

In Isaiah 65:17, God promises a new creation where "the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind." This raises questions about whether we will experience a complete memory wipe in the new creation. However, a closer examination of the context and other biblical passages suggests otherwise. Isaiah 65:16, for instance, specifies that it is the former troubles that are forgotten, indicating a selective forgetting rather than a total erasure of memory. If we were to forget everything, we would lose our identity and continuity with our past selves, which contradicts the biblical teaching that we will be rewarded in the age to come according to our works in this life.

Moreover, the resurrection of Christ, who is recognized by his disciples, suggests that our memories will remain intact. The ultimate purpose of history and redemption is to praise the glory of God's grace, which requires remembering His works and the sacrifice of Jesus. Revelation 5:12 depicts the saints in heaven singing about the Lamb who was slain, emphasizing that Christ's sacrifice will not be forgotten. Remembering sin is essential to understanding the significance of Jesus' death, and this memory will not be wiped away.

The Bible also speaks of God not remembering our sins against us, meaning He will not hold them against us or punish us for them. In the new creation, we will experience fullness of joy, and any memories of sin will not diminish this joy. Instead, we will know our sins as God knows them, and the pain and shame associated with them will be transformed into a joyful magnification of God's grace. Thus, Isaiah 65:17 suggests that in the new heavens and the new earth, whatever we remember will only serve to deepen our joy in worshiping Christ, with all hindrances to worship being excluded or transformed.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Isaiah 65:17 does not imply a complete memory wipe in the new creation. Instead, it suggests a selective forgetting of former troubles, allowing us to retain our identity and continuity with our past selves. This aligns with the biblical teaching that we will be rewarded according to our works in this life. [02:16]
• 2. The resurrection of Christ, who was recognized by his disciples, indicates that our memories will remain intact in the new creation. This continuity is essential for understanding the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the ultimate purpose of history, which is to praise the glory of God's grace. [05:03]
• 3. Remembering sin is crucial for comprehending the meaning of Jesus' death. The saints in heaven will sing about the Lamb who was slain, emphasizing that Christ's sacrifice will not be forgotten. This memory is vital for understanding the grace of God and the purpose of redemption. [07:59]
• 4. God's promise not to remember our sins against us means He will not hold them against us or punish us for them. In the new creation, we will experience fullness of joy, and any memories of sin will not diminish this joy. Instead, they will magnify God's grace. [10:23]
• 5. In the new heavens and the new earth, our understanding of sin and grace will be transformed. We will know our sins as God knows them, and the pain and shame associated with them will be replaced by a joyful magnification of God's grace, deepening our worship of Christ. [12:17]
  ** [12:17]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:16] - Introduction to Isaiah 65:17
• [00:32] - Listener Questions
• [01:00] - Memory Wipe Concerns
• [01:38] - Contextual Understanding
• [02:16] - Selective Forgetting
• [03:33] - Identity and Continuity
• [04:25] - Recognition in the New Creation
• [05:38] - Purpose of History and Redemption
• [06:55] - Eternal Song of the Lamb
• [07:59] - Remembering Sin
• [09:24] - Meaning of Isaiah 65:17
• [10:23] - God's Memory of Sin
• [11:40] - Joy in the New Creation
• [12:54] - Conclusion on Memory and Joy

1. According to Isaiah 65:17, what does God promise about the new creation, and how does verse 16 help clarify this promise? [02:34]
2. How does the resurrection of Christ, as described in the sermon, support the idea that our memories will remain intact in the new creation? [05:03]
3. What role does the memory of Christ's sacrifice play in the worship of the saints in heaven, according to Revelation 5:12? [07:59]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of God not remembering our sins against us, and what biblical passages support this idea? [10:23]

1. How does the concept of selective forgetting in Isaiah 65:17 align with the idea of retaining our identity and continuity with our past selves? [03:33]
2. In what ways does the memory of sin contribute to the understanding of Jesus' death and the grace of God, as discussed in the sermon? [07:59]
3. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "the former things shall not be remembered" in the context of the new creation? [12:54]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the transformation of our understanding of sin and grace in the new creation? [12:17]

1. Reflect on a past trouble or sin that you struggle to forget. How might viewing it through the lens of God's grace change your perspective? [10:23]
2. How can the memory of Christ's sacrifice influence your daily worship and gratitude towards God? [07:59]
3. In what ways can you actively remember and celebrate God's works of grace in your life, as encouraged by Psalm 111:4? [05:56]
4. Consider a time when you felt guilt or shame for past sins. How can the promise of God's forgiveness and the transformation of these memories into joy impact your spiritual journey? [12:32]
5. How can you ensure that your memories of past sins serve to deepen your joy in worshiping Christ rather than hinder it? [13:09]
6. Identify a specific way you can remind yourself of the continuity between your current life and the eternal life promised in the new creation. [04:43]
7. How can you incorporate the remembrance of Christ's sacrifice into your daily routine to enhance your spiritual growth and understanding of God's grace? [07:26]