New Heaven — New Earth: A Glimpse into Eternity

(Based on Revelation)

John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, lived to a ripe old age, his faith unshaken even amidst persecution. Exiled to the barren island of Patmos for his testimony about Jesus, John received a vision—an extraordinary glimpse into heaven and the future.

Revelation, the last book of the Bible, is filled with symbolic imagery and picture-language. Written during a time of severe persecution under the Roman emperor, its coded messages offered hope and reassurance to Christians who were suffering and questioning. Was God truly in control? Would Jesus ever return to fulfill His promises?

A Vision of Glory

One Sunday morning, as John prayed, the risen Jesus appeared to him, shining with indescribable glory. His voice was like the sound of rushing waters, and His face radiated like the sun in its full brilliance.

Jesus gave John messages for seven churches, addressing their strengths, failures, and challenges. Then John was swept up into heaven itself.

There, at the center of everything, was a throne, glowing with a brightness like precious jewels and surrounded by a rainbow of light. On the throne sat God Almighty, ruling over all creation. Encircling the throne were heavenly beings and twenty-four elders who worshiped God unceasingly.

In God’s hand was a scroll, sealed with seven seals, containing the destiny of the world. No one in heaven or earth was found worthy to open it—except for Jesus.

The Lamb of God

John looked, expecting a mighty, lion-like figure, but instead, he saw a Lamb, looking as though it had been slain. This Lamb was Jesus, who had died to take away the sins of the world.

When Jesus took the scroll, heaven erupted in praise. “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” thousands upon thousands sang in unison.

As Jesus began to unroll the scroll, John saw that God was fully in control of history. Though Satan, the ancient enemy, had brought sin and suffering into the world, Jesus had triumphed over evil through His death and resurrection.

The New Heaven and New Earth

Finally, John saw the end of the old, broken world and the beginning of a new creation.

“I saw a new heaven and a new earth,” John wrote. “The old heaven and the old earth had disappeared, and the sea was no more. I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down from heaven, prepared like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”

A voice from the throne declared, “Now God’s dwelling is with humanity. He will live with them, and they will be His people. God Himself will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more crying or pain. All of that has gone forever.”

In this radiant city, there was no need for the sun or moon, for the glory of God lit everything. The Lamb of God, Jesus, was its eternal lamp. The gates of the city would never be closed, and nothing impure or evil would ever enter. Only those who had been made clean through Jesus’ sacrifice would dwell there.

Hope Fulfilled

John longed for that glorious day. “Come quickly, Lord Jesus,” he prayed. And Jesus responded with the promise, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

This vision, brimming with hope and promise, assured John—and assures us today—that God is in control, Jesus has won the ultimate victory over sin and death, and a glorious, eternal future awaits all who put their trust in Him.

John’s glimpse into heaven reminds us to live with unwavering faith, eager for the day when God will make all things new.