Do you ever wonder how we as believers will spend eternity? In these last chapters of Revelation, John answers that question when he reveals what is known as the “eternal state”, or the eternal destiny of believers. And the picture he paints is one of such peace, joy, and love, that I too can’t help but cry, “Maranatha!” Come Lord Jesus!
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth.” (vs. 21:1) In 2 Peter 3:10-13, we are told that the world we know, with all of its filth and pollution, is burned away by God, creating a new heaven and a new earth, “in which righteousness dwells.” This new earth will be restored to the beauty and perfection that God originally created before the fall of man. It is on this new earth that we will spend eternity with the Lord.
Upon this new earth, we will live in the glorious city of the new Jerusalem. It will be a city with a foundation of precious stones, gates of giant pearls, and streets of pure gold. A city that, “has no need of the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.” (vs. 21:23) Imagine that! Never again will we experience night, for the spectacular Shekinah glory of God will be illuminating every inch! There, where God establishes His throne, we will be with the Father and the Son forever, serving and glorifying Him in all we do. “He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them.” (vs. 21:3)
And, in one of the most beautiful promises of the Bible, God says that He will, “wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” (vs. 21:4) I love Dr. Charles Stanley’s thoughts when he says, “Our eternal home is like nothing we’ve ever experienced before because it is a place that is free from sin, death, fear, guilt, and sorrow. Never again will we experience the consequences of our fallen nature; separation from our loved ones, loss, worry, sickness, crime, pain, or injustice. Rather, we’ll be absolutely free to become all God created us to be, to His praise and glory. And best of all, we will enjoy full, wonderful fellowship with our Lord and Savior forever.”
“Yes, I am coming quickly.” (vs. 22:20) With these final words, Jesus warns us that His return soon approaches. And in His return He brings with Him the fulfillment of all the wonderful promises of Revelation. “He who overcomes will inherent these things, and I will be His God and he will be My son.” (vs. 21:7) Who is an overcomer? 1 John 5:1-5 tells us that an overcomer is one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
“Brethren, Jesus is coming! He is even now on the way. You have heard our tidings till you scarcely credit us, but the Word of God is true and it will surely be fulfilled before long. The Lord is coming, indeed! He promised to come to die and He kept His Word—He now promises to come to reign and you may be sure that He will keep His tryst with His people. He is coming! Ears of faith can hear the sound of His chariot wheels! Every moment of time, every event of Providence is bringing Him nearer. Blessed are those servants who shall not be sleeping when He comes, nor wandering from their posts of duty! Happy shall they be whom their Lord shall find faithfully watching and standing fast in that great day!”....Charles Spurgeon
So how about you? Time is running out. Have you received Jesus as your Savior? Have you laid hold of His wonderful promises? One day soon we will each see Him face to face. And when He comes will He find you serving Him with abandon while eagerly and joyfully awaiting His return?
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