We have learned that the redeemed reign in heaven with Christ during the Millennium. At the close of the 1000 years the righteous, with Christ and the Holy City, come down from heaven. This takes place just before the earth is purified and becomes the eternal home of the redeemed. We learned also that God will transfer the seat of government for the universe to planet earth and dwell with the saved forever.
In this study we will discover the glorious destiny of the redeemed in the earth made new. In 2 Peter 3:13 we read, "We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells." Jesus said, in Matthew 5:5, "The meek . . . shall inherit the earth."
When the earth came forth from the hand of the Creator it was beautiful beyond description. Since it was created to be inhabited (Isaiah 45:18), God will eventually destroy sin and sinners and restore it to the Edenic state.
In His Word God has given us a preview of the glories of the new earth as a little appetizer to create within our souls a desire to be there.
Yet He has not answered every question we might have on this subject. We would do well to remember Paul's words as we study: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9.
Let us study Revelation's glorious climax and discover the destiny of the redeemed.
1. Into whose control will all earthly kingdoms pass? Revelation 11:15.
MY BIBLE SAYS: "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!"
2. Who will be the ruler of this new world? Revelation 17:14.
MY BIBLE SAYS: ". . . the Iamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings. . . ."
3. When Jesus reigns as the King of planet earth, where will His capital city, New Jerusalem, be located? Where will the seat of His government be Revelation 21:2. 3.
MY BIBLE SAYS: "Then I, John, saw the holy City New Jerusalem, coming' down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband: And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.' "
4. How does the Bible describe this fantastic city? Revelation 21:11-21.
MY BIBLE SAYS: ": , having the glory of God. : , : twelve gates, : , , and names written on them. which are the names of the twelve tribes
of the children of Israel: Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb: : : : And the city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as its breadth: And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. : : : Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel, : . . And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl: And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass."
A furlong is one eighth of a mile. The city is 1500 miles in circumference, or 375 miles on each side. The city wall is 214 feet high. This fantastic city, the capital of the universe, will descend to earth. The redeemed planet, once fallen in sin, will become the master control center of the entire universe.
5. Since the New Jerusalem is a real city. upon a real planet—the earth made new—will the redeemed have real, immortal bodies? Philippians 3.21; I Corinthians 15:51-54.
MY BIBLE SAYS: "Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, . . :" "Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality:"
6. Will these new, immortal, glorious bodies be subject to sickness, pain. or death? Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 35:5,6.
MY BIBLE SAYS: "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away:" "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing."
Just as Jesus received a glorious, immortal body at His resurrection, so we too will receive a glorious, immortal body when Jesus comes again. Just as Jesus was recognized by His voice. His characteristic manner, and physical features, so we will recognize our loved ones in heaven.
7. Note the Bible description of the following activities in the earth made new:
MY BIBLE SAYS: Isaiah 65:21—"They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. : . : and elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands."
Revelation 14:4—"These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes."
Isaiah 66:23" 'And it shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me,' says the Lord."
8. What are the citizenship requirements for this new world? Mark 16:16; Revelation 22:14.
MY BIBLE SAYS: "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; , , "Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city:"
Human words can never picture what God has prepared for those who love and obey Him. The wonders of the new world defy imagination. The main thought we must concern ourselves with is: Will we be there? God has made provision for you to be there. You have a personal invitation from Christ Himself.
Will you surrender your life to Him and allow Him to fit you for heaven?
