Sermon: A New Heaven and a New Earth
(Revelation 21:1–8)
Main Idea
God will one day make all things new—restoring creation, redeeming His people, and dwelling forever with those who have been made new in Christ.
Overview
In this powerful vision near the close of Revelation, John is shown what lies beyond judgment—the glorious renewal of all things. Having conquered sin, death, and the devil, God reveals to John a new heaven, a new earth, and the New Jerusalem descending as a bride prepared for her husband. This passage fulfills the deepest longings of the human heart—a world free from pain, sorrow, and death, and a life eternally united with God. It reminds us that heaven’s beauty is not merely in its splendor, but in the presence of God Himself who dwells with His redeemed people.
1. The Promise of a New Creation (vv. 1–2)
John sees “a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.”
- The word “new” (Greek kainos) points not to something recent in time (neos), but to something renewed in quality—restored, purified, and perfected.
- Whether the old creation is transformed or replaced, the result is the same: a creation untouched by sin.
- The sea—symbolic of chaos and danger—is no more, signifying perfect peace and safety.
John also sees “the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
This city represents both a place and a people—the eternal home of those redeemed by the blood of Christ.
Cross References:
- Isaiah 65:17 – “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth…”
- 2 Peter 3:13 – “According to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
2. The Presence of God with His People (vv. 3–4)
At the heart of heaven’s glory is not gold or gates, but God Himself:
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people.”
This fulfills the promise woven throughout Scripture—Emmanuel, “God with us.” Heaven is home because God is there.
Verse 4 paints one of the most beautiful pictures in all the Bible:
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more…”
All the sorrow of the fall—grief, pain, and loss—will be erased forever. What began in Eden’s perfection will be restored in glory.
Cross References:
- John 14:2–3 – “I go to prepare a place for you…”
- Genesis 3:17–19 contrasted with Revelation 21:4 – from curse to comfort.
- Psalm 16:11 – “In your presence there is fullness of joy.”
3. The Power of the One Who Makes All Things New (vv. 5–6)
“Behold, I am making all things new.”
This is the voice of the One seated on the throne—Christ Himself—declaring His sovereign authority and His finished work: “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.”
The same Jesus who cried “It is finished” at the cross now proclaims cosmic completion. Every enemy is defeated, every promise fulfilled, every tear redeemed.
Cross References:
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”
- Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.”
4. The Promise and the Warning (vv. 6–8)
To the thirsty, God offers “the spring of the water of life without payment.”
This is the free grace of salvation—an invitation to all who will believe in Christ. The one who conquers (through faith, not works) will inherit this heritage: “I will be his God and he will be my son.”
But verse 8 gives a sobering contrast:
Those who reject Christ—the cowardly, faithless, and unrepentant—will face the second death, eternal separation from God in the lake of fire. The joy of the redeemed highlights the tragedy of the lost.
Cross References:
- John 4:14 – “The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
- 1 John 5:4 – “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.”
- Revelation 20:15 – “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life…”
Application
- Live with longing for the new creation. When the world feels broken, remember—it won’t always be this way. Let your hope be anchored in what’s coming.
- Find your joy in God’s presence, not just His promises. Heaven is not about what we gain, but whom we will be with—Christ Himself.
- Let renewal begin now. If you are in Christ, you are already a new creation. Live as a citizen of the new Jerusalem today.
- Extend the invitation. The water of life is freely given—share the good news so that others may drink and live.
Closing Thought
Only those who have been made new in Christ will inhabit the new heaven and the new earth. The invitation still stands: “To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.” The story of redemption ends where it began—in perfect fellowship with God. And because Jesus wins, His people will live forever in the joy of His presence.
“Behold, I am making all things new.” —Revelation 21:5
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