Happiness - Pt. 9

 

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I 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 the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4 ESV).

 

The book of Revelation speaks of conflicts and battles involving mysterious powers of evil, and we may wonder how and when such things might take place. Yet all who have hope in Christ have nothing to fear. The final result has already been announced. The Lord of heaven and earth has won the decisive battle through the finished work of Jesus, and the final triumph is assured. When the curtains of history close, there will be “a new heaven and a new earth” in which God lives with his people forever.

 

God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and mourning, death, and pain will disappear. Imagine the joy of living in the presence of the Lord, who has promised us his glorious inheritance. Our bodies will be renewed, and we will reign eternally with Christ. Sin will no longer be present in our lives, because nothing impure can stand in God’s presence. There will be no sickness or suffering. All injustice and conflict will be things of the past.

 

All who are redeemed in Christ are welcomed into God’s kingdom by grace. Jesus is the only way that leads to God (cf. John 14:6). And in the presence of God there is and will be fullness of joy forever!