Part 1

Heaven 4

1. This series of lessons has focused on The Reality Of Heaven, and numerous questions Christians and others are asking about heaven.

2. This lesson and one more to follow will be devoted to "Descriptions of Heaven."

• Most of the contents of theses lessons will come from Revelation 21 & 22.

• Some references will be made to other scriptures.

"A New Heaven And A New Earth" - (Rev. 21:1)

1. This same passage mentions "the first heaven and the first earth."

• This is a reference to this world.

• The word "earth" is referring to this "earth" - the planet on which we live.

• The word "heaven" likely refers to the heavens above the earth and at most the celestial bodies.

• The words refer to this world and perhaps the whole universe and indicate they will be no more.

• Man's present dwelling place will be destroyed. (2 Pet. 3:10).

• The Alexandrian manuscript has "burned up." This reading fits the context. (2 Pet. 3:11).

• The Vatican and Sinaitic manuscripts have "discovered" or "manifested." If this be the correct reading, the meaning is obscure.

• "The sea" is no more.

• The sea represents the abyss, the bottomless pit, out of which the beast arises. (Rev. 13:1).

• The devil, the beast, or any evil will not exist in heaven.

2. "The new heaven and the earth" has reference to the new dwelling place of the righteous. (2 Pet. 3:12).

• It is not two places.

• It is a comprehensive expression denoting the new abode of the righteous - heaven.

• This is the place prepared for the righteous and is reserved for them. (1 Pet. 1:4).

• The Greek word "kainos" means "new" in quality and time.

• Heaven is the abode of God and has always existed.

• It will be new to man.

• It is far superior to our present abode.

"The Holy City, New Jerusalem" - (Rev. 21:2).

1. The word old Jerusalem was the capital of the Jewish nation.

• It was the holy city.

• It was the place where the temple of God was located.

2. The "new Jerusalem" is the abode of the righteous.

• John sees a vision of this glorious city descending out of heaven.

• He compares this city to "a bride adorned for her husband."

A Place Without Sorrow - (Rev. 21:4)

1. There will be no tears there.

• This world is a place of tears.

• Even the righteous experience many tears.

• Jesus promised our tears would be turned into joy. (Lk. 6:21; Jno. 16:20; Matt. 25:21,23).

2. "Death shall be no more."

• Death surrounds us in this world.

• It will not exist in the next world. (1 Cor. 15:25,26).

• We will never grow old or die in heaven, but will live forever.