Where Will Eternal Life Be Experienced? (Revelation 21:1-5)
Introduction:
1. This morning we pointed out from Romans 6:23 that "God's gift is eternal life through Christ." 2. We studied the instructions given in the Bible that show us how to receive this special gift. 3. This evening we are answering a follow-up question -- "where will eternal life be experienced?" 4. The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. ETERNAL LIFE WILL NOT BE EXPERIENCED IN THE FIRST HEAVEN AND THE FIRST EARTH
A. The Bible reveals the origin of the first heaven and the first earth. 1. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth (Genesis 1:1). 2. God did this to provide man a dwelling place (Genesis 1:26-30). 3. At this point everything that God made was "very good" (Genesis 1:31). 4. According to Genesis 3, everything changed after Adam and Eve sinned when they transgressed God's will. B. The Bible also reveals the destiny of the first heaven and the first earth. 1. When God talked to Noah after the flood in Genesis 8:22 He indicated that the earth will not last forever. 2. Jesus indicated that heaven and earth will pass away (Matthew 24:35). 3. We read earlier in Revelation 21:1 that "the first heaven and the first earth were passed away" when John saw "a new heaven and a new earth." 4. We learn from 2 Peter 3:7, 10 how and when the heavens and the earth will be destroyed. 5. When Jesus returns the first heaven and the first earth will be burned up. C. The second point we need to make is that . . .
II. ETERNAL LIFE WILL BE EXPERIENCED IN THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH
A. The Bible reveals the origin of the new heaven and the new earth. 1. God revealed through Isaiah that He would "create new heavens and a new earth" (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22). 2. Peter referred to God's promise of new heavens and a new earth, and he described them as a place where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). 3. Jesus has gone to this place to prepare it for His followers (John 14:2-3). 4. John gave a beautiful description of this place where God will dwell with His people (Revelation 21:3-4). B. The Bible reveals the destiny of the new heaven and the new earth: God's people will reign "for ever and ever" (Revelation 22:1-5).
Conclusion:
1. Looking forward to "the new heaven and the new earth" should affect the way we live now in "the first heaven and the first earth." 2. We should be diligent to have the Lord's approval (2 Peter 3:11-12, 14).
