Heaven (Revelation 21:1-8)

“I am making everything new!” (Rev 21:5)

• What is your idea of heaven? A pie in the sky? Playing harps on a cloud?
• Do you fear death? Going to hell?

1. What is significant about:
• a new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21:1a; Isa 65:17; 66:22; 2 Pet 3:13),
• the first heaven and the first earth (Rev 21:1b; 2 Pet 3:10) and 
• no more sea (Rev 21:1c; 13:1; Dan 7:3; Isa 57:20; Lk 21:25)? Is this literal (Rev 21:6; 22:1-2, 17)?
2. What is "the new Jerusalem" (Rev 21:2, 10, 16; Gal 4:26; Heb 12:22; cf. Exo 26:33-34; 1 Ki 6:20; 2 Chron 3:8)?
3. Why is the promise of God dwelling with man the best promise ever (Rev 21:3-4, 7; 7:16-17; Eze 37:27; Is 25:8; 65:19; 9:6)? What prevents this from happening (Isa 59:2)?
4. How does God make all things new (Rev 21:5; Isa 43:18-19, 2 Cor 5:17)?
5. Why is God "the Alpha and the Omega" (Rev 21:6; 1:8; 22:13; Isa 41:4; 44:6; 48:12)? [What is Alpha and Omega in the Greek alphabet?] What is it to be thirsty for the water of life (Rev 21:6b; Isa 55:1; Jn 4:13-14)? To be victorious (Rev 21:7; Gal 3:26)?
6. What is every person's worst destiny (Rev 21:8)? Are you afraid of dying? Hell? How can you not be cowardly (Rom 1:16; 2 Tim 1:7; Heb 2:14-15; Phil 1:21; Ac 20:24)?

• How might the new heaven and the new earth be entirely and existentially different from anything you have ever experienced in your life? How can it help you handle trials, tribulations and temptations in your life?

Revelation is about the triumph of God over Satan and the forces of sin and evil through Christ, culminating in a new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21:1). The ultimate hope of God's people is heaven (> 500x in Scripture; ~50x in Revelation).

1. Bonus questions for your own reflection and rumination:

2. 1. What does the promise of a new heaven and a new earth signify to you?

   2. What emotions or thoughts does the description of the New Jerusalem evoke in you?

   3. How does the vision of God dwelling among His people influence your understanding of God's relationship with humanity?

   4. How does the absence of a physical temple in the New Jerusalem shape your view of worship?

   5. How does the concept of the second death in the lake of fire influence your understanding of divine judgment and reward?

   6. In what ways do you see God making things new in your life today?

   7. How can the promise of a life without mourning, crying, or pain bring comfort in your present situations?

   8. How can the detailed description of the New Jerusalem inspire you to live in anticipation of this glorious future?

   9. How can the vision of the New Jerusalem impact the way you handle trials and tribulations in your life?

   10. How does the vision of God as the Alpha and Omega influence your view of God's sovereignty?

   11. What does it mean to you to be called to "overcome," as mentioned in verse 7?

• In what ways will the new heaven and the new earth be entirely different from anything we’ve experienced to this point in our lives? How will the new heaven and the new earth be better from what we’ve experienced to this point in our lives? (v. 1-8)
• What does it mean to you that the Lord will dwell with us forever? Why is this important? (v. 3)
• Why do you think John includes this beautiful, comforting picture of God wiping away every tear from our eyes? Why is this important? (v. 4) 
• God prepares us for eternity and provides us with the perspective we need by means of His Word. How can you be more intentional about the time you spend in God’s Word moving forward? Alone? With your family? At church?
• ● What do you think it means to live with an eternal perspective? Are you living with an eternal perspective? Moving forward, how can you more intentionally live in light of the eternal destiny that’s in store for you as God’s people?