The 'New' Heaven and 'New' Earth

The Greek word for ‘new’ used in the context of the new heaven and new earth is similar to the Old Testament Hebrew. They both translate to ‘renew’ when referring to the new heaven and earth. The base words mean qualitatively new as opposed to old and former and hence also implying better because it is different.

Consider the use of the word ‘new’ in the following passages.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“…if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him…put off…your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:21-24

It is the same physical man, but totally different and better.

What is meant by ‘the new man which was created according to God’…?

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over…all the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over…the earth.’” Genesis 1:26-28

Image means likeness. Image and likeness in both Old and New Testaments mean reflection, shadow, and the essential nature of. There is always a prototype, and not merely a resemblance of something. The image of God also means perfect in knowledge, righteousness, holiness, and immortal. Sin and its resulting curse really fouled things up for both man and the earth; however, the day will come when both sinful men who so choose and the cursed earth will be redeemed to its original state.

Man was created in two basic parts, i.e. his physical body from the dust of the earth and his spirit which was breathed into him.

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7

With the advent of sin man was consigned to physical death and his body was returned to the earth while his spirit returned to the One that created him awaiting the final destiny.

“Then the dust will return to earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.” Ecclesiastes 12:7

According to the Bible the spirit of man belongs to God and at the time of physical death it will either be preserved in paradise or reserved in Hades (hell) until reunited with the physical body which will then live forever. A great truth is that there is no such thing as cessation of being for any man at death. A spirit preserved in paradise is protected, i.e. kept safe until the reunification of the body and spirit for eternal life in heaven while a spirit that is reserved in hell is kept under guard until the reunification of the body and spirit for eternal separation from God in the everlasting lake of fire.

The preservation of the spirits of the just and the reservation of the spirits of the unjust is documented in the New Testament.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of Our LORD Jesus Christ.” I Thessalonians 5:23

“…then the Lord knows how to…reserve the unjust under punishment for the Day of Judgment…” 2 Peter 2:9

Hell and paradise are immediate and irreversible for those who physically die. Each is a precursor for the final destiny of those who either accept God’s free gift of redemption based on Christ’s death on the cross or those who reject it.

Therefore, paradise and hell are just the intermediate places for the spirits awaiting the resurrection of the body. The final destiny of the dead is then either heaven, i.e. renewed earth and New Jerusalem or the lake of fire.

To be continued…

What Is the Future of the Earth?

Many have been wondering about the future inasmuch as the present can be very exasperating. What do we have to look forward to? So we’ll take a break from the political unrest and sink our teeth into the future for several weeks. For those who choose not to believe the Bible, this may not be of interest because this series will be entirely Biblically based.

All mankind has an eternal future. Presently in the world, there are numerous classifications of people. There are men and women, ethnic origins, religious classifications, ideological orientations, etc. etc. The Bible, however, is very clear, i.e. there are just two classifications of people; those who will spend eternity with God and those who choose to spend eternity apart from God. All other barriers and differences are irrelevant. The major point is that all people will live forever in the place of their choosing.

“In the beginning God created the heaven(s) and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

We’ve previously seen that God was well pleased with His creation. Heaven(s) in this verse is translated from a Hebrew word that is used in several contexts, i.e. either the atmosphere above the surface of the earth, as in:

“Then God said… ‘and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.’” Genesis 1:20

Or,

“The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s; But the earth He has given to the children of men.” Psalms 115:16

The word ‘earth’ in Genesis 1:1 means the physical planet and is mentioned 21 times in just the first chapter of Genesis. It must be very significant. Recall that man was created in God’s image and was given the charge to multiply, subdue and have dominion over the earth. We’ll see in fact that the earth is integral in man’s eternal future for those who choose it to be.

“Who is the man that fears the LORD? …He himself…and his descendants shall inherit the earth.” Psalms 25:12-13

“For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.”

“But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth, but those cursed by Him shall be cut off.” Psalms 37:9, 11, 22

These passages reveal and confirm the two basic classifications of mankind. Those who fear the LORD i.e. takes Him at His word will inherit the earth while all others will be cut off, or will not live on the renewed earth.

That must mean the earth has an eternal future. Such is the case as confirmed by Solomon.

“One generation passes away, and another generation comes; but the earth abides forever.” Ecclesiastes 1:4

The earth to be inherited by those who fear the LORD will be the same physical planet, but only after being completely renewed. All signs and affects of sin and its subsequent curse must be removed before it is fit for redeemed man and God to dwell.

As the earth was judged by water in the days of Noah, it is being prepared for future judgment by fire prior to its renewal.

“But the heavens and the earth…are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” 2 Peter 3:6

“But the day of the Lord will come…in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and works that are in it will be burned up…Nevertheless we according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:10, 13

The referenced promise was given over 2½ millennia ago.

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.” Isaiah 65:17

That promise will be fulfilled after the final defeat of Satan, i.e. the one who caused the curse in the beginning of man’s odyssey.

“Now I (John) saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…” Revelation 21:1

To be continued…

Signs of the Times

The Biblical plan for the future is laid out in detail. The sequence of events is plainly seen, but what is not clear is the timing of the end of the present age. Jesus admonished His disciples to be watchful for the signs pointing to His return.

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near – at the doors!” Matthew 24:30

This present time period will be one of accelerated confusion and deceit. Recall that deceit is the attempt to draw one away from the truth and the truth is embodied in Christ. Because of the presence of deceit, lawlessness will abound.

“Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:11-12

A synonym for lawlessness in the New Testament is transgression. It is broader than just dismissing the ‘rule of law’ established by men. It means to transgress the ‘divinely instituted law’ of God.

“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.” I John 3:4

In other words, a sign of the times is to diminish the focus on Godly things. Furthermore, those who cling to the truth and Godly things will be despised.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” Matthew 24:9

The Apostle and teacher Paul wrote that lawlessness had already begun in the early days of the church. The early days of the church marked the beginning of this present age.

“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work…” 2 Thessalonians 2:7

Not only is lawlessness present in this age, it will accelerate until it is personified in the anti-Christ.

“…Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” I John 4:2-3

“…it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.” I John 2:18

Recall that the major difference between Christianity and the religion of Islam is Christ. Christ, the Son of God, is the cornerstone of Christianity while He is relegated as a prophet by Islam. Islam denies the deity of Christ and teaches that He was superseded by their prophet Mohammed.

Many Christians are beginning to correctly associate any religion that is contrary to John’s teachings relative to Christ and antichrist with lawlessness. Perhaps that is why apprehension is intensifying among Christians upon hearing that the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt is being considered in the future plans for Egypt’s parliament, i.e. their proposed ‘democracy.’ Our State Department is now open to negotiating with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt even while knowing that the Brotherhood’s stated objective is to establish a global caliphate and destroy American from within. It is also well known that the Muslim Brotherhood is already deeply entrenched in the infrastructure of our country.

During this present time period emotions will run hot and will crescendo towards the end of the period.

“And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.” Matthew 24:10

While this verse appears less dramatic than wars and earthquakes, it does paint a picture of man’s relationships with each other during this time period.

The term ‘offend’ means to set a trap or cause one to stumble and fall. ‘Betray’ is to deliver to the power and pleasure of one’s enemies, while ‘hate’ means to persecute and/or cause tribulation. Deception is the impetus for such hatred because truth is rejected. The persecution of Christians will definitely increase during this present age as will anti-Semitism.

The Bible states that the major events spoken by Jesus in the gospel records relative to the current age are just the beginning.

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” Matthew 24:7-8

‘Sorrows’ in this context translates to pains of childbirth. When such pain begins, they increase and continue until the birth.

Many will rely on America’s resiliency and power to deliver her from the events spoken of in the Bible. Each individual has the right to assess the future from their own vantage point. While many will take God’s justice lightly, there are many who will accept Biblical teachings by faith, and then there are many who will review Israel’s history to shed light and credibility on Biblical prophecy.

It is very interesting to examine current events, political climate, and contemporary societal issues to see how the present age compares with 2,000 year old writings as future history continues to unfold.

Living Water and the Tree of Life, pt 2

The remainder of Jesus’ ministry is well documented in the Gospel records. Of particular interest in the present context of ‘living water and tree of life’ was an event occurring immediately after Jesus’ death.

“Therefore…that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath…the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken…But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” John 19:31-34

It is significant that the blood issued first and then the water. The redemptive price was required before the living waters could appear. The Old Testament tree of cursing became the New Testament tree of life.

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’)… that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13-14

Now we can look forward into future history so see how the restoration of the original garden with the living water and tree of life is progressing. Following this present time period where God is calling out His Church, will be the tribulation period. That seven year tribulation period will come to a close with the return of Christ to destroy His enemies and establish His earthly kingdom headquartered in Jerusalem. The Bible has much to say about this 1000 year kingdom period.

“In the twenty-fifth year of our captivity... He... set me on a very high mountain; on it toward the south was something like the structure of a city…and behold, there was a man…and the man said to me, ‘Son of man (Ezekiel) look with your eyes…and fix your mind on everything I show you…declare to the house of Israel everything you see…’” Ezekiel 40:1-4

And then the millennial temple is described in great detail. Of particular interest in the context of living water and tree of life is found in the 47th chapter of Ezekiel.

“Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water, flowing from under the threshold of the temple... there, along the bank of the river, were very many trees… ‘Used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.’” Ezekiel 47:1-12

Future recorded history reveals that after the millennial kingdom, the earth will be completely purged of sin and its affect, making way for renewed heavens and earth.

“…the day of the Lord will come…in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10

The passing of the old allows for the new as witnessed by the Apostle John.

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.” Revelation 21:1

Then John heard a loud voice from the throne in heaven saying:

“Behold, I make all things new…It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts…” Revelation 21:5-6

Well, we began with the first chapter of the Bible and we will conclude with the last chapter of the Bible. One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls containing the seven last plagues talked with John.

“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations…” Revelation 22:1-2

Recall that the living water is the Spirit of God and in New Jerusalem the living water once again proceeds from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Particularly note several of the most powerful words in the Bible.

“And there shall be no more curse…” Revelation 22:3

Then Jesus Himself reaffirmed His deity and His intentions.

“‘And behold, I am coming quickly…I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.’ Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life…” Revelation 22:13-14

The words of the prophet Isaiah are then fulfilled and reaffirmed by the Spirit of God and His redeemed church.

“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And buy…without money and without price.” Isaiah 55:1

“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come…Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

Yes, free to us who had a debt we could not pay, but at a great cost to Him who paid the debt He did not owe.

So we are back where it first began when God looked over all He created, and proclaimed that it was ‘very good.’ Where the tree of life was/is and the living waters flow freely.

Living Water and the Tree of Life, pt 1 of 2

The first chapter of Genesis provides an overview of the creation with specific details given about planet earth and its inhabitants including God’s highest creation, i.e. man. At the end of the sixth day God reviewed all that He had made and expressed His pleasure and satisfaction.

“Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good…” Genesis 1:31

The Hebrew for the adverb ‘very’ means vehemently and/or utterly while the adjective ‘good’ translates into excellent, fruitful, and/or righteous. In other words, God saw His creation as being ‘utterly excellent.’

Chapter two of Genesis provides a look into the Garden of Eden, where man began his odyssey.

“The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden…The tree of life was…in the midst of the garden…Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden…Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” Genesis 2:8-15

We know that sin entered the Garden with its subsequent curse on Satan, man, and all the earth. Man was expelled from the beautiful garden.

“…therefore the LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden…and He placed cherubim…to guard the way to the tree of life.” Genesis 3:23-24

The Hebrew base for ‘life’ is rich in meaning. It translates to ‘sustain life,’ ‘remain alive,’ ‘live forever,’ and/or ‘fresh, running water.’

Therefore, when man sinned, he was denied ‘life’ as evidenced by losing access to the tree of life and was instead consigned to death. What a dilemma. How could something that was so ‘very good’ have such a sad ending. Would it ever be possible for man to be restored to the garden with flowing waters and partake of the tree of life? Would the curse ever be removed?

Well as generations passed God began to reveal His plan to restore what was lost in Eden. His original plan was not nullified; it would indeed be fulfilled. The tree of life and living waters would someday be accessible to man once again. In fact, God never did have an alternate plan. Wise is the man who seeks the truth.

“Blessed is the man…(whose) delight is in the law of the LORD…He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water…” Psalm 1:1-3

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD…for he shall be like a tree planted by the waters…” Jeremiah 17:7-8

Thereafter the prophets began to speak of the restoration in terms of living waters.

“In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness…And in that day it shall be that living waters shall flow from Jerusalem…” Zechariah 13:1, 14:8-9

The Old Testament prophets were speaking of the future millennial kingdom. They also revealed that man would be stubborn and would attempt to achieve fulfillment without God.

“For my people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns – broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:13

And then in the New Testament Jesus spoke again of the ‘living water’ beginning with the Samaritan woman at the well. When the woman questioned Jesus’ ability to provide ‘living water’ Jesus replied:

“… ‘Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst…the water that I shall give him, will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.’” John 4:7-15

Jesus expanded His teaching reaffirming He was in fact the source of ‘living water.’

“On the last day, that great day of the feast (Feast of Tabernacles, the last of the seven ‘Feasts of the Lord’), Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive…” John 7:37-39

Jesus’ proclamation reminded His hearers of a profound Old Testament passage which introduced the future relationship between Christ and the Holy Spirit 1500 years before His birth.

“And the people thirsted there for water…So Moses cried out to the LORD…And the LORD said to Moses…take in your hand your rod…and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” Exodus 17:3-6

This great story was explained and confirmed in the New Testament.

“Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers…drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock…and that Rock was Christ…Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” I Corinthians 10:1-11