Things We Know (Conclusion)

The final assault by Satan is further described.

“They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast (anti-Christ) and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:9-10

After Satan’s final defeat the earth will receive her new face and be adorned for her intended purpose which is to be the eternal dwelling place for redeemed man.

At that time all existing elements which are known by their atomic weights will be dissolved and all matter will be made new. The new elements will not be subject to decay, as in the present law of physics known as half-life, but will last throughout eternity.

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away (dissolve) 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

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

In both Hebrew and Greek the meaning of the word ‘new’ is considered to be renew, a superior creation on the original physical object such as noted in the following:

“…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

A Christian is considered a new creation. During this age the Christian is renewed in spirit, however, he is still consigned to his original body.

The promise of a new heaven and earth was introduced in the Old Testament.

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” Isaiah 65:17-18

“For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me, says the LORD, so shall your descendants and your name remain.” Isaiah 66:22

After the sinned plagued earth has passed away and the new earth appears, Christ will have completed His earthly mission.

“Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet, the last enemy that will be destroyed is death…Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.” 1 Corinthians 15:24-28

Recall Christ’s mission.

“…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8

And then there are the sweetest words in the Bible.

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

The certainty of Biblical prophecy should cause all of us to pause and consider whether our priorities both as individuals as well as a nation are in sync with the known future.

Or will we be like those in the time of Noah and the flood.

“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:38-39

In other words are we so engrossed in the world that little or no attention is given to Biblical prophecy?