We are in a series called “Sword Sharpening” and looking at how to make the most out of your time with the Bible. This week we are continuing our look at the storyline of the Bible, which we call His Story, and we will look at the eighth section, Revelation 21 – 22, and call it Kingdom Consummated.
Revelation 21:1-5 (NIV)
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
“I am making everything new!” What a powerful verse. There are two words in Greek for “new”, and they are very different. Neo means brand new “in time.” Like building a “new” house. But “kainos,” (the word used for new in Rev 21) carries a different meaning. It means restored or refreshed or renewed. So, in keeping with the house illustration, it’s taking the house that once was new but now old and re-newing it.
With that said, there are some fiery words about the end of the age that we need to look into.
2 Peter 3:5-7 (NIV)
5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
2 Peter 3:10 (NIV)
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
In these verses, Peter connects to the Flood of Noah’s day as the image for the end of the age: “By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed” (v. 6). Since we know that the planet actually survived the flood, we need to think the same way about the coming fire. The Flood cleansed the earth, renewed it. Noah and his family stepped out of the ark onto a restored earth, to begin again. Peter then turns from water to fire as the element by which the earth we love is cleansed. Fire symbolizes cleansing throughout the Scriptures; perhaps you remember that Paul said our life’s work will be tested in the fire, like gold. The good remains; the rest is burned away.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 (NIV)
13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
Let’s look quickly at an encounter between Jesus and Peter. Peter asks Jesus this question:
Matthew 19:27 (NIV)
27 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”
Look at Jesus’ response:
Matthew 19:28-29 (NIV)
28 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
After sitting with Jesus and taking in His words, Peter concludes his passage on the end of the age with these words:
2 Peter 3:13 (NIV)
13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
The renewal of all things simply means that the earth is restored, renewed, and given back to us. Forever. We will be looking at this and more this weekend at Keys Vineyard Church so make plans to join us in-person or online.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
