NEW EARTH: CAPITAL OF THE HEAVENS

     Little attention is given to the prophecies ascribed to “the new earth.” Yet the Bible addresses many aspects of the glorified life to come through the gift of GOD: "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Rom.3:24.

     Among the many prophecies is the declaration that both the Father and the Son will move their throne from its present location in heaven to this world: to be with the saints, and to share in their joy forevermore. And the saints will come “and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Rev.14:7.

     Jesus gave His Word on both the Spiritual and Temporal Presence of GOD with man: “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Jn.14:23; Rev.21:3.

     Not only does the Father and Son come to dwell within the very souls of the faithful through the power of the Third Person of the Godhead: the Holy Ghost: to lead, to educate, and to comfort through all of life's afflictions, but after all is said and done, they will also bring their Personal Presence to this sin cursed Earth: to transform it and restore it back to its pristine glory, as it was, "In the beginning." Gen.1:1.

     To realize that every landscape that exists today: whether of mountains, deserts, frozen wastelands, and every city will be utterly abolished via “the lake of fire” cleansing of the Earth’s surface, and replaced with a perfect and pristine landscape unmarred by sin is beyond our present comprehension. As David said, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it" (Ps.139:6). But those who have made Christ their companion, keeping their eyes fixed on Him, will one day witness a level of perfection that will bring perpetual joy in every part of our lives. And this joy is ordained to last forever.

     The environment of the landscapes, the abundant mixture of wildlife, and the communities of people in their eternal homes that are prophesied to replace the temporary and tainted life that exists today is astounding to say the least. “Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.” Isa.30:26. The five senses of the glorified body are to be fashioned in such a way as to perfectly adapt to the brightness and the glorious landscapes of the New Earth, the sounds of nature, the flavors of food, and the sense of touch with a sensitivity that will enthrall and delight the soul. It is the LORD Jesus Christ "Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Phil.3:21.

     Awaiting the saints will be beautiful and spacious vistas with trees and flowers all waving in the cool breeze, with birds singing their harmonious melodies, and all different types of animals frolicking together without hatred or violence (Isa.11). And they will behold crystal clear water flowing in shallow rivers, with rocks of various colors, and fish of different shapes and sizes leaping out of the water, splashing with laughter. They will see the radiant blue sky where the sunlight penetrates everywhere and there are no shadows. "And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever." Rev.22:5.

     The utopian life will exceed every expectation as Paul said, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” I Cor.2:9. Yes, some things are well worth waiting for. And for those who have not proven GOD in their lives, to establish a faith "in Christ" that holds on to this promised destiny for the human race, consider the story of Gideon: “And Gideon said unto God...let me prove, I pray thee, but this once…And God did so that night.” Jud.6:39,40.