Newness: With the final judgment and the swallowing up of death in victory (1 Cor. 15:26, 54; Isaiah 25:8-9; Rev. 20:14) will come the end of this world and the re-creation of all things (Rev. 21:5). In this age, there truly is nothing new under the sun (Eccl. 1:9-10), but in the regeneration (Matt. 19:28), God will make heaven, earth, and all things new (Rev. 21:1, 5). All the groaning and anxious longing of creation will cease as the sons of God are revealed and creation is set free from its slavery to corruption (Rom. 8:19-22). Every vestige of sin and the curse will disappear (Rev. 21:4; 22:3), and the New Jerusalem will dazzle our eyes with its immense size and sparkling materials of gold, pearls, and precious stones (Rev. 21:16, 18). Paradise lost will be restored (Rev. 2:7) and God will bless all the nations just as He promised (Gen. 22:18; Rev. 22:2). All who thirst and overcome will drink from the water of life (Rev. 21:6-7) and dwell in divine light (Rev. 21:22-25; 22:5), while the unrepentant and unsanctified will be outside and face the eternal wrath of God (Rev. 21:8; 22:15).

Glory: The centerpiece of heaven will be the fullness of God’s radiant glory. His purpose to dwell among His people, seen throughout Scripture (Gen. 3:8; Ex. 25:8; 29:45; Lev. 26:11-12; Zech 2:10-11; 2 Cor. 6:16), will reach its crescendo in the New Jerusalem. Divine glory will permeate that holy place and the entire city will be a sacred worship sanctuary (Rev. 21:22-23). Ceaseless worship is what surrounds the throne of God (Rev. 4:8, 10-11; 5:11-12, 13; 7:9-10) and it will be our eternal occupation. There, we will behold the beauty of the Lord (Rev. 22:4; Ps. 17:15; 27:4) and serve Him day and night forever (Rev. 7:15; 22:3). May these heavenly visions fill us and prompt us toward holy living.