Revelation 21:1-7
The New Heaven and the New Earth
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6 And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
Questions for Reflection
1. What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
2. In his vision, what did John see coming down out of heaven from God? (21:2)
3. What did the voice that John heard speaking from the throne of God announce? (21:3)
4. What will life be like in heaven? (21:4)
5. How did the voice from heaven describe the new world to come? (21:4-5)
6. What did the one on the throne promise to those who are thirsty? (21:6)
7. What did the one on the throne promise to those who overcome? (21:7)
8. What are the implications for us that this present earth will pass away?
9. In what ways is the promise that God will dwell with us meaningful to you?
10. What does it mean that God will wipe every tear from our eyes?
11. What kind of thirst does God promise to fill in heaven?
12. How should we act in light of the fact that the God of the universe wants to live in us?
