Cambridge Church of Seventh-day Adventists, Medford MA

The Best Is Yet to Come

Some folks have the idea Heaven is something like a bunch of cumulus clouds painted with rainbows where spirits play hide-and-seek with ghosts. It’s a spook world. Pie-in-the-sky-by-and-by, where you float around on wispy clouds playing unearthly music on immaterial harps forever! (If I believed Heaven was like that I wouldn’t want to go there. I wouldn’t be interested! Would you? That would be miserable.)

Some religions say there are three heavens – or even seven. Others say Heaven is not really a literal place at all; just a state of mind.

Millions believe: “Eventually, everybody will end up in Heaven!” Others argue, very few will make it.

Why so many different opinions when God’s Word is filled with stupendous details about Heaven – this colossal space station up there in the sky under construction right now! And the reason God wants us to know what Heaven’s like, is so we’ll want to be there! Heaven is not a secret God is keeping from us.

In many large buildings, there are thousands of different keys that fit each lock on each door. (In Caracas, Venezuela you have at least eight keys to get inside your apartment building.) But usually the superintendent of the building has one key that fits ALL the doors, called the master key.

God has one master key that unlocks the mysteries about Heaven, fits all the doors. And that master key is the Bible. We don't have to be confused by human theories or opinions. God’s Word is a reliable “master source” of information about the future.

<2 Peter 1:21>

It may surprise you, but God has revealed in His Word:

1. Where Heaven will be
2. What Heaven will be like
3. Where its capital will be
4. What people will do there
5. What people will be like there
6. Where the saved will live
7. What the capital city will look like

For the next few minutes, let’s have a bit of fun together; stretch our imaginations, take God’s master key – the Bible – and discover the truth about THE BEST THAT’S JUST AHEAD!

Two years ago I went sailing the Greek Isles in the Mediterranean Sea. We stopped at the incredibly beautiful Isle of Patmos, where the last living disciple John wrote the book of Revelation. John was a prisoner in exile on this God-forsaken rock six miles long and three miles wide, located in the blue Aegean Sea. But there God gave him a vision before he died: a glorious preview of the future. And he wrote about what he saw in the book of Revelation:

<Revelation 21:1, 2>

I still get all choked up at a wedding, don’t you? Nothing’s more beautiful and radiant than a gorgeous bride on her wedding day!

This heavenly city is like a bride, John tells us. And by the way, Heaven isn’t something that only John saw and knew about. All God’s prophets throughout the ages have known about it. Because Heaven is crucial to God’s final plan of restoration. His surprise wedding present for His bride, the church. Listen:

<Acts 3:20, 21>
“And that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.”

What is God going to restore? God is going to restore everything Adam and Eve lost!

I’m a stereo nut. I like to listen to good music. Stretch out and listen to great symphony orchestra cranked way up. But there’s nothing more disruptive than to have the doorbell ring. Or the power go off. And suddenly the music stops. Right in the best part! It’s annoying.

Well, God’s original music score for this earth was like a great symphony. He had the score all written at creation. He was the conductor. Everything was in position and ready! And the music began to play. Gorgeous music in Genesis 1 and 2! But in Genesis 3 the music suddenly stopped. Somebody interrupted and botched it all up. And for 6,000 years now God’s been waiting to get started again with His “unfinished symphony.” Heaven is God’s strategic plan of restoration. To restore all six of the precious treasured gifts He’d given mankind in the first place.

1. LIFE. Eternal Life, without end.
2. A RIGHTEOUS NATURE – pure and holy character.
3. A PERFECT BEAUTIFUL HOME – the garden of Eden.
4. DOMINION. “Over every living thing that moved upon the earth.” I believe Adam and Eve could communicate with the animals like they do at Disneyland or Sea World. Call them by name; do tricks.
5. PERFECT FAMILY HAPPINESS.
6. FACE-TO-FACE COMMUNION WITH GOD. No barriers. Open fellowship.

God’s original Paradise was His forever symphony. His original score. And in Genesis 1, God was so proud to show it off to the universe!

The Creator Himself had designed and decorated Adam and Eve’s home. Gave them perfect health, love, happiness, joy. Everything was peace and harmony. Total freedom. If they chose to obey God’s simple instructions.

“Don’t eat of the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden, or you’ll interrupt the orchestra and the music.” But that’s exactly what they chose to do – to eat of the tree rather than listening to God. And Heaven’s harmony became the “unfinished symphony.”

The most tragic day in the universe. For the first time in Adam and Eve’s lives, they felt guilt, shame and fear. By their disobedience, they lost everything: their garden home, their dominion of Earth, access to the Tree of Life. They lost their happiness, their love, fellowship with the Creator. Our perfect world became cursed with sin, sickness, sorrow, and suffering. They were no longer “masters” – couldn’t go down and call the fish by name any more. Adam and Eve became slaves. They chose to throw away all their freedoms and liberties. Paul said,

<Romans 6:16>

They sold out to the Devil. Chose to separate themselves from God and life and happiness and freedom.

But a loving God understood. He couldn’t bear to be parted from them forever. He’d planned too much. Invested too much. Risked too much. And He loved them so much He couldn’t leave His erring children without hope. What could you do?

As angels sadly ushered them out the gate of the Garden of Eden for one last final time, God promised Adam and Eve something: that one day His own Son, the Seed of the Woman, would come to die for them so they could be restored to the family of God and have eternal life again. Right there in Genesis 3:15 God spoke to the serpent and said:

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”

What a glorious promise! Yes! Jesus Messiah would come! But unfortunately, as generations passed and homo sapiens multiplied on earth, sin also exponentially exploded. The human race almost forgot God. People became corrupt, vile. Immoral. Depraved.

<Genesis 6:5>

So abominably evil, it became necessary for God to destroy this wicked world by a flood in order to preserve any life on the earth! Only eight people survived! Did we learn our lesson? No.

After the flood, it wasn’t many generations before people became corrupt again. But this time in order to preserve a holy people on earth, a remnant, a special church of God’s “called out” ones.

God called Abraham and his family out of the idolatrous and corrupt Ur of the Chaldees. Near Baghdad. Our Marines moving up from Kuwait to Baghdad passed right through Ur! The Lord said, “Abraham…

<Genesis 12:1, 2>

Do you think this was easy? Abraham was a wealthy business tycoon playing the market and trading on Wall Street. His friends derided him and said, “Abraham, you’re leaving Babylon?” (Yep.) “Where on earth are you going?” (Dunno. God will lead me.) “What will you do when you get there?” (Raise up a great nation). “What? You have no children and you’re 75!” “Who will protect you?” (Him!)

What a lesson for God’s faithful people today. We’ve got to trust God, even when we don’t understand! Hang on in faith, Abraham, even if you have to leave your friends. Not knowing where you’re going, or what the future holds. You may not know what the future holds, but you know Who holds the future!

<Hebrews 11:9, 10>

Here’s what’s important: God promised to give to Abraham and his children all that Adam and Eve lost. That’s why Bible prophets in all ages looked forward to our day and the restoration of all things.

Hebrews 11 says Abraham, Enoch, Noah, Abel, Isaac, Rahab, David, and Samuel – they all believed in God’s promise to restore what Adam and Eve lost. But for them, there’s just one problem:

<Hebrews 11:13, 16>

 

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Heaven!

Isaiah, the greatest of all the messianic prophets, gave a thrilling description clear back in the Old Testament of the restoration God has prepared for His saved people:

<Isaiah 65:17>
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.”

Good news!

<Isaiah 60:18>
“Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; but you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.”

Just think – NO violence! No smart bombs. Isn’t that WONDERFUL to think about? No need there for weapons to defend and protect ourselves. No rapists or thieves! Walk those streets of gold with no worry of being attacked or robbed?

The prophet tells us,

<Isaiah 11:6>
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat...and a little child shall lead them.”

God restores planet Earth to its original beauty,

<Isaiah 33:24>
“And the inhabitant will not say, ‘I am sick’...”

My dad with your triple bypass, no heart attacks! Lon, no more cancer or AVMs. No allergies, friend. (Isn’t that great news?)

<Isaiah 35:5>
“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened...”

First thing my blind friends, will want to see is: the face of Jesus! Oh, what a glorious day that will be. I want to be there to see you see Jesus!
And listen to this:

<Isaiah 35:5, 6>
“...the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped…Then the lame shall leap like a deer...”

No more wheelchairs, No more quadriplegics, friend! No more crutches! Everyone will have perfect bodies.

(Whoa! There goes grandma on the Sea of Glass!) Sparkling. Glittering. Sensational! Walking on water.

<Isaiah 35:6>
“...and the tongue of the dumb sing.”

Perhaps they’ll have vocal chords that can sing in 4-part harmony! What a happy day! But there’s more…

<Isaiah 35:1>
“The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.”

My Chinese friend, the late Dr. Philip Chen, could grow five different kinds of citrus on one tree. But in the beautiful new earth the Tree of Life has 12 different fruits every month!

<Isaiah 65:21, 22>
“They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat; for as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, and My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.”

We’ll realize our wildest dreams! Unrestricted! Limitless innovations. Creative and ingenious inventions because in Heaven, there’s no lock on earth that God won’t let us pick! Heaven is a real place with real people doing real things. The Bible says people will know us by our own names, and even by our idiosyncrasies. Our long nose, or big ears, or big hands – they will be perfect noses and ears and hands. Our voice will be similar. Smiles. Laughter.

<Isaiah 66:22, 23>
“‘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. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before me,’ says the Lord.”

Every Sabbath will be one grand “family reunion” party that we’ll never tire of! We’ll have such a good time, the Bible says even God will laugh.

<Isaiah 35:10>
“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

If that doesn’t sound exciting – you’re dead! Wonderful, joyful celebrations as we assemble each Sabbath from traveling all over the four corners of the universe. We come back at the speed of thought...back to the Capital City, the Holy City, on Sabbath to praise and sing and have fellowship.

And you know what? Our Bible says right at this very moment there’s the sound of construction and jack hammers and saws sawing, hammers hammering and paint sprayers buzzing, because Jesus said He went away to personally build us each a mansion. Can you imagine Jesus up there with the angels helping? Building mansions beyond description? Paul says we wouldn’t believe it if he described it to us. Majestic. Perfect. Because Jesus Himself builds that mansion.

But then Isaiah surprises me even more to say, “You’ll get to build a house, too. A second home. And Jesus will help you as the Heavenly Architect and Divine Carpenter.”

Perhaps we’ll build that home in the country – or by the water. Or, on a mountain. Then each weekend we’ll go into the capital city of the New Earth and stay in our mansion in the city.

Now, it may surprise you that this is all going to take place right here on this re-created Earth – the future home of the saved. For Jesus said,

<Matthew 5:5>
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

(The meek don’t have much of it today; most of it is in the hands of finance companies!) Listen: God is going to restore Planet Earth to its original perfection, a glorious New Earth! By the way, this is another reason no one is in Heaven yet today, because Jesus says this earth is where God is going to finally re-create Heaven. This earth will be our final ultimate home, recreated. Repeat out loud with me one of Jesus’ most wonderful promises:

<John 14:1-3>
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

The only reason Jesus is coming, friend, is because He doesn’t have a one of us with Him yet! Jesus taught us in the Lord’s Prayer, to pray that day of restoration comes soon.

<Matthew 6:10>
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

We’re not up there yet. So, we need to pray that prayer every day. But now, for the grand finale of the story, let’s go back once more to the Isle of Patmos and consider in detail the magnificent city John saw in vision. Poor John! It seems as a prophet he had a hard time finding the right words to express the grandeur of the Holy City. As gorgeous as pictures on the screen are, as mind-boggling any visualization, and as crazy and preposterous as our zany imaginations try to picture Heaven, Paul says you aren’t even close!

<1 Corinthians 2:9>
“...Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

But wait a minute! Most people fail to read the next verse that says,

<1 Corinthians 2:10>
“But God has revealed them unto us through His Spirit...”

Enough information to give us a “sneak preview.” If He described what it was really like, we’d be so absolutely astonished and blown away we wouldn’t believe it! So, in the Bible it’s like looking through dark sunglasses. We use our imagination a bit – there goes Grandma! But the half has not been told! If Peter could walk on water, so can we!

So say John and Isaiah and all the prophets. It’s all true! John tries hard to unfold details of the Holy City. But then he puts his pen down, takes a deep breath and says: Wow! “It is too fabulous to be true!” (But we have God’s Word for it!) John continues:

<Revelation 21:1, 2>
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth and...there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

Then he struggles in his attempt to use human language to tells us about the city:

<Revelation 21:11>
“...Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.”

<Revelation 21:17>
“Then he measured its wall: 144 cubits [66 meters]...” high

<Revelation 21:21>
“The 12 gates were twelve pearls...”

So there are pearly gates, on which are written the names of the 12 tribes of the children of Israel, Verses 21-22. The streets and the city are pure gold, transparent as glass. Verse 16 gives the measurements of this city…

“The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he [the angel] measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. [Then it adds]: The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal [or, proportionate].”

A furlong is one-eighth of an English mile, one-fifth of a kilometer. So translated into everyday arithmetic that makes it some 1,500 miles around! 375 miles on each side. But maybe it’s a perfect cube? (Perhaps in 3-D. This would mean 375 miles high!) Will it be big enough?

Tokyo has nearly 35 million people. New York, 20 million people. Seoul and Mexico City each have nearly 20 million each.

One mathematician has estimated New Jerusalem, if you calculate it carefully, could easily house two billion people! (In the “first dimension” only!) In other words, there will be room for everyone who wants to be there.

<Revelation 21:23>
“The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light...”

The twelve foundations have the names of the apostles on them, and are garnished with precious stones precisely the colors of the rainbow, so it LOOKS like it’s sitting on a rainbow! And,

<Revelation 22:1, 2>
“...a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb...On each side of the river [is] the tree of life, bearing twelve [kinds] of fruit...”

– a different fruit each month. Perhaps a trunk or both sides of the river, joining like a Banyon tree above the river. And,

<Revelation 22:5>
“There shall be no night there...”

<Revelation 22:4>
“And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it...”

And then the most wonderful promise found in Revelation 21:4…

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things are passed away.”

I can’t wait for that, can you? I never get used to a funeral. But what will we do to keep us busy in such a wonderful place?

No crime, no sickness, no hunger or disease – no regular “jobs” like we have here! Just peace and harmony forever! What to do? Listen: we’ll get to do all the things we ever dreamed of doing here and zillions more!

Build our dream home in the Alps, plant our own vineyards on the Riviera. Jesus, the Creator, will be there to open to us the mysteries of Creation. We’ll never quit learning new things. Science. Astronomy. Astro-physics. Mathematics. Geometry. We’ll be able to travel any time we wish. We’ll have forever-time to be with our friends and loved ones. [I want to go with each of you...for 2,000 years!]

And each weekend we’ll return back at the speed of thought to spend Sabbath in our city home, praising God and singing with the angels and Jesus – our special time to fellowship with our Lord.

Well, you may ask, “Sounds too good to be true. So glorious! Can I be certain that I can make it there?” The answer is simple – yet some people try to make it so complex. Jesus turns our master key in the lock to get every one of us into those Pearly Gates. He’s your ticket to Heaven.

<Galatians 3:29>
“And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

If you accept Jesus as your Savior and LORD (He’s Boss)...THEN the same promise made to Abraham is your promise, too. [Paul calls this the “in Christ” motif. Explain: All promises from Genesis to Revelation!] They’re yours forever, friend.

That’s why today God wants you and me to know the best is yet to come! Are you homesick for Heaven? I am. Don’t you want to be there? I do! God gives us an invitation today:

In the last verses of Revelation. Most beautiful in all of Scripture…

<Revelation 22:16-18>
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. And the Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book...”

It’s true, friend! You can be a part of God’s fabulous tomorrow – if you invite Him into your heart.

<Revelation 22:20, 21>
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

Luke 6:32-36 says that’s why Jesus came down to the race track of life because we’ve all fallen down and become disabled. He came to pick us up and set us free from our problems and our sins and our self-centered broken lives. To link arms with us and go “marching to Zion” right on to the finish line!

And the best news is those golden crowns, those Olympic gold medals? They won’t be given to just one winner. But to everyone – everyone who finishes the race. Jesus is on the track right now. He’s here. He has come. And He is reaching down around each of us. Lifting us up! Giving us another chance. And today he offers to pick us up, put His arms around us, and walk us all the way to the finish line and give us Heaven!

Would you close your eyes for a moment? Perhaps bow your head. I want you to use your imagination and think about Heaven. Imagine it’s evening up there right now. Two lone figures (Christ and Gabriel) are walking silently in the gathering dusk of the city. All alone, they pass a huge section filled with mansions...As they walk along the silent streets, it’s Gabriel who breaks the silence:
“Master! They’re so lovely, so perfect, and so wonderful as only You can make them.”
“Yes Gabriel, they are. If only they weren’t so empty.”
“But didn’t You plan sometime ago to go down and receive Your people?”
“Yes, but not yet.”
“But Master, I look down and see the people. They seem so content! Like they don’t even want to come to this place.”
“Yes, Gabriel, I know.”
They walk in silence. Tears begin to flow. Again it’s Gabriel who breaks the silence. He turns and says, “Jesus,” (Jesus loves to be called that!) “when are You going to get them?”
“Not yet. A little longer.” (He realizes so few are ready).
They walk a bit further. This time it’s Jesus who breaks the silence. Through tear-dimmed eyes He turns to Gabriel and says, “Gabriel, don’t they want to come home?”

Do we? I ask you to look into your heart. Would you be happy if He’d come today? Do you really want to go Home?

A Colossal City In Space

Talk about a city! New York and London are as nothing in comparison to the gigantic city Jesus will bring back to the new Earth. For true information that will thrill and cheer you, keep reading.

 

1. Who is the architect and builder of this space city? The Bible declares that God is building a great city for His people. And this city is as real and literal as any you have ever known. Answer: "Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their

God: for he hath prepared for them a city." Hebrews 11:16.

2. Where is this amazing city that God is preparing? This great city that is being constructed is, at this moment, in far outer space in God's dwelling place, which is called heaven. Answer: "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven." Revelation 21:2. "O Lord my God ... hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place." 1 Kings 8:28-30.

3. How do the Scriptures describe this amazing space city? (A) SIZE -"The city lieth four square, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs." Revelation 21:16. The city is perfectly square. Its perimeter is 12,000 furlongs, or 1,500 miles (a furlong is 1/8 mile). It is 375 miles long on each side. (B) NAME -The city is called "new Jerusalem" in Revelation 21:2. (C) WALLS -"And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits. ... And the building of the wall of it was of jasper." Revelation 21:17, 18. A wall 144 cubits, or 216 fe

et high (a cubit is 18 inches), surrounds the city. The wall is made of solid jasper, with radiance and beauty beyond description. Think of it! Nearly 20 stories high and solid jasper! (D) GATES -"And had twelve gates ... On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates." And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl." Revelation 21:12, 13, 21. The city has 12 gates-three on each side-each one made of a single pearl. (E) FOUNDATIONS -"The wall of the city had twelve foundations ... garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst." Revelation 21:14-20. The city has 12 full, complete foundations-each one made of precious stone. Every color of the rainbow will be represented, so at a distance the city will no doubt appear to be resting upon a rainbow. (F) STREETS -"The street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass." Revelation 21:21. (G) APPEARANCE -"The holy city, ... prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." "Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal." "The length and breadth and height of it are equal [proportionate]." Revelation 21:2, 11, 16. The city, with all of its precious stones, gold, and shimmering beauty, will be lighted with the glory of God. In its breathtaking majesty and purity, it is compared to "a bride adorned for her husband." Answer:

4. What phenomenal feature of this majestic city assures every citizen eternal vigor and youth? The tree of life, which bears 12 kinds of fruit (and is in the middle of the city-Revelation 2:7), brings unending life and youth to all who partake of it. Even its leaves will contain marvelous sustaining qualities. This tree will yield a new crop of fruit each month. Answer: "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." Revelation 22:2. "Take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever." Genesis 3:22.

5. Is it true that this amazing city will descend to this earth? Yes, the majestic holy city will come down to this earth to become the capital of the earth made new. All the righteous will have a home in this city. Answer: "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." Revelation 21:2. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5. "The righteous shall be recompensed in the earth." Proverbs 11:31.

6. What will happen to sin and sinners? God will destroy all sin and sinners with fire. This fire will melt the earth and turn everything into ashes. Then God will make a perfect new earth, and the holy city will be its capital. Here the righteous will live in joy, peace, and holiness throughout eternity. God promises that sin will not rise up again. See Nahum 1:9. (The full information on hell will be given in Study Guide 11.) Answer: "All the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up." Malachi 4:1. "Fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them." Revelation 20:9. "The elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." 2 Peter 3:10. "Ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet." Malachi 4:3. "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13.

7. What refreshing, thrilling promises does God make to the people who enter His new kingdom? A. The Lord, in person, will live with them (Revelation 21:3).B. They will never become bored. There will be pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11).C.There will be no more death, pain, tears, sorrow, sickness, hospitals, operations, tragedy, disappointment, trouble, hunger, or thirst (Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 33:24; Revelation 22:3; Isaiah 65:23; Revelation 7:16).D. They will not get tired (Isaiah 40:31).E. Every saved person will be physically whole in every way. The deaf will hear, the blind will see, the dumb will sing, and the lame will be able to run (Isaiah 35:5, 6; Philippians 3:21).F. Jealousy, fear, hatred, falsehood, envy, impurity, cynicism, filth, worry, and all evil will be forever shut out of God's kingdom (Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:15). People will no longer be burdened with the worries and cares that drive them to distraction. There will be no more nervous breakdowns. Time will become eternity, and the pressures and deadlines of earth will be gone forever. Answer:

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8. How will the new earth differ from our earth today? A. Vast seas as we know them today will be gone (Revelation 21:1). The oceans and seas cover three-fourths of the earth's surface today. This will not be the case in God's new kingdom. The whole world will be one huge garden of unsurpassed beauty, interspersed with lakes, rivers, and mountains (Revelation 22:1; Acts 3:20, 21).B. The deserts will become gardens (Isaiah 35:1, 2).C. The animals will all be tame. None will prey upon others, and a little child will lead them (Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25).D. There will be no more curse (Revelation 22:3).E. There will be no more violence of any kind (Isaiah 60:18). This precludes crime, storms, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, injury, etc.F. Nothing defiling will be found in the new earth (Revelation 21:27). There will be no cigarette butts, tobacco juice, drunkards, taverns, alcoholic beverages, brothels, lewd pictures, or any other wickedness or impurity of any kind. Answer:

9. Will there be children in God's kingdom? If so, will they grow up? Yes, there will be many boys and girls in the holy city (Isaiah 11:6-9), and these youngsters will grow up (Malachi 4:2). We have degenerated much in stature, intellect, and vitality since Adam, but all of this will be restored (Acts 3:20, 21). Answer: "And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof." Zechariah 8:5. "And ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall." Malachi 4:2.

10. When reunited with loved ones in heaven, will the saved know each other? The Bible clearly teaches that righteous loved ones who have died will be raised to join the righteous living in God's kingdom (Isaiah 26:19; Jeremiah 31:15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-55; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). And the Scriptures also teach that people in God's new kingdom will know each other, just as people recognize each other on the earth today. Answer: Then shall I know even as also I am known." 1 Corinthians 13:12.

11. Will people in heaven be real, with flesh and bones? After His resurrection, Jesus proved to His desciples that He was flesh and bones by having them feel Him and by eating food. This same Jesus of flesh and bones ascended to His Father and will come again to the earth. The righteous will be given bodies just like the body of Christ and will be real people with flesh and bones throughout eternity. The difference will be that the heavenly body will not be subject to death, decay, or deterioration. The teaching that the saved in heaven will be ghosts who float on mist clouds and do nothing but play harps has no foundation in the Scriptures. Jesus did not die on the cross to provide any such trivial and foolish future for those who accept His love and nobly follow His way of life. Most people have no interest in such an ethereal existence and, therefore, have little or no desire to enter God's heavenly kingdom-often preferring it only because they fear hell. If only all people everywhere could learn about God's holy city and new earth, millions would begin to understand His love and would turn to Him with all their hearts. A person who misses out on God's kingdom has made the supreme blunder of a lifetime. Answer: "Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have." "And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them." "And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and ... while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven." Luke 24:36-39, 41-43, 50, 51. "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:11. "The Lord Jesus Christ ... shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body." Philippians 3:20, 21.

12. How will the righteous spend their time in the heavenly kingdom? The righteous will build their own homes in the new earth. (Each will also have a city mansion built by Christ-John 14:1-3). They will plant vineyards and eat the fruit from them. The Bible is plain. Real people do real things in heaven, and they will thoroughly enjoy it all. Answer: "They shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: ... mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands." Isaiah 65:21, 22.

13. In what other thrilling activities will the redeemed engage? A. Sing and play heavenly music (Isaiah 35:10; 51:11; Psalm 87:7; Revelation 14:2, 3). B. Worship before God's throne every Sabbath (Isaiah 66:22, 23). C. Enjoy never-fading flowers and trees (Ezekiel 47:12; Isaiah 35:1, 2). D. Visit with loved ones, patriarchs, prophets, etc. (Matthew 8:11; Revelation 7:9-17).E. Study the animals of heaven (Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25). F. Travel and explore without ever becoming weary (Isaiah 40:31).G. Listen to God sing (Zephaniah 3:17). H. Realize fondest ambitions (Psalm 37:3, 4; Isaiah 65:24). I. Greatest joy of all-the privilege of being like Jesus, traveling with Him, and seeing Him face to face (Revelation 14:4; 22:4; 21:3; 1 John 3:2). Answer:

14. Can feeble human language really describe the glories of the heavenly home? Not even in its wildest dreams can the heart of man begin to comprehend the marvels of God's eternal kingdom. All that Adam lost will be restored (Acts 3:20, 21). Answer: "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." 1 Corinthians 2:9.

15. Is this kingdom being prepared for me personally? It is prepared for you personally. The invitation from the Lord is to you personally. If rejected, friend, you will have no one to blame but yourself. Answer: "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation 22:17. "To an inheritance incorruptible ... reserved in heaven for you." 1 Peter 1:4. "I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2.

16. How can I be assured of a place in that great and glorious kingdom? The Bible makes it plain. It is simple. Give your life to Christ for cleansing from sin. When you do this, He also gives you power to do His will and keep His commandments. This means, of course, that you will begin to live as Christ lived and will overcome all sin. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things." Revelation 21:7. In short, a person is prepared for heaven when he has heaven in his heart. Answer: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice; and open the door, I will come in." Revelation 3:20. "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Revelation 22:14. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 7:21. "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God." John 1:12. "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

17. Have you decided to accept Jesus' glorious offer to live with Him forever in His heavenly kingdom? Answer:

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1. How can heaven be a happy place when the saved think of loved ones who are lost?
The Bible says that God will "wipe away all tears from their eyes." Revelation 21:4. Surrounded by the beauty and joys of the new earth, God's redeemed people will forget the tragedies and heartaches of the past; "the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind." Isaiah 65:17.

2. The Bible says, "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 15:50. How, then, can the redeemed be flesh and bones?
Here the Bible uses the term "flesh" to describe the unconverted person. A similar thought is expressed in Romans 8:8, 9: "They that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you." John 3:6 says, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." The term "flesh" here again refers to the unconverted person, while the term "spirit" refers to the converted or "born again" person. So the Bible is simply saying in 1 Corinthians 15:50 that no one can enter God's kingdom unless conversion first takes place and flesh becomes spirit. Christ, in His resurrected body, declared that He was truly "flesh and bones." Luke 24:39. We shall have a body like His, according to Philippians 3:21.

3. Is the apostle Peter in charge of the gate of the holy city?
No! The Bible says in Revelation 21:12 that the new Jerusalem, the holy city of God, has 12 gates, and at the gates are 12 angels. No reference is made in the Bible to any of the apostles as guardians of the gates.

4. Is the holy city really big enough to hold all the saved people of all ages?
If the city were to be crowded and each saved person given only 100 square feet of ground space, there would be room for 39 billion people in the city, which is many times the present population of the world. Many statisticians believe that if all the people who have ever lived were saved, there would be plenty of room for them in the city. The Scriptures make it clear, however, that only a few will be saved (Matthew 7:14). So there will be more than enough room in the great city.

5. Sometimes I wonder if the reward is worth the sacrifice. It seems that Satan is about to overwhelm me at times. Does the Bible offer me any encouragement?
Yes. In fact, the apostle Paul must have been thinking of someone like you when he wrote, "The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18. Just one glimpse of that eternal kingdom will cause the worst trials and persecutions of earth to pale into insignificance, and the redeemed will cry out: "Hallelujah, heaven is cheap enough!"

6. Will little babies who die be saved in God's kingdom?
We do not have a specific Bible answer to this question, but many choose to believe that infants will be saved on the basis of Matthew 2:16-18. There the Bible tells of wicked king Herod slaying all the babies in Bethlehem who were 2 years old or younger. The Old Testament foretold this tragic, cruel incident, and God told the mothers to stop crying because their children would one day be restored to them. "Refrain thy voice from weeping, ... they [the slain children] shall come again from the land of the enemy. ... Thy children shall come again to their own border." Jeremiah 31:16,17. This is an obvious reference to the resurrection.

7. Do I understand correctly that heaven, the home of the saved, will be right here on this earth?
That is correct. Although the holy city is now in God's dwelling place, He is going to move it to this earth. Sin and sinners will be destroyed with fire, and the earth will be made new and given to the righteous in all of its Edenic glory and beauty. The holy city will be the capital of the new earth, and God will move His throne here (Revelation 21:2, 3; 22:1, 3) and live with the righteous right here on this earth throughout eternity. And where the Lord abides, that is heaven. God's plan is to restore to man what Adam lost: the glories of a perfect life on a perfect planet. Satan and sin interrupted God's plan, but the plan will be carried out. We can all share in this new kingdom, and we must! It's too much to miss. (Additional information on this subject will be given in Study Guide 12.)

8. Why do so many teach and believe that the home of the saved is a misty place with ghostlike inhabitants who float on clouds and do nothing but play harps?
This teaching originated with the devil, the father of lies (John 8:44). He is anxious to distort God's loving plan and present heaven as an unreal, "spooky" place so people will lose interest or become skeptical of God's Word altogether. Satan well knows that when men and women fully understand the Bible truth regarding the home of the saved, his power over them is broken, because they will begin making plans to enter that kingdom. This is why he works so hard to becloud the issue and spread falsehood regarding that heavenly home.

Read more about the New Heaven and the New Earth