By: Evangelist Donald Perkins
The nations and kingdoms of the New World will all be subject to the authority and government of God. This also makes clear the fact that the New World will be a practical and usable world, not a world filled with spirit beings or Christians flying around with wings and silver slippers. There will be order in God's new system."
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C.) The Living Condition of the Eternal State:
Now we have come to the place in our study that describes the conditions of eternity. We will examine three aspects of the eternal world.
1.) The Theocratic Kingdom/Government
2.) The New Jerusalem/The City
3.) The Physical Life/Living Conditions
1.) The Theocratic Kingdom/Government
In studying the living condition, we must look at those things that will affect life during that time. The Theocratic kingdom is previewed in the Millennial reign of Christ. But here, the fullness of God's kingdom will be revealed. The question is asked, "What is the theocratic kingdom?"
Theocratic comes from the word theocracy, which means:
Theocracy: Def. 1.) Literally, the rule of a state by God or a god: hence, 2.) Government by Priests claiming to rule with divine authority. 3.) A country governed in this way. 4.) A government in which God himself is the ruler.
In the perfect world, all power and rule will be of God Almighty. God will be the sovereign ruler of the world. In I Corinthians 15: 23-28, the Scripture states that Jesus will give all power back to God, that God may be all in all. Jesus will be Lord of Lord and King of Kings.
"Then cometh the end, when He (Jesus) shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall put down all rule and all authority and power..."
Verse 28, "And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son (Jesus) also Himself be subject unto Him (God) that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all". (I Corinthians 15:23-28)
This will be a world ruled by God Himself. The Throne of God and of the Lamb will be established in the New World.
"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". (Revelation 21:3)
"And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it: And His servants shall serve Him:" (Revelation 22:3)
Revelation 21:24 gives reference to the fact that there will be some type of rule and governing in the New World. This Scripture states that saved nations will walk in the light and that Kings shall bring their glory into the New Jerusalem.
"And the Nations of them which are Saved shall walk in the light of it: And the Kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it". (Revelation 21:24)
The nations and kingdoms of the New World will all be subject to the authority and government of God. This also makes clear the fact that the New World will be a practical and usable world, not a world filled with spirit beings or Christians flying around with wings and silver slippers. There will be order in God's new system.
2.) The New Jerusalem / The City
"And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband".
"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men..." (Revelation 21:2,3)
This will be a different Jerusalem from the one we know today. This Jerusalem will come from heaven and will rest on the New Earth. The name "New Jerusalem" tells us a lot about this city. The word "New" is defined as: 1.) Is applied to that which has never exited before or which has only just come into being. 2.) taking the place of what has exited; 3.) never exiting before: appearing, thought of, developed, made, produced, etc. for the first time.
The name "Jerusalem" is defined as: 1.) The city of peace. So the name "NEW JERUSALEM" Jerusalem tells us that this city will replace the Old Jerusalem, (a city today filled with violence and bloodshed, a city with no peace and rest). God said concerning the New Jerusalem that "The voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her".
"For, behold I create New Heavens and New Earth: And the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind".
"But ye be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create: for, behold, I created Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy".
"And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying". (Isaiah 65:17,18, 19)
The New Jerusalem is that eternal city that God has promised to the righteous. A city that is prepared for prepared people, a city that will have no destruction, a city whose builder and maker is God, a city whose origin is in Heaven. Let's look at some Scriptures that testify this truth.
1.) "...Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he prepared for them a city". (Hebrews 11:16)
2.) "For here have no continuing city, but we seek one to come". (Hebrews 13:14)
3.) "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God". (Hebrews 11:10)
4.) "But ye are come into Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of Angels.
"To the General Assembly and church of the first born, which are written in heaven and to God the judge of all, and to the Spirits of just men made perfect". (Hebrews 12:22, 23)
5.) "Himthat overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and He shall go no more out and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: And I will write upon him my new name". (Revelation 3:12)
Clarence Larkin, in his book on Revelation, describes the city like this:
"THE description of it is surpassingly grand. It is of Celestial origin. It is not Heaven itself, for it comes down out of Heaven". No mortal hands are employed in it's construction".
Names Given to this City
1.) The Holy City - Revelation 21:2
2.) The Tabernacle of God - Revelation 21:3
3.) The Bride, The Lamb's Wife - Revelation 21:9
4.) The Holy Jerusalem - Revelation 21:10
5.) The Heavenly Jerusalem - Hebrews 12:22, 23
6.) Continuing City - Hebrews 13:14
Each name given to this city gives us the perfect character of God's city.
1.) The Holy City: Revelation 21:2
Holiness reveals that the city will be a separated one, a city that is set apart from all other cities. Also, the occupant of that city must be holy. This will be a holy city dedicated to God.
2.) Tabernacle of God: Revelation 21:3
The name Tabernacle reveals that the city will be a sanctuary where God Himself will dwell among men. (Exodus 25:8)
3.) The Bride, The Lamb's Wife: Revelation 21:9
The Bride, The Lamb's Wife, reveals the relationship of the city to Jesus and the church.
4.) Holy Jerusalem: Revelation 21:10
Reveals that this will be a holy city of peace, a city of perfect peace set apart by God.
5.) The Heavenly Jerusalem: Hebrews 12:22, 23
This reveals the origin of this Holy City, a city coming down from heaven to plant earth.
The Description of this City
The Scripture gives clear reference as to how this New Jerusalem will look. This city will be like none ever built. The description of the city is found in Revelation 21:11-21.
"And He carried me away on the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the Holy Jerusalem. descending out of heaven from God".
"Having the Glory of God; and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal". (Revelation 21:10, 11)
The New Jerusalem will glow from the shekinah glory of God. This will illuminate from the power of God, and shine forth because of the precious stones of the city.
Gates of the City
"And had a wall great and high; and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve Angels and names written therein, which are the names of the twelve Tribes of the children of Israel;"
"On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates." (Revelation 21:12, 13)
This city will have great and high walls, alone with twelve gates around it. There will be three gates facing the north, south, east and west. Here, we see in the design of the Eternal city, that God allows twelve entrances from four directions. How complete do we see the work of God in this construction, for in the first tabernacle, God only allows one entrance and it was from the east. It was from the same direction God cast Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden. But, now in the completed, redemptive work of Christ, man may enter God's presence and city from any direction he wills.
The Scripture goes further to reveal that each gate will have an Angel assigned to it. Each Angel will be like Sentries or door keepers of the city. (It is good to note, also, that society would have us think that these Angels are here to pass judgment on those who are not worthy to go into eternity. But this will not be the case. For at this time, all who are here will be allowed to enter because they are redeemed by the Blood of Jesus Christ.)
The names of the twelve Tribes of Israel will be on each gate. Here, the Old Testament saints are forever remembered in this perpetual city. The gates were made of pearls; each gate was of one several pearl. Here, we have no doubt where the term "pearly gates" was coined. Only God can create gates of pure pearl. As we go on to see the size of this city, it will become apparent that these gates are massive in size. I can't wait to behold the splendor and grandeur of this city!
"And the twelve gates. were twelve pearls, every several gate was of one pearl;..." (Revelation 21:21)
The Walls and Foundations of the City
"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb." (Revelation 21:14)
The walls of this great city will sit on twelve precious foundations and in the foundations will be the names of the twelve Apostles of Jesus. As we saw in the pearly gates, the Old Testament saints were represented. Even now, do we see the complete picture of Redemption. For here, we have the New Testament Apostles represented, showing us the total community of God, all redeemed by the work of Christ. The Old Testament saints brought to Christ by faith in the Law and the New testament saints saved through faith in Jesus Christ. This also shows us that the Old and the New Testament saints are one in the overall plan of God...one big family under God. The Scripture states, "that through Christ we who were one time strangers are now made made nigh by the blood of Jesus."
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2:13)
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;"
"And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;"
"In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord;"
"In whom ye also are builded together for an Habitation of God through the Spirit."(Ephesians 2:19-22)
In Dr. Ed F. Vallowe's book, Riches to Revelation, he summed up this truth like this:
"Note also the foundation stones contain the names of the Apostles, indicating that the Holy City will contain the redeemed by the blood of Christ, who heard the word through the faithful witnessing of the servants of God in the first century, known to us as the Apostles. The gates of the city contain the names of the twelve Tribes clearly indicating that they are the vehicles through which the oracles of God were revealed in the Old testament days, and to whom the Messiah came. Both the Old Testament Saints and the New Testament Saints will have access to this city, but each time they enter they will be reminded of their debt to the nation of Israel and to the Apostles."
"And the building of the wall of it was of Jasper: and the city was pure gold, like clear glass." (Revelation 21:18)
The walls of the city will be made of Jasper stone. Some references on this precious stone tells us that this is a translucent, crystal rock; green in color. It is a glittering stone. The Jasper stone walls of the city will exhibit, to all who see it, the splendor of God's glory shining through. John also stated that the city was pure gold, like clear glass. We can only imagine the grandeur and beauty of this precious city. This city will radiate perfection; the gold so pure that no flaw can be seen in it.
The Measurements of the City
The measurement of this city will be staggering to the human mind. God has prepared a massive city that will be filled with the righteous saints.
"And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth (width): and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousands furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal."
"And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the Angel." (Revelation 21:16-17)
The measurement of the walls were 144 cubits, which is equal to 216 feet high. This is taking into consideration that a cubit measures out to be 18 inches. Now, the overall city measures out to be 12,000 furlongs, which is about 1,380 square miles. (The size of the city is about 1,380 miles long, 1,380 miles wide and 1,380 miles high.) The way this is calculated is as follows:
One furlong is equivalent to 607 English feet. Take the 607 English feet and multiply it by 12,000 furlongs. You come up with a figure of 7,284,000 feet. Now, divide this 5,280 feet, which is equal to one mile. The resulting, final figure is 1,379.54 square miles. What a city this will be! Never have there ever been a city of this size on earth!
The foundations of the city will be garnished with all manners of precious stones.
"And the foundations of the wall of the city were 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, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelve, an Ametheyst."
"...and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass." (Revelation 21:18-21)
The Eternal city will be a breath-taking sight to behold. The foundations garnished with all manner of precious stones, the measurement of the city and the glory that will radiate from this city all testify to the fact how much God loves and values our relationship with Him. He wants us to be a part of His splendor and glory. Even the streets of the city will be that of gold. Today, gold is the most precious metal known to man, but in the New Jerusalem, it will be the streets on which the righteous walk. Praise God! Only God can make such a city of this caliber. This is that city in which the Partiarch seeked.
"For he (Abraham) look for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:10)
3.) The Physical Life
The physical life of the Eternal State will be that beyond our imagination. The Scripture clearly teach that our eternity with God will be in a physical, tangible world. Today, there are many voices speaking falsehoods about our future in eternity. Some teach that in eternity, we will become disembodied, spirit beings walking around in Heaven all day. Others teach that we will receive wings and become angels and get silver slippers and spend eternity in Heaven. In this portion of our study, we will examine the physical side of Eternity for the righteous. In the final plan of God, mankind will be restored to his original place in creation before Adam's fall. Whatever Adam had before his fall, will be restored to redeemed man. Case in point: Adam lost his right to eat of the Tree of Life. But in the new world, the redeemed will also have access to this tree to partake of the fruits of it.
The physical side of Eternity:
1.) A life of knowing God face to face.
In the Eternal State, we will see God, the Father, face to face. In the Old Testament, no one was allowed to see God and live, but through the finished work of Christ, we will see and know God face to face and live.
"And they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads." (Revelation 22:4)
"...and He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God..." (Revelation 21:3, 4)
"For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am known." (I Corinthians 13:12)
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." (I John 3:2)
2.) A life without crying, sorrow and pain:
In the Eternal State, all crying, sorrow and pain will be done away with. There will be nothing that will cause pain and sorrow there. God shall wipe it all away.
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
"...and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17)
3.) A life without death:
In the Eternal State, the spirit of Death will not have a part. All who are a part of this world will never die.
"He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it." (Isaiah 25:8)
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death..." (Revelation 21:4)
4.) No more hunger nor thirst:
In the Eternal State, there will be no famine of food, nor drought that causes thirst. The fountain of the water of life will be opened to all who thirst.
"...I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." (Revelation 21:6)
"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat."
"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Revelation 7:16, 17)
"They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them." (Isaiah 49:10)
5.) No more curse:
There will be no curse in the land on earth. The beautiful rose bush that became thorn infested after Adam's fall, will no longer have thorns and thistles. It will be restored to it's former glory. Everything that was affected by the curse that fell on man, the animal kingdom and the earth will no longer have the curse on them. The earth will be restored to it's former glory
"And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:" (Revelation 22:3)
6.) We will eat of the Tree of Life:
In the new world, we will eat from the Tree of Life. This tree is the same tree that Adam and Eve could not eat because of their sin. But we will have a right to partake of the fruit of this tree. This tree will only be for the saints of God who have overcome sin through the blood of Jesus.
"...To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree of Life. which is in the midst of the paradise of God." (Revelation 2:7)
"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)
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14)
7.) All nations shall walk in the light of God and the Lamb:
In the new world, there shall be nations all over the earth and these nations shall bring their glory and honour into the city.
"And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the Kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it."
"And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there."
"And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it." (Revelation 21:24-26)
8.) A life of service and work:
In the new world, men will serve God. This means we will have jobs and duties to do and to complete. In the beginning when God created Adam and Eve, they did not run around the Garden of Eden doing nothing. Man was commanded to labor in the Garden. I believe we will have jobs in the new world.
"...but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:" (Revelation 22:3)
"...and they shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:5)
9.) There shall be no night in the New Jerusalem:
Because of the light and glory of God and the Lamb, there will be no need of light in the city. This means that the glory of God will light up New Jerusalem. (Special note: This does not mean that the sun will no longer give it's light. On the outskirts of the city, the ordinance of the sun and moon will still be in affect for all eternity.)
"And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun for the Lord God giveth them light:..." (Revelation 22:5)
"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the Glory of God did lighten it. And the Lamb is the light thereof." (Revelation 21:23)
10.) God shall make all things new:
In the new world, God the Father shall make everything in it new and uncontaminated nor tainted with corruption and sin. Can you imagine a world without air pollution, oil-filled rivers and streams? No where will there be toxic dumps, for this will be a world brand new.
"And he that sat upon the throne said, behold I make all things new." (Revelation 21:5)
In summary of the physical life of the Eternal World, it will be a tangible, physical and practical world. We will know our friends and loved ones. We will see God face to face and eat of the Tree of Life. We will even have homes in the new world.
God wants us to know that our future with Him will not be a boring time of regimented service, but one of a full and joyful life of relationship, love, peace and glory with God. Jesus paid the price at Calvary that we might one day have perfect fellowship with God, our Creator.
THE ETERNAL STATE PART #1
By: Evangelist Donald Perkins
"The true message of the Eternal State is a practical one that produces a sound measure of hope for Christians as an anchor for their soul."
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The New Heavens and the New Earth
"AND I saw a new Heaven and new Earth: For the first Heaven and the first Earth were passed away:..." (Revelation 21:1)
When the prophet John received the prophecy of the book of Revelation, God was revealing to him the final destiny of man, sin, Satan and earth. I believe this is one main reason why Satan fights the study of Gods prophetic Word. It is because of this teaching that men can have hope for the future. In this study, we will journey through the Scripture to receive the plain and common sense teachings regarding our eternity with God.
The question is asked: Where is your salvation taking you?
Have you ever stopped and thought about the end of your salvation? Some Christians today have no hope past the present day. This attitude is wide spread throughout the church today. There is a danger in not understanding our future and putting all of ones hope in this present world, even as a Christian. Why? Because the Word of God teaches clearly that this present world is not our home! This present world has been contaminated by sin and because of Adams fall, sin has entered into the world.
"Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned". (Romans 5:12)
Everything under Adams domain became cursed and subjected to sin. (The earth, man, the animal kingdom...everything.)
"For the creature (creation) was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him(Adam) who hath subjected the same in hope". (Romans 8:20)
God wants us to have a proper view in light of this present, evil world. Jesus, while here, proclaimed that He nor Gods children were of this world.
"I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world". (John 17:14, 16)
The world Jesus is referring to is this present, evil world. As we will see further in this study, Jesus came to bring in a new world, a world without sin and the curse. If Christians today place all of their hope in this present system, they are putting it in a dieing world. The Scripture call those who do men most miserable.
"If in this life only (present evil world) we have hope in Christ, we are all men most miserable". (I Corinthians 15:19)
To place our hope in the present world alone is to sell ourselves short in receiving the total blessings that God has prepared for those who love Him.
Today, many have made the message of eternity a totally spiritual one and this is far from the truth as taught in the Bible. Some have taught that we are in eternity now, yet others claim that Christians will receive wings and silver slippers when they get to Heaven. The true message of the eternal state is a practical one that produces a sound measure of hope for Christians as an anchor for their soul.
The Earth Is Eternal:
Even though sin has entered the earth, the earth is eternal. When God made the earth, He made it to last forever. This world will never cease to exist as some would think.
The Earth is eternal:
"Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed forever." (Psalm 104:5)
"One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever". (Ecclesiastes 1:4)
"Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth". (Psalm 119:90)
"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease". (Genesis 8:22)
The earth was created to last for all eternity. When Adam sinned the earth was cursed, but God, in His omniscience, prepared a way to purge the world from sin.
The Promise Of A New World
Careful study of God's Word reveals many eternal promises for the righteous. God spoke of New Heavens and a New Earth, the Tree of Life, Continuing Cities, Kingdoms, Mansions and more. Let us examine some of these promises.
1.) "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for New Heavens and a New Earth, where in dwelleth righteousness". (II Peter 3:13)
2.) "In my Father's House are many Mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you".
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself that where I am, there ye may be also". (John 14:2,3)
3.) "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, not perceived by ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him". (Isaiah 64:4)
4.) "But as it is written, 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".
"But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit: searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God". (I Corinthians 2:9, 10)
5.) "But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: For He hath prepared for them a city". (Hebrews 11:13-16)
6.) "For here have we no Continuing city, But we seek one to come". (Hebrews 13:14)
7.) "Then shall the King say unto them on the right hand, come ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world". (Matthew 25:34)
8.) "...but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father". (Matthew 20:23, Mark 10:40)
9.) "For as the New Heavens and New Earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain". (Isaiah 66:22)
10.) "For, Behold, I create New Heavens and a New Earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind". (Isaiah 65:17)
11.) "...To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God". (Revelation 2:7)
12.) "Him that overcometh will I make a Pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon Him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of Heaven from my God..." (Revelation 3:12)
The Eternal State Outline
A.) The purpose of the eternal state:
Q. What is the reason for the eternal state?
B.) The preparation of the eternal state:
Q. How will the earth be cleansed of sin?
C.) The living conditions in the eternal state:
Q. What will life be like in the eternal state?
A.) The Purpose for the Eternal State
There is always a purpose behind everything God has ordained. The Word of God declares that God's Word will not return void, but will do what it was intended to accomplish.
"So shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it will not return unto me void. But it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it". (Isaiah 55:11)
God's purpose for the eternal state is to restore the earth to it's former glory. It will be restored to the glory that Adam and Eve once enjoyed in the Garden before their fall. When Adam fell, not only was man cursed, but the whole creation was affected. The beautiful rose bush became thorn infested. But God, the Father, had a plan in which He would redeem man. But not only man, He also included the earth and everything in it.
The Scripture teaches that the whole creation is waiting for it's change.
"For the earnest expectation of the creature (creation) waiteth for the manifestation of the Sons of God".
"Because the creature (creation) itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God". (Romans 8:19, 20, 21)
The Scriptures above reveal that the whole creation in earnest expectation, was waiting for the born-again experience of men. The Scripture reveals, further, that the creation shall be delivered from it's bondage of corruption into this same liberty (or born-again) experience as the Sons of God.
In summary, the purpose of the eternal state is to totally restore man and the whole creation back to their original state before the fall. Thanks be to God for His glorious wisdom of redemption, in which He has included us.
B.) The Preparation of the Eternal State
God would not usher in a perfect age without first dealing with sin. We will examine what God has done, is doing, and will do to bring in a world where dwells nothing but righteousness and eternal bliss.
In J. Dwight Pentecost's book entitled, Things To Come, section seven, (The Preparation For The Eternal Kingdom), states:
"Between the termination of the earthly theocratic kingdom (The Millennial Kingdom) and the union of that kingdom with the eternal kingdom of God certain momentous events transpire, so that every vestige of rebellion shall be obliterated and God shall reign supreme".
1.) Jesus Christ, The Ultimate Preparation:
John the Baptist declared one day, while in the Jordan river, God's prophetic answer of who would one day take away sin.
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world". (John 1:29)
Other Scriptures that testify to this fact:
1.) "Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father". (Galatians 1:4)
2.) "...When He (Jesus) had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right of the majesty on high". (Hebrews 1:3)
3.) "And He (Jesus) is the propitiation (Mercyseat) for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world". (I John 2:2)
4.) "For He (God) hath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him". (II Corinthians 5:21)
5.) "Therefore as by the offense of one (Adam), judgement come upon all men to condemnation: even so by the righteousness of one (Jesus) the free gift came upon all men unto justification to life". (Romans 5:12-21)
The Scripture above reveals that Jesus is the ultimate preparation in God's prophetic dealings. Jesus died on the cross, shedding His precious blood, paying the price that would reconcile man with God again. And not only man, but God's total creation.
The Crown of Thorns
Not only did Jesus receive bruises for our sins, but He also bore in His body the piercing holes of the crown of thorns. Many have missed a powerful truth here: the crown of thorns was the price He paid for the earth on the cross. When God judged Adam and Eve, He also condemned the earth. He cursed the ground and caused thorns and thistles to come forth.
"...Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thysake: in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life".
"Thorns also and Thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field". (Genesis 3:17,18)
"Andwhen they had plaited a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head,..." (Matthew 27:29)
At Calvary's cross, Jesus redeemed man and earth through His precious blood. Jesus's sacrifice as the Lamb of God was truly God's first line of defense in His quest to restore creation.
2.) The Purging of Unredeemed Men:
Nearing the close of God's prophetic plan, God will begin to purge the earth of the ungodly. This will begin at the close of the Great Tribulation Period and during the Battle of Armageddon. At the close of this period, Jesus will come back and dethrone the Anti-Christ and his False Prophet. These two men will cast into the Lake of Fire.
"Andthe beast (Anti-Christ) was taken, and with the False Prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the Mark of the Beast, and them that worshiped his image, these both (Anti-Christ and False Prophet) were cast alive into a Lake of Fire burning with brimstone". (Revelation 19:20)
The next purging will occur at the close of 1,000 year reign of Christ on earth. At the close of this reign, those men who rebelled in their hearts against Christ's rule, will be deceived by Satan. And they will revolt against the city of God and will meet their end.
"And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison".
"And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea".
"And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and the fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them". (Revelation 20:7-9)
The final purging of unredeemed men will take place at the last resurrection. This event will occur just before the Great White Throne Judgement. At this time, God will resurrect all of the ungodly from their graves. This is known as the Resurrection of Damnation, (John 5:28, 29). This last resurrection is mentioned in the book of Revelation, chapter 20: 11-15. Here, the ungodly will be resurrected to face the judgement of God. All who are judged here will be cast alive into the Lake of Fire and will enter the eternal damnation.
3.) The Purging of Satan:
Satan will be purged from God's system and cast into the Lake of Fire to be burned and tormented forever. Note the following Scripture.
"And the Devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of Fire and brimstone, where the Beast (Anti-Christ) and False Prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever". (Revelation 20:10)
4.) The Purging of Death:
The Scripture declare that the last enemy to be destroyed by Christ Jesus will be death. Death will not enter the New World, but will be cast into the Lake of Fire to be judged forever.
"The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death". (I Corinthians 15:26)
"And death and Hell (hades or sheol) were cast into the lake of Fire. This is the Second death". (Revelation 20:14)
5.) The Earth's Purging:
Before the New Earth and Heavens, God will cleanse planet earth of all it's contaminations. The Scripture declare that the fire of God will burn all the works of the Earth.
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the Earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up".
"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and Godliness".
"Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day of God, wherein the Heavens being on Fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?"
"Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for New Heavens and a New Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness". (II Peter 3:10-13)
The fire of God will purge planet earth of all of it's contaminations. Everything that sin has touched will be burned from earth. After the fire of God has purged earth and the smoke clears, God will reveal a brand New Earth and Heavens: a world that will be free from sin and curse, a world without sin and Satan.
In summary, before God can usher in a New World, He will first deal with the sin problem. After He has judged fallen man, Satan, fallen angels, sin and this contaminated earth, we will experience a new world and a new life with God.
"The true message of the Eternal State is a practical one that produces a sound measure of hope for Christians as an anchor for their soul."
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The New Heavens and the New Earth
"AND I saw a new Heaven and new Earth: For the first Heaven and the first Earth were passed away:..." (Revelation 21:1)
When the prophet John received the prophecy of the book of Revelation, God was revealing to him the final destiny of man, sin, Satan and earth. I believe this is one main reason why Satan fights the study of Gods prophetic Word. It is because of this teaching that men can have hope for the future. In this study, we will journey through the Scripture to receive the plain and common sense teachings regarding our eternity with God.
The question is asked: Where is your salvation taking you?
Have you ever stopped and thought about the end of your salvation? Some Christians today have no hope past the present day. This attitude is wide spread throughout the church today. There is a danger in not understanding our future and putting all of ones hope in this present world, even as a Christian. Why? Because the Word of God teaches clearly that this present world is not our home! This present world has been contaminated by sin and because of Adams fall, sin has entered into the world.
"Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned". (Romans 5:12)
Everything under Adams domain became cursed and subjected to sin. (The earth, man, the animal kingdom...everything.)
"For the creature (creation) was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him(Adam) who hath subjected the same in hope". (Romans 8:20)
God wants us to have a proper view in light of this present, evil world. Jesus, while here, proclaimed that He nor Gods children were of this world.
"I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world". (John 17:14, 16)
The world Jesus is referring to is this present, evil world. As we will see further in this study, Jesus came to bring in a new world, a world without sin and the curse. If Christians today place all of their hope in this present system, they are putting it in a dieing world. The Scripture call those who do men most miserable.
"If in this life only (present evil world) we have hope in Christ, we are all men most miserable". (I Corinthians 15:19)
To place our hope in the present world alone is to sell ourselves short in receiving the total blessings that God has prepared for those who love Him.
Today, many have made the message of eternity a totally spiritual one and this is far from the truth as taught in the Bible. Some have taught that we are in eternity now, yet others claim that Christians will receive wings and silver slippers when they get to Heaven. The true message of the eternal state is a practical one that produces a sound measure of hope for Christians as an anchor for their soul.
The Earth Is Eternal:
Even though sin has entered the earth, the earth is eternal. When God made the earth, He made it to last forever. This world will never cease to exist as some would think.
The Earth is eternal:
"Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed forever." (Psalm 104:5)
"One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever". (Ecclesiastes 1:4)
"Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth". (Psalm 119:90)
"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease". (Genesis 8:22)
The earth was created to last for all eternity. When Adam sinned the earth was cursed, but God, in His omniscience, prepared a way to purge the world from sin.
The Promise Of A New World
Careful study of God's Word reveals many eternal promises for the righteous. God spoke of New Heavens and a New Earth, the Tree of Life, Continuing Cities, Kingdoms, Mansions and more. Let us examine some of these promises.
1.) "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for New Heavens and a New Earth, where in dwelleth righteousness". (II Peter 3:13)
2.) "In my Father's House are many Mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you".
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself that where I am, there ye may be also". (John 14:2,3)
3.) "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, not perceived by ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him". (Isaiah 64:4)
4.) "But as it is written, 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".
"But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit: searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God". (I Corinthians 2:9, 10)
5.) "But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: For He hath prepared for them a city". (Hebrews 11:13-16)
6.) "For here have we no Continuing city, But we seek one to come". (Hebrews 13:14)
7.) "Then shall the King say unto them on the right hand, come ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world". (Matthew 25:34)
8.) "...but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father". (Matthew 20:23, Mark 10:40)
9.) "For as the New Heavens and New Earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain". (Isaiah 66:22)
10.) "For, Behold, I create New Heavens and a New Earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind". (Isaiah 65:17)
11.) "...To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God". (Revelation 2:7)
12.) "Him that overcometh will I make a Pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon Him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of Heaven from my God..." (Revelation 3:12)
The Eternal State Outline
A.) The purpose of the eternal state:
Q. What is the reason for the eternal state?
B.) The preparation of the eternal state:
Q. How will the earth be cleansed of sin?
C.) The living conditions in the eternal state:
Q. What will life be like in the eternal state?
A.) The Purpose for the Eternal State
There is always a purpose behind everything God has ordained. The Word of God declares that God's Word will not return void, but will do what it was intended to accomplish.
"So shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it will not return unto me void. But it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it". (Isaiah 55:11)
God's purpose for the eternal state is to restore the earth to it's former glory. It will be restored to the glory that Adam and Eve once enjoyed in the Garden before their fall. When Adam fell, not only was man cursed, but the whole creation was affected. The beautiful rose bush became thorn infested. But God, the Father, had a plan in which He would redeem man. But not only man, He also included the earth and everything in it.
The Scripture teaches that the whole creation is waiting for it's change.
"For the earnest expectation of the creature (creation) waiteth for the manifestation of the Sons of God".
"Because the creature (creation) itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God". (Romans 8:19, 20, 21)
The Scriptures above reveal that the whole creation in earnest expectation, was waiting for the born-again experience of men. The Scripture reveals, further, that the creation shall be delivered from it's bondage of corruption into this same liberty (or born-again) experience as the Sons of God.
In summary, the purpose of the eternal state is to totally restore man and the whole creation back to their original state before the fall. Thanks be to God for His glorious wisdom of redemption, in which He has included us.
B.) The Preparation of the Eternal State
God would not usher in a perfect age without first dealing with sin. We will examine what God has done, is doing, and will do to bring in a world where dwells nothing but righteousness and eternal bliss.
In J. Dwight Pentecost's book entitled, Things To Come, section seven, (The Preparation For The Eternal Kingdom), states:
"Between the termination of the earthly theocratic kingdom (The Millennial Kingdom) and the union of that kingdom with the eternal kingdom of God certain momentous events transpire, so that every vestige of rebellion shall be obliterated and God shall reign supreme".
1.) Jesus Christ, The Ultimate Preparation:
John the Baptist declared one day, while in the Jordan river, God's prophetic answer of who would one day take away sin.
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world". (John 1:29)
Other Scriptures that testify to this fact:
1.) "Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father". (Galatians 1:4)
2.) "...When He (Jesus) had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right of the majesty on high". (Hebrews 1:3)
3.) "And He (Jesus) is the propitiation (Mercyseat) for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world". (I John 2:2)
4.) "For He (God) hath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him". (II Corinthians 5:21)
5.) "Therefore as by the offense of one (Adam), judgement come upon all men to condemnation: even so by the righteousness of one (Jesus) the free gift came upon all men unto justification to life". (Romans 5:12-21)
The Scripture above reveals that Jesus is the ultimate preparation in God's prophetic dealings. Jesus died on the cross, shedding His precious blood, paying the price that would reconcile man with God again. And not only man, but God's total creation.
The Crown of Thorns
Not only did Jesus receive bruises for our sins, but He also bore in His body the piercing holes of the crown of thorns. Many have missed a powerful truth here: the crown of thorns was the price He paid for the earth on the cross. When God judged Adam and Eve, He also condemned the earth. He cursed the ground and caused thorns and thistles to come forth.
"...Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thysake: in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life".
"Thorns also and Thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field". (Genesis 3:17,18)
"Andwhen they had plaited a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head,..." (Matthew 27:29)
At Calvary's cross, Jesus redeemed man and earth through His precious blood. Jesus's sacrifice as the Lamb of God was truly God's first line of defense in His quest to restore creation.
2.) The Purging of Unredeemed Men:
Nearing the close of God's prophetic plan, God will begin to purge the earth of the ungodly. This will begin at the close of the Great Tribulation Period and during the Battle of Armageddon. At the close of this period, Jesus will come back and dethrone the Anti-Christ and his False Prophet. These two men will cast into the Lake of Fire.
"Andthe beast (Anti-Christ) was taken, and with the False Prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the Mark of the Beast, and them that worshiped his image, these both (Anti-Christ and False Prophet) were cast alive into a Lake of Fire burning with brimstone". (Revelation 19:20)
The next purging will occur at the close of 1,000 year reign of Christ on earth. At the close of this reign, those men who rebelled in their hearts against Christ's rule, will be deceived by Satan. And they will revolt against the city of God and will meet their end.
"And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison".
"And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea".
"And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and the fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them". (Revelation 20:7-9)
The final purging of unredeemed men will take place at the last resurrection. This event will occur just before the Great White Throne Judgement. At this time, God will resurrect all of the ungodly from their graves. This is known as the Resurrection of Damnation, (John 5:28, 29). This last resurrection is mentioned in the book of Revelation, chapter 20: 11-15. Here, the ungodly will be resurrected to face the judgement of God. All who are judged here will be cast alive into the Lake of Fire and will enter the eternal damnation.
3.) The Purging of Satan:
Satan will be purged from God's system and cast into the Lake of Fire to be burned and tormented forever. Note the following Scripture.
"And the Devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of Fire and brimstone, where the Beast (Anti-Christ) and False Prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever". (Revelation 20:10)
4.) The Purging of Death:
The Scripture declare that the last enemy to be destroyed by Christ Jesus will be death. Death will not enter the New World, but will be cast into the Lake of Fire to be judged forever.
"The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death". (I Corinthians 15:26)
"And death and Hell (hades or sheol) were cast into the lake of Fire. This is the Second death". (Revelation 20:14)
5.) The Earth's Purging:
Before the New Earth and Heavens, God will cleanse planet earth of all it's contaminations. The Scripture declare that the fire of God will burn all the works of the Earth.
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the Earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up".
"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and Godliness".
"Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day of God, wherein the Heavens being on Fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?"
"Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for New Heavens and a New Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness". (II Peter 3:10-13)
The fire of God will purge planet earth of all of it's contaminations. Everything that sin has touched will be burned from earth. After the fire of God has purged earth and the smoke clears, God will reveal a brand New Earth and Heavens: a world that will be free from sin and curse, a world without sin and Satan.
In summary, before God can usher in a New World, He will first deal with the sin problem. After He has judged fallen man, Satan, fallen angels, sin and this contaminated earth, we will experience a new world and a new life with God.
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