Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  

He will wipe every tear from their eyes He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

He said to me: “It is done He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. (Revelation 21:1-7)

Heaven is: relationships. A new relationship. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (Revelation 21:1-2)

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5)

Two dimensions: A new place to live. “They desire a better country, which is a heavenly one, where God has prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:11) B. A new way to live. A spiritual community. We will be comforted one with the other.

Thoughts on Heaven: No longer will this earth be infested with thistles and thorns and briars. No longer will it be cut into graves and plotted into cemeteries. No longer will the tears moisten the soil of a person whose heart has been broken. No longer will it be stained with crimson blood.

Heaven is: relationships. 2. An intimate relationship. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. Prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21:2-3)

This relationship is demonstrated through: Preparation. Purity. “Beloved, now we are the children of God, and it has not yet appeared what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has His hope fixed on Him purifies himself even as He is pure.” (1 John 3)

This relationship is demonstrated through: C. Presence. D. Promise.

Heaven is: relationships 3. An individual relationship.

God gives . . . Salvation that is free. Strength that is faithful. Son ship that is forever.