1. The Eternal State Revelation 21:1 – 22:5 NIV
Good morning
Today, as we near the end of our series in Revelation, we will be discussing the “eternal state.” After God has finished with His purpose for the earth and the universe as we know it, He will create a new heaven and earth that will last for all eternity. Known as the eternal state, this is the ultimate hope for Christians. In the eternal state, the shackles of sin will be broken; sin and the effects of sin, will be banished; and believers will live forever with God and His Son Jesus Christ in a perfect state of unimaginable happiness and joy.
As we begin our study this morning, please join me in asking for the Lord’s blessing.
This morning I will be using the New International Version.
Lets begin our study by reading Revelation 21 verse 1, through chapter 22 verse 5.

2. Revelation 21:1 – 22:5
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and 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. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

3. Revelation 21:1 – 22:5
5. He who is 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. I am the Alpha and the 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.
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars– their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

4. Revelation 21:1 – 22:5
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.
11. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like a jasper, clear as crystal.
12. It had a great high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.
13. There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west.

5. Revelation 21:1 – 22:5
The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls.
16. The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it was long.
17. He measured its wall and it was 144 cubits thick, by man’s measurement, which the angel was using.
18. The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.

6. Revelation 21:1 – 22:5
19. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20. the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass. 22. I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the lamb are its temple.

7. Revelation 21:1 – 22:5
23. The city does not need the sun or a moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
24. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.
On no day will it gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.
The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.
Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

8. Revelation 21:1 – 22:5
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.

9. Revelation 21:1 – 22:5
4. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

10. Outline
Putting the Passage (Revelation 21:1 – 22:5) in context What is the subject of this passage? New heaven and earth New Jerusalem What will Christians do for eternity? The invitation and results of rejection The Lamb’s book of Life
-This is an outline of what I will be discussing this morning
-First, I will attempt to place Revelation 21 in the context of eternity past and future and also within the book of Revelation
Second, we will briefly look a the question of the subject of this passage. Is it about the eternal state, the millennium or both?
Third, we will observe how the apostle John describes the New Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God the angels and believers for all eternity
Fourth, we will review the Bible’s teaching of what believers will do in Heaven, for all eternity
Next, we will consider a group of verses in the middle of today’s passage, that are an invitation to accept the gospel and a warning of the consequences of rejecting the gospel.
Finally, we will end our discussion on the importance of being included in the Lamb’s book of life

11. Putting the Passage in Context: Events Before Revelation
-The eternally preexistent triune God -Holy sinless creation to include man and woman with perfect communion between God and man -Fall; separation of a holy God from man -Noah, Abraham, Jacob and the nation of Israel -Birth, ministry of Christ, Jews reject the kingdom -Christ’s death and resurrection -Salvation extended to Gentiles -Church age
-Lets get started by putting the passage in context
-In Revelation chapter 21 and verse 6, God refers to Himself as the Alpha and Omega (the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet), and the Beginning and the End. In eternity past, there was God.
-There came a point where God created the heavens and the earth. The culmination of God’s creative efforts were the creation of man and woman. There was no sin, and God communed with man. Genesis 3:8 reads; Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” Adam and Eve knew the sound of the Lord in the garden. He must have visited with Adam and Eve on previous occasions
-The details of man’s sin and the subsequent impact (pain, death, curse etc.) are recorded in Genesis chapter three. Sin ended the intimate fellowship Adam and Eve enjoyed with the God.
-Then begins the plan of salvation….Noah, Abraham, Jacob, the nation of Israel.
-At the right time, Christ was born, grew up, and at age 30, began His three year public ministry. The Jews rejected His offer of a spiritual kingdom and Christ was condemned and crucified as a common criminal. On the cross, Christ’s perfect blood sacrifice paid the price for all sin. In Jis resurrection from the dead, Christ conquered death.
-His disciples, with the supporting power of the Holy Spirit, started the church, of which we the Great Adventure Church, are one local assembly

12. Putting the Passage in Context: Chart of Revelation-
-This brings us to the book of Revelation.
-This chart was taken from William MacDonald’s Emmaus correspondence course on Revelation and can be used to quickly summarize the book.
-The first three chapters are an introduction to the book and the letters to the seven churches. In our early studies, we saw the ongoing applicability of the positive and negative attributes seen in each of the churches. These three chapters deal with what Rev 1: 19 calls “what is now.”
Chapters 4-22 of Revelation deal with what will Rev 1:19 calls “what will take place later.”
-The church age ends with the rapture. All believers, dead and alive, will be caught up (or raptured), account for their deeds, and take part in the marriage supper of the Lamb.
-Meanwhile on earth, there will be seven years of tribulation, described in Revelation chapters 4-19, where God will pour out His judgment on sinful unbelieving man. These judgments are the seven seals, the last which introduces the seven trumpets, and the last trumpet of which intorduces the seven seals.
-At the end of the tribulation, Christ returns with all believers, known as the second coming of Christ, conquers Satan’s forces and establishes a thousand year earthly kingdom (or millennium, described in chapter 20) where many of the effects of sin will be dampened and the lion will lay with the lamb.
-At the end of the millennium, Satan causes one more worldwide insurrection. In a final battle at Armageddon, Christ will permanently eliminate all opposing evil forces. Subsequently, all unbelievers will be judged and sent to hell.
-That brings us to where we are in chapter 21, the eternal state.

13. What is the Subject of this Passage?
-Some debate; millennium, eternal state or both
-There are scripture passages that mix topics
Isa 61:1-2 – first/second coming of Christ
Dan 12:2 – resurrection of righteous/sinners
-Leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of nations
Rev 22:2
My opinion: Rev :5 describes the eternal state
-There is some debate on the subject of Revelation 21 – 22:5. While all agree that in general this passage describes the eternal state, some feel that there are portions of the text that describe the millennium.
-It is true that there are Biblical passages that mix topics…Isa 61:1-2 – first/second coming of Christ, Dan 12:2 – resurrection of righteous/sinners
-Please look at Rev 22:2 which refers to leaves for the healing of the nations. Some have argued that in the perfect eternal state, there would be no need for leaves from the tree of life for the healing of nations. Thus, Rev 22:2 must refer to the millennium
-I join commentators who believe that Rev 21 – 22:5 describes the eternal state. Here is why I feel his way:

14. What is the Subject of this Passage (Cont)?
-Eternal state --The old is passed away, new heaven and earth --No seas Rev 21:1. But many refernces to millennial seas Ps 72:8, Isa 11:9, Ezek 47: Leaves of tree; healing (therapeian) can be understood as health giving (therapeutic). They contribute to the well being of those in the eternal state rather than heal (a concept arising from sin) --No sin, curse eliminated, fellowship with God fully restored (God to live with us Rev 21:3) -Read as a whole, Rev 21 – 22:5 is very consistent with the attributes of the eternal state
-Rev 21:1 indicates the eternal state is not a renovated old heaven and earth but entirely new heaven and earth. The millennium is not a new heaven and earth. It is rather a renovated old earth.
-There is only one descriptor of the new earth. Rev 21:1 says there will be no seas. Yet, there are many mentions of seas in passages describing the millennium
-Rev 21 – 22:5 are full of references to no sin, death, the curse being eliminated, and fellowship with God being fully restored. As we learn today, the Godhead will live with believers in heaven. In the millennium, sin, death and the curse are not eliminated and the Godhead doesn’t live with man
-The leaves of the tree of life described in Rev 22:2 are said to be for the healing of nations. The Greek word translated healing is “therapeian.“ This word an also be understood as health giving. In fact we get our word “therapeutic” from this Greek word. Thus, a reasonable interpretation is that the leaves of the tree of life will contribute to the well being of those in the eternal state. The concept of healing is something that is consistent with our daily experience in a fallen world but inconsistent with the sinless perfection of the eternal state
-For the above reasons, I believe that Rev :5 describes the eternal state and not the millennial kingdom.

15. New Heaven and Earth
Rev 21:1 -Existing heavens/earth destroyed, not renovated Mat 24:35, Mk 13:31, 2 Pet 3: Purpose of the old creation complete -Totally new heaven and earth Only one descriptor –no seas (oceans)
-Now, lets begin to move through the text starting with verse one
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away and there was no longer any sea.
-The first point to be made, is that the heavens and earth will not be remade or renovated. When the purpose of the old heavens and earth is accomplished, they will pass away. In 2Peter 3:10-13, Peter writes: “The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth, and everything in it will be laid bare…That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.”
-In the place of the first heaven and earth will be a totally new heaven and earth.
-Not many characteristics are given for the totally new earth except that it will not have any seas

16. New Jerusalem
Rev 21:2-6 -Eternal dwelling place of God, the saints and angels Heb 12: The place Christ has been preparing for us. John 14:2 -Beautiful bride of Christ (v. 2) -God will live with His people (v. 3) -Effects of sin gone; no tears, death, mourning, crying, pain…old order of things passed away…I am making all things new (v. 4)
The remainder of this passage, verses 2-5, 9-27 and chapter 22:1-5 describe the New Jerusalem.
-We will cover chapter 21: 6-8 separately later.
-Hebrews makes it clear that the New Jerusalem is the eternal dwelling place of God, the saints and the holy angels. The New Jerusalem is the same as what we call Heaven
-This is the place that Jesus is preparing for us. As recorded in John 14:2 and 3, Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” Jesus then goes on to give us hope by saying; “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” Christ will come back for His believers at the rapture
-Verse 2 describes the city as bride beautifully prepared for her husband. The subject here is the city not believing Israel or the church.
-One of the marvels of the eternal state revealed in verse 3, is the fact that the triune God will live with us. As we saw previously, in the garden of Eden, God visited Adam and Eve. As perfected sinners saved by Christ’s precious blood, in the New Jerusalem, we will enjoy His continuous presence. Have you ever felt distant from God? Never in the eternal state.
Verse 4 delineates the benefits of the new creation without sin; no tears, because all reasons for tears will be gone, no death, no mourning, or crying or pain.

17. New Jerusalem (Cont)
-Rev 21:9-21 -Shone with the glory of God, with brilliance like a precious jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal (v. 11) -12 single pearl gates, named for 12 tribes, 12 angel guards (v. 12,13, 21) Mat 13: jewel studded foundations, named for 12 apostles of the Lamb (v. 14, 19, 20) Brilliant array of colors: Blue, green, red, white, gold, yellow-green, violet, purple
-John is then ferried to the top of a mountain by an angel and records how he sees the New Jerusalem (verses 9 and 10)
-John’s first impression is that it shone with the glory of God, with brilliance like a precious jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. The jasper we know today is not clear but opaque. Diamonds were not known in John’s time. In today’s terminology, perhaps the New Jerusalem would be described as a huge beautifully cut diamond (or Swarovski crystal)
-John then describes the gates, beginning in verse 12, each made of one giant pearl, three on the east, north, south and west, all guarded by an angel and each named for a tribe of God’s chosen people, Israel. The pearl gates may be linked to the parable of pearl found in Matthew 13 where Jesus says: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Christ was the merchant and He paid the ultimate price, his life, to purchase redemption for the pearl of all believers. I am sure that as we walk through the pearl gates of New Jerusalem, we will be reminded of this great truth.
-In verse 14, the twelve jewel studded foundations of the New Jerusalem were each named for one of the twelve apostles are mentioned. The foundations were made of jasper, sapphire (blue), chalcedony (blue with stripes of other colors), emerald (bright green), sardonyx (red and white), carnelian (ruby red), chrysolite (golden), beryl (sea green), topaz (transparent yellow-green), chrysoprase (green), jacinth (violet), and amethyst (purple).
-In the eternal state, both Israel and the church are identified (the gates named for the 12 tribes and the foundations named for the twelve apostles upon whom the church was built). Israel and the church, distinct but brought together under Christ.

18. The New Jerusalem (Cont)
-12,000 stadia (1,400) mile square and high (v. 16) -Jasper wall 144 cubits (216 ft) thick (v. 17) -City made of pure as glass gold (v.18) -Main street of city made of gold transparent as glass (v. 21)
-In verse 16, the New Jerusalem is measured by an angel and found to be 12,000 stadia, about 1,400 miles, long wide and high. In other words, a square.
-The jasper wall of the city is measured at 144 cubits or about 216 feet thick
-The city and main street were made of pure gold transparent as glass. The substance we call gold has never been transparent. Perhaps we have not been able to purify it enough to make it transparent. Perhaps it is a heavenly material we are not familiar with. Whatever it is, it is precious and beautiful

19. The New Jerusalem (Cont)
-Crystal clear river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb down main street (22:1) -Tree of life on each side of main street with leaves to heal the nations (improve the well being of those in New Jerusalem) (22:2)
-In the first five verses of Revelation chapter 22, John learns about two more features of the New Jerusalem.
-First, in verse one, there was a crystal clear river of the water of life which emanates from the throne of God and the Lamb and flows down the main street. Many commentators believe the pure water symbolizes the holiness and purity of God flowing throughout the city
-Second, on each side of the street is the tree of life, bearing fruit each month. Adam and Eve were forbidden to eat from the tree of life in the garden of Eden. In Rev 2:7, Christ promises to give to overcomers the right to eat from the tree of life which is in the paradise of God.
-The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. As we discussed earlier, the concept of healing from sickness/wounds in the eternal state where everything is perfect doesn’t make sense. An interpretation that works is that the leaves improve the well being of those who come from many nations and reside in the New Jerusalem.

20. The New Jerusalem: What it is Not There
-No temple (v. 21) -No sun or moon (v. 22) -No shut gates (v.25) -No night (v. 25) -Nothing impure/unholy (v. 27) -No curse (22:3)
-Beginning in verse 22 of chapter 21 there is an interesting list of things that are not found in the New Jerusalem.
-First, in verse 22 we discover there is no temple. The temple was a place to go and meet God. God was in the tabernacle Holy of Holies. In the New Jerusalem, there is no need for a temple because God and the Lamb, that is Jesus Christ, will always be present
-Second, there is no sun or moon. It is not needed because the glory of God lights the city and the Lamb, that is Christ, is its lamp
-Third, in verse 25, we find the twelve city gates will never be closed
-Fourth, there is no night in the New Jerusalem because God’s glory, which lights the city and Christ the Lamp, are continuously present.
Fifth, verse 27 notes that nothing impure, and no one who does impure things, will ever enter the city. The verse concludes by saying; “but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” The conclusion is that believers, those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, will be judged pure and holy in God’s sight. In the eternal state, the sin nature will be removed from each Christian and each will have a glorified body.
The sixth thing the New Jerusalem does not have is the curse. In Genesis 3, in response to the sin of Adam and Eve, God cursed the serpent, and the ground. He also caused woman to experience pain during child birth. Basically, sin corrupted all of God’s creation, and transformed the perfect life Adam and Eve lived in the garden to one filled with toil, pain, illness, disease, suffering and death. In the New Jerusalem, the curse and its effects will be removed.

21. What will Christians do for Eternity?
-Status: --Son of God (Gal 4:7, Rev 22:6) --Heir of God and coheirs with Christ (Rom 8:17) --As part of the Church, Bride of Christ (Eph 5:32) -Not married or given in marriage (Mat 22:30) We will enjoy being married to the perfect spouse (Eph 5:32, Rev 19:7-9) -Worship, praise and adore God and the Lamb -Serve God (Rev 22:3) -Reign with Christ forever and ever (Rev 22:5)
-Now lets discuss briefly what we will be doing for all eternity.
-First, it is important to understand our absolutely incredible status as believers. Incredible because we are so undeserving:
--When we believe, multiple scriptures indicate, we become the sons of God
--And as sons, we are heirs with God and coheirs with Christ. Paul in Galations 4:7, ties these two concepts together when he writes: “So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.”
--Further, Paul teaches that, as part of the church, we are part of the bride of Christ.
-Christ in talking about the eternal state is recorded by Matthew as saying we will not be married or given in marriage. Rather, we will enjoy being married to the perfect and all loving spouse, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. The momentary joys of married life will pale in comparison to the continuous perfect love we will enjoy being married to the Lamb.
-It will come quit naturally to praise and worship God and Christ forever.
-We will also serve God and reign with Christ forever and ever.

22. The Invitation and Results of Rejection
-Rev 21:6-8, 27 -I am the Alpha/Omega, the Beginning/End (v. 6) -Free drink from the water of life (salvation) to those who seek it (v. 6) -Salvation leads to name being written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (v 27) -Overcomers will inherit the glories of the new Jerusalem as a son (v. 7) -Those who persist in wickedness will be sent to the fiery lake of burning sulfur, the second death (v. 8)
-In the middle of the passage we are studying on the eternal state and the description of the New Jerusalem is an invitation. God does not want any to perish. Peter writes in his second book, chapter 3 verse 9: He [the Lord] is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” There are many invitations in Scripture to accept the free gift of God in the atoning work of His son and Savior Jesus Christ.
-In verse 6, Christ says He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End and invites those who have spiritual thirst to drink the free water of life leading to salvation and the entry of their name in the Lamb’s book of life.
-In verse 7, Christ goes on to note that those who overcome sin and persevere in the faith will inherit the glories of the New Jerusalem as a son.
-Finally, verse 8 makes it clear there are consequences for persisting in sin and rejecting the free gift of salvation. There is no mincing of words; “their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur, the second death. This is what is commonly referred to as hell

23. The Lamb’s Book of Life
-The only people who will be able to enjoy the eternal state described in Rev 21 and 22 are those whose names are recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life -Those whose names are not recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life are destined for eternity in the Lake of Fire. Rev 20:14 -How does one get their name in the Lamb’s Book of Life? Believe on the Lord Jesus Jn 3:16 Acknowledge sinfulness, ask for forgiveness Accept Christ as Savior and Lord
-The only people who will enjoy the stupendous blessings of the eternal state we have just studied, are those whose names are recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Referring to the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21:27 says: “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
-Great works, philanthropy, continual acts of kindness and self sacrifice, faithful church attendance and tithing etc. etc. will not get you into the New Jerusalem. There is only one thing that works, your name in the Lamb’s book of life.
-For those who fail to get their name in the Lamb’s book of life, the result is a destiny in the Lake of Fire. Revelation 20:15 reads: The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s name is not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
-SO how does one get their name into the Lamb’s book of life. The answer is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus paid the price for your sins at Calvary. When a person believes in Jesus, he/she is saved and their name is added to the Lamb’s book of life. John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world, that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have eternal life.”
-For those of us who believe, we rejoice today in the hope of our eternal destiny of being freed from sin and living forever with God and His Son Jesus.
-If you have not believed, your name is not in the Lamb’s book of life and your destiny is the Lake of Fire. I plead with you to not leave this place today until you believe and know that your name is in the Lamb’s book of life.
Lets pray

24. The Eternal State Revelation 21:1 – 22:5 NIV

25. Biblical Bookends
God in eternal glory First creation – good, day/night, 7th day holy, tree/river of life, God visited Adam/Eve in the garden Fall – Satan, sin, death, curse; good marred by evil Redemption – Christ’s death/resurrection Final judgment – evil, death, Satan into lake of fire New Creation – perfect, new heaven/earth, no darkness, all holy, tree/river of life God present with His people in eternal glory God’s purpose – create a people to dwell in his presence, glorifying and enjoying Him forever

26. What is the Subject of this Passage?
-Some debate; millennium, eternal state or both
-There are scripture passages that mix topics
Isa 61:1-2 – first/second coming of Christ
Dan 12:2 – resurrection of righteous/sinners
-Leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of nations
Rev 22:2
My opinion: Rev :5 describes the eternal state
-During the millennium:
--Sin is subdued but not not eradicated
--First heaven and earth “fixed” but not new
--There are seas Ps 72:8, Isa 11:9, Ezek 47:8-20
-There is some debate on the subject of Revelation 21 – 22:5. While all agree that in general this passage describes the eternal state, some feel that there are portions of the text that describe the millennium.
-It is true that there are Biblical passages that mix topics…Isa 61:1-2 – first/second coming of Christ, Dan 12:2 – resurrection of righteous/sinners
-Please look at Rev 22:2 which refers to leaves for the healing of the nations. Some have argued that in the perfect eternal state, there would be no need for leaves from the tree of life for the healing of nations. Thus, Rev 22:2 must refer to the millennium
-I join commentators who believe that Rev 21 – 22:5 describes the eternal state. Here is why I feel his way: First, some comments about the millennium
-During the millennium, sin is subdued but not eliminated. The first heaven and earth are somewhat “fixed” during the millennium (the lion will lay with the lamb, etc.) but sin and its curse including death are not eliminated.
-All unbelievers are killed at the second coming of Christ when He returns to establish the millennial kingdom. However, Satan is able to raise an army of wicked people for a great battle at the end of the millennium. These wicked people must be the unbelieving sons and daughters of believers who entered the millennium. This is an impossibility in the sinless eternal state
-Passages commonly attributed to the describing the millennium include multiple references to the seas.