Focal Passages: Revelation 21:1-8; 22:1-5
Death doesn’t have the best reputation. It is also not the most pleasant topic to bring up in casual conversation. We might say that we are “scared to death” or “bored to death,” but other than that, we keep the casket talk to a minimum. And understandably so. But what if death is one of the most hopeful things we have in this life as Christians?
The last book of the Bible reveals God’s plan to us regarding eternity. We see a new city come down from heaven. God and man dwell together and heaven and earth merge into one brand new Kingdom.
The new heavens and the new earth will be a place where we will no longer experience sadness, or sickness or pain.
There will be no threat or curse of sin any longer.
All of those things will be over. We get to this perfect place by faith. Those of us who have trusted in Christ get to enjoy Him forever. This is called eternal life.
Scripture is not unclear, however, about the fate of those who don’t put their faith in Christ.
Immoral people (like the ones mentioned in chapter 21) will not get to live in the new city.
Those who refuse Christ’s lordship are thrown into a lake of fire to face judgment. This is a second and eternal death.
Our faith in Christ is what helps us endure to the end. Remaining faithful to Christ until He comes is also a requirement for eternal life. For the believer, death is not the end, life is!