02/01/2016
At the end of history, God will destroy the old heaven and earth and create new and perfect ones. Those who died in their sins will be cast into the “lake that burns with fire,” separated from God forever (Revelation 21:8). In sharp contrast, those who have been covered with Christ’s blood will enter God’s Holy City to live with him in eternal joy. Inside that city the people will hear Jesus say, “[God] will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever” (21:4). Actually, the end of history is also a beginning—the beginning of God’s perfect world.
Everyone longs for a perfect world, one that is without suffering, death, or sadness. In this perfect world, we also long for fulfilling love and justice. All of this seems like an impossible fantasy. But here it is—God’s promised future for all who love him.
