The New Creation

Dear Members and Friends of IBCZ,
Last Sunday we considered God the Creator. We observed how, based on scientific discoveries, it really would be impossible for the universe to come about and for even simple forms of life to come into existence apart from a powerful and wise Creator. Of course, the biblical writers, even though they lacked modern scientific understanding, recognized the reality of God the Creator, for the wonders of creation point back to the Creator.
David wrote in Ps. 19:1-2, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” God’s magnificent creation, from the stars and the galaxies, to the majestic mountains and lush valleys, to the intricacies of a single cell, to the wonder of our own bodies, all speak to us and proclaim the glory of God.
As amazing as the creation is, one even better is yet to come. About eight centuries before the coming of Christ, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah saying (65:17), “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” What Isaiah prophesied, the Apostle John saw in a vision, recorded in Rev. 21:1-7:
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. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘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.”
5 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.”
6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
God has one more mighty act of creation to reveal. None of the sinfulness, brokenness, pain, or suffering that mark this world will be present in the next. Better yet, God Himself will dwell with us, ruling over all with his holiness, righteousness, and love. Everlasting joy will fill our hearts. What an incredible destiny we have in Christ!
Grace and peace,
Bob