3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,

4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain. The first things passed away.”

— Revelation 21:3-4

14 Since therefore the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also Himself in like manner partook of the same, that through death He might destroy him who has the might of death, that is, the devil,

15 And might release those who because of the fear of death through all their life were held in slavery.

— Hebrews 2:14-15

So then if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away; behold, they have become new.

— 2 Corinthians 5:17

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

What is the new creation? Countless descriptions and concepts represent earthly attempts to express a heavenly reality. Thoughts and images emerge from movies, jokes, and books that likely confuse biblical truths. We desire to separate fact from fiction by carefully examining God’s Word. We crave greater understanding. Although Scripture provides a taste of heaven, the full taste of the banquet remains behind a door we have yet to enter.

Revelation portrays the bright future awaiting God’s children. Christ will liberate believers from the sting of sin and death. God promises to defeat evil, triumph over every enemy, deliver His people, and institute a glorious new heaven and earth. He will renew the present reality and live with His people forever. Our souls crave what our thoughts cannot capture. Heaven’s amazing realities far surpass this world’s fleeting charms. The certainty of the new heaven and new earth gives believers strength for today and hope for eternity.