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seed of the woman, ever have had their names in the book of life. These, together with
the death and the grave, are consumed in the second death.
The platform has now been prepared. All is ready for the last act which is ushered in
by the coming of the new heavens and new earth. These John beholds immediately
following the lake of fire. This exact sequence is preserved in II Pet. 3: where the day
of the Lord eventuates in the burning up of the heavens and the earth, and which in turn is
followed by the day of God. This fixes for us the lake of fire. It is the great dissolving
and destroying agency at the end.
#60.
All things new (21: and 22:).
pp. 65 - 79
The Scriptures are divided into three great sections, viz.:--
(1). The heaven and the earth which were created. "In the beginning" (Gen. 1: 1).
(2). The heavens and the earth which were created during the six days. "Which are now"
(Gen. 1: 3-2: 3; II Pet. 3: 7).
(3). The new heaven and the new earth (II Pet. 3: 13; Rev. 21: 1).
One constant factor throughout the second division is the presence of sin. During the
ages which span this section the wondrous purposes of grace and redemption are worked
out. The last act which pertains to this section is that of casting death and hades into the
lake of fire. The millennium is the day of the Lord (II Pet. 3: 10), and this is followed by
the day of God (II Pet. 3: 12). For this the believer "looks and hastens unto", "looking,
according to His promise, for the new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth
righteousness" (II Pet. 3: 13). The section therefore which now claims our attention,
though brief, is of stupendous significance. It is nothing less than the goal of the ages,
the fruit of redemption, and the triumph of truth.
The subject "the new heaven and new earth" occupies chapters 21: 1 - 22: 5. First
we have a brief statement occupying 21: 1-5, then secondly we have an expansion of
one aspect of the subject which has particular connection with the theme of the
Revelation. It is important to a right understanding that we have this arrangement of the
subject clearly before us.
The new creation and its heirs.
A1 | 21: 1-5.
All things new.
A2 | 21: 6 - 22: 5.
These things inherited.
The first part of the subject is general--"all things". The second part of the same
subject is that which is peculiar to the overcomer--"he that overcometh shall inherit
these things". Five verses are sufficient to tell of the new heavens and new earth, while