And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)

What greater comfort is there to those suffering with the decaying flesh of our fallen bodies than to hear our Lord tell us, Behold, I am making all things new. Over and over Scripture reminds us that this world is not our home. The reason we are able to focus all of our effort and energy on the kingdom of God is because we know we are building for a lasting city, a heavenly home (Hebrews 11:16, 13:14), and not the fallen and failing world around us.

Behold, I am making all things new. There are two lessons implied in these words. First, all things need to be made new. Nothing in creation has escaped the stain of sin. Thus Paul tells us in Romans 8:20-21 that creation was subjected to futility and is currently in bondage to corruption. Every plant, every animal, every human being needs to be made new. For the non-human creation this will take place on the day when God rebuilds creation, bringing forth the new heavens and new earth of Revelation 21:1. For humans it will take place when our Savior cries out, “Christian, come out!” (John 11:43) The day when all the tombs are emptied and all the dead are raised to meet Jesus in the sky. The dead will be raised and we will be made new. The believer, raised to eternal glory. The unbeliever, raised to eternal punishment.

The second lesson in these words is that God’s renewing power extends to all, even the foulest sinner. There is no life too foul for God to make new. There is no failure too great for him to redeem. We often shy away from God for we feel he would not have us, that we have fallen too far. To those who have this fear I say first, Behold, I am making all things new and second, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28) and third go, and from now on sin no more (John 8:11).

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2. Looking To Things Above
3. Characteristics from Trials
4. You Destroy — I Will Raise
5. As I Grow In Christ, I Put Away Childish Things
6. thanking God for all things
7. Will God Give You Only Good Things?