FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

He then received these final instructions: “use an old ball.” A day is coming when God will transform this “old ball” on which we live into a “new ball.” In fact, a new heaven will come as well. The last chapter concluded with the complete destruction by fire of the planet. After that, the new earth, an unprecedented paradise will be established. John caught a glimpse of this on Patmos when he “Saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her hus- band” (Revelation 21:1-2). Observe, first, the new earth will consist of a city , known for the following: Beauty — like a woman dressed up for her husband on their wedding day. I’ve done numerous weddings in my three decades as a pastor and the brides always sparkle with a special glow. My girls never looked prettier than when they married ten weeks apart in 2015. My wife was never more beautiful than that summer day in 1983 when she walked down the aisle and took my arm. Likewise, Jerusalem will shine like never before. Describing the city, John said, “Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper” (Revelation 21:11). The New Jerusalem will be made of pure gold.Walls around the city will be decorated with various kinds of precious stones. Gates along the walls will be made of pearl. Currently, such costly valuables sit in safes, glass cases, and tightly guarded museums. In the world to come, they’ll be out in the open, for everyone to see and enjoy. Immensity— When John saw the city, he measured it to be 1,400 miles in width, length, and height (Revelation 21:16).

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