New Heaven, New Earth
Pastor Tan Thai · Feb 6, 2022
This sermon explores the vision of the new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21–22, highlighting seven things that will no longer exist in eternity. The message encourages the congregation to fix their eyes on the eternal rather than the temporary, even amid present trials.
This sermon was preached on the Sunday of Lunar New Year 2022 (Year of the Tiger), grounded in Revelation 21:1-5, presenting the Apostle John's vision of the new heaven and new earth. God declares that He will make all things new, and His dwelling place will be among humanity for eternity.
The pastor expounds seven things that will no longer exist in the new heaven and new earth: no more sea, no more death, no more mourning, no more crying, no more pain, no more darkness or sin, and no more curse. The image of the 'sea' is interpreted through Psalm 46:2-3 and Revelation 13:1 as a symbol of chaos, instability, and the power of evil — all of which will be completely abolished. The prophecy of Isaiah 65:19-20 is also used to illuminate the picture of peace and longevity that God promises to His people.
The sermon gives particular attention to the distinction between two Greek words for 'new': 'neos,' meaning newly occurring or recently made; and 'kainos,' meaning still new in value even though it has existed for a long time. God uses 'kainos' when He declares 'Behold, I make all things new,' implying that this new creation carries precious and enduring value, not merely novelty.
The application section draws from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, calling the congregation not to lose heart even as the outer body is wasting away. The light and momentary troubles of this present life are producing for those who believe an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. Believers are encouraged to fix their eyes not on what is seen and temporary, but on what is unseen and eternal.