Revelation 21:5 - “Behold, I Am Making All Things New?”
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Introduction
In the book of Revelation, chapter 21, verse 5, God declares, "Behold, I am making all things new." This statement is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, offering a glimpse into the ultimate destiny of creation. The phrase "all things new" has been interpreted in various ways throughout history, with some seeing it as a reference to the new heaven and new earth, while others view it as a promise of personal renewal and redemption.
Understanding the Context
To grasp the full significance of God's declaration, it is essential to consider the context in which it is made. The book of Revelation is an apocalyptic text, written by the apostle John, who was exiled to the island of Patmos. The book is a vision of the end times, a time of great turmoil and upheaval, but also a time of ultimate triumph for God's people.
In chapter 21, John describes a new heaven and a new earth, where God dwells with his people. The old heaven and earth have passed away, and all things are made new. This new creation is not just a physical reality but also a spiritual one, where God's people live in harmony with Him and with each other.
The Meaning of "All Things New"
The phrase "all things new" is a translation of the Greek phrase "πάντα καινούργια" (panta kainourgia). The word "kainourgia" means "newness" or "renewal," and it is used in several other places in the New Testament to describe the new life that believers receive through faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15).
In the context of Revelation 21:5, "all things new" refers to the complete transformation of creation, where everything is made new and restored to its original purpose. This is not just a physical transformation but also a spiritual one, where God's people are renewed and restored to their original relationship with Him.
The Implications of "All Things New"
The declaration of "all things new" has significant implications for our understanding of God's plan for creation. It suggests that the current state of creation is not the final state, but rather a temporary one. The old heaven and earth are passing away, and a new creation is being born.
This has several implications:
- The end of suffering: The new creation is a place where there is no more suffering, no more pain, and no more death. God's people will live in harmony with Him and with each other, free from the effects of sin.
- The restoration of creation: The new creation is not just a spiritual reality but also a physical one. The earth will be restored to its original beauty and fertility, and all things will be made new.
- The ultimate triumph of God: The declaration of "all things new" is a testament to God's ultimate triumph over sin and evil. He is the one who is making all things new, and He will ultimately succeed in His plan to redeem creation.
The Relationship Between God and Creation
The declaration of "all things new" highlights the intimate relationship God and creation. God is not just a distant creator, but a personal God who is involved in the lives of His people. He is the one who is making all things new, and He is doing it for the sake of His people.
This relationship is rooted in God's love for creation. He created the world and everything in it, and He loves it with a deep and abiding love. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
The Role of Human Beings in the New Creation
The declaration of "all things new" also highlights the role of human beings in the new creation. As God's people, we are called to participate in the redemption of creation. We are to be co-creators with God, working together with Him to bring about the new creation.
This involves several things:
- Living a life of obedience: We are to live a life of obedience to God's commands, following His will and doing His work.
- Spreading the gospel: We are to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations, proclaiming the good news of salvation to a lost world.
- Caring for creation: We are to care for creation, being good stewards of the earth and its resources.
Conclusion
The declaration of "all things new" in Revelation 21:5 is a powerful statement of God's plan for creation. It suggests that the current state of creation is not the final state, but rather a temporary one. The old heaven and earth are passing away, and a new creation is being born.
This has significant implications for our understanding of God's plan for creation. It suggests that the end of suffering is near, that the restoration of creation is possible, and that the ultimate triumph of God is certain.
As God's people, we are called to participate in the redemption of creation. We are to live a life of obedience, spread the gospel, and care for creation. Together, we can bring about the new creation, and make all things new.
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Q&A: Understanding Revelation 21:5
Q: What does God mean by "all things new" in Revelation 21:5?
A: When God says "all things new," He is referring to the complete transformation of creation. This is not just a physical transformation but also a spiritual one, where God's people are renewed and restored to their original relationship with Him.
Q: What is the significance of the new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21:5?
A: The new heaven and new earth are a symbol of God's ultimate triumph over sin and evil. They represent a place where God dwells with His people, and where there is no more suffering, no more pain, and no more death.
Q: How does the declaration of "all things new" relate to the end of suffering?
A: The declaration of "all things new" suggests that the end of suffering is near. In the new creation, there will be no more suffering, no more pain, and no more death. God's people will live in harmony with Him and with each other, free from the effects of sin.
Q: What is the role of human beings in the new creation?
A: As God's people, we are called to participate in the redemption of creation. We are to live a life of obedience, spread the gospel, and care for creation. Together, we can bring about the new creation, and make all things new.
Q: How does the declaration of "all things new" relate to the restoration of creation?
A: The declaration of "all things new" suggests that the restoration of creation is possible. In the new creation, the earth will be restored to its original beauty and fertility, and all things will be made new.
Q: What is the ultimate triumph of God in the declaration of "all things new"?
A: The ultimate triumph of God is the ultimate triumph over sin and evil. He is the one who is making all things new, and He will ultimately succeed in His plan to redeem creation.
Q: How does the declaration of "all things new" relate to the relationship between God and creation?
A: The declaration of "all things new" highlights the intimate relationship God and creation. God is not just a distant creator, but a personal God who is involved in the lives of His people. He is the one who is making all things new, and He is doing it for the sake of His people.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase "Behold, I am making all things new" in Revelation 21:5?
A: The phrase "Behold, I am making all things new" is a declaration of God's power and authority. It is a statement of His intention to transform creation and make all things new.
Q: How does the declaration of "all things new" relate to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
A: The declaration of "all things new" is closely tied to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a promise of the new life that believers receive through faith in Christ, and it is a testament to God's ultimate triumph over sin and evil.
Q: What is the significance of the new creation in Revelation 21:5?
A: The new creation is a symbol of God's ultimate triumph over sin and evil. It represents a place where God dwells with His people, and where there is no more suffering, no more pain, and no more death.
Q: How does the declaration of "all things new" relate to the role of human beings in the new creation?
A: The declaration of "all things new" suggests that human beings have a role to play in the new creation. We are to live a life of obedience, spread the gospel, and care for creation. Together, we can bring about the new creation, and make all things new.
Q: What is the ultimate goal of God's plan for creation in Revelation 21:5?
A: The ultimate goal of God's plan for creation is to make all things new. This involves the complete transformation of creation, where everything is made new and restored to its original purpose.
Q: How does the declaration of "all things new" relate to the relationship between God and His people?
A: The declaration of "all things new" highlights the intimate relationship God and His people. God is not just a distant creator, but a personal God who is involved in the lives of His people. He is the one who is making all things new, and He is doing it for the sake of His people.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase "I am making all things new" in Revelation 21:5?
A: The phrase "I am making all things new" is a declaration of God's power and authority. It is a statement of His intention to transform creation and make all things new.
Q: How does the declaration of "all things new" relate to the end of the old heaven and earth?
A: The declaration of "all things new" suggests that the old heaven and earth are passing away. In their place, a new heaven and new earth will be created, where God dwells with His people, and where there is no more suffering, no more pain, and no more death.
Q: What is the ultimate triumph of God in the declaration of "all things new"?
A: The ultimate triumph of God is the ultimate triumph over sin and evil. He is the one who is making all things new, and He will ultimately succeed in His plan to redeem creation.
Q: How does the declaration of "all things new" relate to the role of human beings in the redemption of creation?
A: The declaration of "all things new" suggests that human beings have a role to play in the redemption of creation. We are to live a life of obedience, spread the gospel, and care for creation. Together, we can bring about the new creation, and make all things new.