Looking Toward the Hope of Heaven

Y’all, it is the day before Easter!! How exciting it is that we get to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ! I have been watching The Chosen (if you haven’t seen it go watch it on Amazon Prime) and this show leaves me in awe of Jesus every single episode. Let’s finish this beautiful study- open your Bibles to Revelation 21. “Our eternity with the Lord will be full of everlasting life and joy.”

In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, the hope of heaven serves as a steadfast foundation for our lives. This hope is not a fleeting wish, but a confident expectation rooted in the promises of God. Through Scripture, we are reminded of the beauty, assurance, and transformative power of this eternal hope. The book of Revelation paints a breathtaking picture of the future that awaits believers. Revelation 21 describes a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell with His people. It is a place where “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). This vision of heaven is not just about the absence of suffering but the presence of God Himself, who makes all things new. It is a reminder that our current struggles are temporary, and an eternal joy awaits us. Revelation 21 is an amazing chapter in the Bible that offers a vision of hope and renewal. It describes the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, where He creates a new heaven and a new earth. Let’s take a closer look at the key themes that make this chapter so meaningful for us today:

1. A New Creation: Imagine a world where everything broken and corrupt is replaced with something completely new. Revelation 21 begins with the declaration of a new heaven and a new earth, promising us a renewal that will finally free creation from all its pain and suffering.
2. The New Jerusalem: Picture a city descending from heaven, radiating beauty like a bride prepared for her wedding day. John describes the New Jerusalem as a symbol of God’s intimate and loving relationship with His people—a connection that we can eagerly anticipate.
3. God Dwelling with His People: One of the most comforting promises in this chapter is knowing that God will live among us, His people. The closeness described here is deeply personal—He will be our God, and we will be His beloved children in this renewed creation.
4. The End of Suffering: Revelation 21:4 offers hope to every hurting heart. It promises a time when God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, or pain. Imagine a place where all the struggles we’ve known are replaced by ultimate healing and joy.
5. All Things Made New: God’s declaration, ‘Behold, I am making all things new,’ carries so much power. It reminds us of His ability to renew and transform, offering us a reality free from sin and decay—a fresh start that lasts forever.
6. The Alpha and Omega: Here, God calls Himself the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. It’s a reminder of His eternal nature and His authority over everything in creation—past, present, and future.
7. The Inheritance of the Faithful: For those who remain steadfast and overcome life’s challenges, God promises an inheritance like no other—eternal life and a deep, loving relationship with Him as His children.
8. The Warning to the Unfaithful: This chapter also carries a serious note of caution. It reminds us that our choices matter, urging us to reflect on our relationship with God and strive toward faithfulness.
9. The Glory of the New Jerusalem: John describes the New Jerusalem in breathtaking detail, with radiant beauty, precious stones, and streets made of gold. The city is lit not by the sun or moon but by God’s own glory—a sight that’s almost beyond imagination.
10. A Place of Purity and Holiness: Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will enter this holy city. It’s a reminder of the importance of our faith and the purity of the new creation we long for.”

Revelation 21 offers a message of hope, reminding believers of the glorious future that awaits them. It encourages us to persevere in faith, knowing that God’s promises are trustworthy and true. In the midst of life’s trials, the hope of heaven empowers us to persevere. Romans 8:37 declares, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” This verse reminds us that our victory is not dependent on our strength but on the love of Christ. The hope of heaven gives us the courage to face challenges, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God. It is this assurance that transforms our perspective, enabling us to live with boldness and faith. The apostle Peter speaks of a “living hope” in 1 Peter 1:3: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” This living hope is not static or passive; it is vibrant and active, shaping how we live each day. It is grounded in the resurrection of Jesus, which guarantees our future inheritance—an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. The hope of heaven is not just a future reality; it transforms our present. It calls us to live with purpose, to love deeply, and to serve faithfully. It reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven, and our lives here are but a foretaste of the glory to come. As we fix our eyes on the eternal, we find strength to endure, joy in the midst of sorrow, and peace that surpasses understanding. The hope of heaven is a beacon of light in a world often shrouded in darkness. It is a hope that sustains, inspires, and renews. As we meditate on the promises of Revelation 21, Romans 8:37, and 1 Peter 1:3, may our hearts be filled with gratitude and anticipation for the day when we will dwell with God forever. Until then, let us live as people of hope, reflecting the love and glory of our Savior.

Let’s discuss what we just learned. I have some questions that I want you to think about, write them down, and if you’d like to comment below, we can discuss them together!

1. Of the three descriptions of heaven that we discussed in this study (God will be with His people, there will be no more pain and suffering, and everything will be made new), which impacted you the most?
2. In what ways can you rest in the hope of heaven when you struggle with sin?
3. Spend some time in prayer, thanking Christ for securing this hope of heaven for you. Ask Him to keep you focused on this hope.

“We are to respond to God’s great grace with faithfulness and obedience.”

Today is Holy Saturday. Our Lent prayer for today is Romans 5:6-8 and the prayer prompt is, “Praise the Lord for loving you and sending Jesus to die for you, even though you do not deserve these gifts of grace. Pray for humility and gratitude over Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for your sake.” We will complete our Lent prayers with the Sabbath, Easter Sunday. Read and study on these things. Matthew 28:5-6 and the prayer is, ” Pray a prayer of praise for Christ’s triumph over the grave and what that means for you through Christ.”

I hope you enjoyed this study and decide to come back. Next week we’ll start with a new study-Delight. This study with take us through Psalms 1-30. I hope you enjoy the beautiful sunset that was made by our loving Father and y’all have a wonderful night. HAPPY EASTER!!!!