Dear Willowdale Family,
Warm greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! I trust you have had a blessed week. As we gather this Sabbath, we celebrate the conclusion of our Pentecost 2025 Evangelistic Series. What a journey it has been! We give thanks to God for His guidance and the powerful leading of the Holy Spirit throughout this series—a heartfelt thank you to all our presenters, singers, AV, and participants. Your dedication has truly enriched our church family. We extend our sincere congratulations on the recent baptism of our new members. We are here to support and guide you as you navigate your spiritual journeys.
It is fitting that we close this series by reflecting on the promise of the “New Heaven and the New Earth.” In his 2005 article for Ministry Magazine, John Fowler wrote, “The New Heaven and the New Earth: The Home of the Redeemed,” reminding us that this divine promise offers enduring hope as we await Christ’s return. Revelation 21 paints a vivid picture of this future:
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away… And I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven… Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them…” (Revelation 21:1–3)
What Precedes the New Earth?
Before this glorious reality unfolds, Scripture outlines several pivotal events:
- The Second Coming of Christ
- The gathering of the saints
- The millennial reign in heaven
- The Descent of the Holy City
- The final destruction of Satan, sin, and sinners through divine judgment (Revelation 20:13–16)
This purifying fire will cleanse the earth, preparing it for its eternal purpose.
Characteristics of the New Earth
- God’s Sovereignty: Revelation 21:5-8 emphasizes that the new creation is God’s initiative. “Behold, I make all things new,” He declares. This is the culmination of the great controversy between Christ and Satan—victory assured by the cross and fulfilled in Revelation’s final chapters.
- God Dwelling with Humanity: This promise, repeated three times in Revelation 21, is the cornerstone of our eternal hope. God will dwell among us, restoring the intimacy lost in the Garden of Eden.
- Transformation of Reality: In this new earth, “the former things shall not be remembered” (Isaiah 65:17). There will be no death, sorrow, or aging. Instead, it will be a place of vibrant life and meaningful activity: “They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.” (Isaiah 65:21)
- Joyful Exploration: Eternity will not be idle. Our immortal minds will explore the wonders of creation and redemption. New heights will always beckon—new truths to uncover, new joys to experience.
- The City of Life: Revelation 22:1–5 describes a city brimming with vitality. The river of life flows through it, and the tree of life bears twelve kinds of fruit, its leaves bringing healing. Face-to-face fellowship with God and the Lamb will be our daily reality. The redeemed will reign “forever and ever.”
Beloved, let us remain faithful. The promise of the new heaven and earth is not a distant dream—it is our eternal inheritance. By God’s grace, may we be among those who overcome and dwell with Him forever. To God be the glory!
Dr. Pastor Evadne Henry
Reference
- Ministry Magazine, January 2005 – “The New Heaven and the New Earth: The Home of the Redeemed” by John Fowler.
