“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” (Revelation 21:1)
Not all of the stones mentioned in the wall and foundation of the Holy City can be positively identified. However, many of the characteristics of jasper seem to indicate the reason God chose to use it so abundantly. Jasper is inlaid or studded into the walls and also forms the first foundation. Could God have attached special importance to it because this precious stone is so like the people He has chosen to live in the New Earth?
Jasper is a fairly common mineral. Though not hard to find, it is classified as a gem because, when it is highly polished, it shines beautifully.
Jasper comes in many colors—white, red, gold, brown, black, and occasionally, a lovely green. Some pieces are one solid color, some are of two colors, and some combine many colors. Sometimes the stone is streaked, or it may appear as flowing, wavy bands known as rainbow jasper.
Note how the characteristics of jasper are like the redeemed who will one day live in that Holy City. People of all nationalities and races will be there. The New Earth will have many types of personalities, abilities, and talents. The ignorant and the learned, the poor and the rich, the black and the white here on earth will find themselves in the New Earth as a community of equality, dignity, and beauty—all transformed by the grace of God. Like Jasper, they may be of different hues, but they will all carry the same shine from the transforming power of God.
Some scientists tell us that this earth will dry up, the last human being drinking the last drop of water. Some say that an asteroid will hit our earth and all life will be destroyed. Some predict this earth will be destroyed by aliens from other planets. Some foresee glaciers of ice several miles high that will submerge this earth. Others predict that AIDS or some other plague will end life. Still others think that we will evolve into god-like beings and do away with war and crime so that this will be a near-perfect world.
All these are human surmisings. God has told us some sure things about the future of this earth. He who made this earth in the beginning knows the future. And God has some marvelous surprises for us. 1 Corinthians 2:9 hints at the wonders...
The Bible calls the inheritance of the saved a country (Hebrews 11:14-16). Here, our Saviour will lead His people to fountains of living waters. He will introduce them to the Tree of Life, which yields its fruit every month. Its leaves are for the service of the nations. The ever- flowing streams are as clear as crystal. Beside them are waving trees that cast their shadows upon the pathways of the righteous as they go from place to place. The broad plains swell into beautiful hills with mountains nearby that are covered with verdure, plants, and trees—the perpetual habitation of animals and birds. In these peaceful surroundings, God’s people make their homes.
God created this world to be inhabited, and He will come back to this planet again when it is made new once more.
Isaiah 25:21, 22
(This is a Questions and Statements section condensing the SDA Believe chapter The New Earth. Make sure you read the chapter first.)
1. When Jesus comes again, what will happen to this earth?
2 Peter 3:10-12
2. Will the New Earth be a real place?
2 Peter 3:13
3. What will people in the New Earth be like?
Philippians 3:21
Jesus, after His resurrection, had a real body of flesh and bones (Luke 24:36-43). So will the righteous—after the resurrection or translation—have real bodies (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53).
4. What city will be the capital of the New Earth?
Revelation 21:2
5. Find out the following about this great city (Revelation 21:10-27).
a. Number of gates
b. Number of foundations
c. The streets of the city are made of...
d. The gates are made of...
6. What is the source of light for the city?
Revelation 21:23
7. Where will the inhabitants live?
John 14:2
8. What will the inhabitants do?
Isaiah 65:21
9. Will there be marriage in heaven?
Matthew 22:30
10. Will the inhabitants go to worship there, and if so, how often?
Isaiah 66:23
11. What five things will be missing there? (See Revelation 21:4)
a. _______________________
b. _______________________
c. _______________________
d. _______________________
e. _______________________
12. How long will Jesus reign in the New Earth?
Revelation 11:15
13. What will happen to our memories of this old world?
Isaiah 65:17. We will not forget the good things God has done. But He will erase the memories that cause remorse, regret, disappointment, grief, or anger.
Antediluvian: Before the flood of Noah.
Translucent: Transmitting light—transparent.
Antidote: Remedy for a bad effect.
Eradicate: To completely remove or destroy.
Ambassador: God has sent us as ambassadors—to be representatives of the Kingdom of God here on earth.
Witness: To bear testimony to what one has seen, heard, or experienced personally.
Continuity: Connected with the former one.
New Earth: New, not as though it was not there before—but new in terms of transformation and renewal. God will renew this earth and restore it to its original perfection and beauty.
Jesus is eagerly waiting to give to each saved person wonders untold and perfect joy throughout the long ages of eternity. He has a special place just for you. If it is really the desire of your heart, please place a check in the box that precedes each commitment.
I am glad Jesus has gone to prepare a place for me.
I am looking forward to living in the New Earth with Jesus.
I accept Jesus as my friend and plan to be with Him forever.
I plan to do everything necessary to prepare to live in the New Earth.
Q&A Form: My question is...
Dear Father,
I want to thank You for loving me so much that You plan to share the beautiful New Earth with me forever. I now surrender my life totally to You. Come into my heart. Prepare me to live in that perfect land, where I shall be with You forever. In Jesus’ wonderful name I pray.
Amen.