Scripture References: Revelation 21:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22; Philippians 3:20-21; Luke 24:39-43; Romans 8:18-23; John 11:25-26; Romans 10:9
Intro: Welcome back to our sermon series on "Forever." We've established that aiming past this life is essential for living faithfully in this life. Last week, we clarified that Present Heaven (Paradise, where believers go at death) is wonderful but temporary – a "layover," not our final home. Today, we explore our ultimate destination: the New Heavens and New Earth, focusing on the core Christian hope: Resurrection.
Key Points:
- Resurrection is THE Christian Hope: Our ultimate hope isn't just "heaven" in a vague sense, but resurrection – a resurrected life, in a resurrected body, with the resurrected Christ, on a resurrected Earth (1 Cor 15).
- Our Resurrected Bodies: Like Christ's: Jesus' resurrected body is the "firstfruits," the prototype for ours (1 Cor 15:20; Phil 3:21).
- Physical Reality: He wasn't a ghost; He ate, walked, could be touched (Luke 24). Our eternal existence is embodied, not ethereal spirit-floating.
- Continuity of Identity: Jesus was recognizable. We will still be us – retaining identity, personality, memories, race, and likely sanctified gifts/interests. We don't become angels.
- Perfected Emotions: Created in God's image, emotions remain but are purified – clear, accurate, free from sin's distortion. Desire and anticipation likely continue as part of eternal joy. Our desires will finally align perfectly with God's.
- Our Resurrected Home: The New Earth (Rev 21:1-5): Our eternal home isn't "up there"; heaven comes down to a renewed, restored Earth. God redeems His creation; He doesn't abandon it (Rom 8:18-23).
- Earthly & Physical: It's a New Earth, not a non-earth. Tangible, physical, yet perfected.
- Diverse & Cultural: Nations bring their glory in; "every tribe and tongue" worships (Rev 21:24-26; Rev 5:9). Expect vibrant diversity and culture creation that honors Christ.
- Secure & Peaceful: God dwells with His people. The city's gates never shut, signifying perfect safety (Rev 21:25).
- Place of Work: We will serve Him, likely engaging in fulfilling, creative work as part of God's redeemed design (Rev 22:3).
- Place of Feasting: We will eat and drink at Christ's table in His kingdom (Isa 25:6; Luke 22:30). Jesus ate in His resurrected body.
- Timing vs. Certainty: We don't know when Christ returns to inaugurate this eternal state, but we don't have to wonder if it will happen for believers. Believing in Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, secures our participation (John 11:25-26; Rom 10:9).
Conclusion: Forget vague notions of floating on clouds. The biblical hope is concrete, exciting, and robust: a physical, resurrected body like Christ's, living eternally with Him and diverse peoples on a renewed, perfected Earth, engaged in worship, joyful work, feasting, and relationship, free from sin and sorrow forever.
Call to Action: Embrace the specific, powerful hope of resurrection life on a New Earth. Let this tangible vision replace any vague or unappealing ideas you've held about eternity. If you haven't yet, declare Jesus is Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead, securing your place in this glorious future (Rom 10:9). Respond in worship, anticipating the renewal of all things.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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