The Hope of Eternity

 God With Us Forever

A New Heaven and a New Earth 

Our Eternal Home

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘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 21:3-4, NIV)

These verses are among the most comforting in all of Scripture. They offer a vision of the new heaven and new earth, where God’s presence will be fully realized among His people. The greatest longing of humanity—to be with God, to know Him without separation—is fulfilled in this promise. No more barriers, no more distance, no more suffering—just the fullness of God’s love and peace.

God With Us Forever

The phrase “God’s dwelling place is now among the people” echoes the central theme of the Bible: God’s desire to be with His people. William Barclay observed, “The greatest promise of the Bible is that we will be with God and He with us.” From the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8) to the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8) and ultimately to Jesus, Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), Scripture reveals God’s relentless pursuit of closeness with us. Revelation 21 is the climax of this divine pursuit—God’s people will finally live in His immediate, unbroken presence.

The End of Suffering and Death

The promise that “He will wipe every tear from their eyes” is deeply personal. John Stott reflected, “The Bible ends where it begins, with the people of God in the presence of God, enjoying the blessing of God.” Every sorrow, every wound, and every moment of grief will be healed by God Himself. The “old order of things”—the pain of sin, death, and suffering—will be gone forever (Genesis 3:16-19). As Paul writes, “The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26).

Hope for Today

Even as we wait for this glorious day, these verses give us hope. Henri Nouwen reminds us, “Hope means to keep living amid desperation and to keep humming in the darkness.” We endure suffering, but we do not grieve as those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). C.S. Lewis assures us, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the promise of a future with You where sorrow and pain will be no more. Help me to live each day with my heart set on eternity, trusting in Your presence now and the hope of what is to come. Amen.