We Will Be Part of the New Heaven and Earth (Revelation 21-22)
Dear families,
Revelation 21–22 mark the end of the New Testament and establish the promise of everlasting life for those in Christ. The culmination of every good gift of the Father, every promise He has given to His people, is found in His Son, to be experienced for all eternity.
In what ways will God’s new creation be unlike the world we live in today?
The apostle John described the beautiful new city of God as being like a bride adorned for her husband—glorious, radiant, faithful, and true. This new heaven and earth highlight the sweetness and sacredness of God’s covenant with us: “Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God” (Revelation 21:3).
The earth as we know it today is a splendid example of our Creator’s workmanship and love for us, yet it has been broken by the sinfulness of His created beings. Sin has fractured our relationship with God, and though we are able to know and be known by Him, our understanding of His goodness cannot be fully experienced because of our sin. Here in today’s passage, we find the promise of what eternity is like: we will one day dwell in the fullness of God’s presence, experiencing the splendor of His radiance in perfect unity with one another and with our God.
In this new creation, there is no temple because God dwells among His people, His glory unceasingly illuminating the day. No falsehood, uncleanliness, grief, crying, or pain takes residence within God’s dwelling place; all is right and well, exactly as it was created to be.
Consider what it would look like if you lived each moment anticipating and readying yourself for the wonders yet to come. Would you be more inclined to persevere and to share the source of your eternal hope with others? Reflect on God’s goodness with gratitude, asking Him to prepare the hearts of the boys and girls you’ve been entrusted to teach it to. May this hopeful expectation change the way you view your Lord, your world, and those around you.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
Babies & Toddlers: Jesus is making all things new.
Younger Preschool: When Jesus comes back, everyone who trusts in Him will be with Him forever. God will undo every bad thing! Jesus is making all things new.
Older Preschool: Jesus said that He is coming back soon. When Jesus comes back, everyone who trusts in Him will be with Him forever. God will undo every bad thing—no more death, pain, or tears! Jesus is making all things new.
Kids: Jesus promised to come back to earth soon. When Jesus returns, God will undo every bad thing caused by sin—no more death, no more pain, no more tears. Jesus is making all things new.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Younger Preschool: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return.
Older Preschool: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return when He will make all things new.
Kids: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return when He will make all things new.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Babies & Toddlers: Jesus will wipe away our tears. Revelation 21:4
Younger Preschool: He will wipe away our tears. Revelation 21:4
Older Preschool: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more. Revelation 21:4
Kids: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. Revelation 21:4
** Next week: We Will Take a 3 week break to prepare for a church presentation and celebrate our accomplishment of going through the whole Bible in 3 years! Then we begin again first week of September in Genesis!