It is my experience over the last few months that some Christians are clueless as to the final state of all things.
It is a common misconception to believe that we will be forever in Heaven after we die. This is only partially true. For now, it is correct to say that when a believer dies, they go to Heaven - or Paradise. Jesus mentions this to the thief on the cross on that dreadful night he paid for our sins.
But elsewhere, and throughout the whole of scripture concerning what the final state of all things will be:
Isaiah quotes God saying "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth" Isaiah 65:17
In Revelation, God delcares, "Behold! I am making everything new!" Revelation 21:5.
Peter said it is "keeping with his promise [that] we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13.
but the most powerful statement to our final condition is from Jesus himself:
"Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life." - Matthew 28:19.
I think Jesus has answered our inquiry.
The final state can only be that which God intended Creation to be in the first place: Heaven on Earth! Paradise Restored! Eden once again! Forever!
It is a common misconception to believe that we will be forever in Heaven after we die. This is only partially true. For now, it is correct to say that when a believer dies, they go to Heaven - or Paradise. Jesus mentions this to the thief on the cross on that dreadful night he paid for our sins.
But elsewhere, and throughout the whole of scripture concerning what the final state of all things will be:
Isaiah quotes God saying "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth" Isaiah 65:17
In Revelation, God delcares, "Behold! I am making everything new!" Revelation 21:5.
Peter said it is "keeping with his promise [that] we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13.
but the most powerful statement to our final condition is from Jesus himself:
"Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life." - Matthew 28:19.
I think Jesus has answered our inquiry.
The final state can only be that which God intended Creation to be in the first place: Heaven on Earth! Paradise Restored! Eden once again! Forever!