The Bible is the most epic story ever told. Over thousands of years, through dozens of authors, in languages ancient and poetic, the Bible unfolds a sprawling drama: creation, rebellion, exile, redemption.
And now, at the end of this epic, all threads weave together, converging upon one glorious finale.
John’s vision is packed with symbols: the great Garden of Eden reborn, a restored New Jerusalem, and the unification of heaven and earth. It’s poetic, symbolic, and breathtaking.
But what does it all mean?
Right now, Earth groans in pain. Suffering, injustice, and death permeate the human experience. We feel deep within ourselves a longing—a craving—for a reality that seems just beyond reach.
This longing is evidence of something growing, hidden yet present, ready to burst forth at any moment.
John’s vision tells us that just like a mother bringing new life into the world, creation itself is on the brink of glorious rebirth.
The paradise lost in Eden will be restored, more beautiful and expansive than ever imagined.
In John’s vision of heaven, he sees a crystal-clear river flowing directly from God’s throne. Trees of life line its banks, bearing endless fruit, their leaves healing nations.
Humanity, restored and renewed, will not merely lounge idly—no, we’ll resume our original purpose: cultivating the world with God, shaping creation in wondrous new directions.
This new garden isn’t just about returning to Eden. It’s about surpassing Eden. God’s redemptive story is always about restoration and, even more, new creation.
Before that ultimate fulfillment in heaven, God’s Spirit is doing that within us all.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Heaven is a new Garden of Eden, yes. But it's also a city—a bustling New Jerusalem, brimming with culture, diversity, and vibrancy.
John sees a bride-city descending, radiant in beauty, symbolizing God’s eternal union with humanity.
The city is described in stunning detail—perfect measurements, symmetrical architecture, foundations of precious stones, and gates inscribed with the names of Israel’s tribes and the apostles.
Yet, John shocks us with a detail: “no temple stands within this city.” (Rev. 21:22)
In ancient times, Jerusalem was defined by its temple—the very dwelling place of God. But now, God Himself is the temple. His presence saturates every corner, every street, every home.
The entire new creation becomes God’s Holy of Holies.
WE'RE GOING TO HEAVEN...
We'll float away, drifting into some distant realm, right? Not really....Take a look at what John's vision of Heaven looks like.
Click here to watch! 👇🏽
This vision defies our typical assumptions about heaven. We often picture ourselves floating away, drifting into some distant realm. Yet, the Bible never once describes our ultimate hope as “going to heaven.”
Instead, the consistent biblical promise is simply being with Jesus.
Paul longed for that: “to be with Christ” (Phil. 1:23), “at home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). Jesus himself said, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Paul envisioned a day when, like Christ, we’ll rise from death, not as ghosts, but as resurrected beings in a renewed physical existence.
The resurrected Jesus ate, walked, and laughed, yet was mysteriously transformed. So too, our hope lies in a physical resurrection: a new body, a new creation—the same yet wonderfully different.
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)
Heaven isn’t glorious because it has golden roads and pearly gates. No, friends, heaven is glorious because Christ is there and reigns.
