“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”– Revelation 21:5 (KJV)
“And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’ And he said to me, ‘Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.’– Revelation 21:5 (NLT)
“The Enthroned One said, ‘Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate.’– Revelation 21:5 (MSG)
What Does Revelation 21:5 Mean?
In Revelation 21:5, we see a profound declaration from God about renewal and hope. It reminds us that God is actively involved in our world and our lives. The phrase “I make all things new” reflects God’s promise of transformation. The context of the passage indicates a time when God will restore and redeem His creation, bringing forth a new heaven and a new earth. This statement encourages us to trust in God’s ability to bring forth positive change, even amidst the challenges we face today.
When we think about what “making all things new” means for us, we can relate it to our own lives. Often, we carry burdens, regrets, and fears. God is saying to us that He is here to take those things away and replace them with hope, love, and joy. It’s a promise that resonates with the core of our spiritual journey.
Revelation 21:5 Explanation and Commentary
This passage comes at the conclusion of the book of Revelation, which is filled with imagery and prophetic visions concerning the end times. The voice from the throne signifies the authority of God, emphasizing that what is being said is not merely a suggestion, but a divine decree. This shows us that the renewal God promises is rooted in His sovereignty.
The act of making everything new isn’t just about physical creation; it also encompasses our spiritual transformation. We witness throughout scripture how Jesus makes people’s lives new. For example, in 2 Corinthians 5:17, we read, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Here, we find a similar theme of renewal where our identity shifts when we engage with God. This shows us that the making new refers to a holistic transformation in our lives, renewing not just our surroundings but our very essence.
This promise extends hope to us in times of despair. In a world filled with uncertainty, where we often feel overwhelmed, we can cling to God’s assurance that He is working to bring beauty and life from our struggles. It promotes an understanding that God is always in the business of restoration.
Context of Revelation 21:5
To better appreciate Revelation 21:5, we need to set the stage by looking at the preceding chapters of Revelation. In this book, John is given visions about the end times and the ultimate victory of God over evil. This context highlights the profound hope embedded in this particular verse.
Chapters 21 and 22 present a celebration of the new creation, focusing on the marriage of heaven and earth. They describe a time when God’s presence will dwell among His people, wiping away every tear and eliminating sorrow. The contrast between the suffering described earlier in Revelation and the hope found in this new creation showcases the depth of God’s love for us. He wants a relationship that is untainted by sin, pain, or death.
This new existence is not a mere escape from reality but a complete restoration. It summarizes the overall biblical narrative, which speaks of God’s desire to bring His creation back to its intended perfection. The ultimate goal is not just creating a new environment but establishing a new relationship characterized by peace, joy, and communion with Him.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Revelation 21:5
Each component of Revelation 21:5 holds significant meaning. Let’s analyze this verse further. The first part, “And he that sat upon the throne said,” reinforces the authority of God. It emphasizes that this promise is not from any mortal but from the Almighty, who holds the universe together.
The next key phrase, “Behold, I make all things new,” is filled with hope. It speaks to transformation in a broad sense. God has the power to renew both our circumstances and our inner selves. The phrase is an invitation for us to pay attention, to look forward to the promise of renewal.
Following this declaration, we are instructed to “write: for these words are true and faithful.” Here, the call to write indicates the importance of recording this promise for posterity. We are encouraged to remind ourselves and others that God’s word is trustworthy. It serves as both reassurance and commission to be messengers of this promise.
Lessons to Learn From Revelation 21:5
Revelation 21:5 speaks to us in many ways, inviting us to learn lessons that we can apply in our lives. One powerful lesson is the acknowledgment that restoration is possible, no matter how broken we feel. In our journeys, we may find ourselves struggling with feelings of inadequacy or doubt. This verse reassures us that what we see now isn’t the end of the story. God has the power to bring beauty from ashes. It invites us to trust in His timing and His plans for us.
Moreover, the communal aspect of this promise cannot be overlooked. This promise is not just for individuals; it is for all of God’s people. We are called to be a part of a larger story, one that encompasses everyone in the family of God. This encourages us to support each other as we navigate life’s difficulties. We can be a source of hope and renewal to one another, embodying the truth that God makes all things new.
Finally, it challenges us to be agents of change as well. If we believe that God brings renewal, we should reflect that in our daily lives. This involves living in a way that expresses love, compassion, and understanding. By doing so, we can help others experience the transformative power of God’s love. Whether through kind words, acts of service, or simply being present, we have opportunities to participate in God’s renewing work in the world.
Final Thoughts
Revelation 21:5 is a beacon of hope in the journey of our faith. It encapsulates God’s promise that no matter our trials, He has the ultimate power to make all things new. This offers us reassurance in difficult times, reminding us of the constant work of God in our lives. As we reflect on this promise, let it inspire us to be hopeful and proactive participants in the renewing work God is doing, both within us and through us into the world.
As we continue exploring God’s Word, we encourage everyone to read passages like 1 John 4:10 and 1 John 4:1, which remind us of God’s love and call to discernment. Studying scripture is a vital part of deepening our understanding and relationship with God.