A New Heaven and a New Earth - Continue

 John tells us further: "With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say:  "Look! the tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples.  And God himself will be with them.'" (Revelation 21:3)  When Jehovah made the Law covenant with the new nation of Israel, the promised: "I shall certainly put my tabernacle in the midst of you, and my soul will not abhor you.  And I shall indeed walk in the midst of you and prove  myself your God, and you, on your part, will prove yourselves my people." (Leviticus 26:11,12)  Now Jehovah  is making a similar promise to fathful humans.  During the Thousand Year Judgment Day, they will become very special people to him.

During the Millennial Reign,Jehovah will "reside
 among mankind in a temporary arrangement, he being representated by his royal Son,  Jesus Christ. At the end of the Thousand Year Reign, however, when Jesus hands the kingdom over to his Father, no royal representative or intercessor will be needed.  Jehovah will reside spiritually with "his peoples in a permanent and direct way.  (Compare John 4:23, 24.) What a lofty privilege for restored humanity.

John goes on to say: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." (Revelation 214) Once again, we are reminded of earlier inspired promises.  Isaiah also looked forward to the time when death and mourning would be no more and  gried would replaced by exultation .  (Isaiah 25:8; 35:10; 51:11; 65:19)  John now confirms that these promises have a wonderful fulfillment during the thousand-year Judgment Day.  First the great crowd will enjoy the blessings.  "The Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne," continuing to shepherd them, "will guide them to fountains of waters of life.  And God will wipe out every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:9, 17) But eventually all those who are resurrected and exercise faith in Jehovah's provisions will be there with them, enjoying a paradise that is both spiritual and physical.

Next time: A New Heaven and a New Earth - Conclusion

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