In this article we will look at Revelation 21:1-7, verse by verse.

Verse 1. After John got a good view of the great white throne judgment, God flashed this scene before his eyes. He saw a new heaven and a new earth. It appeared very different than the old ones. And one reason is because there appeared to be no seas. And what that means I’m not exactly sure, but we will discuss a few different views in chapter eight.

Verse 2. Next, after being in awe of the new heaven and earth, John was dazzled by a very large bright cube-shaped city descending from the heavens. This, John commented, was “as a bride adorned for her husband.” These words tell us that it is the place where the saints (the church as well as the Old Testament and Tribulation believers) have been taken to live with the Father and the Son (Jn. 14:2-4).

Verse 3. Then John heard a loud voice from the throne of God saying, “The tabernacle of God is among men” (all believers)—meaning that God now lives together with His believers. I am not sure whether this is referring to the holy city, or to all of heaven. The new Jerusalem will be the capitol city of heaven and where God’s throne is; but certainly, all of heaven and earth will be God’s abode and His presence will be everywhere.

Verse 4. This verse describes the new changes that God will bring to all believers. (1) He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; (2) there will no longer be death—for you remember (in 1 Cor. 15:26) that death was abolished; and (3) there will no longer be mourning, crying, or pain; these things have passed away.

Verse 5. And then He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And then He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true” (NIV). So, God wanted to make a firm point to John, and to make sure to record it—that He was making all things new, that the heavens and the earth, and the people and all things were new and different. It is nothing like the old. No sin, no tears, no death, no pain and no curse. Everything is and will continue to be very good and new.

Verse 6. Then God said to John, “It is done.” He was saying that His work of making all things new was completed. Then Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.” So, He was saying here clearly that He is supreme overall and if anyone has any needs He will supply that need.

Verse 7. Here Jesus puts a condition on those who receive His blessing freely. It is for only those who are overcomers of sin according to their faith, which makers them sons of God. For all others, their part will be in the lake of fire (v. 8).