Introduction
As followers of Jesus Christ, we have all experienced moments of transformation in our lives. One of the most powerful statements Jesus made regarding this process of transformation is found in Revelation 21:5, where He says, “Behold, I make all things new.” This simple, yet profound statement carries with it a promise of hope, healing, and restoration that transcends time and space. In this blog post, we will delve into the meaning behind Jesus’ words, examining the context in which they were spoken and exploring how they apply to our lives today.
In order to fully grasp the significance of Jesus’ statement, it is important to understand its context within the larger narrative of the Bible. Revelation, the last book of the New Testament, is a prophetic work that details a series of visions experienced by the Apostle John. These visions provide glimpses into the future, offering hope and encouragement to believers as they endure trials and tribulations in their own lives. In Revelation 21, John sees a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where God dwells with His people and wipes away every tear from their eyes.
The Context of Revelation 21:5
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Revelation 21:1-4 (NKJV) sets the stage for Jesus’ statement about making all things new:
“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also, there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.'”
In this passage, John describes the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises, where all things are made new, and the sorrows and pain of this world are no more. This vision serves as a source of hope and comfort for believers, reminding them that God’s plan is one of ultimate redemption and restoration.
The New Creation
When Jesus says, “I make all things new,” He is referring to the new creation that will come to pass at the end of time. This new creation is not simply a renovation or an improvement of the old; it is a complete transformation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) affirms this transformation when it says:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
In this new creation, all the brokenness, sin, and death that characterize our current world will be replaced by the wholeness, righteousness, and life that are found in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul elaborates on this idea in Romans 8:19-23 (NKJV):
“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God… because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.”
This passage reveals that not only will believers be transformed and made new, but the entire creation will also be renewed and liberated from the effects of sin and decay.
Personal Transformation
While the ultimate fulfillment of Jesus’ words will occur in the new creation, we can also experience the reality of His transforming power in our lives today. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we are born again and made new through the work of the Holy Spirit. This personal transformation is a foretaste of the complete renewal that will take place in the new creation. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NKJV) instructs believers on how to live out this new life:
“That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
As we surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in us, we are gradually transformed into the image of Christ, participating in the process of making all things new.
The Promise of Restoration
The promise of Jesus making all things new also speaks of the restoration and healing that He brings to our lives. This includes the restoration of relationships, the healing of emotional wounds, and the mending of broken hearts. Isaiah 61:1-3 (NKJV) prophetically speaks of Jesus’ mission to bring restoration:
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
Jesus’ promise to make all things new is a guarantee of hope and healing for all who trust in Him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus’ statement, “I make all things new,” is a powerful reminder of God’s ultimate plan for creation and for each of us personally. This promise carries the assurance that, in the end, everything will be renewed and restored, and that the pain and suffering of this world will be replaced with joy and wholeness. As followers of Christ, we can cling to this promise as we navigate the challenges of life, knowing that our hope is firmly anchored in the One who has overcome the world.
Furthermore, as believers, we are called to participate in the process of making all things new by allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. This personal transformation testifies to the world of the power and love of Jesus, drawing others to Him and offering hope in the midst of darkness. As we continue to walk in the light of Christ, we become agents of change, partnering with Him in His mission to make all things new.
Finally, let us remember that Jesus’ promise of making all things new is not just a distant future reality, but a present source of hope and healing for our lives today. As we trust in Him, He works in us to restore and redeem what has been broken, bringing beauty from the ashes and giving us a glimpse of the glorious future that awaits us in the new creation.
