Audio Sermons

Behold, I Make All Things New!

Text: Revelation 21:1-5; 2 Corinthians 5:17

1. A New Year

• To some, the word ‘new’ bears the thought that the new year will bring better things than the previous one.
• But each new year will also bring its share of burdens. (cf. Ecclesiastes 1:9)
• To us who are in Christ, each new year brings us closer to the time when:
  • Christ will return from heaven to earth
  • He will reign on earth for a thousand years
  • All things will be made new
• Thus, we can say, “Blessed New Year… for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed!” (cf. Romans 13:11)

2. A New Heaven and a New Earth

• Revelation 21:1 – “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”
• Since the present heaven and earth will pass away, there is no use investing so much time and effort in them. (cf. 2 Peter 3: 10)
• The glorious features of the New Heaven and the New Earth:

1. Their Absolute Freshness (cf. Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:2,4; 22:4)
2. Their Eternal Duration (cf. Isaiah 66:22)
3. Their Flawless Perfection (cf. 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:27)

3. A New Creature

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
  (Note the similarities with Revelation 21:1-5)
• The only way to have a part in God’s new creation is to become a new creature.
• How can you know if you are a new creature?

a. It is Accomplished only by Being in Christ

• If you have truly believed in Jesus Christ to be your Saviour and Lord, you have become a new creature.
• Only those who are in Christ are liberated from the power of sin.

b. It is Exhibited by Newness of Life

• Romans 6:4
• The new life is different from the former life:
  • You will live for heavenly things and not for earthly things.
  • You will respond to the Word of God with prayer, trust and obedience. (cf. James 1:22; Matthew 13:23)

Application:

• Repent of any besetting sins that are still found in your life.
• Renew your love and commitment to the Lord.
• Resolve to strive for new heights of Christian living and service.

Revelation 21:5 – “Behold, I make all things new!”