*ALL THINGS NEW
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BY WILLIE WONG
Rev 21:5, “And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I AM making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”
And he that sat upon the throne said - Probably the Messiah, the dispenser of the rewards of heaven. See the notes on Revelation 20:11.
Behold, I make all things new - A new heaven and new earth Revelation 21:1, and an order of things to correspond with that new creation. The former state of things when sin and death reigned will be changed, and the change consequent on this must extend to everything.
And he said unto me, Write - Make a record of these things, for they are founded in truth, and they are adapted to bless a suffering world. Compare the notes on Revelation 14:13. See also Revelation 1:19.
For these words are true and faithful - They are founded in truth, and they are worthy to be believed. See the notes on Revelation 19:9. Compare also notes on Daniel 12:4.”
In the Kingdom of Heaven, there will be NO death, no disease, no pain, no itch, no crying, no doctor, no dentist, no nurse, no pharmacist, no medical insurance, no clinic, no hospital. No atheist, no terrorist, no capitalist, no communist, no socialist. No natural disasters, no man-made disasters. No epidemic, no shortage, no hunger, no economic downturn, no unemployment. No conflict, no war, no oppression, no suppression, no demonstration, no injustice, no crime, no criminal, no theft, no fraud. No murderer, no robber, no rappist, no con artist. Whatever is bad on earth can not be there in Heaven. The Lord will make “all things new” in the Kingdom of Heaven.
This article will demonstrate and prove our ignorance in many things. No scientists or philosophers know the old things in toto, the things of this present world and present universe much less to say any new things. For example, no one knows how many animals, how many plants, how many insects, how many parasites, how many planets and stars, etc. exist in our present world or universe. The saints will be interested in our eternity, our Kingdom of Heaven. Another example, we do not know how large is the Heaven. We believe the first heaven (universe is expanding). We hardly know the third Heaven. I believe we will be able instantaneously to use some of the new things. We won’t need try to learn about them as easy as we turn on the switch. “All things new” will cover volumes and volumes of what we do not know about the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
However, we do not know anything new, much less all things new. One of the most exciting features in the Kingdom of Heaven is all things new. No one knows even one thing new. No one knows all things old as they are now.
Theologians and Bible commentators are dangerous people because they act and speak as if their opinions or interpretations are inspired and infallible. When the Word of God says it is new, I believe it is new, not renewed or restored. Trillions cannot buy a City or Place where Rev 21:4, “and He will wipe away
every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”
No longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain means no sicked and broken bone. Where can you find a city or place without death, sickness or pain. More than that, also “
Rev 14:6, “And I saw another angel flying in midheaven with an Eternal Gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation, tribe, language, and people.”
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The Angel with the Everlasting Gospel, Revelation 14:6-76. another angel] Different from the many mentioned before, perhaps especially distinguished from the one who appears in ch. 10, but see Revelation 14:17, Revelation 18:1, where such a reference is hardly possible.
in the midst of heaven] See on Revelation 8:13.
the everlasting gospel] Strictly speaking, these words have not the article, but neither has “[the] Gospel of God” in Romans 1:1. Even if, therefore, the grammatical usage of this Book were more regular than it is, it would be needless to translate “an eternal piece of good news,” in which, moreover, it would be hard to find a sense for the epithet. No doubt “gospel” is used in its constant N. T. sense; and the gospel is called “everlasting,” as declaring the eternal truth of God. The preaching of the Gospel here stands in the same relation to God’s Judgement as in St Matthew 24:14. But notice, that the name is applied to the whole truth of God, not to what was revealed by Christ only: for the substance of the angel’s message is pure natural theism.”
It is written, Rev. 21:1, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea.”
There will be a new earth.
Verse 1. - And I saw. The usual introduction to a new vision (cf. Revelation 20:11, etc.). Having described the origin and progress of evil in the world, the final overthrow of Satan and his adherents, and the judgment when every man is rewarded according to his works, the seer now completes the whole by portraying the eternal bliss of the redeemed in heaven (cf. on Revelation 20:10). The description is based upon Isaiah 60. and Ezekiel 40, et seq.; especially the latter, which follows the account of God and Magog, as does this. A new heaven and a new earth. The dispute as to whether a new creation is intended, or a revivified earth, seems to be founded on the false assumption that the dwellers in heaven must be localized in space (cf. Isaiah 65:17, "I create new heavens and a new earth;" also Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13). For the first heaven and the first earth were passed away. The Revisers follow B and others in reading ἀπῆλθον, and render it by the English perfect tense. In א, A, is read ἀπῆλθαν, while other manuscripts give ἀπῆλθεν and παρῆλθε. The first heaven and earth; that is, those now existing pass away as described in Revelation 20:11. And there was no more sea; and the sea no longer exists. The threefold division of heaven, earth, and sea represents the whole of this world (cf. Revelation 10:6). Some interpret the sea symbolically of the restless, unstable, wicked nations of the earth, which now exist no longer; others understand the absence of sea to typify the absence of instability and wickedness in the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:1.”
Three things will be gone: the old earth, the old heaven and the sea will be no more. I do not believe anyone understands the implications. No one knows enough the old earth, the old heaven and the old sea. For example, no one knows how many animals, how many plants, how many insects, etc. on the old (present) earth. No one knows how many layers in the old (present) universe. We know the first heaven is expanding. There is hardly any revelation about The Third Heaven because it is the dwelling place of God.
2Co 12:2-4, “I know a man in Christ, who fourteen years ago—whether
in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the Third Heaven. And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows—
was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.”
Apostle Paul was caught up to the Third Heaven, the Paradise; he heard inexpressible words which a man is not permitted to speak.
Rev 21:2, “And I saw the Holy City, new Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth - Such a heaven and earth that they might properly be called new; such transformations, and such changes in their appearance, that they seemed to be just created. He does not say that they were created now, or anew; that the old heavens and earth were annihilated; but all that he says is, that there were such changes that they seemed to be new. If the earth is to be renovated by fire, such a renovation will give an appearance to the globe as if it were created anew, and might be attended with such an apparent change in the heavens that they might be said to be new. The description here Revelation 21:1 relates to scenes after the general resurrection and the judgment - for those events are detailed in the close of the previous chapter. In regard to the meaning of the language here, see the notes on 2 Peter 3:13. Compare, also, "The Religion of Geology and its Connected Sciences," by Edward Hitchcock, D. D., LL. D., pp. 370-408.
For the first heaven and the first earth were passed away - They had passed away by being changed, and a renovated universe had taken their place. See the notes on 2 Peter 3:10.
And there was no more sea - This change struck John more forcibly, it would appear, than anything else. Now, the seas and oceans occupy about three-fourths of the surface of the globe, and, of course, to that extent prevent the world from being occupied by people - except by the comparatively small number that are mariners. There, the idea of John seems to be, the whole world will be inhabitable, and no part will be given up to the wastes of oceans. In the present state of things, these vast oceans are necessary to render the world a fit abode for human beings, as well as to give life and happiness to the numberless tribes of animals that find their homes in the waters. In the future state, it would seem, the present arrangement will be unnecessary; and if man dwells upon the earth at all, or if he visits it as a temporary abode (see the notes on 2 Peter 3:13), these vast wastes of water will be needless. It should be remembered that the earth, in its changes, according to the teachings of geology, has undergone many revolutions quite as remarkable as it would be if all the lakes, and seas, and oceans of the earth should disappear. Still, it is not certain that it was intended that this language should be understood literally as applied to the material globe. The object is to describe the future blessedness of the righteous; and the idea is, that that will be a world where there will be no such wastes as those produced by oceans.”
The Holy City is the masterpiece of God and Jesus Christ. I believe the materials used in the Holy City can last for eternity. God builds the Holy City for Eternity. No material needs to be replaced or repaired. However, I do not know whether the Holy City, each Mansion needs to be cleaned or not. Use electric or gas tools such as vacuum cleaner, electric broom, etc. as it is done on earth? Or something new? Each resident of each Mansion shall be responsible for maintenance and cleaning. Each resident will be given sets of tools. Are all Mansions the same size and grandeur? No. Ranks, honors and glories matter in the Kingdom of Heaven. For example, Apostle Paul will have more prominent places to display his crowns. Every Mansion will be fully furnished, but we do not know what full furniture means. As regards my mansion, I want a library to house the following books: one big Hebrew Old Testament, One big Greek New Testament, one big Holy Bible in the language of angels, one big Unabridged Dictionry, one set of Heavenly Masterpieces, a multi-volumes set of Heavenly Encyclopedia. A ROAD map of the New Earth. A map of the New Heaven. WHO IS WHO in the Kingdom of Heaven. A Directory of the Holy Ciy with names of resident and phone numbers. A big new Earth Atlas. A big New Heaven Atlas. Although I do not have money, I am willing to work for them. I believe every Mansion will be equipped with a king-size bed, modern bath room and toilet facilities, refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, ample large bath towels and small towels.
I do not know whether each resident will be given one set of white gown or several sets. I do not know how to clean a white garment.
Rev 7:14,”I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” There referenced people who came out the great tribulation and they have washed their robes white in the blood of the Lamb. Here referenced people who already have white gowns in Heaven.
THE HOLY CITY, NEW JERUSALEM
There will be the Holy City, new Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from God. It compares the Holy City, New Jerusalem, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. It does not say the Holy City is the Church of Christ, the wife of the Lamb. It is miraculous that the New Earth is able to hold the superstructure of the Holy City, although it is 1,400 miles long, wide, and high. Some commentators are very self-defeating when they say there will be no more oceans so that more land can be inhabited. All the saints shall dwell in the Holy City, the mansions the Lord and God have prepared. Trillions of dollars cannot buy a city where Rev 21:4, “and
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any
death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things
have passed away.” In other words a place where there is no sickness, no sorrow, no pain, no broken bone, no death.
There will be no women to give birth to children, and all saints will not grow old or die. Because they have eternal life. No one in the Kingdom of Heaven will die. Those aborted will become adults and enter the Kingdom of Heaven by the blood of Jesus. So the heavenly population will remain stable for eternity. The Holy City is the comfortable eternal dwellings of all the saints. They shall be God’s children, and God shall dwell with them as Heavenly Father for eternity. The Holy City is big enough to house all the saints. They live all in one City that God has provided. I believe the materials used to build the Holy City are good for eternity. God builds the Holy City for eternity, nothing needs to be replaced or repaired. I believe every mansion is equipped with a king size bed, modern bath room and toilet facilities although the saints like angels do not need to defecate or urinate. There will be no cooking utensils. I do not know will there be drinking utensils or not. Will there be refrigerator, freezer, microwave, etc? What do you serve a visitor? Every mansion will be fully furnished, new and better furnished than any mansion on earth. I believe every mansion will be provided with many large and small towels. I do not know if a saint is provided with one set or several sets of white gowns. I do not know how to clean the white garment. Do we use electric or gas tools such as vacuum cleaners, electric brooms, electric washer and dryer, etc. for cleaning of the mansion? Are the saints provided with drinking fountains installed with waters of life? I am sure there must be a system to dispose dirty waster. The sewage system in Heaven must be new and better. Where will dirty water go? God will not tolerate anything dirty. As for me I want a library to store a big Hebrew Old Testament, a big Greek New Testament, a big Bible in the language of angels, an unabridged Dictionary, Heavenly volumes of Encyclopedia, Heavenly Masterpieces, Big Road Map for New Earth, Big Atlas for New Heaven, The Holy City Directory, Who Is Who in the Kingdom of Heaven, etc. In addition I want everything pubIished by the Kingdom of Heaven. I am sure the Heavenly Mansion will be new and better than any mansion on earth.
AUTHORITATIVE MANAGEMENT DELEGATIONS
We know the One who sits on the throne is the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the supreme Leader. I believe the authority and power of the twelve Apostles are higher than the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel.
There is no direct revelation on the Heavenly Management of the Kingdom of Heaven. I believe Apostle Paul, Apostle John and Stephen are candidates of the ones who will sit on the right side and left side of Jesus Christ. I do not know how Abraham, Noah, Moses, Elijah, Daniel, John the Baptist, etc. are positioned and authorized in the Kingdom of Heaven. Once we know who is who, we will know who is responsible and authorized to do what.
RACES AND NATIONALITIES
To many are surprises, races and nationalities will be abolished and vanished. The black race will disappear.
You will never see a black person in the Kingdom of Heaven, for that matter nor anything black. A black person saved on earth will be transformed like a white angel (all angels are white) without Negro features. A white saved person will be transformed in Heaven like an angel without Caucasian features. A yellow saved person will be transformed like a white angel without Oriental features; the same will happen to saved Brown and Red persons. The only race in Heaven will be angeles. Angels have no beard or mustage. Tattoo is also not allowed in Heaven.
Lev 19:28, “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any
tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD.”
All nations including America, Russia, China, Japan, Britain, Germany, France will also be no more -- will become the Kingdom of Christ. Thanks be to God, white supremacism, Black Affirmative Action, and all racism will be gone for good. I have seen the most ugliest of the ugliest of global commercials. They will be gone too. European whites have practiced racism for more than 500 years. Even today Europeans look at the Chinese and China with many biased issues. Somehow everyone has to kowtow and bow to the Europeans. Europeans have done so may evil things in the world. For one thing Europeans have not recompensed for the evils they have done as colonialists.
LANGUAGE and COMMUNICATIONS
When we get to Heaven, the first most important thing we encounter is language. If we cannot speak and understand each other, it would be a great chaos.
1Co 14:33, “for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints.”
So I believe all saints will be immediately and instantaneously equipped and enabled with the ability to speak and understand the language of angels which is the universal and common language of Heaven. Will my language of angels ability be as good as that Apostle Paul’s? NO. Then how will I improve my language ability of angels? Universities and professors? NO. Because no university and professor knows the language of angels.
Will there be libraries with volumes of encyclopedias and unabridged dictionaries in the language of angels? I don’t know. Will there be volumes of encyclopedias and dictionaries of new things in New Heaven and New Earth? I do not know. Do we need to increase, acquire and amass new knowledge? Do we need to continue studies in science such as physics, biology, chemistry, astronomy, etc. I do not know. When the Lord says of three words “all things new”, we may need a million words of explanation.
Since the Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament was written in Greek, I believe the two languages will be eternal. I find both Hebrew and Greek very difficult. I know Chinese language is also difficult. Probably because I was exposed to Chinese language since childhood, I believe Hebrew and Greek are more difficult than Chinese. Their alphabets scare me because they are difficult to recognize and copy; much less to use.
In comparison to English, I find both alphabets of Hebrew and Greek threatening, hard to write and difficult to recognize, not to say to use them. But I do not know which of these three languages (Chinese, Hebrew and Greek) is the most difficult to foreigners. I find the transliteration of Greek to be interesting. For example, the transliteration of revelation in Greek is apokalypsis, while the Greek word is ἀποκαλύπτω which is both difficult to write and recognize.
I do not know whether there are universities and professors to teach us Hebrew and Greek, much less to teach the language of angels. But you know, angels are multi-linguists. In my mansion, there will be one big Old Testament in Hebrew and one big New Testament in Greek. I do not know whether the papers in Heaven are new. I am sure God is able to make very thin and untearable paper for the Bibles of three languages: Hebrew, Greek, and the language of angels as well as new and good papers for encyclopedias and future printing.
As regards publishing, I am sure there will be no pornography and playboy magazine, etc. I hope there is no Evangelical Monopoly also. I believe there will be no more earthly Masterpieces. I do not know will there be heavenly Masterpieces. I do not know who will there be publishers of volumes of Encyclopedias and Dictionaries. I do not know will there be libraries. I do not know wilI there be universities. Since there is no babies and children and youngsters, so there will be no kindergartens, no elementary schools, and no high schools. As adults I do not know will there be Atlas of New Earth and New Heaven.
If the New Encyclopedia Britannica, 15th Edition (30 Volumes) Hardcover – Import, January 1, 1985 by Encyclopedia Britannica (Author), Well-illustrated (Illustrator); we do not know how many volumes will be the Heavenly Encyclopedia. I believe the earthly Masterpieces (literature) will be gone. We do not know how many volumes will be the Heavenly Masterpieces. Although I invested all my life in the English language, it will be abolished along with other languages such as French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, etc. I believe God is able to make thin and untearable papers to print on both sides without any problem and books can last for eternity. There must be a big Atlas for the New Earth. I believe the designations of America, Europe, China, Australia, etc. will be gone. I also believe we will need a big Atlas for the New Heaven. Although I do not have money, I am willing to work for the following books:
Big Holy Bible in the language of angels, big unabridged Dictionary of the language of angels, big Old Testament in Hebrew language, big New Testament in Greek, big Atlas of the New Earth, big volumes of Heavenly Masterpieces
Atlas of New Heaven, A Map of the Holy City (New Jerusalem), New Heavenly Masterpieces, Heavenly Encyclopedias, Who Is Who in the Kingdom of Heaven, and Directory (with names and phone numbers) of all the residents of the Holy City.
The Scripture does not say what will be the common and universal language in the Kingdom of Heaven. There are saved peoples from all races and languages. If each person speaks its own language, Heaven will be a chaotic place. Most peoples will not understand each other.
1Co 14:33, “for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints.”
Since the language of angels is the most common and universal language in Heaven, I believe God will designate and decree language of the angels to be the language of Heaven. Every saint will be automatically equipped and enabled to speak, read and write in the language of angels; for it will take too long and impractical to learn a language. Right now I think English is the most powerful and useful language in the world. I have invested my life to study the English language. But all languages will be abolished so that there will be one common and universal language in the Kingdom of Heaven.
WORSHIP SERVICES
I want to participate, join, or observe or watch any worship service in Heaven. I know some worship I am not qualified to participate, for example,
Rev 4:2-11, “Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in Heaven, and Someone was sitting on the throne. And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads. The Throne and Worship of the Creator
out from the throne came flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God; and before the throne there
was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. The first living
creature was like a lion, the second creature like a calf, the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. And the four
living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say,
“HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, who was and who is and who is to come.”
And when the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to Him Who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him Who sits on the throne, and they will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive
glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
Obviously I am not qualified to participate in the worship service of the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, but I sure would like to watch and observe.
Rev 5:11-14, “Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels
around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing.” And I heard every created thing which is in Heaven, or on the earth, or under the earth, or on the sea, and all the things in them, saying, “To Him Who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion forever and ever.” And the four living creatures were saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell
down and worshiped.”
I do not know will there be worship service for ordinary saints that will number about one billion persons. Since there is no more Temple, where will such worship service be conducted? It is curious there is no revelation about what roles the Apostles will play. I do not know if there are other worship services that I may join, participate, or at least observe and watch. I am sure there will be communication to inform everyone.
SINGING
I definitely want to hear and watch every concert conducted by the angels. I also know there is one I would not qualify to sing a new song:
Rev 5:6-10, “And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls
full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying ,“Worthy are You to take the scroll and to break its seals; for You were slaughtered, and You purchased people for God with Your blood from every tribe, language, people, and nation. You have made them into a Kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”
I also know I will not be qualified to participate in the singing of 144,000 either.
Rev 14:1-5, “Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from Heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth. These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. These
are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless.”
LIKE ANGELS
Mar 12:25, “For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in Heaven.”
We do not know much about angels. At least we know that angels were created by God and live forever. We also know that angels are servants of God, the armies of God to fight against the Devil and evil doers.
1Ki 22:19, “And Micaiah said, “Therefore, hear the Word of the LORD. I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the angels of Heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left.”
Angels are servants of God and armies of Heaven.
Psa 78:25, “Man ate the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance.”
We do not know what is the bread of angels.
Psa 78:49, “He sent His burning anger upon them, fury and indignation and trouble, a band of destroying angels.”
God has a band of destroying angels for the wicked.
Psa 91:11, “For He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways.”
God also give His angels orders to protect His children.
Psa 103:20, “Bless the LORD, you His angels, mighty in strength, who perform His Word, obeying the voice of His Word!”
The angels of the Lord are mighty in strength, perform and obey the Word of God.
Psa 103:21, “Bless the LORD, all you His angels, You who serve Him, doing His will.”
The angels of the Lord serve Him by doing His will.
Psa 148:2, “Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His heavenly armies!”
The Lord’s angels are His heavenly armies.
Isa 24:21, “So it will happen on that day, that the LORD will punish the rebellious angels of Heaven on high, and the kings of the earth on earth.”
Mat 4:11, “Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to serve Him.”
When on earth, angels even served the Lord Jesus.
Mat 13:39, “and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.”
Verse 39. - The enemy that sowed them (ὁ σπείρας); contrast ver. 37 (ὁ σπείρων τὸ καλὸν σπέρμα). Ver. 37 states what is ever true; ver. 39 merely refers back to the enemy spoken of in the parable. Is the devil (Matthew 4:1, note). (For the thought of this and the preceding clause, see John 8:44; 1 John 3:8, 10.) The harvest is the end of the world; literally, as the margin of the Revised Version, the consummation of the age (συντέλεια αἰῶνος); when the present age shall have received its completion, and the more glorious one be ushered in (cf. Matthew 12:32, note). And the reapers are the angels; are angels (Revised Version). But it is exactly parallel to the preceding predicate, and if the insertion of our English idiomatic "the" fails to lay the stress which the Greek has on the fact that the reapers are such beings as angels (as contrasted with human workers, Matthew 9:37, 38), its omission adds a thought which the Greek was probably not intended to convey - that the reapers would be only some among the angels. Matthew 13:39.”
Mar 13:27, “And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of Heaven.”
The angels will gather together His elect from the four winds because they are the reapers.
Mar 13:32, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in Heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”
This was said when the Lord was before His exaltation. I believe the situation changed when 1Pe 3:22, “who is at the right hand of God, having gone into Heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.”
Luk 9:26, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My Words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and the holy angels.”
Luk 12:8, “Now I say to you, everyone who confesses
Me before people, the Son of Man will also confess
him before the angels of God.”
Luk 12:9, “but the one who denies Me before people will be denied before the angels of God.”
Luk 15:10, “In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of
the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Luk 20:36, “for they cannot even die anymore, for they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.”
The saints are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection, they are like angels, they cannot even die anymore.
Jhn 20:12, “and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying.”
Mary Magdalene saw two angels in white, angels are never in black.
Rom 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Exo 3:2, “Then the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not being consumed.”
HERE the Angel of the Lord is the Lord Jesus who appeared to Moses in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush.
Num 22:23, “When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn in his hand, the donkey turned off from the road and went into the field; and Balaam struck the donkey to guide her back onto the road.”
The donkey saw the angel of the Lord while the greedy Balaam could not.
Num 22:32, “Then the angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out as an adversary, because
your way was reckless and contrary to me.”
There are false prophets who were reckless and contrary to the Lord.
1Co 6:3, “Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?”
The saints will judge angels. For saints are sons, angels are servants.
Col 2:18, ”Take care that no one keeps defrauding you of your prize by delighting in humility and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind.”
The saints must take care not to be defrauded by false humility and the worship of the angels. Roman Catholics worship the angels.
2Th 1:7, “and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us, when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels.”
In the Second Coming, Jesus will be revealed from Heaven with His migty angels.
1Ti 5:21, “I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing
nothing in a spirit of partiality.”
Apostle Paul solemnly exhorts the saints in the presence of His chosen angels to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.
Jdg 6:21, “Then the angel of the LORD put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread; and fire came
up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. Then the angel of the LORD vanished from his sight.”
It appears the angel of the Lord does not eat meat and the unleavened bread like a human.
Jdg 13:15-16, “Then Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, “Please let us detain you so that we may prepare a young goat for you.” But the angel of the LORD said to Manoah, “Though you detain me, I will not eat your food, but if you prepare a burnt offering, offer it to the LORD.” For Manoah did not know that he was the angel of the LORD.”
The angel of the LORD does not eat food and Manoah did not know that he was the angel of the Lord.
Jdg 13:17-21, “And Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, “What is your name, so that when your words are fulfilled, we may honor you?”
But the Angel of the LORD said to him, “Why do you ask my name, for it is wonderful?” For it came about when the flame went up from the altar toward Heaven, that the Angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell on their faces to the ground. Now the Angel of the LORD did not appear to Manoah or his wife again. Then Manoah knew that he was the Angel of the LORD.”
The Angel of the Lord as Jesus Christ, whose name is Wonderful. There are people who know only after the fact.
2Sa 14:20, “In order to change the appearance of things your servant Joab has done this thing. But my lord is wise, like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know all that is on the earth.”
The wisdom of the Angel of God knows all that is on the earth and everything in Heaven.
2Ki 1:3, “But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and say to them, ‘Is it because
there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?”
By this Scripture we know God abhors false gods.
2Ki 19:35, “Then it happened that night that the angel of the LORD
went out and struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when the rest got up early in the morning, behold, all of the 185,000 were dead.”
The Angel of the Lord in one night struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians, it was mercy of God not more than that.
1Ch 21:27, “The LORD commanded the angel, and he returned his sword to its sheath.”
1Ch 21:30, “But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was terrified by the sword of the angel of the LORD.”
2Ch 32:21, “And the LORD sent an angel who destroyed every warrior, commander, and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned in shame to his own land. And when he had entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons killed him there with the sword.”
Psa 34:7, “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.”
Dan 6:22, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, since I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.”
God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed Daniel because he had committed no crime.
Zec 3:1, “Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right to accuse him.”
Satan always accuses the saints.
Mat 28:2, “And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from Heaven and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it.”
An angel of the Lord descended from Heaven and rolled away the stone of the sepulcher.
Luk 1:13, “But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall
name him John.”
The angel was a high ranking who knew the prayer of Zechariah.
Luk 1:19, “The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the
presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good
news.”
The angel who stands in the presence of God must be high ranking who was sent to bring good news.
Luk 1:35, “The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; for that reason also
the holy Child will be called the Son of God.”
The angel answered Mary how a virgin could bear a Son, who is the Son of God.
Luk 2:10, “And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.”
The angel brought the shepherds good news of great joy (the Gospel) WHICH is for all the people.
Luk 2:21, “And when eight days were completed so that it was time for His circumcision, He was also named Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.”
Act 6:15, “And all who were sitting in the Council stared at him, and they saw his face, which was like the face of an angel.”
The face of Stephen was like the face of an angel.
Act 10:22, “They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man well spoken of by the entire nation of the Jews, was divinely
directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and hear a message from you.”
Peter was divinely directed by a holy angel to come to the house of Cornelius, to hear a message.
Act 12:7, “And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near Peter, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter's side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands.”
When God sent an angel with an order, chains fell off the hands of the person who would do the assignment.
Act 12:23, “And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.”
An angel of the Lord struck Herod and he was eaten by worms and died.
2Co 11:14, “No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”
Satan wants to deceive people, so Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
Gal 1:8, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!”
The Gospel truth is absolute, even if an angel should preach a Gospel contrary, he is to be accursed.
Rev 3:7-9, “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:
‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no
one can shut, because you have a little power, and have followed My word, and have not denied My name. ‘Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and make them know that I have loved you.”
Anyone who has followed the Word of Christ will not have denied His name.
Rev 11:15, “Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in Heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of the world have become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.”
Verse 15. - And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in Heaven, saying. The participle "saying" is masculine, λέγοντες, in A, B; the feminine,
λέγουσαι, is read in א, C, P. Though the latter would be more correct, grammatically, yet irregular construction in such cases is not uncommon in the Apocalypse. The voices were possibly those of the angels rejoicing in the triumph of the Kingdom of God. Or perhaps they proceeded from the four living beings, since the elders are next mentioned (ver. 17) as offering the praises of the redeemed Church which they represent. At the opening of the seventh seal there was silence in Heaven; here, at the sound of the seventh angel's trumpet,
voices are heard "in heaven," but there is silence as to the fate of the wicked, with whom the trumpet visions have been chiefly concerned. In the revelation of the fate in store for the Church, as well as in that of the doom awarded to the ungodly, the visions stop short of describing circumstances connected with the life after the judgment day. The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever. Ἐγένετο ἡ βασιλαία, in the singular, is found in א, A, B, C, P, and versions, and is adopted by the Revised Version. Ἐγένοντο αἱ βασιλεῖαι, the plural, is read in two cursives. We can understand the first part of this verse by referring to Revelation 12:10. God's power and authority is established by the final overthrow of Satan. It naturally follows the account, in vers. 12, 13, of the vindication of God's witnesses, and of the glory rendered by the rest of mankind. With God the Father is associated Christ, by whose means the overthrow of the devil is effected, and by whom his servants overcome (cf. Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:9; Revelation 7:14; Revelation 12:11). This is the final victory; henceforth "he shall reign forever and ever." Revelation 11:15.”
Rev 14:9-10, “Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.”
Fire and brimstone is another name for Hell.
Rev 16:5, “And I heard the angel of the waters saying, “Righteous are You, the One who is and who was, O Holy One, because You judged these things.”
The angel of the waters declared the righteousness of God.
Rev 22:16, “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you of these things for the churches. I AM the Root and the Descendant of David, the Bright Morning Star.”
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
16. I Jesus] Here only does our Lord reveal His Name, though from Revelation 1:13; Revelation 1:18 onwards, it has been obvious that He is the revealer; as was expressed in the title, Revelation 1:1. Whether He is personally present, however, is doubtful: the words are His, but it is probably still the angel that speaks them.
mine angel] Would our Lord say this of any angel of the Lord, because “all things that the Father hath are His.” Or has our Lord, as Man, an angel of His own in the same way that His saints have? St Luke 22:43 seems as if He needed and had, in the days of His flesh, such angelic guardianship as is implied in St Matthew 18:10 : and this passage is at least consistent with the view, that His angel appears in His form, as St Peter’s was supposed to do, Acts 12:15. It is very ably argued by St Augustine (de Cura pro Mortuis), that if any apparitions after death or at the moment of death are really objective and supernatural, they must be ascribed to angels, not to the spirits of the dead. But we must remember that our Lord’s state is not the same as that of His departed servants. He is already in the body of the Resurrection, and so conceivably visible. And there can be no doubt that He appeared in His own risen body to St Paul, and probably to St Stephen. It may be, therefore, that He now appears personally to St John, at once superseding and authenticating the previous ministry of the angel.
the root and the offspring of David] He bears the former title in Revelation 5:5, where see note. The latter is substantially the same as the familiar one, “the Son of David.”
and the bright and morning star] Both “and”s should be omitted. There may be a reference to Numbers 24:17, or to the title of “the Day-spring,” St Luke 1:78, and perhaps Zechariah 3:8; Zechariah 6:12. In Revelation 2:28, though the words are more nearly the same as here, the sense is different: see note there.”
Many advantages that the saints become like angels are the facts that the saints will have absolute safety, may explore new earth and new Heaven will not fall, injure themselves or have broken bones, etc.
The Scripture says the saints will be like ordinary angels, not the Angel of the Lord in authority and power. The saints would be most amazed and surprised are the newness of angels they would be like in themselves.
MEMORY
If you ask American preachers or American pastors, almost 100% will say that you will recognize and know your spouses, parents, children, relatives and good friends in Heaven. There is no direct revelation on the subject. I am for one holding the opposite opinion. If you will recognize your spouse, suppose she goes to Hell, won’t you suffer for the painful memory of her all your life? I love my Mother more than anyone else in the universe. I would do anything for her. In her last year I met her when I was in debt (not due to my cause) but due to special circumstances, although I made more money than average persons. I had done my best for her. In Heaven she could not recognize I was her son. I could not do anything for her, for in Heaven she does not need anything. What would the saints do with the new memory? I do not know.
NAMES
Only God has the power and wisdom to clean up the mess of human names. Many Catholic parents under the bad and stupid influence of Roman Catholic Church named their sons Jesus. There is one and only Jesus, the Son of God, the King of kings, the Lord of lords in the Kingdom of Heaven for eternity.
Act 4:12, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name
under Heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.” In the whole universe there is one and only Jesus, the King of kings, the Lord of lords. All who bear the names of Jesus must discard their names with new names. It was ludicrous every time I went to Hong Kong, because the custom-inspector would take extra longer to ckeck on my passport because there are many Willie Wongs in Hong Kong, there are many Willie Wongs in America, and there are many Willie Wongs in the world. I used to worry, but I believe God knows which Willie Wong whose name is recorded in the Book of Life. I believe some patriachs will be given special right to keep their names such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Noah, Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Apostle Paul, Apostle John, John the Baptist, Stephen, etc. If you are familiar with the New Testament, there are three Marys, namely Mary the Mother of Jesus, Mary of Bethany, and Mary of Magdelene. Since there will be no females in Heaven, their names may let the cat out of the bag. I believe they will be given new names. All saints in Heaven given new names will know themselves and will be known by others also.
FOOD AND DRINK
Currently, various meats such as poultry, beef, pork, and seafood are prepared using a range of cooking techniques, including boiling, frying, steaming, baking, and grilling. The saints will not be meat eaters or vegetarians. The saints will eat fruit of life and drink water of life. Many misunderstand that the saints have eternal life because they eat the fruits of life and drink the waters of life. The saints will live forever because the Lord Jesus gives them eternal life.
Rev 22:2, “in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”
I do not know whether the saints will eat the fruit of life once, or once every month, etc. I am sure our eternal life depends on Jesus Christ who gives, and does not depend on the fruit of life. Those who were raptured, rose again from death, and their bodies were transformed were given eternal life already. They will never die.
Rev 7:17, “for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
Rev 21:6, “Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give water to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life, without cost.”
Rev 22:1, “And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”
Rev 22:17, “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires, take
the water of life without cost.”
I do not know whether we take the water of life once, or as needed.
I do not know whether we take other kind of food and drink.
It is clear all animals, insects (including deadly mosquitoes, viruses, bacteria, flies, etc.), rats and mice, roaches, lions, tigers, snakes, sharks, whales, crocodiles (all predatory animals) etc. will be gone.
We do not know whether the saints eat the fruit of life once, once a month, regularly, or as needed. We also do not know how often we drink the water of life. We do not know the saints eat other food in addition to the fruit of life.
Psa 78:25, “Man ate the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance.”
What is the bread of angels? What is angles’ food?
Psa 78:49, “He sent His burning anger upon them, fury and indignation and trouble, a band of destroying angels.”
God has destroying angels for the wicked.
Psa 91:11, “For He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways.”
God also has angels to protect His children.
Psa 103:20, “Bless the LORD, you His angels, mighty in strength, who perform His Word, Obeying the voice of His Word!”
Angels are mighty and perform and obey His Word.
Psa 103:21, “Bless the LORD, all you His angels, You who serve Him, doing His will.”
All angels of the Lord serve God and do His will.
Psa 148:2, “Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His heavenly armies!”
Angels are God’s heavenly armies.
Isa 24:21, “So it will happen on that day, that the LORD will punish the rebellious
angels of Heaven on high, and the kings of the earth on earth.”
The Lord will punish the rebellious angels of Heaven on high, and the kings of the earth on earth.
MONEY, BUSINESS, CORPORATION, STOCK MARKET
You can say it is all new when money, business, corporation, stock market are no more. The only purpose of business, corporation, stock market, etc. is to make money. The way we do business will be no more. How do you buy things when you do not have money? It is true because God has provided everything. The saints do not have to make a living. Business and corporation can no longer make profits and exploit the people. No one needs to make a living. However, all the books, Bibles, Atlases, Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, Masterpieces (literature), Maps, etc. published by the Kingdom of Heaven, I am willing to buy or work for them. Although we do not need to work to make a living, I believe we will have a job to do for eternity.
BIBLES, BOOKS AND PRINTED MATERIALS
When on earth if you clamor or call for a new Bible, you should be cursed because the Word of God is eternal.
However, the Old Testament recorded two crimes committed by David. Anybody who has studied the Old Testament will know that David raped a woman and killed her husband. Whenever you meet David, it will remind you of two sins he had committed. For this and other reasons, will the Old Testament be redacted? Will there be a new Bible? I do not know. The saints will not preach or teach the Gospel anymore.
CLIMATE
According to the Word of God there will be no more sun, moon and seas. If the science is correct, there will be climate change. Maybe there will be no more four seasons, no snow or rain, no flood or drought. There will be no natural and man-made disasters.
Consequently there will be no typhoon, cyclone, hurricane and tornado, etc. We already know there will be no night. Also there will be no smog, air pollution, dust storm, sand storm, blizzard, etc. No natural and man-made disasters.
When I first went to Kanas Lake, Xinjiang, I was so impressed with the climate of cool, pleasant and fresh air. In fact the air there was fresher than Norway’s. Probably the new things will include new pleasant climate with comfortable fresh air all year round. We know the glory of God and the Lamp of the Lamb will replace sun and moon. We do not know can we use God’s new energy and new fuel like we can turn it on or turn it off. We do not know what God will do with sea surfaces. The ocean covers 70 percent of Earth's surface. We do not know how different will be the climate or the New Earth. We know there will be no marine creatures like shark, whale, crocodile (or alligator), and all fishes. We do not know how without the sea water will affect the climate. We do not know will electricity or gas still be used, or something new and better.
According to https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/electricity/
“Electricity is a secondary energy source
Electricity is the flow of electrical power or charge. Electricity is both a basic part of nature and one of the most widely used forms of energy. The electricity that we use is a secondary energy source because it is produced by converting primary
sources of energy such as coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, solar energy, and wind energy into electrical power. Electricity is also referred to as an energy carrier, which means it can be converted to other forms of energy such as mechanical energy or heat. Primary energy sources are renewable or nonrenewable energy, but the electricity we use is neither renewable nor nonrenewable.”
Ordinary people do not have the concepts of power. For example, electric power: types of electric power: DC power, AC power. Power generation methods: Thermal power, hydro-electric power, solar power, nuclear power, geothermal power, wind power, and tidal power. There are nimcompoops who think God does not know about electricity and power, and cannot create something new and better.
ADMINISTRATION OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
Under Jesus Christ, the Supreme Ruler, we know the twelves Apostles will have the highest authoritative powers in Heaven. We do not know who will sit on left and right throne of Jesus Christ who presume to be higher the Twelve Apostles. The twelve Apostles will have higher authority than the twelve tribes of Israel. We do know what positions will Abraham, patriachs and prophets hold. All saints will obey the Law and Commandments of the Lord. There will be no rebellion, no lawless person. Probably the army of the Lord, angels will be the police. There will be no criminals. There will be no thieves, bad and evil peole. There is no need of vurveillance or security.
EXPLORATIONS
If permissible, I want to explore the Holy City, the New Jerusalem first, my home and my mansion. The first thing I want to explore is the Holy City, New Jerusalem. Since it is 1,400 miles long, wide and high; it will take some time to get to know the neighborhood.
For example, I shall begin with F1-1, if there is a map and directory given such as the location, name, phone (whatever the new communication tool) it wil be helpful. Then I want to explore the New Earth and the New Heaven (the New Universe). The explorations may take eternity, but what I have is eternity.
Don’t worry, I have eternity to explore it. For examples, I would like to visit the mansions of Apostle Paul, Abraham, Apostle John, Moses, David, etc. When I finish exploration of the Holy City, New Jerusalem, then I will move on exploration of the New Earth, and finally the New Heavens which is the new Universe. That probably will take eternity.
I believe our mansions in the Holy City does not need repairs. I do not know whether the mansions need to be cleaned or not. If they do, how do you clean them?
Since there will be no cooking, will there be any cleaning? Do saints need to take a shower or bath or rest to sleep since there will no night.
NAMES
I believe in Heaven we will be instictively ABLE TO recognize Abraham, Apostle Paul, Apostle John, Moses, David, Elijah, John the Baptist, etc. However, will we and they have new names? It is funny whenever I go to Hong Kong, because there are many Willie Wong(s), so the immigrant officer took a long time to check my American passport. I was not worried about the Book of Life, God knows which Willie Wong. Suppose we are given new names, will anyone recognize anyone with the new name that the new name is so and so of the old name?
If permissible, I want to make friends or get acquainted with three Biblical Mary (s). Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Mary of Bethany. Since there will be no females in Heaven, how will anyone recognize some prominent women in the past? If they were given new names, how can one recognize this person was the Mary of Bethany since the new name does not connect to the person?
NATION
It is most comforting in the world to come, all nations of the world will disappear. There will be no more America, Russia, China, Japan, Britain, France, Germany, etc. Departments and agencies of America such as State department, War department, IRS, Social Security Administration, etc. will also disappear. Saints are citizens of Heaven. In the Kingdom of Heaven, we will need no more passport, visa, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, etc.
NO MORE INJUSTICE
Only government has power to abuse power. Only government can commit injustice. Only government has power to oppress people. Only government can kill people in the name of performing its duties. Only government has power to refuse service to the people. Only government has power to make all kinds of rules and regulations, like Mafia who makes an offer you cannot refuse. Where can you find a good government in the world? Leaders and politicians are most arrogant and self-serving people because they have power. Such corrupt, oppressive, and unjust governments will be no more. In the Kingdom of Heaven, there will be peace, joy, justice, love, righteousness and truth for ever and ever. There is no need for demonstration. There is no need for rebellion. There is no need for complaint. Corruption is impossible. Fraud is impossible in the Kingdom of Heaven.
NO MORE CRIME AND CRIMINAL
You ought to remember that Satan (the Devil), the Beast and the False Prophet were arrested by mighty angels along with the last evil doer during the White Throne Judgment were thrown into the Hell, the Lake of Fire and Brimstone for eternal suffering. In the Kindom of Heaven there will be only the Redeemed. You can feel assured and safe because there will be no more crime and criminal for ever and ever. What a free world indeed.
RACE
I have seen the ugliest races and peoples on TV. I have seen the ugliest whites, browns, reds and yellows. Of all the ugliest none uglier than the ugliest blacks, they hurt my eyes, I have to close my eyes. In the Kingdom of Heaven, there will be no blacks, and no black angels. Blacks who are saved will be transformed to whites like angels. There will be no bad people, rebellious people, evil doers, and the wicked.
CHILDREN
There will be no children in the Kingdom of Heaven. Children who are saved will be transformed into adults when they get to Heaven. Millions of aborted fetuses by the grace of God will enter the Kingdom of Heaven as adults who do not know their parents. There will be no females in Heaven to give birth to children. The population of Heaven will be stable, no birth and no death. And no adults will grow old because they have eternal life. Because they have spiritual and immortal bodies, they will never get sick or die. Doctors, dentists, drug companies, medical supplies, insurance companies, hospitals or clinics, will be no more.
COMMUNICATION
I do not know tools of communications or telecommunications such as mail, email, cellphone, computer, TV, telegram, all electronic gadgets will they exist in the Kingdom of Heaven or we will have somethings new and better.
MONEY
There will be no more money, cash, currency, foreign exchange, digital currency, stocks and bonds, bank notes, banks, Wall Street, finance, investment, credit card, check, gold market, etc. There will be no buying and selling. I do not know exactly when you need something, through what process or procedure God will provide everything.
BURNT-UP
2Pe 3:10, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense
heat, and the earth and its works will be burnt-up.”
People think thatch houses and cottages will be burnt up. Little they know that Buckingham Palace, France’s Palace of Versailles, China’s Forbidden City, White House, the US Capitol, India’s Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, etc. will also be burnt-up. The most beautiful palaces, mansions, and famous buildings will also be burnt-up. Gold, silver and precious stones will also be melted.
Do you know anything that can withstand fire or intense heat? It is said that Tungsten (W) is the metal with the highest melting point (3422℃, 6192℉).
LIVELIHOOD
On earth unless you are independently wealthy, you will need a job to make a living. I suffered a great deal under American corporations which always made me underemployed and underpaid. I met some bad and evil people in the corporations. If I did not need to earn a living, I would have never met them. Thank God in the Kingdom of Heaven, I shall not need to make a living, I will never need a job. And there are no bad and evil peoples in Heaven. There will be no pathological supervisors. There will be no more evil coporations.
TREASURES
I think at least there are two kinds of treasures, tangible and intangible. The intangible treasures in Heaven are obvioulsy peace, justice, love, righteousness, truth, etc. The most tangible treasures in the Kingdom of Heaven are the Holy City, New Jerusalem and all its facilities. I think we have to be careful of the word “meterial”, the materials used in the Holy City are permanently durable, they do not need repairs or to be replaced. However, I do not know the mansions in the Holy City need to be cleaned or not. Will electric vacum cleaner be still used? Or we will have something else, something new that we do not know.
God is wonderful, something like gold we treasure on earth, God use it to pave the streets of the Kingdom of Heaven. Rev 21:21, “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”
You have heard of gold cup, gold bar, gold coin, gold funerary mask, gold Jewelry, etc. Have you ever hear a country or city is so rich that it paves its street with gold? Among all new things, this one was probable never thought by mankind. When I departed America in 2003, gold price an ounce was $417.25. Today the gold price an ounce reaches $5,000. If I had a $1 trillion dollars then and used it to buy gold, won’t I be very rich today? As it is I do not own even an ouce of gold.
What mankind values so much, God uses it to pave the street. The streets of the Holy City, New Jerusalem, were pure gold.
I believe the saints have tangible treasures or private property in Heaven although I do not know any Heavenly Treasures. Apostle Paul will have many crowns: 2Ti 4:8, “in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
Jas 1:12, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
1Pe 5:4, “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”
Rev 2:17, “The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one
knows except the one who receives it.”
Evidently, some saints will receive the hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name written on the stone.
FRIENDSHIP
If it is permissible, I want to befriend with the following Bible characters: Abraham, Enoch, Noah, Moses, David, Ruth, Elijah, Nathan, Daniel, Apostle Paul, Apostle John, Stephen, Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdeline, Mary of Bethany, Archangel Michael, Archangel Gabriel, and the angel who threw the devil into the bottomless pit for a 1,000 years. Outside the Bible, I would like to make friends with Martin Luther, Augustine, Helen Keller, my good friend Dr. Arthur Mouw and Dr. Edmond Hiebert, etc., etc.
GAMES & SPORTS
I believe the kinds of games and sports on earth will not play in Heaven. You may not know, every kind of game or sport on earth is linked to money. For example, boxing is linked to big money. For this reason, it will never be outlawed on earth. So unwholesome sports like grand prix, fencing, break dancing, motor cycle racing, bull fight, etc.
Like Angels in Heaven
Mar 12:25, “For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in Heaven.”
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
25. when they shall rise] Had they known the power of God they could not have imagined that it was limited by death, or that the life of “the children of the resurrection” was a mere repetition of man’s present mortal existence. Compare the argument of St Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:39-44, based on the endless variety of the creative power of God.
as the angels] The Sadducees denied not only the Resurrection, but the existence also of angels and spirits (Acts 23:8). In His reply, therefore, our Lord embraces the whole area of their unbelief. He refers to the angels in heaven as persons, whose personal existence was a fact. Moreover in these words we have one of the few revelations which He was pleased to make as to the state after death. They imply that, as St Paul teaches, at the Resurrection “we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:44), and the “spiritual body” will not be liable to the passions of the “natural body.”
Luk 20:36, “for they cannot even die anymore, for they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.”
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(36) Neither can they die any more.—The record of this teaching is peculiar to St. Luke. The implied thought is that death and marriage are correlative facts in God’s government of the world, the one filling up the gaps which are caused by the other. In the life eternal there is no need for an addition in this way to the number of the elect, and therefore there is no provision for it.
Equal unto the angels.—The one Greek word which answers to the English four is again peculiar to St. Luke.
The children of God, being the children of the resurrection.—It is obvious that here the resurrection is assumed to be unto life and to a share in the divine kingdom. The fact that men were counted worthy to obtain that resurrection was a proof that they were “children of God,” and as such on the same footing as those other “sons of God,” whom the language of Scripture (Job 1:6; Job 38:7, and possibly Genesis 6:12) identified with the angels.”
BIBLES, BOOKS, ATLAS, ETC.
If on earth anyone should desire another Bible, let the thought perish for the Word of God is eternal. I believe God is able to make very thin and untearable papers to print on both sides and last for etenity. However, in the Kingdom of Heaven, everytime you see David, you are reminded of his adultery and murder of her husband. Will the Bible (Old Testament) be redacted? Or will there be new Bible? We do not know.
I belive the earthy masterpieces will be no more. Will they be heavenly masterpieces? We do not know. If there are Encyclopaedia Britannica 32 Volume Set Hardcover, HOW MANY Will be the Heavenly Encyclopedias. We do not know.
I want an unabridged Dictionary, big Bible (in the language of angels); big Hebrew Bible, big Greek Bible; the big Heavenly Encyclopedias; big Heavenly Masterpieces; big New Eath Atlas; big New Heaven Atlas, etc. I do not have money; but I am willing to work for them. We do not know if we use mony or not.
We do not know will there be universities, libraries, and professors. On earth I have invested my life on the English languge. I believe English is the most powerful and scientific language. If God decrees along with Chinese, Russian, German, French, Spanish, Japanse and other languages to be destroyed, they will be destroyed.
Everything you know now does not mean you know anything. The old things you know on earth maybe diffient from the new things you must know in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Many do not know or realize that the second coming (appearance) of Jesus Christ involves a series of seven events. First, the Rapture of the Church. It can happen anytime but it has not happened. If it happens, it will not take much time because in the twinkling of an eye it can take place. 1Co 15:52, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”
Second, the Great Tribulation; wherein kingdoms and symbols of the world will be destroyed by intense heat. The statues and symbols of all false religions will be automatically destroyed too. No one knows how much the Lord will cut down the Great Tribulation.
Then the Third is the reappearance of Lord Jesus, decending to the earth with unaccountable angels and saints in great power and glory. I call it the greatest parade in the universe. Everyone will see.
Rev 1:7, “BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes.”
The Fourth is the Millennium. When God says it is a thousand years of the Lord’s peaceful reign, it is a thousand years. This is the proof of the total depraved nature of mankind. When Satan is released after the Millinnium, there are crowds who have tasted the Lord’s 1,000 years of peaceful reign and still follow the Devil.
It is called Armegeddon the fith event when the Lord Jesus does not take long to call fire from Heaven to scorch those followers of the Devil. Rev 20:9, “And they came up on the broad
plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from Heaven and devoured them.”
The sixth event would not take long because mighty angels will round up the Devil, the Beast, the False Prophet and all evil doers and cast them into Hell. This is the White Throne Judgment.
At last and finally all is ready to establish the Kingdom of Heaven. There and then we will know the Words of the Lord, “Behold, I AM making all things new.” All things new in the Kingdom of Heaven will be overwhelmingly beyond our imagination because the saints will serve, observe, and worship God with certainty for eternity.
Rev 22:20, “He who testifies to these things says,
“Yes, I AM coming quickly.” Amen.
Come, Lord Jesus.”
An unworthy servant may be granted a privilege of bowing, worshipping God three times and say to our God and Savior,
“Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty!”
From 1.) The Rapture ( 1Co 15:52, “ in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed ); to
2.) The Great Tribulation ( Mat 24:21-22, “For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will again.And if those days had not been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.” ); to
3.) The Great Appearance ( Mat 24:30,“And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory.” ); to
4.) Millennium ( Rev 20:2, “And he overpowered and laid hold of the dragon, that old serpent [of primeval times], who is the devil and Satan, and bound him [securely] for a thousand years (a millennium).”); to
5.) Armagddon ( Rev 16:16, “And he gathered them together into a place
called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” ); to
6.) White Throne Judgment ( Rev 7:9, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands.” ); to
7.) The Kingdom of Heaven ( Mat 7:21, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” ); .
The whole process will take about 1,000 years.
At the traditional practice, if you had one new thing for a new year, you would be so happy. If you have “all things new” in the Kingdom of Heaven, the saints can rejoice for eternity.
Heb 11:16, “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.” The Kingdom of Heaven is God’s City, The City of Holiness. 1Co 2:9
but just as it is written:
“THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD,
AND WHICH HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HUMAN HEART,
ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.” The Kingdom of Heaven is also a place Jesus Christ has prepayed. Jhn 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I AM coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I AM, there you also will be.”
In the Kingdom of Heaven, Rev 21:5, “And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I AM making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” The Word of the Lord is ALWAYS faithful and true.