THE GLORIOUS NEW CREATION

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

KNOW that God will usher in a new heaven and a new earth; TRUST that God will keep His promise of a new heaven and new earth; and PRAISE God that nothing is going to be the same in the new heaven and new earth. 

FOCAL VERSES ISAIAH 65:17-24

KEEP IN MIND 

"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy" (Isaiah 65:17-18)

At-A-Glance

1. The Glorious New Creation (Isaiah 65:17-21)

2. The Glorious New Life (vv. 23-25)

IN FOCUS

Cosmologists - scientists who study the physical universe - believe the universe is finite and has a beginning and an end. They break down the life cycle of the universe in to five periods lasting trillions of years. The first began with the "Big Bang" when everything that would exist exploded out of nothing and nowhere. 

The second period, the one in which we currently live, is called the Stelliferous period, or the era of starlight. At the end of this period, all the stars will burn out and release their energy into the universe. This will leave the universe with "black holes." When they have drained the remaining energy, they will cease to exist as well. This time will be the last period called the Dark period, when nothing will exist and universe will be dead forever. 

Theologians study the nature of God and agree with cosmologists that the universe is finite. However, these theologians believe the end is not the end, but leads to a new beginning. At the end of time, God will create a new heaven and earth that will extend into all eternity. 

Today's lesson is about how saints should look forward to a time of joyful eternal life and make the most of every witnessing opportunity because time is limited. 

 BACKGROUND

In chapters 60-66, Isaiah addresses his message to the people living in exile, assuring them that they still had a futur. Isaiah sees a blessed future for the nation of Israel. The Apostle Paul would later add to this prophesy by revealing the mystery of God's will: to unite Jew and Gentile into one body with Jesus as the head (see Ephesians 1:9-13). When that time comes, Isaiah says of Jerusalem, "'Though you were once despised and hated, with no one traveling through you, I will make you beautiful forever, a joy to all generations'" (Isaiah 60:15, NLT). He tells the people who have been taken captive into foreign lands, "'Their descendants will be recognized and honored among the nations. Everyone will realize that they are a people the Lord has blessed'" (61:9, NLT). "Jerusalem will be known as 'The Desirable Place' and 'The City No Longer Forsaken'" (62:12, NLT). 

In the final chapters, the prophet describes the glorious consummation of history. In chapter 64, he pictures a God - initiated future characterized by joy, the elimination of mourning and fear, the end of death, and communion with God. Although the return form Babylonian exile to Jerusalem resulted in some measure of this blessing for the people, many contend that the full realization of this prophecy will not be fulfilled until Jesus ushers in the new age. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 

1. God promises to create a new heaven and new earth. What will be a key emotion in the new creation (Isaiah 65:18)?

2. How will God respond to the needs and desires of His people in the new creation (v. 24)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

Do you believe the conditions of our world will get better or worse? As saints wait patiently for God to usher in the new age, what are our obligations to the present world?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

The people of Israel received the promise of the new creation while they were in captivity as a result of turning away from God. Saints today are often just as rebellious as the ancient Israelites. We fail to share the Good New of Jesus Christ with others, reach out to the needy, and obey God's Word. We should live each day making the most of every opportunity to do all of these things. 

(Except for The Apostolic Way) 

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ON-LESSON BROUGHT TO BY:

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