Bible Study - The New Heaven and the New Earth

December 25 – 31, 2022

Key Text

“My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” Isaiah 32:18

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 674–678

Introduction

“The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, was then given to the saints of the Most High, who were to possess it forever, even forever and ever.” Early Writings, 295

Sunday

1 HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM

1.a. What promise will be fulfilled after sin and sinners are blotted out? Isaiah 65:17; Daniel 7:18, 27

Note: “God’s entire universe was clean, and the great controversy was forever ended. Wherever we looked, everything upon which the eye rested was beautiful and holy. And all the redeemed host, old and young, great and small, cast their glittering crowns at the feet of their Redeemer, and prostrated themselves in adoration before Him, and worshiped Him that liveth forever and ever. The beautiful new earth, with all its glory, was the eternal inheritance of the saints.” Early Writings, 295

1.b. What gives us the privilege of becoming heirs of the kingdom of glory? John 1:12; Galatians 4:4–7

Note: “In the heavenly courts there will be no song sung, To me that loved myself, and washed myself, redeemed myself, unto me be glory and honor, blessing and praise. … The whole gospel is comprised in learning of Christ, His meekness and lowliness.

“What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 456

Monday

2 PERFECT PEACE

2.a. What condition will exist among the animals in the new earth? Isaiah 11:6, 7, 9

Note: “Man will be restored to his lost kingship, and the lower order of beings will again recognize his sway; the fierce will become gentle, and the timid trustful.” Education, 304

2.b. What kinds of dwelling places will the saints enjoy in the earth made new? Isaiah 32:18; Proverbs 1:33

Note: “If we can meet Jesus in peace and be saved, forever saved, we shall be the happiest of beings! Oh, to be at home at last where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest! Heaven, sweet heaven! Oh, I shall appreciate heaven! I know that I must watch and keep my garments unspotted from the world or I shall never enter the abode of the blessed.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 21, 343

“There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the wide-spreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams, God’s people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home.” The Great Controversy, 675

“What we are in the heavenly home, when saved, eternally saved, will be the reflection of what we now are in character and holy service. Shall we not show our loyalty by keeping God’s commandments here, in this our place of probation?” In Heavenly Places, 298

“Let us consider most earnestly the blessed hereafter. Let our faith pierce through every cloud of darkness and behold Him who died for the sins of the world. He has opened the gates of paradise to all who receive and believe on Him. To them He gives power to become the sons and daughters of God. Let the afflictions which pain us so grievously become instructive lessons, teaching us to press forward toward the mark of the prize of our high calling in Christ.” Testimonies, Vol. 9, 286, 287

Tuesday

3 NO DISEASE, SUFFERING OR DEATH

3.a. What evils will no longer exist in the earth made new? Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 33:24; 60:18

Note: “Pain cannot exist in the atmosphere of heaven. There will be no more tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourning.” The Great Controversy, 676

“This earth is the place of preparation for heaven. The time spent here is the Christian’s winter. Here the chilly winds of affliction blow upon us, and the waves of trouble roll against us. But in the near future, when Christ comes, sorrow and sighing will be forever ended. Then will be the Christian’s summer. All trials will be over, and there will be no more sickness or death.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 988

3.b. Will the redeemed remember the suffering that was their lot on this earth? Isaiah 65:17–19

Note: “We tried to call up our greatest trials, but they looked so small compared with the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory that surrounded us that we could not speak them out, and we all cried out, ‘Alleluia, heaven is cheap enough!’ and we touched our glorious harps and made heaven’s arches ring.” Early Writings, 17

3.c. Describe life in the earth made new. Isaiah 51:3; 65:21–25

Note: “There [in heaven] we shall know even as also we are known. There the loves and sympathies that God has planted in the soul will find truest and sweetest exercise. The pure communion with holy beings, the harmonious social life with the blessed angels and with the faithful ones of all ages, the sacred fellowship that binds together ‘the whole family in heaven and earth’—all are among the experiences of the hereafter.

“There will be music there, and song, such music and song as, save in the visions of God, no mortal ear has heard or mind conceived.” Education, 306, 307

Wednesday

4 TRUE AND FAITHFUL WORDS

4.a. What admonition is given to us about the immutability of God’s words? Revelation 21:5, last part; 22:18, 19

Note: “Those who, by their human construction, shall make the Scripture to utter that which Christ has never placed upon it, weaken its force, making the voice of God in instruction and warnings to testify falsehood, to avoid the inconvenience incurred by obedience to God’s requirements, have become signboards, pointing in the wrong direction, into false paths, which lead to transgression and death.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 387

“Many will make the words of the Revelation a spiritualistic mystery, robbing them of their solemn import. God declares that His judgments shall fall with increased dreadfulness upon anyone who shall try to change the solemn words written in this book—the Revelation of Jesus Christ.” The Review and Herald, August 2, 1906

“In His word, God has committed to men the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative, infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience.” Ye Shall Receive Power, 122

4.b. What warning is given to children and youth who desire to inherit the new earth? Ephesians 6:1–3; Colossians 3:20

Note: “Children who dishonor and disobey their parents, and disregard their advice and instructions, can have no part in the earth made new. The purified new earth will be no place for the rebellious, the disobedient, the ungrateful, son or daughter. Unless such learn obedience and submission here, they will never learn it; the peace of the ransomed will not be marred by disobedient, unruly, unsubmissive children. No commandment breaker can inherit the kingdom of heaven.” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 497, 498

“Children, do you desire eternal life? Then respect and honor your parents. Do not wound and grieve their hearts, and cause them to spend sleepless nights in anxiety and distress over your case. If you have sinned in not rendering love and obedience to them, begin now to redeem the past.” The Youth’s Instructor, June 22, 1893

Thursday

5 ALMOST HOME

5.a. What should be our attitude considering the nearness of our eternal redemption? James 4:8–11; Titus 2:11–13

Note: “The Lord is soon to come, and we must be prepared to meet Him in peace. Let us be determined to do all in our power to impart light to those around us. We are not to be sad, but cheerful, and we are to keep the Lord Jesus ever before us. He is soon coming, and we must be ready and waiting for His appearing. Oh, how glorious it will be to see Him and be welcomed as His redeemed ones! Long have we waited, but our hope is not to grow dim. If we can but see the King in His beauty we shall be forever blessed.” Testimonies, Vol. 8, 253

“The closest relation exists between God and His people. … The servants of God are to be earnest, penitent, trustful, thankful. Their lives should be living epistles, known and read of all men. They should be continually looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” The Signs of the Times, January 27, 1890

5.b. What comfort do we find in God’s word as we approach the consummation of our hope? James 5:7, 8; Hebrews 10:36–39

Note: “There will be no sadness in the city of God. No wail of sorrow, no dirge of crushed hopes and buried affections, will evermore be heard. Soon the garments of heaviness will be changed for the wedding garment. Soon we shall witness the coronation of our King. Those whose lives have been hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of faith, will shine forth with the Redeemer’s glory in the kingdom of God.” Testimonies, Vol. 9, 287

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What is the reward of the faithful?

2 Describe the home of the saved.

3 What will happen to the many trials we now have?

4 What should our youth think about if they desire everlasting life and joy?

5 What will you do today with the offer of salvation?