Heaven, How Amazing Is It? Part 1 of "Heaven and Hell"Näide

Will there be nature on the new earth?

The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,

and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,

and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together;

and a little child shall lead them (Isaiah 11:6).

There is this idea among many Christians that we will live in a city on the new earth because Revelation talks about the new Jerusalem. But there is no reason to assume that this city of gold will take over the whole earth and that we will all live there together.

Isaiah 11:6-9 speaks of wild, carnivorous animals living together in peace. This description hints at nature: not a nature where death and destruction reign, but a creation where humans and animals will live together in carefree unconcern. Animals too will share in that peace: have you ever noticed how animals in the wild are controlled by fear? That will soon be a thing of the past.

In Revelation 22:1-2, we find a description of a river, clear as crystal, with fruit trees on either side serving for healing the nations. Pollution will be a thing of the past; poisoning as a result of drinking polluted water will no longer exist. Fruit will taste better than the tastiest fruit here on earth.

Psalm 104 is a hymn of praise to God's beautiful creation. In verse 24, the psalmist exclaims: "How great are Your works, LORD; You have made all things with wisdom; the earth is full of Your riches." Wouldn't the creation on the new earth, freed from the curse, be even more beautiful and constantly inspire us to sing praises to the Creator?

What things in creation make you praise God?