HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
The Final Act (Revelation 21:1-7)

1) First Thoughts
a. God shows us what His people can expect in the life to come, when everything will be made new, like a wedding.
2) Understand the Context
a. After the solemn vision of the culmination of judgment described in Rev 20:11-15, the scene shifts in Revelation 21 to a celebration of God’s renewal of all things.
b. Remembering John, if we are in a season of suffering, and our only option is patient endurance, then let us be strengthened to the end by confidence that God will provide for and protect His people. We as believers are heading for what John saw, when all things will be made new.
3) Explore the Text
a. God’s New Provision (verses 1-2)
i. “passed away” – [10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. [11] Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
[12] Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? [13] Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. ~ II Peter 3:10-13
ii. “coming down” – Our future , eternal home is described as a new earth in a cosmos that is united!
b. God’s Presence Celebrated (verses 3-4)
i. John saw the day when we will see God face to face and be with Him forever.
ii. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.
And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. ~ Isaiah 66:23-24
c. The Promise Fulfilled (verses 5-7)
i. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. ~ I John 5:4
4) Memory Verse:
a. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. ~ Revelation 21:3