"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."  Revelation 21:1   The "devouring" fire that burned up the wicked, leaving them neither root nor branch.  This fire burned until, ". . .the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."  2 Peter 3:10.

    This new earth will be created right before our very eyes.  As Noah's Ark  containing God's people was protected amid the commotion’s of the flood, so will every faithful soul be protected in the Holy City.  "Although the whole earth, with the exception of that portion where the city rests, will be wrapped in a sea of liquid fire, yet the city is preserved as was the Ark, by a miracle of Almighty power.  It stands unharmed amid the devouring elements."  3 Spiritual Gifts 87.

    "And there was no more sea."  Years ago when I first read this Bible verse about the new earth not having any oceans, I was just a little bit disappointed.  Then over in Revelation 22:15 "For without are dogs."  I was again disappointed.  Anyone who knew me, know of my fondness toward dogs and my love of the ocean.  But not anymore am I the least bit disappointed, with anything that heaven does, or plans to do.    I now realize that the four legged dog will be in the new earth, which from the Creators hand in the beginning, was said "it was very good." Gen. 1:31  It will be the two legged "dogs" that will be excluded from the new earth.  Especially the deceived ones and the "dumb dogs that would not bark."  5  T 211.  Oh, they could have barked all right, they were even trained to bark, but the Scripture says that they "would not!"  The apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians, chose to correct word to describe the two legged “dogs.”  “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers.”  Philippians 3:2.  “Beware” is a word recognizable by all, I wonder what word Paul would use today if he were alive to witness all of the deception taught in the churches of God’s professed people?

    "Thank God, in the earth made new, there will be no fierce torrents, no engulfing oceans, no restless, murmuring waves."  7 A Commentary 988.

    "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  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.  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.  And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."   Revelation 21:2-7.

    With God wiping away all tears from our eyes, and his people not even being able to remember any pain or suffering, is just one of the benefits of the new earth.  I have an idea that during the 1000 years in heaven, our redemption story will be told over, and over, to worlds afar.  And I am sure our testimony will include the song, that "Jesus led me all the way."  Personally without Him leading, I would take the wrong fork in the road every time.  I have been there and done that.

    Verse seven tells of a requirement if we expect to "inherit all things," it says that we must be an overcomer.  One thing that hinders real growth, is a uncontrolled appetite.  If one gets the victory first,  just over this one thing, the other difficult areas of their life will fall into place more easily.  (Leaning on our Saviour for strength of course.)  "We need to learn that indulged appetite is the greatest hindrance to mental improvement and soul sanctification.  With all our profession of health reform, many of us eat improperly.  Indulgence of appetite is the greatest cause of physical and mental disability, and lies largely at the foundation of feebleness and premature death.  Let the individual who is seeking to possess purity of spirit bear in mind that in Christ there is power to control the appetite."  9 Testimonies 156.

    "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Revelation 21:8.

    In this verse, eight traits of character are listed for us to avoid.  Now if one partakes, even a little, that persons destination, is the lake of fire, and the "second death."  Notice the words "all liars," does this suggest that there could be different degrees, or levels to a lie?  We can be thankful to heaven that they "all" will be rounded up, and burned, in the lake of fire.  "Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour."  Zechariah 8:16.

    Beginning at verse nine of this 21st chapter through verse five of chapter 22, describes the Holy City, it tells of its size, its building material, etc.  I cannot find one inferior piece of building material anywhere in this description.  Heaven wants us to have the very best of everything.  This has always been His ultimate will for us, the very best.  Please read these verses that describe the New Jerusalem, and let your mind dwell on the splendor of heaven that will be ours someday, remembering that by "beholding we are changed into the same image."