THE ETERNAL STATE

The Lord will create new heavens* and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (In the Christian era, while the Lord is absent, righteousness suffers; in the Millennium righteousness will reign, but in the eternal state righteousness will dwell.) It will be a permanent state in the things between God and man. The heavens and the earth will then coexist in the most perfect harmony. 2 Pet 3:12,13; Rev 21:1-8.

[ Note: *The new heavens that will be formed are not the heaven of heavens, the dwelling place of God. The heaven of heavens will not undergo change, for it is a place that is, was, and always will be perfect. ] There will be no reign in the eternal state, for there will be no need of government. Rev 22:5 The righteous saints of the earth from the Millennial period will apparently be translated from the Millennial earth to this new earth without seeing death. All differences of time, national distinctions, geographical borders and limitations that exist today will disappear. It will be an entirely new order of life for man upon the earth. There will be neither male nor female. No enemy or evil will ever invade that scene of blessedness. This is the Eternal State. It is also called "The Day of God", "Ages of Ages" and "The Day of Eternity". Rev 21:1-8; 2 Pet 3:12; 1 Cor 15:28; Eph 3:21 (Bible de Jérusalem); 2 Pet 3:18.

There will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. 1 Cor 15:26; Rev 21:4.

The New Jerusalem will descend from heaven to earth. It will be the city of the saints. Rev 21:2-3.

God will be all in all. 1 Cor 15:28. There will be more people in heaven and on earth, redeemed by God and enjoying His favor, than in the lake of fire under judgment.* In EVERYTHING Christ will have the preeminence. Compare Prov 27:20 with Luke 14:23; Col 1:18.

[ Note: *There is no difficulty in understanding this when we consider the many thousands of children who died in their infancy (i.e. during the flood in the day of Noah) or before they were born. Matt 18:10,11; 2 Sam 12:23. ]