Useful Bible Studies > Revelation Commentary > chapter 21
Our experience in this world is of constant trouble, pain and death. Troubles and pain may seem to come into our lives by chance, but death is certain for everyone (Ecclesiastes 9:1-2; Hebrews 9:27). It astonishes us even to think of a world without pain, trouble or death.
However, the Bible says that, even in our present world, people have not always suffered in this way. Genesis chapter 1 says that God created a perfect world. However, the first people chose, on purpose, not to obey God (Genesis 2:16-17; Genesis 3:1-7). The troubles, pain and death in this world are a result of that evil decision (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 5:12).
It is wrong to think that God wanted people to suffer. God is completely good (Psalm 136:1; James 1:17); he never does any evil thing (Genesis 18:25). It does not please God that anyone must die (Ezekiel 18:30-32). People brought all these troubles upon themselves by their evil actions. The whole world suffers as a result (Romans 8:22).
By his evil act, the first man brought these troubles into the world, and many people suffer. However, then Christ came. He chose to obey God; the result is that many people receive God’s kindness (Romans 5:15-21). God shows his love to all who receive Christ into their lives (John 1:12-13; John 3:16).
God’s promises to those people are very wonderful (John 1:16; Romans 8:18; 1 Corinthians 2:9). Death is God’s enemy, and God has promised to destroy it (Isaiah 25:7-8; 1 Corinthians 15:26; 1 Corinthians 15:54-55; Revelation 20:14). God is even creating a new world, where his people will live always with him (Revelation 21:3; John 3:16). In his holy city, the New Jerusalem, there will be no more pain and trouble (Isaiah 65:17-19). That is how God always wanted people to live. That is God’s plan for his people (Isaiah 66:22; Hebrews 4:9-11; Hebrews 11:16).
Next part: God will make everything new (Revelation 21:5)
Please use the links at the top of the page to find our other articles in this series. You can download all our articles if you go to the download page for our free 700+ page course book.
© 2016, Keith Simons.