This a Revelation that Jesus gave to the Apostle John showing him (and us) what will take place in the future. These verses show the final state of mankind. This is what happens right after the great judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).
As you break down these verses, ask yourself, "How should we live now in view of what is going to happen?" Ask yourself why it is important to reach your friends with the message of salvation.
Let’s look at 3 Big Picture Themes from Revelation 21.
This world will come to an end. — Revelation 21:1
Jesus is making a new world of pure joy for all who thirst for Him. — Revelation 21:5-7
Those who choose not to thirst for Jesus will go to hell for eternity. — Revelation 21:8-21
This world will come to an end.
Key Concept: Live now knowing this world will end.
Key Verse: Isaiah 55:2 — Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.
Community Group Application: We pray for friends, family, and acquaintances to wake up and realize that this world will end.
Jesus is making a new world of pure joy for all who thirst for Him.
Key Concept: Jesus makes everything new – salvation – transformation – resurrection – new bodies – new heaven and new earth.
Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17 — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Community Group Application: We pray for friends, family, and acquaintances to be thirsty for Jesus.
Those who choose not to thirst for Jesus will go to hell for eternity.
Key Concept: The last judgment determines and therefore naturally leads on to the final state of those who appear before the judgment seat. Their final state is either one of everlasting misery or one of eternal blessedness (Louis Berkhof)
Key Verse: Romans 1:28-29a — Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity.
Community Group Application: We pray for friends, family, and acquaintances with urgency, understanding the consequences of not following Jesus.