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QUESTION 58
Revelation 21:1-2. My question is, if the first heaven and earth has passed away, and the bible is still saying that the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven, which of the heaven will be again?

ANSWER:
There are three heavens mentioned in the Bible. The atmosphere over the earth, the universal heavens, and the third heaven, 2 Corinthians 12:2. The new one comes down from God out of the third heaven, where He is. When reading about them we must search the context to know which it is speaking of. For an example, Psalm 19:1, The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handy work. Surely this cannot be the third heaven where God is. Neither can it be just the atmosphere over the earth, so obviously it is the universal heavens where all the planets are also. Again, Genesis 1:1, must exclude the third heaven where God and His throne is.

Again you asked: And where will the abode of men be? It will be in the New Jerusalem with the redeemed who are there. The holy city is called the "Lamb's wife'" they are the believers of this present age. The church will be in that holy city, either on or over the earth, and will reign with Christ. Revelation 5:9-10. This city seems to be the many mansions that He has gone to prepare for His own.

It was God's original purpose to dwell with man in the paradise of God or garden of Eden. Sin entered and God drove the man out. In redemption He has brought others back to Himself and will return to His original purpose to dwell with them. With the church, He will be in that holy city. Israel and the saved nations will be with Him, but they will be on the earth.

The Church is likened unto the wife of Christ and their dwelling is in that holy city. Revelation 21:9-10 Israel is the wife of Jehovah and they have been promised an earthly inheritance and will dwell in the land of Palestine. Jeremiah 3:1-2, Genesis 17:8; 48:4.

Dear Reader, where will you be in eternity? Only safe place is in Christ and His church. Do trust Him and be saved.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen