The Former Things Have Passed Away

-May 1, 2024-

Good morning beloved, happy Wednesday,

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

John’s vision of heaven in Revelation 21 and 22 is amazing; it is something to look forward to for every believer. Today we are going to consider the “no mores” of heaven. The heading in my Bible for chapter 21 is: “All Things Made New.”

When we receive Christ, He makes all things new for us spiritually. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Our sins are forgiven, our names are written in heaven, we have eternal life, we have passed from darkness to light, death to life, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we have become children of God, and so much more.

Our position in Christ is so magnificent right now, yet we have even greater blessings awaiting us in heaven when we are with the Lord forever. The angel who spoke to John in his vision of the future is so exciting and encouraging.

There are five things which we call “The Five No Mores” which will be no more. Before sin entered the world these five things never existed. Once sin is done away with for good everything will be perfect, the way God originally intended: no more tears, no more sorrow, no more crying, no more death, and no more pain.

1. No More Tears – Just think how many tears you have shed in your life. Though sometimes we cry when we are very touched and happy, much of our weeping is when we are hurt and feeling deep inner pain. God himself will wipe away our tears, like a mother does her child’s.

2. No More Death – Can you imagine a place where no one grows old, no one ever dies, no one even gets sick. The Bible says, “The last enemy that will be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26). Even though we don’t fear death because it is our transition or bridge to heaven, it still is an enemy we do not like.

3. No More Sorrow – Sorrow comes when we feel inner trauma, especially for the loss of someone close to us. There will be none of that anymore. It will be our “Happy Place.” Disneyland may be the happiest place on earth, but it can’t in any way compare to heaven.

4. No More Crying – With no more tears there is no more crying. We will be eternally joyful, perfectly happy, and completely peaceful. We will happy nothing to cry about, nothing to complain about.

5. No More Pain – The older we get the more aches and pains we experience. Injuries happen now: broken bones, sprains and strains, torn ligaments, pulled muscles, arthritis, and many other maladies. Some people live in chronic pain. Hallelujah, we will have no pain in heaven.

Let us rejoice as much in what won’t be in heaven as what will be there. Of course, our greatest joy in heaven is seeing and being with the Lord Jesus and all the saints and angels.

Have a great day of anticipation of heaven. Our sufferings here and now can’t compare to glory in heaven. Stay safe and healthy.

New bodies likened to our Savior’s body are so great to look forward to.

Dean