Commentary on Revelation 21-22
Chuck Smith explains the prophetic vision of the new heaven and new earth, emphasizing God's sovereign power over creation and the ultimate renewal of all things.
In this expository sermon, Chuck Smith unpacks the profound vision found in Revelation chapters 21 and 22, focusing on the passing away of the current heaven and earth and the promise of a new creation. He integrates biblical prophecy with scientific insights to illustrate God's sovereign power over the universe. Listeners are encouraged to understand the ultimate renewal of all things and the hope it brings to believers.
Text
I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away (Rev 21:1);
Now, we are beyond the thousand years. The first heaven is passed away. Peter tells us it passes away with a great noise with a fervent heat as the elements are dissolved.
Now, God spoke the universe into existence. And in speaking it into existence, He spoke into existence a scientific puzzle. For in speaking matter into existence, He brought the protons and electrons and assembled them together. And in creating the atoms, and bringing into the heart of the atom, the protons tightly knit together in the nucleus of the atom, He violated the law of electricity, Collins Law, which speaks of the repelling force of positive charges. Positive poles repel. Try to put them together and they will fight each other. There is a repelling force of positive charges, tremendously powerful repelling force.
The atom bomb illustrates to us the true nature of an atom. For what is happening is the nucleus of an atom is bombarded with slow moving neutrons that upset the delicate balance of the protons in the heart of the atom and it releases them. As it releases them, you have this tremendous release of energy and power and you see the tremendous power released when protons within an atom are set free. It is an equivalent power that holds them together. It takes an equivalent power to hold the nucleus of an atom together that is released when the nucleus is unbalanced.
Now, God who holds together the universe by the word of His power, and we are told this in the scripture; He created it by the word of His power and by Him all things are held together. All He is going to do is relax and let it go, and the whole material universe will go up in one gigantic puff. The elements will be dissolved and melted with a fervent heat. The heavens will be on fire. The whole material universe following the natural laws with the protons repelling each other, and this whole material universe will go out of existence in a moment\
Sermon Outline
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I
- The passing away of the first heaven and earth
- Scriptural basis for the dissolution of the universe
- The prophetic vision of a new heaven and new earth
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II
- God's creative power in forming the universe
- Scientific insights into the atomic structure
- The balance of forces within the atom
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III
- The eventual release of energy as the universe dissolves
- The role of God's word in sustaining creation
- The fiery judgment and renewal of all things
Key Quotes
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” — Chuck Smith
“God who holds together the universe by the word of His power... All He is going to do is relax and let it go, and the whole material universe will go up in one gigantic puff.” — Chuck Smith
“The elements will be dissolved and melted with a fervent heat. The heavens will be on fire.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Trust in God's sovereign power to sustain and renew all creation.
- Live with hope and anticipation of the new heaven and new earth promised in scripture.
- Recognize the harmony between God's word and the natural laws He established.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'new heaven and new earth' mean?
It refers to the complete renewal and restoration of creation after the present universe passes away.
How does science relate to the biblical account of creation?
The sermon highlights how God's creative word established the atomic structure, revealing harmony between scripture and scientific principles.
What causes the current universe to pass away?
According to scripture, the universe will dissolve with fervent heat as God allows the natural forces He created to release their energy.
Why is God's word important in creation?
God's word not only created all things but also holds the universe together by His power.