“…and a new earth…and there was no longer any sea.“ (Revelation 21:1b, NIV 1984).
My Musings – The original condition of the earth was affected by Adam and Eve’s sinful fall “Cursed is the ground because of you.” (Genesis 3:17–19, NIV 1984) and as a result “the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19, NIV 1984). Today, the curse continues as even the scientific community generally agrees that the ecology of the earth is suffering due to the poor stewardship of man, with many of the earth’s inhabitants living outside of fellowship with God “[following] the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” (Ephesians 2:1, 2, NIV 1984).
“Creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay… [which it] has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” (Romans 8:21-22, NIV 1984). At that time, “the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10, NIV 1984). Afterwards, when “the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea,” John looked up and saw “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1). It will be so wonderful that the “former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind” (Isaiah 65:17, NIV 1984). Mercy me, I can only imagine!
Very little information has been provided about this new earth. There is, however, one curious fact. There will no longer be any sea. No other descriptions are given concerning the new earth, and nothing is known of its characteristics, its vegetation, color, or form. What few other references that are found in the Scripture (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; and 2 Peter 3:10–13) reveal no other details. Perhaps it is sufficient to look back at the description of the earth in its original state in Genesis before for fall? “God saw all that he had made [new], and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31, NIV 1984).
The reference to no more sea could also be a symbolic reference to the removal of evil and chaos (compare Genesis 1:2). It may also be meant to unify the earth’s inhabitants that were separated after the flood and the tower of Babel. A literal view would correspond with ancient Jewish interpretations of Isaiah 65:17, which mentions heaven and earth but does not mention the sea.
The symbolic view is seen by some as a reference to the evil powers earlier in Revelation 13:1, NIV 1984, ‘[where] the dragon stood on the shore of the sea.” If no more sea is taken literally, it does not necessarily mean no more water. It could simply indicate that the new earth will have a different arrangement as far as water is concerned. While today three fourths of our globe consist of water, this may not be the case in the eternal state. In John’s day, the sea meant danger, storms, and separation (John himself was on an island at the time separated from his flock). Thus, if taken symbolically John was giving us more than a geography lesson on the new earth.
My Advice – Yes, looking forward, we can only imagine what this will be like. Looking back, the “former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” That’s for the redeemed. For those who never accepted Christ, I can imagine that the “former times” that they either neglected or rejected the Word will be constantly “remembered” and will continually “come to mind.”
Along with “agony in this fire,” (Luke 16:24, NIV 1984), these recollections will only add to the “weeping and gnashing of teeth,” (Matthew 13:50, NIV 1984). “For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: It might have been!” Why risk what “might have been?” Rather, seek the security of what can be.
Resources:
Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (p. 647). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.
Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (p. 1547). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.
Walvoord, John F. (1985). Revelation. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 983). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Re 21:1). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
Keener, C. S. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament (Re 21:1). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 622). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
“Maud Muller,” John Greenleaf Whittier, from One Hundred Choice Selections. Ed. Phineas Garrett. Philadelphia: Penn Publishing Co., 1897.
The Brew Is A Musing 