“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelation 21:1-5)
What is the sea spoken of in Revelation, chapter 21? Some people say that it refers to the waters on earth, so no more sea masses, like streams and oceans. Other people say that it means that there are no small seas, but there are still oceans. And another group of people say that it means that oceans are no more but small streams. However, these are all false interpretations of the text. Now, wait, don’t click off this message just because you believe in one of those fashions above. I used to also believe in a very similar way until God showed me the proper interpretation of the text through the Holy Spirit. And guess what the sea really means? It is about the sea in Sheol, where the dead are kept. Because the place of paradise had no more need, it was no more. Meaning, it dried up or God got rid of it. That’s it. So you may now be wondering where did I get this information? It is easy, actually. You need to flip back a chapter and the truth is easily evident. Have an open heart to learn and you will see it. The verse will fly off the page (Hint: Revelation 20:13) Start with verse 11 in chapter 10. Those verses are found below. I hope you read them…
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)
In these verses, we learn about the Great White Throne Judgment Seat. Where people who are part of the sea (paradise) and hell are brought before Jesus and his thrown. It will be very unpleasant and fearful for people that come out of hell, but a joyous occasion to see Jesus for people that come out of paradise. Only those who are part of death and hell have their names not found in the book of life, but this was not the case for the righteous. You see, where people hear “depart from me, ye cursed”, those who are for Jesus hear, “well done, thou good and faithful servant”. Into the lake of fire, “death and hell”, and the people therein will go. Into the new earth/new heaven, do the people of God go. The saints of God don’t pass through judgment but receive their rewards in the resurrection to life eternal. Whereas, people in hell, die a second death. So what happens to the sea? It is no longer needed and God gets rid of it. What does this mean? It means that oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams are on the new earth. It will be so beautiful. Much better than we can experience in this life. I cannot wait for this day. Come Lord Jesus, come. Amen.
