THE GOSPEL OF GOD’S ECONOMY

SERIES ELEVEN

THE KINGDOM

Message One

The Three Aspects of the Kingdom of the Heavens

Matt. 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens.

13:24-25 Another parable He set before them, saying, The kingdom of the heavens has become like a man sowing good seed in his field. But while the men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares in the midst of the wheat and went away.

24:44 For this reason you also be ready, because at an hour when you do not expect it, the Son of Man is coming.

Matthew Being a Book on the Kingdom of the Heavens

In chapter thirteen the Lord unveils the appearance of the kingdom of the heavens. In chapters five through seven we can see the reality of the kingdom of the heavens. In chapters twenty-four and twenty-five the manifestation of the kingdom of the heavens is revealed by the Lord Jesus.

The Reality, the Appearance, and

the Manifestation of the Kingdom of the Heavens

With the kingdom of the heavens there are three main aspects we must be clear about. The first aspect is the appearance of the kingdom of the heavens. This appearance is today’s Christendom, which includes the Roman Catholic Church and all the false Christians. The second aspect is the reality of the kingdom of the heavens. This aspect is comprised of the overcomers, the victorious Christians. All the genuine Christians, whether victorious or defeated, are the church. However, within the real church among the true believers there is a distinction between the victorious ones and the defeated ones. With the victorious ones there is the reality of the kingdom of the heavens. The victorious Christians who are in the reality of the kingdom of the heavens, the defeated believers who are in the church yet not in the reality of the kingdom of the heavens, the false Christians who are merely Christians in name but not members of the true church, and the world comprised of all the unbelievers are the four groups of people on the earth today. The appearance of the kingdom of the heavens, Christendom, and the reality of the kingdom of the heavens, the overcomers, comprise the dispensation of the church.…We may be in the church and still not be in the reality of the kingdom of the heavens.…To be in the church a person must be a real believer in Christ, regenerated with the life of God. After regeneration, a Christian has to go on with the Lord to be victorious. He must overcome all the sinful things; then he will be in the reality of the kingdom of the heavens.

After the dispensation of the church, the Lord will come back. This will be the manifestation of the kingdom of the heavens. Those who live in the reality of the kingdom of the heavens today will be manifested with the Lord to be the kings in the dispensation of the millennium to rule the nations on the earth with the saved Jews as the priests. The kings who are the overcomers in Christ, the saved Jews as the priests, and the people, the nations, comprise the manifestation of the kingdom of the heavens.…The manifestation of the kingdom of the heavens will be a reward, a prize, given to the overcomers.

Further Reading: CWWL, 1963, vol. 3, “A Brief Definition of the Kingdom of the Heavens,” ch. 2

THE GOSPEL OF GOD’S ECONOMY

SERIES ELEVEN

THE KINGDOM

Message Two

The Reality of the Kingdom

Mark 4:26 And He said, So is the kingdom of God: as if a man cast seed on the earth.

Luke 17:21 Nor will they say, Behold, here it is! or, There! For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.

The Reality of the Kingdom Being Christ as the Seed of Life

The reality of the kingdom is Christ as the seed of life. Christ, the One who is life, has sown Himself as the seed of life into God’s chosen ones, who are the soil for growing Him (Mark 4:3, 26). The Lord Jesus came to sow Himself as the seed of life into men’s hearts, that He might grow in them and live in them and be expressed from within them. The seed of the kingdom is not a matter of power or authority but of the divine life embodied in Christ. Hence, the seed of the kingdom is a seed of life. This seed of life, which is Christ Himself, is the basic element of the reality of the kingdom.

In order to make this matter clear, we may use the biological term “gene” and apply it to Christ as the seed of life, which is the kingdom in its reality. The Christ who has been sown into our being is the gene of the kingdom. We know that without human genes it is impossible to have human life. Our birth, being, and existence all came from a gene. The principle is the same with the kingdom in its reality. Christ has been sown into us to be the gene of the kingdom. Eventually, the kingdom will issue from this gene. It is crucial for us to see that the Christ who has been sown into our hearts is the gene of the kingdom. Christ has been sown into us as a gene, as a seed of life, to grow, develop, and issue in the kingdom.

The Kingdom’s Reality Being Seen

in Christ’s Expansion as the Enlargement

The kingdom’s reality is also seen in Christ’s expansion as the enlargement. Christ’s expansion is His growth within us, and His expansion is His enlargement.

We are God’s kingdom because we are the expansion of Christ, His enlargement. Luke 17:20-21 confirms this. “Being questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God comes, He answered them and said, The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, Look, here! Or, There! For behold, the kingdom of God is among you.” What does it mean to say that the kingdom of God does not come with observation? It means that the kingdom is invisible. The kingdom is something that cannot be observed by our natural ability. In particular, the kingdom cannot be observed by our natural thinking, which is completely useless in apprehending the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is not material but spiritual. As a spiritual reality it can be realized only by the Spirit in our regenerated spirit.

In Luke 17:20-21 the Lord reveals that He Himself is the kingdom. As the One who is Himself the kingdom, He enters into His believers and grows in them to have an expansion, an enlargement, and this enlargement is the kingdom in its reality. Therefore, both the seed of the kingdom and the expansion of the kingdom are the reality of the kingdom.

Further Reading: The Conclusion of the New Testament, msg. 250

THE GOSPEL OF GOD’S ECONOMY

SERIES ELEVEN

THE KINGDOM

Message Three

The Second Coming of Christ

Matt. 24:42 Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord comes.

Rev. 1:7 Behold, He comes with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the land will mourn over Him. Yes, amen.

The Coming of the Lord Being Hidden and Secret

at the Beginning and Being Manifested and Open at the End

The Bible shows that the Lord’s second coming is an actual coming and that the Lord Himself will descend from the heavens to be manifested before men. His coming with respect to His believers involves a long period of time, the time of His presence, which begins before the great tribulation and ends at the end of the great tribulation. It will last for three and a half years. At the end of the great tribulation, the coming of His presence will be manifested when He comes to earth to appear to men. His coming is hidden and secret at the beginning and manifested and open at the end.

The Secret Aspect of the Lord’s Return—Parousia

…The hidden aspect of the Lord’s second coming is His Parousia.…The Lord’s parousia, the coming of His presence, secretly begins before the great tribulation. At this time the Lord will come and secretly rapture the overcoming believers to His presence, just as a thief steals precious things.…When He does this, it will seem as if He has stolen His beloved believers. When He steals these believers by rapturing them, they will be gone before people realize that they are missing, just as precious things are gone before a householder realizes that a thief has broken into his house. Before the great tribulation the Lord will come to steal, to rapture, the overcoming believers. This is the hidden aspect of His second coming at the beginning of His parousia.

The Open Aspect of the Lord’s Return—Epiphaneia

The open aspect is His epiphaneia. …At the end of the great tribulation, however, the Lord will descend from heaven and be manifested. He will descend on the clouds and appear in the sky. His coming will be sudden like lightening, but all the people on earth will be able to see it. This is the open aspect of His second coming.

Being a Watchful, Ready Overcomer,

Waiting for the Lord’s Coming If We Want to Participate

in the Hidden Aspect of the Lord’s Second Coming

The Lord’s second coming involves a hidden aspect and an open aspect. Only watchful, overcoming believers who are waiting for Him will participate in the hidden aspect. All the world will see the open aspect, and all believers will participate in it. If we want to participate in the hidden aspect of the Lord’s second coming, having a part at the beginning of the Lord’s parousia, we must be a watchful, ready overcomer, waiting for the Lord’s coming. If we are not, we will participate only in the open aspect of the Lord’s second coming, the epiphaneia, the manifestation of His coming, at the end of the Lord’s parousia.

Further Reading: CWWL, 1932-1949, vol. 4, “Crucial Truths in the Holy Scriptures, vol. 6,” topic 60

THE GOSPEL OF GOD’S ECONOMY

SERIES ELEVEN

THE KINGDOM

Message Four

The Rapture of the Believers

Matt. 24:40-41 At that time two men will be in the field; one is taken and one is left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one is taken and one is left.

Rev. 3:10 Because you have kept the word of My endurance, I also will keep you out of the hour of trial, which is about to come on the whole inhabited earth, to try them who dwell on the earth.

Luke 21:36 But be watchful at every time, beseeching that you would prevail to escape all these things which are about to happen and stand before the Son of Man.

Two Aspects of the Rapture: The Rapture of the Overcomers

and the Rapture of the Majority of the Saints

In the Bible we see two aspects of the rapture: the rapture of the overcomers and the rapture of the majority of the saints. That there are two aspects of the rapture does not mean there are only two raptures. With the rapture of the overcomers there are at least three categories.

The Firstfruits Being the Living Overcomers

The firstfruits in Revelation 14:1-5 are the living overcomers. They will be reaped before the harvest as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.

The Man-Child Being the Dead Overcomers in Resurrection

The man-child (Rev.12:5) is composed of the dead overcomers in resurrection.…Rev.12:11 says that the overcomers who are a part of the man-child are faithful unto death, overcoming the enemy by the blood and by the word of their testimony, and not loving their soul lives unto death. This indicates that all those included in the man-child are faithful unto death. Many of them have been martyred.

The Late Overcomers

In addition to the man-child and the firstfuit, there is another company of overcomers in chapter fifteen: the late overcomers who overcome Antichrist, his mark, the number of his name, and his image, and who will be raptured to stand on the sea of glass to praise the Lord.

The Reaping of the Harvest Being

the Rapture of the Majority of the Believers

Following the firstfruits, in chapter fourteen, we have the harvest.…The harvest will be reaped near the end of the great tribulation. It will be raptured to the air where Christ will be on the cloud.

Further Reading: Life-study of Revelation, msg. 29

THE GOSPEL OF GOD’S ECONOMY

SERIES ELEVEN

THE KINGDOM

Message Five

The Millennial Kingdom

Rev. 20:4 And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and of those who had not worshipped the beast nor his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

20:6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

The Millennium Referring to the Time

after Christ Comes Again as King to Rule the World

and before the New Heaven and New Earth

After the Lord Jesus deals with the believers, the Jews, and the nations, He will bring in the millennial kingdom. The word “millennium” means one thousand years. The kingdom of the Lord on earth will be for one thousand years. The millennium, then, refers to the time after Christ comes again as King to rule the world and before the new heaven and new earth. In the Old Testament there are many verses concerning the millennial kingdom (Psa. 2:6, 8-9; Isa. 2:2-5; 11:1-10; 65:20-25; 30:26; Zech. 8:20-23; Psa. 72:1-17; Isa. 4:2-6; 9:7; 12:1-5; 16:5; 32:1-2; 40:9-11; 61:4-9; Zech. 14:16-21). In the New Testament the millennium is referred to in Revelation 20:4 and 6, verses that speak of those who reign with Christ a thousand years.

There Being Three Realms in the Millennium

In the millennium there will be three realms: the first will be the realm of the earth, where the blessing of God’s creation, as mentioned in Genesis 1:28-30, will take place; the second, the realm of the nation of Israel in Canaan, from the Nile to the Euphrates, in which the saved Jews will rule over the earth (Isa. 60:10-12; Zech. 14:16-18); and the third, the heavenly and spiritual realm (1 Cor. 15:50-52), where the overcoming believers will enjoy the kingdom reward (Matt. 5:20; 7:21). The kingdom that the sheep will enter will be the first realm. The blessing of the first realm in the millennium, the blessing of God’s creation, was prepared for the sheep from the foundation of the world, whereas the blessing in the third realm, the blessing of the heavenly and spiritual kingdom, was ordained for the believers before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:3-4)

The Millennium Being the Last and Most Crucial Part

of the Accomplishment of God’s Eternal Purpose

The millennium will be the last and most crucial part of the accomplishment of God’s eternal purpose. We need to stress this point strongly because throughout the centuries many Christian teachers have held the concept that when the Lord Jesus comes back everything will already be completed. According to this concept, the Lord’s coming back apparently means the end of the old universe and the beginning of the new heaven and the new earth, for a wonderful period of time, the millennium, will begin. But no matter how wonderful the millennium will be, during that time the old heaven and the old earth will remain in existence. At most, the millennium will be a time of restoration. After the last thousand years have passed, the entire universe will be changed from the old to the new. Then there will be the new heaven and the new earth with the New Jerusalem.

Further Reading: The Conclusion of the New Testament, msg. 245

THE GOSPEL OF GOD’S ECONOMY

SERIES ELEVEN

THE KINGDOM

Message Six

The Difference between Reward and Salvation

1 Cor. 3:14-15 If anyone’s work which he has built upon the foundation remains, he will receive a reward; if anyone’s work is consumed, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

The Reward That the Bible Speaks of

Being Different from Salvation

The Bible shows that before God there is the matter not only of salvation but also of reward. This reward serves as a warning, encouraging us to go forward and drawing us to pursue the Lord. Thus, every believer should pay attention to the matter of reward.…The reward that the Bible speaks of is different from salvation.

The Reward Being Based upon Our Work

1 Cor. 3:14 speaks of receiving a reward. If our work upon Christ as the foundation remains, we will receive a reward. This shows that receiving a reward is not the same as being saved. Salvation is by faith; it is not according to works (Eph. 2:8-9). However, this verse speaks of a reward that is based upon our work.

There Being a Possibility That

We Will Suffer Loss in the Future

If our work before the Lord is consumed, that is, if it does not remain, we will suffer loss. To suffer loss here is not in relation to eternal perdition, and it does not mean that we are not saved. Rather, it means that we will not obtain the reward, but instead we will be disciplined. This is indicated by the phrase he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire in the second half of this verse. Passing through fire indicates discipline; moreover, this discipline causes one to suffer loss. If our works and acts are not according to God’s will, we will be disciplined in the future even though we are saved. Therefore, according to the Bible, there is a possibility that we will suffer loss in the future, because the preceding verse shows that the matter of reward is different from the matter of salvation.

This Being a Warning to Us That in the Future

Some Believers Will Not Only Be Saved but Also Rewarded

and that Some Believers Will Suffer Loss despite Being Saved

In 1 Corinthians 3 we can clearly see that there is a matter of reward and loss apart from salvation and perdition. We must not think that we have nothing to fear since we will never perish. Although perdition is reserved for unbelievers, it is still possible for believers to suffer loss. Consequently, we should not think that everything is all right as long as we are saved. Although we have escaped perdition, we will not necessarily escape the suffering of loss. Likewise, although we have obtained salvation, we will not necessarily obtain the reward. Just as suffering loss and perishing are different, obtaining the reward and being saved are different. In the future some believers will not only be saved but also rewarded; however, some believers will suffer loss despite being saved. This should be a warning to us.

Further Reading: CWWL, 1932-1949, vol. 4, “Crucial Truths in the Holy Scriptures, vol. 5,” topic 47

THE GOSPEL OF GOD’S ECONOMY

SERIES ELEVEN

THE KINGDOM

Message Seven

The Kingdom Reward

Matt. 24:45-47 Who then is the faithful and prudent slave, whom the master has set over his household to give them food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Truly I say to you that he will set him over all his possessions.

After the conclusion of the dispensation of grace, God will change for the last time the way of His work of the new creation on the man of the old creation. That is, He will set up His kingdom on the earth (Rev. 11:15) to carry out His administration and by His absolute righteousness bring to a conclusion the different kinds of people among the human race, that He may accomplish His work of the new creation in the old creation. This dispensation is called the dispensation of the kingdom.

Rewarding the Just Men Perfected in the

Old Testament According to Righteousness

In the first two dispensations, the dispensation of the patriarchs and the dispensation of law, God obtained a group of perfected just men, the overcomers in the Old Testament, who are able to enter into the manifestation of the kingdom of the heavens to participate in Christ’s kingship and joy.

In the dispensation of the patriarchs, all those who took God’s ordained way by faith according to God’s promise were perfected to become the overcomers in their times. They were the fathers, such as Abel, Enosh, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moreover, in the dispensation of law, the devout and just men, who absolutely kept the law by the offerings and the tabernacle, both of which typify Christ, were also perfected to become the overcomers in their times. Such men were Moses, Joshua, Caleb, and others who were perfected by God in the Old Testament, as mentioned in Hebrews 11. They all will receive the Lord’s reward and enter into the heavenly part of the millennial kingdom to enjoy the kingdom feast (Matt. 8:11) and to be co-kings with Christ (Rev. 20:4, 6)

Rewarding the Overcoming Believers in Christ

in the New Testament According to Righteousness

In the dispensation of grace God is also gaining the overcoming believers in Christ, who will enter into the manifestation of the kingdom of the heavens, becoming its main part, to be co-kings with Christ, ruling over the nations on the earth in the millennial kingdom.

Solemnly Taking the Lord’s Word Concerning the Reward

and Punishment of the Kingdom That We May Be Warned

The New Testament clearly indicates that before God the believers must not only deal with the matter of salvation but also with the matter of reward and punishment (Luke 19:22-26; Matt. 24:45-51; 25:1-30; Luke 12:42-48; 2 Cor. 5:9-10; 1 Cor. 4:5). When the dispensation of the kingdom comes, all believers must face this issue. We need to solemnly take the Lord’s word concerning the reward and punishment of the kingdom that we may be warned, encouraged, and attracted to press on toward Christ and to be the overcomers that we may receive a prize in the future.

Further Reading: Truth Lessons, Level 2, Vol. 1, lsn. 12

THE GOSPEL OF GOD’S ECONOMY

SERIES ELEVEN

THE KINGDOM

Message Eight

Losing the Kingdom Reward

and Being Punished by God

All the Negative Points of All the Five Warnings of Hebrews

Being Related to Suffering the Loss of the Reward

in the Coming Kingdom and to Being Punished by God

As we have seen, the loss of the reward in the coming kingdom, the forfeiture of our birthright, does not mean that we shall perish. It means that we shall lose the reward and suffer loss, but still “be saved, yet so as through fire” (1Cor.3:14-15, Gk.). This is the basic concept upon which all the five warnings of this book are given and with which they all are pervaded (Heb.2:3; 4:1-11; 6:8; 10:27, 29-31; 12:25). All the negative points of these warnings are related to suffering the loss of the reward in the coming kingdom and to being punished by God, whereas all the positive points are related to the reward and enjoyment of the kingdom.…All the warnings in Hebrews do not refer to the loss of eternal salvation, but to the loss of the kingdom reward. The Hebrew believers had received the kingdom, but they would have lost the reward in the manifestation of the kingdom if they shrank back from the grace of God, from God’s new covenant way. This was the main concern of the writer’s warning regarding the staggering Hebrew believers.

Losing the Kingdom Reward on the Positive Side

and Suffering Punishment on the Negative Side If We Do Not

Cooperate with God in His Administrative Economy

The focal point of the book of Hebrews is to bring us into the holy nature of God. If we do not cooperate with God in this, we shall break His administration. To break God’s administration is a governmental matter. Breaking God’s law is not as serious as breaking His government. God has revealed that if we do not cooperate with Him in His administrative economy but rather break His government, He will punish us. This means that we shall lose the kingdom reward on the positive side and suffer punishment on the negative side. In Hebrews 10 and 12 we see the way, the race, and the pathway that we must take, run on, and pass through. In these chapters we also see the punishment, the reward, and the kingdom. These three things are crucial aspects of the basic concept in the composition of this book.

The writer of Hebrews warns us to take the revelation of God’s economy as found in this book. If we take it, we shall receive a reward in the manifestation of the kingdom. If we do not take it, we sshall suffer some punishment due to our breaking of God’s administrative economy. Those who do not have the substantiating sense, or who fail to exercise it, cannot see this. While we are so serious and sober about this matter, many other Christians are not. Under the enlightening of the heavenly revelation we have been seeing in these messages, we must be serious and sober about running the race on the straight paths. The way we run today will determine our future destiny.

Further Reading: Life-study of Hebrews, msg. 54

THE GOSPEL OF GOD’S ECONOMY

SERIES ELEVEN

THE KINGDOM

Message Nine

The Purgatory of Catholicism

Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no other, for neither is there another name under heaven given among men in which we must be saved.

Catholicism Preaching the Doctrine of Purgatory

Because It Not Fully Knowing the Truth in the Bible

Because Catholicism does not fully know the truth in the Bible, it preaches the doctrine of purgatory. If you do not know the truth that we have released in the last few meetings, you will not be able to tell whether the doctrine of purgatory is right or wrong. Now that you have heard these messages, you will realize that the doctrine of purgatory is absolutely wrong. You can say that it is heresy. In the Bible we see that God’s discipline of the Christians happens in the millennium, but Catholics say that there is a purging going on today. They say that if a Christian does not live up to standard on earth today, he will not be able to go to heaven. Hence, he must be purged. Therefore, they say that as soon as a Christian dies, he begins to be purged and is purged until the job is done. However, there is absolutely no such teaching in the Bible. The Bible never says that as soon as a Christian dies, he will be purged in Hades. The Bible shows us that there will be the discipline in the kingdom in the future, but there is no purging in Hades today.

Second, Catholics make another grave mistake. They think that if they secure for themselves indulgences while they are alive or if the priests pray for them after they die, they will be relieved of some of the purging of purgatory. But the Bible never says anything like this. The Bible says only that he who has mercy on others will obtain mercy. Praying by the priest will not do anything for the dead. The Bible never teaches us to pray for the dead.

Third, Catholics tell people that a man will not be saved until he has been completely purged in purgatory. This is an absolute overturning of the teaching of the Bible. The Bible shows us that there is no other name in heaven or on earth besides that of the Lord Jesus whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Only He can save us. Apart from the Lord Jesus, there is no salvation. Discipline and chastisement are not for salvation but for sanctification. The matter of our salvation is settled long before God disciplines us, but there are still things in us that do not match Him. There are still imperfections and areas that are not up to standard. Therefore, there is the discipline in this age and the discipline in the coming kingdom.

Realizing That the Doctrine of Purgatory

Annuls Grace if We Know the Biblical Truth

Once a person is clear about the biblical truth, he will see the heresy in Roman Catholicism. The Roman Catholic Church takes a few verses and utilizes them for her own purpose. But if we know the biblical truth, we will realize that the doctrine of purgatory annuls grace. Thank God that, although I am a filthy sinner, through the Lord Jesus I am now saved. When I die, I do not have to be purged any further, because salvation is not of me, but of the Lord Jesus. Surely I am saved. Now we know what discipline is. Discipline is God’s means to make us perfect as He is perfect. He chastises us so that we will be like Him, even the same as He is. This has nothing to do with our salvation. It is a matter within His family.

Further Reading: CWWN, vol. 29, “The Gospel of God (2),” msg. 24

THE GOSPEL OF GOD’S ECONOMY

SERIES ELEVEN

THE KINGDOM

Message Ten

The New Heaven and the New Earth

Rev. 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and the sea is no more.

Isa. 65:17 For I am now creating new heavens And a new earth, And the former things will not be remembered, Nor will they come up in the heart.

There are only four verses in the Bible that explicitly speak of the new heaven and the new earth. Revelation 21:1 says, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and the sea is no more.” The other three verses are Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; and 2 Peter 3:13. Isaiah 65:17 says, “I am now creating new heavens / And a new earth, / And the former things will not be remembered, / Nor will they come up in the heart.” Isaiah 66:22 says that the new heavens and the new earth which Jehovah will make will remain before Him. Second Peter 3:13 says, “According to His promise we are expecting new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” When the old heaven and the old earth pass away through fire and are renewed into the new heaven and the new earth (vv. 10-13), the New Jerusalem will descend to the new earth to be the eternal expression of the processed and consummated Triune God.

The New Heaven and the New Earth Not Being

Something Other than the Old Heaven and the Old Earth

but Being the Old Heaven and the Old Earth Renewed

The new heaven and the new earth will not be something other than the old heaven and the old earth but will be the old heaven and the old earth renewed to be the new heaven and the new earth through the judgment of God at the close of the old creation. By the judgment of God, the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the elements, burning with intense heat, will be dissolved, and the earth and the works in it will be burned up.

The Holy City, New Jerusalem, Descending to the New Earth

after the Coming Forth of the New Heaven and the New Earth

After the coming forth of the new heaven and the new earth, the holy city, New Jerusalem, will descend to the new earth. Righteousness will dwell in the new heaven and new earth and will saturate God’s new universe to maintain it absolutely under God’s righteous order. The new heaven and new earth will have years, months, days, and nights ruled by the sun and the moon. In the New Jerusalem, however, there will be no distinction between day and night, for the light in the holy city will be the Triune God Himself. The restored nations on the new earth will be the people of God, but they will not have God’s life and nature. God, who dwells in the New Jerusalem as the tabernacle, will be with them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death, sorrow, crying, and pain will be no more. They will be sustained eternally by the leaves of the tree of life to live on the new earth outside the New Jerusalem, taking the deeds of Christ as their guide and direction, so that they may live the created and restored human life and share the common blessings in the new heaven and the new earth forever.

Further Reading: Truth Lessons, Level 4, Vol. 2, lsn. 40