The New Jerusalem Today
Geoffrey discusses the concept of new creation as presented in 2 Corinthians 5:17, emphasizing that being in Christ signifies a transformation where the old has passed away and all things become new. He reflects on the importance of allowing the word of Christ to dwell richly in our hearts and shares his excitement about the new creation, which he believes has already begun spiritually through Christ's work on the cross. Geoffrey explains that the physical new creation, including the new heavens and new earth, will manifest in the future, but spiritually, believers can experience this new creation now. He highlights the significance of living in the reality of the new creation, which involves a shift from the old to the new, and encourages believers to abide in Christ. Geoffrey also touches on the imagery of the New Jerusalem, suggesting that it represents a spiritual reality that believers can experience today. He concludes by urging the congregation to contemplate their current experience in the new creation and to live in the light of this truth.
Outline of Main Points
- Introduction to 2 Corinthians 5:17 and the concept of new creation.
- Importance of the word of Christ dwelling in our hearts.
- New creation has begun spiritually through Christ's work on the cross.
- Future physical manifestation of new heavens and new earth.
- Encouragement to live in the reality of the new creation now.
- Imagery of the New Jerusalem as a spiritual reality for believers.
- Call to contemplate and experience the new creation in daily life.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
1 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.
