Hebrews 2:5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
Please note the phrase, “the world to come”. In Hebrews 6:5, we read, “And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come.” There again we find reference to the world to come. God is telling us this morning that there is another world coming. The apostle Peter wrote, “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Peter 2:13) The world to come is a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. The apostle John gives more insight in Revelation 21:1: “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.” Even in the Old Testament the prophet Isaiah had this revelation about the future: “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” (Isaiah 65:17) Are you getting a theme this morning? This present world with all of its sin and sorrow and pain and death is one day going to pass away and be replaced by a new heaven and a new earth.
John gives us a more detailed glimpse, howbeit through a glass darkly, in Revelation 21 and 22. And our precious Lord Jesus told the apostles in the upper room, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2,3) Jesus tells you and me, who are born of The Spirit and have called upon His Name for forgiveness of sin, that He has prepared a place for us.
I believe that one of the most vital disciplines in the life of the follower of Jesus Christ is to think more of heaven. Being heavenly-minded gives us the courage that we need to face today, and the hope that we need for an uncertain tomorrow. The gospel or “good news” is a message of hope. Jesus prayed this for you and me, beloved: “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24) When we breathe our last breath here on earth, we will breathe in the oxygen of heaven. We will be absent from the body but present with The Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). We will see Him in glory! But until that day comes, that glorious gospel of hope and the promise of the world to come are meant to inspire us to love today for the glory and honor of our God.
The kingdoms and the glory of this present world are going to pass away; thus, the prayer of the saints is, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done (in and through you and me) on earth it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) Today counts for eternity, beloved. Live boldly for Jesus. The best is yet to come! SELAH
