The church is the spiritual kingdom of God on earth NOW. But the kingdom of God in heaven has never been about NOW. It has always been about being prepared for a time to come. The prophet Isaiah spoke of the coming of the new heaven and new earth. Jesus taught his disciples to be prepared for his return. John the apostle saw the Revelation of Jesus Christ on the isle of Patmos -- the beauty of the new heaven and new earth -- revealing those things that had been hidden in prophecies before.
Believers understand that this earth is not our home. We were created for the new heaven and new earth that God has prepared for us. We cannot say exactly what that will be like because we have yet to experience it. But I don't think it will be like we are in church forever and ever. I believe the Bible indicates that our imperishable bodies will be standing on the solid ground of the new earth, that we will have work to do, food to enjoy, and people we know and love, including children, babies, and animals I believe there will be music and singing -- even God's singing (Zephaniah 3:17). I believe there will be exquisite, colorful flowers, delicious fruit, and many other wonders of nature to enjoy -- all without the interference of Satan
We cannot imagine such beauty We hope to see the face of God and worship him; we hope to walk with Jesus, and that the Holy Spirit will supply our every need. We know that it will be an eternally perfect existence without sin and sorrow, and we will again have access to the tree of life
I believe that the new heaven and new earth will be a place of endless joy and love. Believers must know that this is our great hope to live righteously on earth. It is our preparation for an eternal destiny of infinite fascination and excitement. In fact, because of our complete faith and hope in what is to come, we live with anticipation as if we were already there.
