02/22/21 WHAT’S NEW? #22 — Revelation 21:5 (HCSB) Then the One seated on the throne said, “Look! I AM MAKING EVERYTHING NEW.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.”

Romans 8:19-22 (HCSB) says, “For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to FUTILITY—not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it—in the hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been GROANING together with labor pains until now.”

“FUTILITY”: This refers to the inability to achieve a goal or purpose. Because of man's sin, God cursed the physical universe (Ge 3:17-19), and now, no part of creation entirely fulfills God's original purpose. (adapted from The MacArthur Study Bible)

“I AM MAKING EVERYTHING NEW”: The sin of Adam and Eve unleashed a veritable “Pandora’s Box” of pain, suffering, brokenness and wickedness—not only on humanity, but throughout the entire universe. And each of us adds to the damage whenever we sin. Ultimately, as Jesus Christ returns and takes the throne over ALL of creation, He will quite literally be “MAKING EVERYTHING NEW,” returning everything to its original, perfect state. Praise the Lord!