For the next 21 days, let's commit to feeding yourself spiritually by reading and reflecting on a passage of Scripture each day using the S.O.A.P. method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer). Keep a brief daily note of what you learn and how you might apply it, and at the end of the 21 days, share your biggest takeaway with someone else.
The Renewal of All Things
At the climax of John’s vision, heaven descends to earth, and God declares that His dwelling is with humanity. The old order of tears, pain, and death is passing away. The Eternal One on the throne proclaims: ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ This passage is not about escape from reality but transformation within reality: within God’s creation lies the enduring possibility for all things to be renewed toward radical wholeness.
Revelation 21.3-5 (ESV)
Greek Word Study
- xσκηνὴ (skēnē) – “dwelling place” (v. 3). Evokes the tabernacle; God “tabernacles” among humanity.
- ἐξαλείψει (exaleipsei) – “wipe away” (v. 4). To blot out, erase completely — the image of God’s intimate compassion.
- πρῶτα (prōta) – “former things” (v. 4). The old order of grief and death, now passing away.
- καινὰ (kaina) – “new” (v. 5). Not simply brand-new but renewed, transformed, transfigured.πιστοὶ
- καὶ ἀληθινοί (pistoi kai alēthinoi) – “trustworthy and true” (v. 5). God’s promise is utterly reliable.
Revelation was likely written c. 90–95 CE during Domitian’s reign, when Christians in Asia Minor faced persecution, marginalization, and pressure to conform to imperial cult worship. The vision of a new heaven and new earth was not abstract hope but concrete assurance: the oppressive empires of humanity are not the final word. God’s presence, not Rome’s throne, will shape reality.
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Power through coercion – armies, violence, dominance.
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Hierarchy and exclusion – worth measured by class, race, gender, wealth.
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Exploitation – people and creation treated as tools for gain.
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Fear and propaganda – allegiance demanded through intimidation or manipulation.
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Death as its ultimate weapon – to kill, suppress, and silence opposition.
Rome called it the Pax Romana (Peace of Rome), but it was peace through the sword - a peace always fragile, always enforced.
The Empire or Reigh of God is the opposite in character:
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Power through persuasion and love – God never coerces, but lures toward life.
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Radical inclusion – Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, all drawn into God’s household.
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Justice and compassion – the poor lifted up, the oppressed set free, creation healed.
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Truth and witness – not propaganda, but revelation of God’s abiding presence.
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Life as its ultimate gift – resurrection, renewal, the wiping away of every tear.
Jesus embodies this reign: not riding a warhorse, but entering Jerusalem on a donkey; not conquering through violence, but through self-giving love.
Observation through Three Lenses
1. Traditional (Catholic / Orthodox / Protestant Mainstream)Application through Three Lenses
1. Traditional
Do I live faithfully within the sacramental life of the Church, anticipating eternal communion? This passage reminds me that my tears, sorrows, and longings are gathered into God’s promise of union and resurrection.
2. Evangelical
Do I live with urgency and assurance that Christ is preparing an eternal dwelling with God? This passage challenges me to share the hope of salvation boldly, knowing that for those in Christ, death and sorrow will be no more.
3. Process Theological
Do I recognize that God is already renewing creation and dwelling with us now? This passage heals by reframing “the end” not as violent exclusion or escape, but as the eternal deepening of relational living in God in this present life. My call is to live in that renewal today, receiving and embodying God’s presence in the world where we live, and breathe, and have our being.
Prayer
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