Apostolic Life in the 21st Century What Is the New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem?
Oct 13, 2025
In this engaging discussion, David K. Bernard, the General Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church and an esteemed Bible scholar, delves into Revelation 21. He challenges traditional views of Heaven, redefining it as wherever God dwells. Bernard explores the transformation of the universe into a new heaven and earth, and paints a vivid picture of the New Jerusalem as the eternal headquarters for believers. He also contemplates who will inhabit these spaces, reflecting on God's vast creation and the promise of restoration for eternity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Heaven Defined As God's Presence
- Heaven means the presence of the Lord, not merely a cloud-filled atmosphere or distant planet.
- The 'third heaven' describes God's transcendent presence where Jesus, a glorified human, currently exists outside the physical universe.
New Creation As Renovation, Not Escape
- Revelation's 'new heaven and new earth' likely means a renovated, transformed universe rather than mere relocation to clouds.
- Dr. Bernard expects the new creation to be recognizable yet freed from sin and natural calamity.
Jesus' Resurrected Body As Model
- Bernard points to Jesus' resurrection body as an example of recognizable transformation, noting he could be seen and touchmarks remained.
- He uses that event to illustrate how resurrected bodies and the new creation will be different yet identifiable.