What began with the 'King of righteousness' who sits on a 'throne of righteousness' and rules with a 'sceptre of righteousness' and establishes a 'kingdom of righteousness' and bestows a 'crown of righteousness' will finally end in a 'home of righteousness'. 'In keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.' ( 2 Peter 3:13) Since the old earth has been marred by sin and rebellion, God will create a new earth which will be the abode of righteousness, where there will no more evil that causes men to sin. 'The end (of the old earth and heavens) will come when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.' (1 Corinthians 15:24) Even the old 'heavens are not pure in the sight of God' (Job 15:15) because of the presence of 'spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.' (Ephesians 6:12) and it has been marred by war.(Revelation 12:7-8) Therefore God will create a new heaven to match the new earth. 'Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and first earth has passed away. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God ... And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men and he will live with them. They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God"... He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new! ... He who overcomes will inherit all this and I will be his God and he will be my son." (Revelation 21:1-7) Since the new Jerusalem is a 'city of righteousness', 'nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.' (21:27) Abraham had looked forward to this city and saw it from a distance and welcomed it. 'For he was looking forward to the city with foundations whose architect and builder is God ... They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance... They were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.' (Hebrews 11:10-16) 'So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.' ( 2 Peter 3:14) Amen.
154. Home of righteousness.
Sam Matthews. K
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