THE TRUE NEW HEAVEN AND EARTH

Teaching summary

In this teaching, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola explain that the “new heaven and new earth” described in Revelation is not about a future destroyed planet, but about the end of the old temple system and the beginning of God dwelling within believers. They show how Jesus predicted the destruction of the Jewish temple and how this was fulfilled in AD 70. The message emphasizes that God no longer lives in buildings made by human hands, but in people. The new covenant of grace means believers are now God’s true temple, permanently cleansed and filled with His presence.

Bible verses referenced

Luke 21:5-6- And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Acts 17:24- God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Revelation 21:1-2- And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Revelation 21:3- And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Hebrews 10:14- For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Revelation 21:4- And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Teaching notes

Opening and Gratitude to the Ministry Family
Jesus’ Prophecy About the Temple’s Destruction
Why God Allowed the Temple to Be Destroyed
Paul’s Teaching: God Does Not Live in Temples
The Meaning of the New Heaven and New Earth
The End of the Cleansing Sea
God’s New Dwelling Place: Within Believers
The End of the Old Order and Persecution
Living as God’s True Temple
Closing Exhortation and Blessing

Opening and Gratitude to the Ministry Family

Pastor Leonard opens by greeting the congregation warmly and expressing heartfelt gratitude for their ongoing love, prayers, communication, and financial support. He and Pastor Lori acknowledge how vital the church family is, especially during times when services are disrupted due to weather. They explain that even when people cannot physically attend, the ministry still has expenses and needs. Pastor Lori adds that she sees the congregation as “God’s hand extended,” emphasizing that their generosity is part of how God continues to bless and sustain the ministry.

Jesus’ Prophecy About the Temple’s Destruction

The teaching begins with Jesus’ words from Luke about the destruction of the temple. Pastor Lori reads:

Luke 21:5-6- And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall be no stone left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Pastor Leonard explains that this was not a vague future prophecy, but something Jesus said would happen in the disciples’ lifetime. While many people interpret this as a far-off end-times event, the disciples clearly understood Jesus was speaking about the literal temple in Jerusalem. The destruction was real, physical, and devastating.

Why God Allowed the Temple to Be Destroyed

Pastor Leonard asks an important question: Why would God allow such a beautiful and sacred structure to be destroyed? The temple was considered by many to be “heaven and earth,” the meeting place between God and man. It was believed that God’s presence dwelt in the Holy of Holies. However, Pastor Leonard explains that by Jesus’ time, God was no longer living there.

He points to the crucifixion, when the temple veil was torn from top to bottom. This revealed that God was no longer confined to that building. The destruction of the temple exposed the truth: God was transitioning from dwelling in buildings to dwelling in people.

Paul’s Teaching: God Does Not Live in Temples

Pastor Leonard then turns to the Apostle Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill. Pastor Lori reads:

Acts 17:24- God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

This verse becomes a cornerstone of the message. Pastor Leonard explains that God does not live in structures made by humans anymore. This is one of the main reasons God allowed the temple to be destroyed. Any attempt to build a physical place for God to dwell misunderstands the new covenant reality.

The Meaning of the New Heaven and New Earth

The pastors then move into Revelation. Pastor Lori reads:

Pastor Leonard explains that most Christians interpret this as a future cosmic event where the planet is destroyed and replaced. But historically, the phrase “heaven and earth” referred to the Jewish temple system. Even the “sea” referred to the large cleansing pool used for ritual washings.

In AD 70, the Roman army destroyed the temple, just as Jesus predicted. This was not random history—it marked the end of the old covenant system.

The End of the Cleansing Sea

The “sea” no longer existing symbolizes that ritual cleansing is no longer needed. Pastor Leonard connects this to Hebrews:

Hebrews 10:14- For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Because believers are perfected forever through Christ, there is no longer a need for continual cleansing rituals. The blood of Jesus accomplished what the temple system never could.

God’s New Dwelling Place: Within Believers

The very next verse in Revelation explains the meaning clearly. Pastor Lori reads:

Pastor Leonard emphasizes that this is the true new heaven and new earth: God dwelling within human beings. Believers are now the living temple. God’s presence, power, and life reside within them.

The End of the Old Order and Persecution

Pastor Lori reads:

Pastor Leonard explains that before AD 70, Christians were heavily persecuted by the Jewish religious system. Families were torn apart, believers were imprisoned, and suffering was widespread. Paul himself had once participated in this persecution.

When the temple was destroyed, the entire system that enforced this persecution collapsed. The “old order” ceased. The law ended. There were no more sacrifices, no priesthood, no temple records, no legal system to enforce religious oppression.

Living as God’s True Temple

Pastor Leonard brings everything together by reminding believers that God now lives within them. They carry eternal life. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives inside them. There is no more striving, no more religious performance, no more fear of separation from God.

Believers are God’s true temple. They house His presence. They carry His power. And this power works within them beyond what they could ever ask or imagine.

Closing Exhortation and Blessing

Pastor Lori expresses how this revelation brought her deep freedom and joy. She prays that it will do the same for everyone listening. Pastor Leonard invites viewers to sign up for daily grace messages and encourages them to stay connected.

The message closes with a reminder to walk in blessings, remain aware of God’s presence within, and live in the freedom of grace.

We hope this article blessed you and brought clarity and freedom to your understanding of the gospel. The true new heaven and earth is not a distant future, but a present reality—God living within you. Share this teaching with others so they, too, can experience the joy of knowing they are the true dwelling place of God.