Former Things Have Passed Away
Author: Stephen Weller
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He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (Revelations 21:4 ESV)
Our verse for the day is one of hope and encouragement and is found in the paragraph containing the promise of a new heaven and a new earth in which all things are made new. God removes the old to eliminate the fatal infection of evil and replaces it with a new creation in which sin and suffering and death are forever banished and where righteousness will dwell (2 Peter 3:12 – 13).
Because of a difference of opinion on the part of scholars, it is not clear as to the extent and way in which the “first heaven and first earth” will pass away and be transformed into something new. The question seems to relate to whether this will be an entirely new creation or some type of transformation of the old.
Each of us began with an old sinful nature but through salvation we became a new creation within old bodies. Those bodies will be eliminated at physical death to be replaced with new ones. The old becomes new, but there is some kind of continuity between the old and the new. The old me becomes a new me, but it is still me even in heaven. It is like the difference between a seed and a plant. The seed is sown and must die to become a plant. There is continuity between the seed and the plant. How this continuity, that we see with us, plays out with the old heavens and earth is not certain.
One thing that is certain is what God has told us in our verse for today. He has promised there would be nothing hurtful to cause crying; no more death, or mourning, or pain. When Adam sinned, God’s creation was damaged, and we suffer as a result and we see decay and death all around us. The environment we live in is at time harsh and at times even dangerous. All of these former things will have passed away and we will find a fullness of enjoyment in God and his new restored creation.
Father, as a result of our affluent lifestyle, we do not embrace this verse as we should. We don’t look beyond the pleasures and things of this life to prepare for the next life as we should, and even in this life we are missing the experience of your glory in us because we are not finding our satisfaction in you. Help us take time to lay aside those things that hinder our relationship with you and seek that which is rich according to your will and generosity.
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Summary Theme
The Complete Removal of Suffering and the Eternal Restoration of God’s People
Summary Paragraph
Book of Revelation 21:4 reveals the climactic promise of God’s redemptive plan: in the new heaven and new earth, God Himself will remove every trace of sorrow from His redeemed people. Death, grief, crying, and pain, all consequences of the Fall, will permanently cease. This verse portrays not merely improved circumstances but total restoration, where the “former things” pass away and God dwells intimately with His people. It is the fulfillment of covenant hope, the reversal of Genesis 3, and the completion of redemption accomplished through Jesus Christ. The verse offers both comfort for present suffering and assurance of eternal joy in God’s presence.
Discussion Questions with Extended Answers
1. What does it mean that God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes”?
This phrase communicates personal, intimate comfort. The imagery suggests not a distant decree but a tender act by God Himself. Every tear represents individual sorrow, loss, persecution, illness, regret, injustice. God’s promise is comprehensive: no tear is overlooked. The wiping away indicates both compassion and finality. Suffering will not merely be reduced; it will be completely removed. This reveals God’s character as both sovereign and deeply relational.
2. Why is the removal of death so significant?
Death entered the world through sin (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). It has been humanity’s greatest enemy and the ultimate expression of the curse. By declaring that “death shall be no more,” Revelation 21:4 announces the full and final victory of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:26). Resurrection life will be permanent and incorruptible. This means no separation, no decay, no fear of endings, only unbroken fellowship with God.
3. What are the “former things” that have passed away?
The “former things” include everything associated with the fallen order: sin, curse, corruption, injustice, suffering, separation, fear, and mortality. It is the complete removal of the old creation affected by the Fall. This signals not annihilation of existence, but renewal and transformation. God does not abandon His creation; He redeems and restores it.
4. How does this verse provide comfort for believers today?
Revelation 21:4 anchors hope beyond present trials. Believers endure grief, persecution, illness, and loss, but this suffering is temporary. The promise of eternal restoration strengthens perseverance. It assures us that pain is not pointless, and sorrow is not eternal. God’s final word is not suffering, it is joy.
5. How does Revelation 21:4 connect to the larger biblical story?
This verse completes the biblical narrative that began in Genesis. In Genesis 3, sin brought death, pain, and sorrow. Throughout Scripture, God works to reverse the curse through covenant, sacrifice, and redemption. Revelation 21:4 reveals the culmination of that work. The Bible begins with paradise lost and ends with paradise restored, greater and eternal.
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