In Revelation 21:5 the Father speaks saying, “behold I am making all things new.” It’s debated just how much of our current world will remain, but whatever does will be holy, because God is holy. Revelation 21:3 boldly states:

Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.

What will NOT be in the heavenly city:

1. The sea (v.1) will no longer be there. This is symbolic of the source of chaos and evil. There will no longer be anything evil or unholy. 
2. The temple (v.22) will not be there because it will not be needed. The Holy of Holies was a perfect cube inside the temple (see 1 Kings 6:20) but it was restricted by a curtain. In Christ, full access is now granted.

Notice what WILL be there.

1. God will be himself the temple (v. 22). The city is described as a perfect cube (v. 16), indicating that people will dwell directly in God’s holy presence. This is for those whose names are in the Lamb’s book of life (v. 27), meaning they have trusted in the cross of Christ.
2. The Tree of Life will be there sustaining God’s people. This was forbidden to Adam and Eve. It will be made available to the community of faith, sustaining us forever.
3. The face of God (22:4) will be seen. We will know God in a much more intimate way.

Taking It Home:  Appreciate the tension of the “already but not yet.” In his first coming, Jesus has reversed the effects of the curse of Genesis 3 and it can be seen and experienced now, but only in part. Embrace the mystery of the kingdom of God now present in Christ in a new way.