Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

6 August 2025

Reading From Romans 8:18-39

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”—Romans 8:18-25

God is the only one worthy of worship. He will not share His glory with any false god or goddess or any created idol. All glory and honor belongs to Him alone, but He will share the glory of His Presence with His sons and daughters. Matthew 23:12 says, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” If we follow Jesus as He has laid out for us in Scripture, we will enjoy perfect unity with one another and with God Himself in His glory.

The Earth was created as a perfect paradise, but it has, like human nature, been corrupted by sin and polluted by mankind’s irresponsible choices. In the last days, creation will be cleansed by the fire of God and renewed to its paradisiacal state of harmony and perfection. Eden will be restored and enjoyed once again by the eternal family of God in freedom and glory.

We will have flawless freedom and glory because our process of being made to be like Jesus, conformed back into His image, will be complete. There will be no more sin nor any of its corrosive effects. Everything will be holy, pure and wonderful.

This New Eden and all that comes with it is the goal of our faith. Salvation by grace through faith is an event (the new birth), a process (spiritual growth and sanctification), and a goal (glorification). Basking in the glorious, radiant Presence of Almighty God is our blessed hope.

The New Eden is the part of our salvation experience that we have not attained yet, but we will if we do not give up! Hold fast to your faith. Contribute to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with Jesus, enduring to the end in a lifestyle of loving repentance.

“Lord Jesus, thank You for the hope of eternal life that we have because we trust and receive Your sacrificial death and life giving resurrection. Continue to guide us as we make our way in this fallen, sinful world. Help us to make good choices and extend the grace and mercy to others that You bless us so freely with. We are excited to experience our eternal adventure in the New Heaven and the New Earth! In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things, Amen.”

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”—Revelation 21:1-4