“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”—Revelation 21:5 (NIV)

If you’ve ever watched the HGTV hit show Fixer Upper, you know that the husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines specialize in buying run-down houses and turning them into their clients’ dream homes. There’s something amazing about watching the transformation of an old structure that’s been in disrepair for years suddenly look better than it did when it was first built. 

The reason I love the show and architectural restoration projects in general is because they mirror the story of God’s redemptive plan. You see, Jesus created a beautiful world for us to live in when He spoke it into existence. After sin was introduced in the Garden of Eden; however, death and decay marred and eroded God’s original design. But thankfully, He has a plan to fix what has broken, and there are several truths we see in today’s verse that should give us hope for today and for the future. 

First, let’s consider the location. Bible commentator David Guzik notes, “This is an authoritative announcement coming from the throne of God itself. This is one of the few times in Revelation where we clearly see God speaking directly from his throne.” This means this is a message to which God wants to draw our attention and one we can count on because His words are true.

Next, Jesus tells us He is in the process of restoring things to a completely new condition. Notice the use of the present participle “am making” here. It means while God’s work of renewal has begun, it’s ongoing and isn’t finished yet. It also suggests we can experience it in the here and now. In fact, the apostle Paul points out that “even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 NKJV) and that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV). 

Finally, we see there’s no detail God will leave out at the renewal of all things. He says he’s making “everything” new. So, when John saw a new heaven and a new earth earlier in the chapter, it means everything contained in them will be perfect and unblemished—including you and me!

As the new year is upon us, I pray we take time to thank God for the redemptive work He is doing in our lives and let us look forward to that day when His ultimate fixer upper will be revealed in all its glory!

DIG: In what area(s) of your life has God done a complete overhaul? What still needs repair or renovation? 

DISCOVER: Why is it significant that God’s throne is mentioned in today’s verse of Scripture?   

DISPLAY: As you consider making New Year’s resolutions, prayerfully ask God what His blueprints for your life look like and which areas He’d like to renovate in the year ahead.