Several years ago, I engaged in a wide-ranging spiritual discussion in a group when I said in jest, “Once we get to heaven, we won’t need to sing that hymn anymore!”
Sometimes, we say things in the moment and then realize they are likely true. (Not always, trust me.)
But let’s face it, we won’t be singing the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “God Bless America,” or “Onward Christian Soldiers” while living on the new earth God is preparing for all Christ-followers to live through eternity future.
Music lyrics will be redeemed like everything else.
In fact, most (or all) Christian books written now won’t be written for “new-earth” dwellers since there will be no sin, illness, or anything imperfect to deal with.
For example, like all fiction, Christian fiction requires a protagonist and an antagonist, along with a portrayal of basic human frailties and issues, which will make no sense in a perfect world where everything is as God intended.
Nonfiction is affected as well.
Books on marriage? No.
Parenting and family dynamics? No.
Relationship issues? No.
Dealing with a damaged past? No.
Coping with the death of a loved one, or anyone for that matter? No need.
What to say at a funeral to someone who grieves? No market for it.
Finding meaning in life? Shortest manuscript ever.
Sharing your faith? Not necessary.
Building relationships between people not like you? No need.
Correcting false teaching? Nope.
Comparative religions? Huh?
Books about the first disciples who spread the gospel far and wide? Just ask them. First-person stories are always the best, anyway.
Devotionals to remind a reader of God’s daily presence? Probably not necessary.
How to help the poor and oppressed? No market.
Handbook of English Bible translations? Umm, no.
Our perspective is so influenced by living in a fallen world that pondering what life would be like apart from it is impossible. Our understanding of a perfect eternity would be incomplete at best. Likely, it is not even close to reality. (Praise God for that!)
So, what books will be written for New Earth readers?
We can only imagine.
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.”
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.”
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children” (Revelation 21:1-7, NIV).
