The New Things of God
H. Bonar, D. D. Revelation 21:5-8 And he that sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said to me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.… There are many new things spoken of in Scripture, some of more and some of less importance. Take the following as specially the new things of God: I. THE NEW TESTAMENT OR COVENANT (Matthew 26:28). That which was old has vanished away. It was insufficient; it Could not help the sinner; it said nothing of forgiveness. But the new covenant is all a sinner needs: it comes at once with a free pardon; it presents a work done for the sinner, not a work for the sinner to do. II. THE NEW MAN (Ephesians 4:24). This seems to correspond with the " new creature" (2 Corinthians 5:17); with the "new heart" (Ezekiel 18:31); with the "new spirit" (Ezekiel 11:19); with the "heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26); with the new birth (John 3:3); and the being begotten again (1 Peter 1:3). Newness of nature, of heart, of life, of words, of the entire being, is the basis of all religion and true worship. III. THE NEW WAY (Hebrews 10:19). All God's dealings with the sinner are on a new footing, that of free love, simple grace. It is a free way, a sufficient way, an open way, a perfect way. IV. THE NEW SONG (Psalm 23:3; Revelation 5:9). Every new day brings with it a new song; or rather it brings materials for many new songs, which we should be always singing. Our whole life should be full of new songs. Yet the old songs are not thereby made obsolete; they do not grow tame or unmeaning. As the old songs of a land are always fresh and sweet, so is it with the old songs of faith. These new songs have to do with the past — for often, in looking into the past, we get materials for a new song — with the present, and with the future. They are connected with ourselves, our families, with the Church, with our nation, with the work of God just now, with resurrection, with the restitution of all things, with the glory, the New Jerusalem, and the new creation. V. THE NEW COMMANDMENT (John 13:34; 1 John 2:8). VI. THE NEW WINE (Matthew 26:29). He is Himself the giver and the gift. His blood is drink indeed here; much more hereafter. It is "new" here; it will be much more new hereafter. VII. THE NEW JERUSALEM (Revelation 3:12; Revelation 21:3, 10). This is no earthly city. VIII. THE NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13). IX. THE NEW NAME (Revelation 2:17). 1. Of love. The Father's love will be in it. 2. Of honour. It will be no mean nor common name, but glorious and celestial. 3. Of blessing. It will proclaim blessing; it will be a name of blessing. 4. Of wonder. It will astonish the possessor, and every one who hears it; no one shall know it or guess it. 5. Given by Christ. "I will give." As He gave names to Abram, Jacob, Peter, John, so will He give this new name, superseding our old earthly appellation. 6. Most suitable and characteristic. It will in itself summarise our past history and character. (H. Bonar, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. WEB: He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." He said, "Write, for these words of God are faithful and true."