Behold, I Am Making All Things New: Reflecting on Revelation 21:5

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The Promised Renewal of All Creation by the Authority of the Exalted Christ

“And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'” — Revelation 21:5

Revelation 21 marks the glorious unveiling of the new heaven and new earth, the consummation of God’s eternal plan of redemption. Following the final judgment of the wicked and the complete removal of sin, death, and Satan (Revelation 20:10–15), the apostle John is shown a breathtaking vision: the holy city, new Jerusalem, descending from heaven, prepared as a bride for her husband (v.2). A loud voice from the throne declares the end of sorrow and the beginning of eternal fellowship with God (v.3–4). Then, in verse 5, the One seated on the throne speaks directly: “Behold, I am making all things new.”

This is not a whisper or a poetic sentiment—it is the authoritative voice of the sovereign Christ, seated on the throne, declaring the reality of divine renewal. It is a promise rooted in the power of the One who spoke the universe into existence (John 1:3), sustained it (Hebrews 1:3), redeemed it (Colossians 1:20), and now brings it to its final, incorruptible state. This verse is both a climax and a new beginning. It reflects the faithfulness of God, the finality of His redemptive plan, and the hope that anchors the believer’s soul.

Let us now examine this verse phrase by phrase, allowing it to reorient our hearts, renew our vision of eternity, and strengthen our faith in the promises of our reigning King.

“And he who was seated on the throne said…”

The voice in this verse comes from “he who was seated on the throne”—a phrase used repeatedly throughout Revelation to describe God’s sovereign rule over all things. In this context, it clearly refers to Christ Himself, as the One who shares the Father’s throne (Revelation 3:21) and reigns in glory after conquering sin and death (Revelation 5:6–14).

Throughout Revelation, the throne is the central symbol of divine authority. All things flow from the throne—judgments (6:16), praise (4:10), salvation (7:10), and life (22:1). The fact that these words come from the One seated on the throne underscores the absolute sovereignty and unquestionable certainty of what is about to be declared. This is not the voice of a prophet. It is not a vision from an angel. It is the direct speech of the enthroned King of the universe.

Here, Christ is not pictured in His earthly humility, but in resurrected majesty, reigning over the new creation as Judge, Redeemer, and King. When He speaks, heaven and earth must listen.

“Behold, I am making all things new.”

This is the heart of the verse and the culmination of God’s redemptive plan: “Behold, I am making all things new.” The word “behold” (Greek: ἰδού, idou) commands attention. It means “look closely,” “pay attention,” or “see this clearly.” What follows is of eternal importance.

The speaker says “I am making” (Greek: ποιῶ, poiō)—a present tense verb that indicates ongoing action. Though the new heaven and new earth are a future reality in their completed form, the work of renewal is already begun in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The speaker is not merely declaring a future plan, but active fulfillment of it.

The phrase “all things new” (Greek: καινὰ πάντα, kaina panta) does not imply replacement with something entirely unrelated, but renewal, purification, and restoration of all things corrupted by sin. The Greek word kainos refers to freshness in quality, not merely newness in time. The same creation that groaned under the curse (Romans 8:22) is now liberated into glory.

This newness touches every sphere:

Creation itself is restored (Isaiah 65:17; Romans 8:21)
Our bodies are raised incorruptible (1 Corinthians 15:52)
Our relationships are purified and eternal
The heavens and earth are no longer divided
God and man dwell together, face to face (Revelation 21:3)

This is the fulfillment of God’s promise: “Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth…” (Isaiah 65:17). It is the reversal of the Fall, the abolition of death (Revelation 21:4), and the restoration of the Edenic fellowship, now expanded and glorified forever.

“Also he said, ‘Write this down…’”

After making this declaration, the speaker instructs John: “Write this down.” The Greek verb γράψον (grapson) is a command. The vision must not remain in the realm of personal experience—it must be recorded for the church, for all future generations, and for every believer who will need this truth to endure the trials of the present age.

This command reflects God’s deep concern that His people have certainty. Just as Moses was instructed to write (Exodus 17:14), and the prophets were told to preserve the word (Jeremiah 30:2), so John is commissioned to ensure that this promise of final renewal is preserved for the encouragement, perseverance, and hope of the saints.

What is being written is not a poetic imagination. It is divine revelation, trustworthy and binding.

“…for these words are trustworthy and true.”

This final clause seals the promise: “these words are trustworthy and true.” The phrase echoes multiple statements throughout Revelation (cf. 19:9; 22:6). The Greek words πιστοὶ καὶ ἀληθινοί (pistoi kai alēthinoi) mean faithful and reliable, genuine and unchanging.

In a world full of lies, instability, and broken promises, God’s Word stands unshaken. When He says, “I am making all things new,” He speaks not wishfully, but authoritatively. His faithfulness is the foundation of all hope. If He has spoken it, it will come to pass.

This declaration affirms:

The reliability of divine prophecy
The certainty of future hope
The unchangeable nature of God’s Word

In times of suffering, confusion, persecution, or grief, believers must cling to this: God has spoken, and His Word is true. The promise of renewal is not based on feelings or human progress, but on the infallible character of the One who sits on the throne.

Application: Do You Live with This Hope?

Revelation 21:5 is not a distant abstraction. It is a living hope (1 Peter 1:3), meant to shape your daily life.

Are you beholding Christ’s work of renewal?
Are your eyes fixed on the One seated on the throne? Do you see beyond the decay of this world to the glory of what is to come?
Are you clinging to His promises?
Do you trust that His words are faithful and true—even when the world seems dark and broken?
Are you longing for His return?
Does your heart ache for the day when all things will be made new—when death is gone, tears are wiped away, and righteousness dwells?
Are you being renewed now?
Even as we await the final new creation, God is already at work renewing hearts, minds, and lives through His Spirit and Word (2 Corinthians 4:16; Romans 12:2).

This verse is a divine assurance that nothing broken will remain broken. Every injustice will be righted. Every sorrow will be healed. Every stain of sin will be removed. And Christ will be all in all.

Conclusion: The King Who Makes All Things New

Revelation 21:5 lifts our eyes beyond the chaos of this world to the throne of God. From that throne comes a voice—not of condemnation, but of creation, not of despair, but of declaration: “Behold, I am making all things new.”

This is the gospel’s final word. The One who began the good work (Philippians 1:6) will bring it to completion. The One who bore the curse now speaks renewal. The One who died and rose now reigns to restore all things.

So take heart, believer. What is broken will not remain. What is old will not endure. Christ is seated. His Word is true.
He is making all things new.

“Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).