Charles Ellicott Commentary Revelation 21:5

"And he that sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he saith, Write: for these words are faithful and true." — Revelation 21:5 (ASV)

THE SECOND VOICE.—The voice of Him who sits on the Throne (Revelation 21:5–8).

And he who sat upon the throne . . .—Better, And he who sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. And he saith (the words “unto me” should be omitted) write; because these words are faithful and true.

It is the Throned One, the One who rules over all things from the beginning and who has presided over all the changing scenes of earth’s history, who speaks.

It is He who makes even the wrath of man to praise Him and who causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, who gives this heart-helping assurance: I am making all things new.

In spite of the moral disorder, the pain and grief, and the dark shadows of life and history, the new creation is being prepared and will rise, like the early creation, out of chaos.

The analogy between the old and new creation is the reason why the first chapter of Genesis and the earlier verses of this chapter are appointed as the morning lessons for Septuagesima Sunday.

Just as from an earth without form and void rose the world of order and beauty, which God pronounced very good, so from the world—so full of distress and tears, and overshadowed by so many clouds of sin—will emerge the glad new world, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

The closing words of the verse, perhaps an instruction from the angel, but more probably still the voice of Him who sits on the throne, add the further assurance: These words are true and faithful.