Question from a reader:

Does the promise of “no more tears” apply to the present Heaven, or only to the New Earth?

Answer from Eternal Perspective Ministries:

Randy writes:

The promise of no more tears or crying is after the end of the world, after “the old order of things has passed away” and there’s no more suffering on earth (Rev. 21:1-4). This passage is not a valid argument for tearlessness in the present Heaven, but only in the New Heaven and New Earth. Going into the presence of Christ surely does not make us less compassionate, but more. Hence, it is possible that even with the predominant joy presently in Heaven, in light of the fact there is still so much evil and pain in the universe, there could be periodic expressions of sadness in Heaven until the evil and pain is permanently gone.

Consider that after their deaths, martyrs are pictured in the present Heaven, crying out to God to bring justice on Earth (Revelation 6:9-11).

Those in the present Heaven do have the wonderful advantage of being with Jesus, the source of all comfort and peace and joy. To be with Christ is “better by far” (Philippians 1:23). Randy also writes, “Not only in Heaven but also while we are still here on Earth, our God is ‘the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort’ (2 Corinthians 1:3).”

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