The phrase "no more" is a very powerful expression because it indicates finality. If we say there is "no more" of something we mean it is finished, over, or all gone. This is sometimes bad news for us if the thing that is finished is something we enjoy. However, the phrase can also indicate good news when it means there is an end to something we dread or dislike.

This is exactly how the phrase is used at the end of the book of Revelation. In Revelation chapters 21-22, John is describing a vision he received of Heaven. The beauty of Heaven is shown, not only in what is said to be present, but also in what is missing or is "no more."

No More Sea. "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea" (Rev. 21:1). Revelation is a book of signs and symbols. The word "sea" is used earlier in the book to refer to the transcendence of God; that which separates man from the presence of God (Rev. 4:6). Our sin separates us from God. There will be no sin in Heaven (Rev. 21:27), so there will be nothing separating us from the presence of God. We will see God's face and serve Him in His presence (22:3-5).

No More Death. "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying..." (Rev. 21:4a). Nothing brings fear and sorrow to man like the reality of death. There is "no more" death in Heaven. There are no grave markers or funeral homes. Jesus described Heaven as entering "life" (Mark 9:43, 45, 47).

No More Pain. "...there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Rev. 21:4b). Like death, pain has been a reality since the introduction of sin into the world (Gen. 3:16). Christians can expect a double-dose of pain in this life. In addition to the pains and struggles experienced by all of mankind, there is the added burden of persecution that comes to all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 3:12).

The initial recipients of the book of Revelation were experiencing great pain because of their faith. They were threatened, singled out, and caused to suffer socially and physically. Many of them were killed as martyrs. The promise of Heaven marked an end to this pain. It will be the end of our pain as well.

No More Curse. "And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him" (Rev. 22:3). When man sinned, God pronounced a curse upon the serpent, the world, the woman, and the man. We have been living under this curse ever since. The separation, death, and pain we experience in this life are all a result of sin. In Heaven this curse of sin is removed and everything will go back to the way things were before sin became a reality.

There are great blessings to enjoy in this life, but a better existence awaits the faithful child of God. It is better because of who and what is there, but it is also better because of what will be "no more."