“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” – 2 Peter 3:10-13
As we continue our devotion series on Heaven and Hell, it’s good to be aware of and to study the reality and significance of the new heavens and new earth. Considering this glorious doctrine, will this new creation and restoration effect Heaven, where Jesus sits on His throne and believers who have died enjoy His presence? Are we living in the new heavens and new earth now, as some claim? Or, are the events the Apostle Peter speaks of in 2 Peter 3 still to come? Further, will Heaven, as it exists now, be changed in connection with the new earth in the divine act the Apostle Peter speaks of in 2 Peter 3? How are we to understand this?
What does Scripture teach? The claim that we are living in the new heavens and new earth falls flat examining the text in 2 Peter 3 alone. Notice how Peter connects God’s act of bringing about restoration with the day of the Lord, in verse 10. Notice also how Peter uses the same language the Apostle Paul does in 1 Thess. 5:2 regarding the arrival of the day of the Lord which will be as the day of Christ’s return, “as a thief in the night”. Indeed, Christ’s return is still to come. It will be the day of shocking terror for the wicked, but great joy, comfort, and blessing for God’s people.
Peter also teaches us about how that restoration will occur. Things will have come full circle. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1:1). In the end, God will create a new heavens and a new earth (Isa. 65:17, Isa. 66:22, Rev. 20:11, Rev. 21:1). God reveals through Peter that the current heavens and earth will be dissolved. It won’t be a quiet and minor ordeal. The heavens will pass away with a great noise. The elements will melt. The Greek word for “dissolution” literally describes total destruction. Peter says this destruction will be by fire. If you think about it, the melting of the elements with a fervent scorching heat Peter speaks of will likely occur at the subatomic level to bring about complete dissolution. Yet, the destruction of this world won’t be the end of creation, but its renewal (Rom. 8:19-21, Heb. 12:26-28). The Psalmist declares in Psalm 102:26-27 that God will change it like changing a cloak, yet He will stay the same.
Thinking about what God did in Genesis, compared to what will come, which He reveals in Revelation, many things may come to mind. For example, consider the Paradise of the Garden God created and put Adam in, coupled with the new and final Paradise to come that far exceeds it. Whereas this world became a home to sin after the Fall, Peter says the new heavens and earth will be the promised place in which righteousness dwells (v. 13, Isa. 32:16). Considering the importance of the tabernacle, which was full of creation imagery, the Apostle John points us to the ultimate tabernacle – the presence of God as He dwells with His people. (Rev. 21:3-4)
Now, as the new heavens (the first and second heavens) and earth are ushered in, what will be true of Heaven (the third heaven) as it is now, where Christ reigns and is preparing a place for you? Will it be renewed? No, there’s no need. It’s the holy dwelling place of God. It isn’t defiled by sin and under the curse. Marvelously, Heaven and earth will be reunited, and we will live there with our Creator forever, seeing Him face to face. Louis Berkhof helpfully comments in his discussion of the final state in his Systematic Theology, “It’s only after the new creation has been established, that the new Jerusalem descends out of Heaven from God, that the tabernacle of God is pitched among men, and that the righteous enter upon their eternal joy.” (Berkhof, 737) How does Berkhof know this will be true? Once again, from John’s description in Rev. 21. In verse 2, John writes that he saw “the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” What is this New Jerusalem? It’s the Church, the Bride of Christ, in Her new and perfect state.
In addition, John teaches us what will be true in the new heavens and new earth by what won’t be there:
1) There will be no more sea (Rev. 21:1).
2) No more death, sorrow, crying, or pain (Rev. 21:4).
3) No more curse (Rev. 22:3).
4) No more night, for the Lord God will give us light (Rev. 22:5).
Therefore, much like the Apostle Paul’s instruction to Thessalonica, and all of God’s people, to be watchful and sober as we patiently await Christ’s return, we need to take to heart and heed Peter’s instruction that knowing all these things will be dissolved ought to inform and motivate our diligence in “holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God”. (v. 13)
I pray that all that our Lord reveals regarding Heaven and the new heavens and new earth deepens your wonder and fuels your study of eschatology. He has revealed much as well as left much to remain mystery. May we go where Scripture goes and stop where it stops in our pursuit of having a right understanding and application of the truth. Praise God for what He has shown you in His Word, be faithful in obedience now, and look forward with hope and joy for that which He will reveal when Christ returns and takes you home!
————————————————
Work Cited
Berkhof, Louis. Systematic Theology. 4th rev. and enl. ed. Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 1949.