Are You Anticipating or Dreading the New Heavens and a New Earth?

 © 2018 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

Last evening, Kathy and I were struck by the following statement from Isaiah.

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”  (Isaiah 65:17)

This Old Testament passage demonstrates that destruction of the heavens and earth, we now know, has always been God’s plan.  This event shall usher in a righteous habitation for His redeemed, and eternal expulsion of the wicked.

This plan is reiterated in the New Testament.

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”  (Revelation 21:1)

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:10‑13)

Those from all backgrounds, who have faith in Jesus Christ, shall eternally enjoy this holy habitation of righteousness.  But wickedness shall not be present there.

God used His physical choosing of Israel to picture His choosing a spiritual people to Himself (Hebrews 9:23‑28).  However, all, both Jews and Gentiles, who come to faith in Christ, shall be saved!

“For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.  For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:  But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;  But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”  (1 Corinthians 1:21‑24)

Has God touched your heart with faith in His Son, preparing you for the new heavens and a new earth?

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