The New Heaven And The New Earth.

Memory Verse: “But the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in 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”. – 2 Peter 3:10.
Bible Passage: Rev. 21:1-5

Lesson Introduction

In Noah’s day, the world was destroyed with water, but God promised that He would not destroy the world with a flood (Gen. 9:11). The end of the world is described in 2 Peter 3:10 as the day of the Lord will occur after the final judgment by God (Rev. 20:7-10). This scripture reveals that the universe will be destroyed by fire. Therefore, believers should bear in mind that this present world will not last forever.

OUTLINES

The Passing Away of the New Heavens and the New Earth (Is. 34:4; 51:6) This refers to the physical heaven and earth- the material world and all it contains – but not to the inhabitants of heaven and earth. To “pass away” is to disappear or be no more.

The “heavens” in 2 Peter 3:10 refers to the physical universe- the stars, planets, and galaxies- which will be consumed by some kind of tremendous explosion, possibly a nuclear or atomic reaction that will consume and wipe out all the matter as we know it. All elements that make up the universe will be melted in the “fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:12). This will also be a noisy event, described in different Bible versions as a “roar” (NIV), “a great noise” (KJV), a “loud noise” (CEV), and a “thunderous crash” (AMP). There will be no doubt as to what is happening. Everyone will see and hear it because we are also told that “the earth and everything in it will be laid bare”.

EMERGENCE OF THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

In Rev. 21:1, John writes of a new heaven and a new earth in the eternal state, having seen that “the first heaven and the first earth had passed away” (Is. 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13)). God will create a “new “heaven and a new earth” (Rev. 21:1), which will include the “New Jerusalem” (Rev. 21:2), the capital city of heaven, a place of perfect holiness, which will come down from heaven to the new earth. This is the city where the saints- those whose names were written in the “Lamb’s Book of Life” (Rev. 13:8) will live forever. Peter refers to this new creation as “the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13).

Knowing that heaven and earth will pass away give us perspective in life. This world is not our home. “We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” 2 Peter 3:13). Jesus tells us to have the proper priorities (Matt. 6: 19-20). Also, Peter after reminding us of the temporary nature of this world, says, after reminding us of the temporary nature of this world, says “Wherefore, beloved, seen that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14).