The Bible teaches that this current heaven and earth will one day pass away and be replaced by a new heaven and new earth. This is referenced in several key passages:
2 Peter 3:10 says, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.”
Revelation 21:1 states, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.”
Isaiah 65:17 declares, “‘For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.'”
Matthew 24:35 records Jesus saying, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
These verses teach us several key things about the passing away of heaven and earth:
- It will occur suddenly and dramatically, like a thief in the night.
- It will involve some sort of fiery destruction and judgment.
- It is connected to the second coming of Christ.
- After this, God will create a new heaven and new earth.
- This present world is temporary, but God’s Word endures forever.
Why Will Heaven and Earth Pass Away?
The Bible gives us insight into why God will bring an end to the current heaven and earth. Here are some of the key reasons:
- The effects of sin have corrupted all of creation (Romans 8:20-22). God’s plan is to utterly destroy sin and its effects.
- There will be a final judgment of sin and rebellion (2 Peter 3:7). The old earth and heaven are connected with sin.
- The earth and heaven need cleansing and renewal from the effects of the curse (Genesis 3:17-19).
- The current universe with its constant cycles is temporary and incomplete (Ecclesiastes 1:2-11).
- God’s plans include something far greater – the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21-22).
The passing away of the old creation is necessary so that the new creation can come. It is an act of God’s justice, judgment, and plan for all things to be made new.
When Will Heaven and Earth Pass Away?
The exact timing of when the current heaven and earth will pass away is not precisely revealed in Scripture. However, we are given some important details:
- It will happen suddenly and unexpectedly, like a thief (2 Peter 3:10).
- It will occur at the time of Jesus Christ’s second coming (Matthew 24:29-31).
- It will introduce the final eternal state after judgment (Revelation 20:11).
Based on these clues, we can surmise that the passing away of heaven and earth will likely occur at the very end of the age as we know it. It will coincide with the return of Christ and resurrection that leads into the final judgment and the eternal state of the new creation.
What Will the New Heaven and New Earth Be Like?
While the Bible does not give exhaustive details about the new heaven and new earth, it provides amazing glimpses at what God has prepared for those who love Him:
- A place without sin, death, pain, or tears (Revelation 21:1-4).
- The dwelling place of God with His people (Revelation 21:3).
- A place of perfect justice, peace, love, and joy (2 Peter 3:13).
- A creation liberated from decay (Romans 8:21).
- A holy city, the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2).
- Paradise restored to God’s original design and purpose (Revelation 22:1-5).
The new heaven and new earth will be the ultimate fulfillment of all that God has promised. It will be a place of indescribable glory, a physical world in which righteousness dwells and God’s people enjoy Him forever.
How Should This Truth Impact Us Now?
The promise of the new creation and the passing away of this world should profoundly shape our perspective and priorities today:
- It reminds us that this world is not our final home.
- It motivates us to set our minds on things above rather than earthly things (Colossians 3:2).
- It encourages patience in suffering, knowing it is temporary (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
- It compels us to live holy lives, looking forward to eternity (2 Peter 3:11-13).
- It makes us more faithful with resources and possessions (Matthew 6:19-21).
- It inspires courage, knowing nothing in this life can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).
- It urges us to share the gospel, as people’s eternity hinges on response (2 Corinthians 5:6-10).
We are just passing through as strangers and exiles (1 Peter 2:11).
Rather than being discouraged at the passing away of this world, we can look forward with hope to the new creation. In the meantime, we live purposeful lives – fulfilling God’s will, sharing the gospel, ministering to others, and looking forward to the glorious day when we dwell with God forever.
Questions About the Passing Away of Heaven and Earth
Here are some common questions that arise from studying what the Bible says about the passing away of heaven and earth:
Will the Entire Universe Be Destroyed?
We cannot be certain, but some verses imply a destruction of the fundamental elements of the universe we now experience (2 Peter 3:10, 12). It is possible God may reconstitute elements of this universe into the new creation. But Scripture suggests something wholly new is coming.
What About Hell or the Lake of Fire?
Hell was created for the punishment of the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). It exists as a place of eternal judgment for those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 20:15). Hell and the lake of fire will continue into the eternal state as a place of eternal punishment.
What Will We Do in the New Heaven and New Earth?
The Bible does not give specifics, but describes a newly restored paradise (Revelation 21-22). We will still have meaningful service, fulfilling work, and engaging activities. But everything will center on worshipping God and experiencing unbroken fellowship with Him.
Will There Be an End to Time?
References to days, months, and years in Revelation 22 could imply time may still exist in some form in the new creation. What we do know is eternity awaits – not a temporal cycle of ages and events, but true eternity in God’s presence.
What About Our Resurrected Bodies?
Christ’s resurrected body gives us a picture of ours. His body was real and tangible, yet transformed for the new creation. Ours will be like Christ’s – imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 49).
Will Animals Be Present in the New Creation?
The Bible does not directly say, but Isaiah 11:6-9 and Romans 8:19-21 suggest the animal kingdom will be renewed and liberated from the effects of the curse. We can perhaps expect animals to be present in the new creation.
The Certain Hope of the New Heaven and New Earth
While many details remain a mystery, we can be absolutely certain about the unshakeable promises of God. For those who trust in Christ, an eternal paradise awaits in the new heaven and new earth. There we will experience the fullness of joy in God’s presence and the satisfaction of ever-increasing delight in Him. The passing away of the old signals that the new is coming. What an amazing hope we have as we eagerly await the final redemption of all creation!