As we have seen in previous chapters, after God created the world, everything He did afterward was essentially a process of restoration and maintenance—not the creation of something entirely new. The final step in God’s plan, however, will be a new creation. This is described in Scripture as a transformation, not a complete annihilation of the world. God will not destroy the earth and cast it into hell, as some mistakenly believe; rather, He will renew and perfect it, just as He will give us glorified, heavenly bodies.
If you haven’t read Part 1 and Part 2 yet, I recommend doing so before continuing:
[NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH (Part 1)]
[NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH (Part 2)]
The day we enter heaven, God will give us new, imperishable bodies, fashioned not from dust but from heavenly materials (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, ESV):
“So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.”
Our current physical bodies will not be destroyed or discarded. Instead, they will be transformed and clothed with new, immortal bodies, perfectly suited for eternity in God’s presence.
1 Corinthians 15:51-55 (ESV) further emphasizes this:
“Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?'”
Theologically, this teaches the doctrine of glorification, the final stage of salvation where believers are completely freed from sin and its effects, fully restored to the image of God (Romans 8:29).
The new heaven and new earth will be a transformed creation, not a complete replacement of the current one. Scripture reveals that it will be perfect, eternal, and filled with God’s glory (Isaiah 65:17, ESV):
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.”
Our present universe, including stars, planets, and galaxies, will take on a new form and life, reflecting God’s renewed creation (Revelation 21:1).
The new Jerusalem, the heavenly city, will descend from heaven and serve as the center of the renewed world, inhabited only by God’s people (Revelation 21:2-3).
God Himself will dwell among His people, and humanity will see His face (Revelation 21:3, ESV):
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'”
Time as we know it will cease. Eternity will replace temporal existence, and believers will experience unending joy, peace, and fellowship with God.
Revelation 21 and 22 (ESV) describe key characteristics of the new heaven and new earth:
No sea (Rev. 21:1)
No tears or sorrow (Rev. 21:4)
No death or pain (Rev. 21:4)
No curse (Rev. 22:3)
No night (Rev. 22:5)
These characteristics reflect the fulfillment of God’s promise to restore all things (Acts 3:21, ESV):
“He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.”
Theologically, this underscores God’s ultimate justice and mercy: sin, death, and suffering will no longer have dominion, and creation itself will be renewed to reflect His holiness and glory.
Jesus warns that preparation must begin now. Those who live superficially or compromise with the world risk missing the coming kingdom (Matthew 24:44, ESV):
“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Salvation involves three steps:
Repentance – turning from sin completely (Acts 3:19, ESV).
Baptism – immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38, ESV).
Receiving the Holy Spirit – the gift of God’s presence and power (Acts 2:38, ESV).
Once these steps are completed, a believer is fully part of God’s kingdom, called to live a life of holiness, worship, and preparation for eternity.
Jesus assures us:
Revelation 22:12-14 (ESV):“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.”
The ultimate reward is participation in God’s eternal kingdom—the new heaven and new earth—where God Himself will dwell with His people forever.
Beloved, preparation starts today. Don’t delay in responding to God’s call. Repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit, and live faithfully, knowing that one day we will inherit a glorious, eternal world where we will enjoy God’s presence forever.
The Lord bless you. Please share this good news with others.
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