InstaStudy

The Passing of the Heavens and Earth: God's Plan for a New Creation

This study explores biblical prophecies concerning the temporary nature of the current heavens and earth, their ultimate dissolution, and the glorious promise of a new creation established by the sovereign power of God.

1. The Prophecy of the End of the Current Heavens and Earth

1.1 The Shaking of Creation

Verses: Hebrews 12:26-27; Haggai 2:6-7
  • God's voice once shook the earth, but He promises to shake both earth and heaven again.
  • This shaking signifies the removal of what can be shaken, so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
  • The temporary nature of the physical creation is revealed through divine intervention.

1.2 The Dissolving Elements

Verses: 2 Peter 3:10; 2 Peter 3:12
  • The day of the Lord will come like a thief, and the heavens will pass away with a great noise.
  • The elements will melt with fervent heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.
  • This describes a complete and fiery dissolution of the current cosmic order.

1.3 The Passing Away of the Old

Verses: Revelation 21:1; Isaiah 51:6
  • The first heaven and the first earth will pass away, and there will be no more sea.
  • The heavens will vanish like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a garment.
  • This emphasizes the impermanence of the present creation in contrast to God's eternal nature.

2. The Consuming Fire of Divine Judgment

2.1 God's Fiery Presence

Verses: Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews 12:29
  • Our God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
  • This divine attribute speaks to His holiness and intolerance of sin.
  • The fire represents His purifying and judging power.

2.2 The Cleansing of All Things

Verses: 2 Peter 3:11; Malachi 3:2-3
  • Since all these things are to be dissolved, we should live holy and godly lives.
  • The fire serves as a refiner's fire, purifying and cleansing.
  • The destruction is not merely annihilation but a purification leading to a new state.

2.3 The Day of the Lord's Wrath

Verses: Zephaniah 1:18; Revelation 6:14
  • The whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy.
  • The heavens will depart as a scroll when it is rolled together.
  • This day signifies the ultimate manifestation of God's righteous judgment against unrighteousness.

3. The Promise of a New Creation

3.1 A New Heaven and a New Earth

Verses: Revelation 21:1; Isaiah 65:17
  • God promises to create new heavens and a new earth.
  • The former things will not be remembered or come to mind.
  • This new creation will be a place of righteousness and eternal joy.

3.2 The Dwelling of Righteousness

Verses: 2 Peter 3:13; Isaiah 66:22
  • We look for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
  • This new creation will be a permanent dwelling for those who follow God.
  • It signifies a perfect environment free from sin and corruption.

3.3 God's Eternal Habitation with Humanity

Verses: Revelation 21:3-4
  • The tabernacle of God will be with men, and He will dwell with them.
  • God Himself will be with them and be their God.
  • All tears, death, sorrow, and pain will be no more, for the former things have passed away.

4. The Sovereign Power of the One God

4.1 The Creator and Sustainer

Verses: Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16-17
  • In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
  • By Him all things were created, and by Him all things consist.
  • His singular power brought all existence into being and holds it together.

4.2 The Author of All Things New

Verses: Revelation 21:5; Isaiah 43:19
  • He who sits on the throne declares, 'Behold, I make all things new.'
  • God is continually doing a new thing, even in creation.
  • His power extends to not only creating but also recreating and renewing.

4.3 The Alpha and Omega

Verses: Revelation 1:8; Revelation 22:13
  • The Lord God, the Almighty, declares Himself to be the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
  • He is the first and the last, the beginning and the end of all things.
  • This emphasizes His singular, eternal, and all-encompassing authority over all creation and its destiny.