Looking for a New Heavens and a New Earth: Redeeming the Time

In a world that seems increasingly chaotic, where do we place our hope? As Christians, our focus should not be on the temporary comforts of this world but on the promise of what is to come. The Bible consistently points us toward a future reality that will far surpass anything we can imagine.

Why is the Bible Our Most Precious Possession?

Before we dive into the topic of heaven and the new earth, we must recognize the supreme value of Scripture. The Bible is the most precious thing anyone could own—worth selling everything to possess. It's not enough to do casual devotions or embrace "refrigerator magnet Christianity." We must master the Word and let the Word master us.

In this age of deception, where even the elect could be misled, deep knowledge of Scripture is our protection. Sadly, America, with all its resources and access to biblical materials, remains one of the most biblically illiterate nations, while believers in persecuted countries who may only have fragments of Scripture often know God's Word better than we do.

What Does Peter Tell Us About the End Times?

In 2 Peter 3:8-18, we find a powerful message about the future and how we should live in light of it:

"But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is a thousand years, and a thousand years is one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance."

Peter continues with urgency, describing how "the day of the Lord will come like a thief, which the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up."

This isn't meant to frighten us but to focus us. Peter asks, "Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?" Our response should be to live holy lives while "looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God."

What Are We Looking Forward To?

Peter's hope wasn't in the current world system. He faced Nero and persecution, yet remained steadfast because his hope was set on "a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." This wasn't a distant afterthought but his central focus.

The early church lived with this mindset because they experienced tremendous suffering. They knew they would never see perfect justice or righteousness in this world. Their hope was set on the promise of a new creation where God's perfect rule would be established.

How Does Revelation Describe Our Future Home?

Revelation 21 gives us a breathtaking glimpse of what awaits believers:

"I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away... And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband."

In this new reality:

• God will dwell among His people
• He will wipe away every tear
• There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain
• All things will be made new
• Nothing unclean will ever enter it

This is the fulfillment of God's promises throughout Scripture—from Eden lost to Eden restored.

Why Should We Feel Urgency About This Message?

Revelation 22 emphasizes the urgency of this message. John is told, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near." Unlike Daniel who was instructed to seal his prophecy because it was for a distant time, John's revelation was to be shared immediately.

This creates a burden for evangelism. We must tell others about Jesus with urgency because eternity hangs in the balance. The text even says, "Let the one who does wrong still do wrong... let the one who is filthy still be filthy." This isn't callousness but recognition that we must move on to those who will listen when others reject the message.

How Does God's Covenant Plan Lead to the New Creation?

The entire Bible tells the story of God's covenant faithfulness leading to the new creation. Through a series of covenants with key figures, God revealed His plan:

• To Adam: Promise of a second Adam (Jesus)
• To Noah: Promise of rescue from judgment
• To Abraham: Promise to be father of many nations through his son
• To Moses: Promise of nation and temple
• To David: Promise of the Messianic line

All these covenant promises find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ and will be finalized in the new heavens and new earth. This is why Peter could speak with such conviction about our future hope—because God has proven Himself faithful throughout history.

Life Application

As we consider these truths about our eternal future, how should we live today?

1. Reorient your focus: Instead of placing your hope in making this world better or more comfortable, set your mind on the world to come. This shift in perspective brings peace even when circumstances aren't ideal.

2. Develop eternal patience: Understanding that perfect justice and righteousness won't be fully realized until Christ returns helps us develop patience with the imperfections of this world.

3. Share the gospel with urgency: The reality of eternity should motivate us to tell others about Jesus with a sense of urgency. Who in your life needs to hear about the hope of the new creation?

4. Live in light of eternity: Peter asks what sort of people we ought to be, knowing this world will pass away. How would your priorities, decisions, and daily habits change if you consistently viewed them through the lens of eternity?

Ask yourself: Am I living primarily for the comforts and achievements of this temporary world, or am I "looking for a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells"? Does my use of time, resources, and energy reflect an eternal perspective?

Remember, this world is not our home. We are citizens of a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and our greatest hope lies not in what we can achieve here but in what Christ has prepared for us in the world to come.