“But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” – 2 Peter 3:13 

Scripture reading: Romans 8:18-25

The question is sometimes asked, “Will the new heavens and earth be totally new? Or will they be ‘new’ in the sense of this cosmos being completely transformed and restored?” Romans 8:19 describes how creation waits eagerly for the second coming, implying a renewal. From this passage and others, many theologians believe the new heavens and earth will be new in quality, not in origin.

They also point out that the Holy Spirit inspired the Greek word kainos, not neos to describe the new heavens and earth. Neos refers to new in origin, kainos to new in quality. It is also noted that just as our bodies will be gloriously transformed, they will still be our self-same bodies (Job 19:25-27; Philippians 3:21), and the same is true for creation (Romans 8:21).

Another reason for the renewal of creation, rather than a totally new creation, is based on the complete demise of Satan and his schemes. If the Lord were to abandon the perfect cosmos He created in order to create a totally new heaven and earth, Satan could have the last laugh. He would be consigned to eternal judgment (Revelation 20:10), but he could have the satisfaction that his evil schemes caused the total destruction of God’s perfect creation.

But Satan will never have the last laugh. The Father sent His Son to save His people from their sins, but also to purge the earth with fire and then restore the perfection of creation in the new heavens and the new earth!

Suggestions for prayer

Thank the Lord Jesus that He ascended into heaven not only to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25), but also to prepare a place for us (John 14:3) that is glorious beyond our comprehension (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.