"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."
2 Peter 3:13-14
Part 1
In these verses, Peter shows us how our belief shapes our behavior.
“Nevertheless we, according to his promise,”
If you are not familiar with 2 Peter 3, it is an excellent accounting of the Lord’s second coming, the end of this world, and the beginning of the new heaven and earth. It is well worth your time to study out this chapter for yourself. I encourage you to do so.
Our Lord promises that He will return for us, so we ought to be looking for His return and the new heavens and earth.
“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind” (Isaiah 65:17).
“Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3).
These are not fairy tales, nor empty promises. It is Jesus, our Lord and Savior, and coming King who made these promises. Therefore we,
“Look for new heavens and a new earth,”
This old worn-out sin-cursed earth is on its last legs. After Jesus returns and judges the people on it, ultimately, He will destroy it, and then replace it with the new earth.
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea” (Revelation 21:1).
What’s wrong with this planet earth? It’s beautiful, and it’s been home to humans for thousands of years. What is the need for the new earth? Come back tomorrow, and we will see what is coming.