The Great Promise of Eternity

By David Ettinger

This began as a teaching blog where I present a passage of Scripture and then explain it. But upon rereading the passage, I realize but scant explanation is required.

I’ll just offer a quick explanatory lead-in. As of now, Heaven exists in an unknown location apart from Earth. However, one day it will take its place here on Earth – albeit a “new,” or reconstituted, Earth.

We read in 2 Peter 3:13: “But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.”

The word “new” is the Greek kainous, which implies something not newly created, but something upgraded in quality. Regarding Heaven on Earth, the earth will not be recreated; rather, it will be remade as something new, fresh, previously unused, and superior to its former state.

This is the Heaven where believers in the Lord Jesus Christ will spend eternity. And when we get there, we will have no sorrow. Isaiah 65:17 assures us: “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”

For instance, we will have no memory of loved ones who did not make it to Heaven because they denied Christ. This is impossible for us to imagine in this life, but whatever was “former” will not be remembered; thus, no sorrow in Heaven.

Eternity in the heavenly-reconstituted Earth will be bliss beyond imagination, as we read in Revelation 21:1-5:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”

In these ever-darkening days, hold firmly to this promised glory that awaits you!

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Tagged: Eternity, Future Glory, Heaven, Heaven on Earth, Life After Death, The After Life, The Book of Isaiah, The Book of Revelation

Posted in: Bible study, Bible teaching, Christianity, Comfort, Devotional, God's Divine Plans, God's promises, Heaven, Life After Death, New Testament, Old Testament, Resting in Jesus, The Afterlife, The Book of Revelation