Summary
The New Heaven and the New Earth
None of us get out of here alive—or rather, all of us do, because death for the Christian is not an end but a transition. The real question is where we will spend eternity. Holy Scripture answers that question with a vision of breathtaking scope: a new heaven and a new earth, prepared by God for His people in Christ.
The word "heaven" in Scripture can mean three things: the sky, outer space, or the dwelling place of God. When Revelation 21:1 declares, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away," it is speaking primarily of the sky and the created order. 2 Peter 3 tells us that the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements dissolved with fire. Christ's second coming brings the destruction of the present universe.
Yet there is a real connection between the old creation and the new. Romans 8:21 promises that "the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God." This is the perspective Luther rightly held: the Greek word translated "new" speaks of newness in quality and nature, not necessarily a creation from nothing. God makes all things new—but that is not the same as making all new things. As the New Heaven and Earth teaching frames it, the new heaven and new earth are a transformation of what was, much like the resurrected body, which takes the dust or ashes of our perishable frame and restores it gloriously 1 Corinthians 15.
Heaven is a place. Scripture pictures it variously as a house with many dwelling places, an eternal home, a holy city, and here a renewed creation. Notably, Revelation 21:1 adds that "the sea was no more"—the sea being a frequent biblical image of chaos and destruction. In heaven there will be no chaos, no ruin. Instead, Revelation 5:9 shows us gathered with the saints from every tribe, language, people, and nation. Matthew 22:30 tells us we will be like the angels (not become angels; there will be no marriage there). 1 Corinthians 13:12 promises full knowledge—we shall see face to face. John 16:22 promises a joy no one can take away. And above all, Revelation 21:3 promises that "the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them."
Scripture also describes heaven by what will not be there. The curse—God's righteous judgment upon sin (Genesis 3; Deuteronomy 27:26)—has reached as far as sin itself has spread. But on the cross, Christ became a curse for us, bearing God's righteous judgment in our place. Therefore Revelation 21:4 can declare: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more." Then comes the great word from the throne: "See, I am making all things new" Revelation 21:5.
Heaven is opened because of Christ. Romans 3:23–24 teaches that all who have sinned are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:23 declares that "the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." 1 John 2:2 names Him the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. We are tempted to imagine heaven in small, sentimental ways—to bring it down to our size. Resist that temptation. Lift your eyes to the grandeur Scripture sets before us, and take up the Church's calling: to proclaim that sweet gospel wherever the curse is found.
Video citations
- "New Heaven and Earth" 5-23-21 — Would you open your Bible, please, with me to the very last book of Holy Scripture? Revelation, the 21st chapter for our study today. Revelation, chapter 21. Today is the final sermon in this…