NEW HEAVEN, EARTH AND JERUSALEM

DECEMBER 15, 2011

This article is not intended to be an exhaustive study. These are just a few thoughts that came to my mind when I read a news article about a newly discovered object in the sky.

EYE IN THE SKY

A recent report said astronomers may have discovered an "earth like" planet about 600 light years (3600 trillion miles) away. I don't believe they claim to have actually viewed or photographed it, but rather they base their calculations of the planet's existence, location and characteristics, on their observations of other known space objects and attending activities in that region of the sky. Supposedly this other earth is about two times the size of our planet, and possibly has plenty of water, and it may have a temperature of 72 degrees, therefore might be able to support life, with nothing like it any closer to us. Though I do not know whether their claims are accurate, I am not adverse to such claims. If their calculations are true and accurate, then I guess it is also possible that the "earth" planet does not even exist today, since the image they have occurred hundreds of years ago..

MADE ME THINK

I am not a sign seeker, but I am interested when events take place which seem to have Biblical implications. This report caused me to think about a Biblical concept. The Bible prophesies the end of this world and the arrival of a new world. I was intrigued by some of the information relating to the New Earth. This article does not propose that this astronomical discovery has any Biblical significance. I simply am making some observations.

A New Earth? What could it mean? What does the Bible say about a New Earth? What will happen to this earth? Does God destroy His creation? One, (maybe two) occasion(s) when God destroyed the earth.

TWO WORLDS DESTROYED?

First, a possible scenario. The Bible tells us that there may have been a previous planet (Earth) in God's heavens (Ge. 1:1) that was destroyed (Ge. 1:2), as a result of war between God and the fallen angels (led by Satan, Is. 14:12-15; Ez. 28:13-19; Lk. 10:18; Re. 12:4). This previous "earth" was NOT inhabited by human-like creatures, but was apparently the domain of Lucifer and the angels, until one third of them followed a fallen Lucifer in a rebellion against God. (Which reminds me, "sin make you stupid"). At that time the earth (which was not created "formless and void," Is. 45:18), became formless and void (Ge. 1:2). God then cast Satan and his followers down to a war torn world. It was from this chaos that God restored order and established life in six days (Ge. 1:2-31). The six days of creation have to do with our world and our part of heaven (our solar system).

Second, an historical fact. The Bible tells us that God spent six days creating (from nothing) and making (forming from pre-existent components) the earth and all that is in it. Because of wide spread and deep rooted rebellion, God destroyed the earth and all of its inhabitants with a flood of water, except for Noah and seven members of his family.

A LOOK BACK

In Genesis we find the creation of Adam and Eve (Ge. 2:7), their fall into sin (Ge. 3:1-6), God's plan of salvation prophesied (Ge. 3:15) and redemptive imagery (Ge. 3:21; 4:1, 25). In those early times of the human race, there were those who followed God (Enoch [5:18-24]; the sons of God [6:2]; Noah [6:8-9]) and those who did not (Cain [4:8]; Lamech [4:19, 24]; the daughters of men[6:2]). As fewer men followed God, sin increased to the point that God destroyed the world with a flood (Ge. 6:11-13), saving only Noah, his wife, their 3 sons and their 3 wives. It was a new beginning for the entire creation, animate and inanimate, since the earth went through cataclysmic changes, environmentally, sociologically, botanically, zoologically, geologically and atmosphericly.

Therefore, the earth has been destroyed at least one time (possibly 2 times), yet God had a plan that would restore the earth and redeem fallen mankind. What does the Bible have to say about the future of mankind and the earth?

A LOOK FORWARD

Order of Coming Events...

1. Resurrection/Rapture (1 Co. 15:21-24, 49-55; 1 Th. 4:14-18). This can happen at any time.

2. In Heaven, Bema Seat Judgment *1 Co, 5:10). On Earth, Tribulation (Re. 5-18). This will happen after the Rapture and will last for seven years.

3. Return of Christ (Re. 19:11-21), Satan Bound for Thousand Years (Re. 20:1-3). This will happen after the seven years of Tribulation.

4. Judgment of the Nations (Mt. 25:31-46). This will happen at the time of Christ's physical return to earth.

5. Christ 1,000 Year Reign (Re. 20:4). This will begin at the time of Christ's physical return to earth.

6. Satan Loosed (Re. 20:7-9), Final Conflict (Re. 20:7-9), Satan Into Lake of Fire (Re. 20:7-10). This will happen at the end of the Thousand Year Earthly Reign of Christ.

7. Heaven and Earth Pass Away (Re. 20:11; Re. 21:1; 2 Pe. 3:10-13; Ps. 97:5; Is. 51:6; Mk. 13:31). This will happen after God's final conflict with Satan and Rebellious Mankind.

8. The Great White Throne Judgment (Re. 20:11-15). This will happen after heaven and earth are removed.

9. New Heaven (2 Pe. 2:13; Re. 21:1), New Heavens (Is. 65:17); New Earth (Is. 66:22; 2 Pe. 2:13; Re. 21:1); New Jerusalem (Re. 3:12, Re. 212). This happens after the judgments of the Great White Throne.

FOR THE RECORD

Believers do not become angels when they die.

Believers will not spend eternity with God as disembodied spirits, floating around in a spirit world in the clouds.

An "Earth-less" heaven is not the believer's final destination.

There will be a New Heaven and New Earth (this heaven [region of heaven] and this earth, will be destroyed by fire and pass away).

There will be a New Jerusalem.

The New Heaven, New Earth and New Jerusalem will be our eternal abode.

POSSIBILITY

A New Heaven and Earth does not have to be created after the first earth is destroyed. It might be in existence now, in some far away part of the universe, held in reserve for us. Remember, the Old Testament saints (believers) sought a heavenly city (which is not to be confused with the Church Age, He. 11:10-16), New Testament saints (believers) are looking for a heavenly city (He. 13:14; 2 Pe. 3:13) and Jesus is preparing mansions for His followers now (Jn. 14:2-3; Re. 21:2).

This is not to say that we can see the New Heaven, New Earth and New Jerusalem now, and I am not saying that it is possible to see them before the appointed time. I am simply pointing out that all preparations for our eternal home are being made and it is not necessary for God to create an entirely new heaven and earth in the future.

THE POINT

There are two things to notice in all of this. First, there is an eternal home awaiting those who follow Christ by faith, and Second, there is a standard of life that is required if we want to live with Him in glory.

2 Peter 3:9-18

(9) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
(10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
(11) Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
(12) Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
(13) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
(14) Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
(15) And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
(16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
(17) Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
(18) But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

DLG note... In verse 11 Peter tells believers that we ought to live a life of godliness, because the world is going to be destroyed by fire and God's wrath is going to come on the scoffers (vs. 3) and the ungodly (vs. 7). In verse 14 Peter tells believers to be diligent to be found spotless and blameless when Christ returns. In verse 17 he also warns believers not to be led away by the error of the wicked, and fall from our own steadfastness.

Upward and Onward in Christ,

Pastor David L. Gould