What Will Pass Away?

Because Jehovah truly loves those who serve him, he will wipe out all those who cause them distress.  (Psalm 37:9-11, 29) Noting, as did Paul earlier, that this destruction would come at an unexpected time, Peter writes: "Jehovah's day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a hissing noise, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be discovered."  (2 Peter 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:2)  The literal heavens and earth did not perish in the Deluge, neither will they during Jehovah's day.  What, then, will "pass away," or be destroyed?

Human governments that have dominated mankind like "heavens"  will end and so will the "earth," or human ungodly society. The "hissing noise" perhaps  indicates the rapid passage of the heavens.  "The elements"  that make up today's decadent human society will be "dissolved," or destroyed.  And the "earth," including "the works in it," will be "discovered."  Jehovah will thoroughly expose the wicked acts of men, as he brings an entire system to its well-deserved end.

Next time: Keep Focused on Your Hope

The Watchtower, 1997