Continue with Making All Things New-As Foretold

Take care not to miss the point.  This is neither an exercise in Biblical interpretation nor a mere glance at ancient history. You can see this by moving to another occurrence of the phrase "new heavens and a new earth."  In 2 Peter chapter 3, you will find this occurrence and see that our future is involved.

The apostle Peter wrote his letter over 500 years after the Jews returned to their homeland.  As one of Jesus' apostles, Peter was writing to the followers of Christ, "the Lord " mentioned  at 2 Peter 3:2.  In verse 4, Peter brings up Jesus'  "promised presence," which makes the prophecy very pertinent today. Ample evidence shows that since World War I, Jesus has been present in the sense of having authority as Ruler in God's heavenly Kingdom.  (Revelation 6:1-8; 11:15, 18)  This takes on special meaning in view of something else that Peter foretold in this chapter.

We read at 2 Peter 3:13:  "There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."  You may have already learned that Jesus in heaven is the key Ruler in the "new heavens." (Luke 1:32, 33) Yet, other Bible texts indicate that he does not rule alone.  Jesus promised  that the apostles and some others like them would have a place in heaven.  In the book of Hebrews, the apostle Paul described such one as "partakers of the heavenly calling."  And Jesus said that those of this group would sit on thrones in heaven with him.  (Hebrews 3:1; Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:28-30; John 14:2, 3) The point is that others reign with Jesus as part of the new heavens.  Then what did Peter mean by the term "new earth"? 

As with the ancient fulfillment-the return of the Jews to their homeland-the current fulfillment of 2 Peter 3:13 involves people who  submit to rulership. They are benefiting from its educational program and striving to follow its laws found in the Bible.  (Isaiah 54:13) These make up the basis of "a new earth" in the sense  that they form a global  society of all nationalities, languages, and races, and they work together in submission to the reigning King, Jesus Christ. A significant fact is that you can be part of this! -Micah 4:1-4. 

Do not feel that this is the end of the matters,  that we do not have any detailed insight into the future. In fact, as you examine the context of 2 Peter chapter 3, you will find indications of a great change ahead.  In verses 5 and 6, Peter writes about the Flood of Noah's day. The Deluge that ended the wicked world back then. In verse 7, Peter mentions that "the heavens and the earth are now," both the rulerships and the masses of people are reserved  for "the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men."  This confirms that  the phrase  "the heavens and the earth that are now" refers, not to the material universe, but to humans and their rulerships. 

Next time: Continue with Making All Things New-As Foretold

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000