Continue with Making All Things New-As Foretold

Peter explains thereafter that the coming day of Jehovah will bring about a great cleansing, making way for the new heavens and new earth mentioned in verse 13. Note the end of that verse-"In these righteousness is to dwell."  Does that  not suggest that some major changes  for the better must occur?  Does it not raise  the prospect of really new things, a time when humans will find greater enjoyment in living than they do today?  If you can see that, then you have gained insight into what the Bible foretells, insight that relatively few have.

But let us go further. We have looked at the occurrence of the phrase "new heavens and a new earth" in Isaiah chapter 65 and another instance in 2 Peter chapter 3. Now turn to Revelation chapter 21, which contains one other occurrence of this expression in the Bible. Again, understanding the setting will help. Two chapters before, in Revelation chapter 19, we find described  in vivid symbolism a war-but not a war between hostile nations. On one side is "The Word of God."  You likely recognize that as a title of Jesus Christ.  (John 1:1, 14)  He is in heaven, and this vision depicts him with his heavenly armies.  Battling against whom?  The chapter mentions "kings,"  "military commanders," and people of various ranks, bot "small ones and great."  This battle involves the coming day of Jehovah, the destruction of wickedness.  (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10) Moving on, Revelation chapter 20 opens by describing the removal of "the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan." This sets the stage for considering Revelation chapter 21.

The apostle John beings with the thrilling words: "i saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more."  based on what we have seen in Isaiah chapter 65 and 2  Peter chapter 3, we can be sure that this does not mean replacing the literal heavens and our planet, with  its watery  deep. As the preceding chapters showed, wicked people and their rulerships, including the invisible ruler Satan, will be removed. Yes, the promise here is of a new system of things involving people on earth. 

We are assured of this as we move into this wonderful prophecy.  The end of verse  3 speaks of the time when God will be with mankind, turning his beneficent attention toward people doing his will.  (Ezekiel 43:7)  John continues in verse 4,5:  "He [Jehovah] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.  The former things have passed away. And the One seated on the throne said:  "Look! I am making all things new.' Also he says: "Write, because these words are faithful and true.' "   What an uplifting prophecy! 

Next time: Conclusion of Making All Things New-As Foretold

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000