The promise of a new heavens and a new earth is found in both the Old and New Testaments and reveals God’s ultimate plan to restore all creation.
Isaiah 65:17 declares, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.” Again in Isaiah 66:22, God says, “For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me… so shall your descendants and your name remain.” These prophetic statements anticipate a future renewal where righteousness dwells and sorrow is no more.
In the New Testament, the fulfillment of this promise is shown in Revelation 21:1: “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” John sees the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven. This marks the eternal state following the millennial reign of Christ and the final judgment.
Peter also writes of this promise in 2 Peter 3:13: “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” He had just described the current heavens and earth being dissolved with fervent heat (2 Peter 3:10), making way for the eternal, purified creation.
The new heavens and new earth will be free from the curse of sin. Revelation 21:4 assures, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying… for the former things have passed away.” There will be no more night, no temple, and no need of the sun, for the Lord God will be the light (Revelation 21:22–25).
This renewed creation is not merely a spiritual state, but a literal, physical restoration. It fulfills God’s original intent for creation to reflect His glory and for man to dwell with Him in unbroken fellowship.
The new heavens and new earth are the final destination of the redeemed, where righteousness dwells, God’s presence is fully manifest, and His people serve and reign with Him forever.
