What are the new heavens and the new earth?

Answer

In Revelation 21:1, John witnesses something extraordinary: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…” This fresh earth and new heavens are sometimes known as the “eternal state.” As revealed in Revelation chapters 21-22, the new earth will serve as the everlasting abode of believers in Jesus Christ. The Scriptures provide us with some insights into the new heavens and new earth.

The current heavens and earth have long been under God’s curse due to humanity’s sin. All creation “has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth” «For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. », (Romans 8:22) as it awaits the fulfillment of God’s plan and “the children of God to be revealed” (verse 19). Heaven and earth will pass away «Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. », (Mark 13:31), and they will be replaced by the new heavens and the new earth. At that time, the Lord, seated on His throne, declares, “I am making everything new!” «And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. », (Revelation 21:5). In the new creation, sin will be completely eradicated, and “there shall be no more curse” «And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: », (Revelation 21:2). This glorious city, with its streets of gold and pearly gates, is situated on a new, glorious earth. The tree of life will be there «In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bore twelve kinds of fruits, and yielded its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. », (Revelation 22:2). This city represents the final state of redeemed mankind, forever in fellowship with God: “God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. . . . His servants will serve him. They will see his face” (Revelation 21:3;Revelation 22:3-4).

In the new heavens and new earth, Scripture mentions seven things that are remarkable for their absence—seven things that are “no more”:

• no more sea “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”, (Revelation 21:1)

• no more death “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”, (Revelation 21:4)

• no more mourning “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”, (Revelation 21:4)

• no more weeping “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”, (Revelation 21:4)

• no more pain “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”, (Revelation 21:4)

• no more curse “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:”, (Revelation 22:3)

• No more night “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.”, (Revelation 22:5)

The creation of the new heavens and new earth brings the promise that God “will wipe every tear from their eyes” “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”, (Revelation 21:4). This event comes after the tribulation, after the Lord’s second coming, after the millennial kingdom, after the final rebellion, after the final judgment of Satan, and after the great white throne judgment. The brief description of the new heavens and new earth is the last glimpse into eternity that the Bible gives.