I Believe in the Heavens and Earth Restored

The authors of the Nicene Creed boldly proclaimed that Jesus’ kingdom will have no end, and we will look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. For followers of Christ, the life of the world to come consists of eternity with God in His everlasting kingdom. In this everlasting kingdom, there will be a new heaven and new earth, where we will live with glorified bodies. This is the greatest news ever! We will spend eternity with our Savior in a restored heaven and earth with no sin, sorrow, or death.

When God ushers in the new heavens and new earth, all things will return to their original form. To the way God intended things to be. To the way they were in the beginning before sin entered the world. Good.

In 2 Peter 3:13, the author wrote, “But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” In his vision, John saw a new heaven and new earth where God will dwell with His people (Revelation 21:1–3). Paul said the creation will be set free from its bondage to corruption (Romans 8:21). We will be with God in a renewed heavens and earth that has been set free from the bondage of sin and death. How wonderful! Imagine this truth for a moment. What thoughts come to mind?

Not only will the earth be renewed but our bodies will also be resurrected and renewed. The resurrection of our bodies is modeled after Christ’s resurrection. Our bodies will be restored to the way God intended them to be: perfect. Paul mentioned this belief in Philippians 3:20–21: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.” Jesus will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body! It seems too good to be true. What emotions come to mind when you consider this truth?

What will our renewed, resurrected bodies be like? First Corinthians 15:42–44 tells us that our renewed bodies will be imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual. The consequences of sin and death will no longer affect our bodies. Our bodies will not age or become sick and die, because they are imperishable. Our bodies will not experience weakness, exhaustion, or stress, because they are powerful. Our bodies will experience the fullness of God in His presence because they are spiritual. And because of Christ’s transformation, our bodies will be glorious. Imagine your physical body without all the negative impacts of sin and death. How does this truth affect your view of your body? How does this truth cause you to long for your renewed body?

Heaven is a place most people hope to experience one day. For Christ-followers it is not just a hope, but a reality. The Scriptures mention heaven as a real place where God dwells. In Isaiah 66:1, God said through the prophet, “Heaven is my throne.” In Matthew 6:9, Jesus prayed to the Father “in heaven” After the resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven and was seated at the right hand of God (1 Peter 3:22). Heaven is a real place, and Jesus said that He was going to prepare a place for us there (John 14:2).

The authors of the Nicene Creed wrote, “His kingdom will have no end.” God’s kingdom is everlasting! The new heavens and new earth are eternal, and we will live forever with our God. Words fall short in describing the joy of this reality. Psalm 145:13 says, “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.” In this kingdom, the glory of God’s radiance is like a rare jewel, and there will be no need for the light from the sun or moon because the glory of God is the light, and the Lamb of God is the lamp (Revelation 21:11, 23). Here, “the dwelling place of God is with man . . . [and] He will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:3–4). Praise God for this glorious future!