Questions & Answers

On the Last Day, Judgment Day, the present heavens and earth (a term that denotes the universe as we now know it) will be discarded and replaced. Psalm 102:25-27 and Hebrews 1:10-12, and 2 Peter 3:10-13 are references to this truth, as is Romans 8:20-22. Some ask whether the prophecy refers to a material annihilation of the present universe and the creation of a new one, or whether there will be more of a radical renovation using existing material. The latter concept seems to us more likely and compatible with the vocabulary used in various passages on the subject.

You ask what the new heavens and earth will be like. I am not sure how to answer aside from emphasizing that it will be the eternal home of believers and thus a parallel term with "heaven," where God and his people will enjoy eternity together. To try to speak in great detail is inevitably going to be somewhat speculative and unnecessary. As Martin Luther once said, for us to engage each other with detailed descriptions of our eternal home would be like twin fetuses telling each other about how it will be in the world after their birth. They haven't experienced it yet and are wise to limit their speculations.

The late Professor Siegbert Becker wrote these fitting words: "The most detailed description of this new heaven and new earth we find in the last two chapters of the Bible, where we have also a detailed description of the place where God's people will live through all eternity. John first tells us that he had a vision of a new heaven and a new earth. . . . What more can we say to add anything to that picture of endless bliss and glory? We can only join in the prayer of St. Bernard, 'Jesus, in mercy bring us to that dear land of rest.' "