Notes of Faith October 10, 2025
Renovated and Replaced
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.
Revelation 21:1
On January 7, 2025, a wildfire broke out in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County, California. Nearly four weeks later, the fire had burned more than 23,000 acres of the densely populated county. Twelve people were killed and nearly 7,000 structures were destroyed. Apocalyptic was the word frequently used to describe the destruction the fire left in its wake.
Apocalyptic is also used to describe images in Scripture associated with the end of this age on earth. The apostle Peter wrote that “the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” and “the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:10, 12). Since fire often refers to judgment in Scripture, Peter may be referring to God’s judgment. Whether literal or figurative fire, the earth as we know it will be renovated and replaced by “a new heaven and a new earth” on which the New Jerusalem (the eternal state) will be established.
Give thanks to God that an Eden-like earth will be your home with Him forever.
To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here.
Jonathan Edwards
2 Peter 3:10-13
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.
11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
Scripture says the judgment of God will be severe in torment and pain and that it also brings separation eternally from the God who gave initial life. That judgment cannot be imagined now, or if it is possible, I pray that no person could choose to not believe, trust in, and obey God!
Let us live to please God …with His gift of believing faith, trusting in Him, being obedient, bringing blessing now, looking forward to the eternal new heaven and new earth in which righteousness dwells!
Pastor Dale