Completely New

March 9, 2020 (Bible Devotional)

Photo by Dewang Gupta on Unsplash

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. — 2 Peter 3:13

Christ will make all things new dear friends. This world so spoiled by impurities will be made completely news. Soon all the pollution that we have created will be eradicated by the magnificence of the one who created all things. God has designed us to care for the world. Yet we have demolished it. Pride and greed ran rampant. And we venture to extract more and more for the world for our selfish use. We disregard God and his creation.

But we have a promise, a potent one, that God will make all things new. We can by faith love for new heavens and a new earth. This promise does not only concern the physical world. We shall also be made new. Our corruptible bodies will be replaced. Our feebleness will be exchanged for strength. We shall not be simply upgraded, we shall be re-created in the image and likeness of the Most High.

In speaking of the new world to come, Peter emphasizes one specific aspect. We are looking for a world of righteousness. In our desire for heaven, we must desire ease and glee. We must first and foremost desire new heavens and new earth of righteousness. And all the glories of heaven would be made heaven if unrighteousness dwells there. The continuity of the eternal world to come is sustained by right doing. And in looking for the promised world, we must desire righteousness.

This passage is the answer to the revelation that this world will come to pass. The atmosphere will be dissolved. The current world will be destroyed. But God has a plan. He will make all things new. He will completely rebrand the world. He will establish new earth founded on righteousness. We should not be concerned with the revelation that the world will pass away. Instead let us look by faith, for the world to come.

Do you desire a world made up of righteous people?

The Prayer — Heavenly Father, I long for the new earth that will be established. I understand that he will be founded on righteousness. Please cleanse me. I am unrighteous and make me holy for your glory. Amen.