Will Heaven and Earth Pass Away?
Will Heaven and Earth Pass Away? The Bible teaches that the present heavens and earth will be destroyed and replaced by a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells.
Key verse: 2 Peter 3:10 (KJV)
The Bible teaches that the present heavens and earth will be destroyed and replaced by a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells.
The Bible teaches that the present heavens and earth will be destroyed and replaced by a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells.
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." — 2 Peter 3:10 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Peter describes a future day when 'the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up' (2 Peter 3:10). Isaiah prophesied new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17, 66:22). Revelation 21:1 confirms: 'I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.' Jesus Himself said: 'Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away' (Matthew 24:35). Theologians debate whether this involves complete annihilation and re-creation or a transformative renewal (similar to a believer's new nature). Either way, the eternal state will be free from sin, decay, and death—a perfect environment for redeemed humanity to dwell with God forever.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About The End Times?
What the Bible teaches about prophecy, the second coming of Christ, and the end of the world.
Key Scripture References
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."
"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."
"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What is the New Jerusalem?
The New Jerusalem is the heavenly city described in Revelation 21-22 that will descend from heaven as God's eternal dwelling place with His people.
What Does the Bible Say About Heaven?
Heaven is the eternal dwelling place of God where believers will live in perfect joy, free from sin, death, and suffering forever.
What Is the Second Coming of Christ?
The Second Coming is the visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ to earth to establish His kingdom and judge the world.
What Is the Rapture?
The rapture refers to the event when Christ returns to catch up believers — both living and dead — to meet Him in the air.
What Is the Tribulation?
The tribulation is a future seven-year period of unprecedented suffering and divine judgment on the earth before Christ's return.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
The Final Battle (Revelation 19–20)
Revelation 19-20 unveils the final battle — Christ returns on a white horse, def
Michael and the Dragon (Revelation 12)
Revelation 12 unveils war in heaven — Michael and his angels cast the dragon dow
Revelation 21:1 Commentary
In-depth study • End Times & Eternity
Matthew 24:35 Commentary
In-depth study • End Times & Eternity
What Does the Bible Say About the New Heaven and New Earth?
Heaven & Afterlife
What Is the New Heaven and New Earth?
Heaven & Afterlife
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 2 Peter. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 2 Peter on day 349 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “Will Heaven and Earth Pass Away?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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