Will Heaven and Earth Pass Away — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, 2 Peter 3:10, sits inside 2 Peter 3. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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