For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness. Isaiah 65:17, 18 (ESV)
In this passage the Lord is speaking to us about the new heavens and a new earth that he will create as well as the great joy that is found in the holy city, the New Jerusalem. Human life on earth is one of pain, sorrow, and death. But for the people of God, this life is a life filled with hope as we anticipate God's sovereign plan to create all things new in Jesus Christ (Rev. 21:5; Eph. 1:8-10). As we struggle day-by-day in this life as pilgrims, we have our hearts set on the holy city, a city not made with human hands (Heb. 11:9, 10). We have our hearts set on the things yet to come that are above and are eternal (Col. 3:1-2).
Is this kind of thinking another form of escapism?
No, it is a new way of living in which we realize that the world we see right now is not the full reality of what is to come. There is so much more to be revealed in the eternal purposes of God when Christ returns to judge all peoples (Matt. 25:31-46).
Why must a new heaven and a new earth be created?
According to God's Word human hearts and human society have been marred and poisoned by human sin (Gen. 6:1-7; Rom. 3:9-20). In God's Kingdom, human sin cannot continue, because human sin leads to death (Rom. 6:23). God's Kingdom is a new creation without human sin, suffering, war, and death (Rev. 21:4). The old world, the old systems, the old creation, tainted and corrupted by human sin, must pass away for God's Kingdom of holiness and righteousness to come (2 Cor. 5:17; Rev. 21:5). There is no mixing of the two. One passes away and the new replaces it (Rev. 21:1-2).
What does this mean for us today?
As we see the events of this year and the current struggles of our nation, Christ-Followers are reminded that this world has been corrupted by human sin and will pass away. Therefore, we place our hope in God's Kingdom which is eternal, righteous, and glorious, prepared for those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and who look forward to his coming again (Rev. 21:1-4; Rev. 7:9-17; 2 Tim. 4:8).
Until the new heavens and new earth come, we wait upon God in prayer and hope for what we do not see yet (Rom. 8:24-25). We groan inwardly waiting for the fulness of his redemption to be revealed when Christ returns in glory (Rom. 8:23, 26). As we set our minds on God's reality revealed in his Word, we are able to comprehend God's purposes and plans for his elect in Christ (Eph. 1:8-10). We are enabled by the Spirit of God to live into the new creation today and to rejoice when we see the signs of its coming (Rom. 8:6; Luke 21:25-28).
Come, Lord Jesus!