A New Heavens and a New Earth - EARLY CHRISTIAN BELIEFS

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The Bible gives the promise of a new heavens and a new earth. This promise can be found in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Isaiah 65:17 declares: “For behold, I create a new heavens and a new earth; And the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.”

2 Peter 3:13 states: “But according to His promise we are looking for a new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.”

An Earthly Hope

Prior to the appearance of the Messiah, Old Testament prophecies focused primarily on an earthly hope for all future resurrected ones. These prophecies depicted a new earth or paradise, with God’s kingdom filling the whole earth.

Daniel 2:35 & 44-45: God’s kingdom is pictured as a mountain, which crushes all other kingdoms and fills the whole earth.

Daniel 7:13-14: The Son of Man (Jesus Christ) receives dominion and an everlasting kingdom from the Ancient of Days (God the Father) over peoples, nations, and languages.

Isaiah 2:1-4: In the latter days, the mountain of the LORD (God’s kingdom) will be established over the whole earth. Nations and peoples will stream to it and will be taught by the LORD. They will never again learn war any more. (See also Micah 4:1-4)

Isaiah 11:1-9: Christ (the stem or root of Jesse) will judge in righteousness and fairness in behalf of the meek of the earth and with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. The wolf and the lamb, the leopard and the kid, the calf and the young lion, and the cow and the bear, shall feed and lie down as one. A young child shall lead them all and a weaned child shall play on the hole of the venomous snake. They shall cause no harm or ruin in all my holy mountain saith the LORD. The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD (Yahweh) as the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 65:20-25: There will be a blessing of longevity, productivity, peace, tranquility, and security for the earth’s inhabitants, as well as the domestication of the animal kingdom. Although a hundred years of age, one will die as a mere boy; and as for the sinner, although a hundred years of age, he will have evil called down upon him. They shall build houses and inhabit them, and they shall plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of my people. They shall not labor in vain or bring forth children for sudden terror or calamity. Their offspring and descendants shall be the blessed of the LORD. The wolf and the lamb shall feed as one, the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall cause no ruin or hurt in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD (Yahweh).

Psalms 37:9-11, 29: The evildoers will be cut off from the earth, but the meek ones themselves will possess the earth and reside forever upon it.

Psalms 45:16: In place of the forefathers there will come to be sons who will be princes in the earth. (See also Isaiah 32:1-2)

Psalms 46:8-11: The LORD will make wars to cease to the ends of the earth and will destroy all weapons.

Proverbs 2:21-22: The upright or meek will inherit the earth and the wicked will be torn away from it.

Hosea 2:18: The LORD will make a covenant with all creatures and abolish war from the earth.

Isaiah 65:17: There will be a new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not come to mind.

Isaiah 25:6-8: The LORD will prepare a banquet for all peoples and swallow up death forever. He will take away the reproach from His people and wipe away all tears from their faces.

Isaiah 66:21-23: The Lord will appoint priests and Levites in the new earth. From new moon to new moon and sabbath to sabbath, all mankind will bow down before the LORD.

Isaiah 45:18: The LORD did not create the earth for nothing, but formed it to be inhabited.

Psalms 104:5: The earth remains (abides) forever. (See also Ecclesiastes 1:4)

The divine commission that God gave to the first humans (Adam and Eve) would eventually be fulfilled; to fill the earth, to subdue it, and have in subjection every living creature that moves upon the earth.

Genesis 1:28 states: “And God blessed them and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it. . . and have dominion over. . . every living thing that moves upon the earth.'”

The State of the Dead & a Future Resurrection

A future resurrection and a prospect of life on earth was the hope that men and women of the Old Testament shared. Prior to Jesus Christ coming to earth, there was no heavenly calling. All of those who had died, were at rest and asleep in their graves and awaited a future resurrection and judgment.

Job stated at Job 14:12-14: “12 So man lies down and does not rise, until the heavens be no more, he will not awake or be aroused out of his sleep. 13 Oh that Thou wouldst hide me in sheol (hell or the grave),* that Thou wouldst conceal me until Thy wrath returns to Thee, that Thou wouldst set a limit for me and remember me! 14 If a man dies will he live again? All of the days of my struggle I will wait, until my change (relief) comes. 15 Thou wilt call, and I will answer Thee. . .”

Daniel wrote at Daniel 12:2: “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, those to everlasting life, but others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.”

Isaiah prophesied at Isaiah 26:19: “Your dead will live; their corpses will rise. You will lie in the dust, awake and shout for joy. For your dew is the dew of the dawn, and the earth will give birth to the departed spirits.”

God promised to resurrect the prophet Daniel at the end of the age.

Daniel 12:13 states: “But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”

Jesus also believed that the dead were at rest and referred to the death of His friend Lazarus, as being like a sleep.

Jesus said to His disciples, at John 11:11: “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awaken him out of his sleep.”

Jesus went on to reveal to His disciples that Lazarus was actually dead, at John 11:14: “Lazarus is dead.”

Lazarus’ sister (Martha) believed her brother would rise again on the last day, just as the Old Testament writers believed.

Martha’s response to Jesus is recorded, at John 11:24: “. . . I know that he (Lazarus) will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”

Jesus also referred to Jairus’ deceased daughter as being asleep.

Jesus said to them: “Why do you make a tumult (commotion) and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.”. . Taking her by the the hand Jesus said to her. . . “Little girl I say to you, arise.” Mark 5:38-43

According to scripture, all of the aforementioned persons who had died were asleep. The many millions who had died over the centuries were also asleep in their graves and had returned to dust. They awaited a future resurrection at the end of the age, on the last day. Faithful men of old, who had lived prior to the time of Christ, had the hope of an earthly reward. This hope and its subsequent reward would be determined in a latter resurrection and future judgment. There is nothing in the above verses, that suggests that these deceased ones had received a heavenly reward. The following scriptures reinforce this understanding.

Jesus said at John 3:13: “No one has ascended into heaven but He who descended from heaven, the Son of man.” Another translation renders this passage: “No one has ever gone up to heaven, except the Son of Man, who came down from heaven.”

The Apostle Peter under inspiration stated at Acts 2:14: “For David did not ascend into the heavens. . .” *

In the above verse at John 3:13, Jesus clearly stated that no one had ascended into heaven, except the Son of man, who came down from heaven. The Apostle Peter stated at Acts 2:14, that David did not ascend into the heavens. These verses clearly reveal that up until the time of Christ, no one had received a heavenly reward and immortality.

The Least One In the Kingdom of Heaven, Greater Than John the Baptist

Jesus said at Matthew 11:11: “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater that John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven (the least one in the kingdom of heaven) is greater than he (John).”

Jesus held John the Baptist in such high esteem, as to say that among those born of woman there was none greater than John; yet the least one in the kingdom of heaven would be greater than John. Why would this be? This was because John was executed and had died prior to Christ shedding His blood at Calvary. Through His sacrificial death, Christ opened the way to the kingdom of heaven for all future believers. Prior to the time of Christ, no human had ascended into heaven. This was because Christ had not yet given His life or soul as a ransom.* By shedding His blood on the cross, Jesus opened the way to the heavenly calling.

Hebrews 9:22 states: “Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”

Jesus said of Himself, at Matthew 10:28: “Just as the Son the Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life (His soul) as a ransom for many.”

Revelation 5:9-10 states: “9 And they sing a new song, saying, ‘Worthy art thou (Christ) to take the scroll and open its seals, for thou wast slain and by thy blood didst ransom men for God from every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 and hast made them (to be) a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on (upon) the earth.'”

The Heavenly Calling

Jesus said that from the days of John the Baptist until His time, the kingdom of the heavens had been under violent assault and storm. Violent or intensely zealous men were seizing it by force as a prize. The Old Testament law and the prophets were proclaimed until John. From that point on, the gospel of the kingdom was being preached and men were entering the kingdom of heaven, by ardent zeal and intense exertion.

At Mathew 11:12, Jesus said: “And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault (has been taken by storm) and violent men seize it by force (eager souls are storming it as a precious prize, a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with the most ardent zeal and intense or violent exertion).”

At Luke 16:16, Jesus said: “The law and the prophets were proclaimed until John; since then the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached and everyone is forcing his way into it (everyone enters it violently).”

At Luke 13:23-24 someone asked this question of Jesus: 23 “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And He (Jesus) said to them, “Strive to enter by the narrow door (force yourselves through it, strain every nerve to get in, struggle to get in, do your utmost to get in, vie with each other to come in, exert yourselves vigorously); for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (See also 1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Christ, the First-Born From the Dead

The scriptures clearly state that Christ was the first to be raised from the dead, as first fruits to God. He was the first-born among many brethren to be resurrected and receive heavenly glory and immortality.

The Apostle Paul stated at Acts 26:22-23: “22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass; 23 that Christ must suffer; and that, by being the first to rise from the dead (first by the resurrection of the dead), He would proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles.”

At 1 Corinthians 15:20 & 23 Paul wrote: “20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 23 But each in his own order; Christ the first fruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ.”

The Apostle Paul also wrote at Colossians 1:18: “He (Christ) is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning the first born from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent (first in all things, so that He is first in everything).”

At Romans 8:29 Paul states: “For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He (Christ) might be the first-born among many brethren.”

The First Resurrection & the Rapture

The scriptures go on to reveal, that those who have fallen asleep and belong to Christ are not raised and awarded with heavenly glory, until Christ’s return or coming. The Apostle Paul wrote that those who have fallen asleep, the dead in Christ, shall rise first! This takes place at the coming of the Lord, on the last day. The surviving saints, who are still alive and remaining on earth, will then be caught up (raptured) and changed (transformed) to meet the Lord in the air. Thus, they shall always be with the Lord.

The Apostle Paul states at 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17: “13 But we do not want you to be uninformed brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain (who are alive, and are left, who are living, who survive) until the coming (appearing, presence) of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep (in death). 16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 17 Then we who are alive (are left, still alive) and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

The Apostle Paul affirms the above passage at 1 Corinthians 15:23 &51-52: “23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. . . 51 Lo! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed (transformed), 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed (transformed).”

The above passages clearly state that with the sound of a trumpet blast, the sleeping saints or dead in Christ shall rise first. This takes place at the coming of the Lord, on the last day. Note, Jesus’ promise (4 x’s) to all who believe, that He would raise them on the last day.

Jesus said at John 6:39-40, 44 &54: “39 And this is the will of Him (My Father) who sent Me, that I should lose nothing of all that He has given Me, but raise it up at the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life; and I will raise him up at (on) the last day. 44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at (on) the last day. 54 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life; and I will raise him (up) at (on) the last day.”

These verses confirm that the deceased saints are not rewarded with heavenly glory, until the second advent of Christ, on the last day. This occurs when the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. It is not until Christ returns and begins His reign, that the sleeping saints are resurrected, judged, and awarded with heavenly immortality. The judgment begins with the household of God, the church! The following verses confirm this.

Hebrews 9:27-28 states: “27 And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes the (certain) judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time (at the end of the world, at the end of the ages, at the end of this old order), not to deal with sin (not to bear sin, not as a sin bearer) but to save those who are eagerly (ardently, constantly, patiently) awaiting Him (looking for, expecting Him).”

The Apostle Paul wrote at 2 Timothy 4:1: “I charge you in the presence of God and of Jesus Christ, who is (destined) to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing (coming) and His kingdom. . .”

Revelation 11:16-18 states: “16 . . . The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever. . . 17 We give thanks to thee, Lord God Almighty, who art and who was, that thou hast taken thy great power and begun to reign. 18 The nations raged but thy wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, for rewarding thy servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear thy name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”

2 Corinthians 5:10 states: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according to what he has done in the body.” (See also Romans 14:10-12)

1 Corinthians 4:5 states: “Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.”

1 Peter 4:17-18 states: “17 For the time has come for the judgment to begin with the household of God (the church); and if it begins with us (we as Christians), what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel (good news) of God? 18 And if the righteous man is scarcely saved (the good man is saved only with difficulty, if it is hard for the upright man to be saved), where will the impious and sinner appear (what will become of the godless man and the sinner)?”

The saints, who are raised to life at Christ’s coming, constitute what the scriptures refer to as the “first resurrection.” These saints are the first to face Christ in the judgment and are awarded with immortality. The judgment begins with the household of God! Power of judgment is given them over the rest of humanity and all future resurrected ones. By receiving immortality, the second death has no power or authority over them, and they shall reign with Christ for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:4-6 states: “4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom (power of) judgment (judging) was committed (given them). Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony to Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life, and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power (authority), but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and they shall reign with Him a thousand years.”

A great crowd (or multitude) of saints are seen as coming out of (through) the great tribulation. This great crowd of saints is comprised of believers who are still alive and remaining on earth when Christ returns. At the coming of the Lord, they will be caught up (raptured) and transformed (changed) in the twinkling of an eye to forever be with the Lord. They, along with their resurrected brethren, shall inherit heavenly glory. This great multitude of saints are seen standing in heaven, before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night within His temple.

Revelation 19:1 states: “After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying, ‘Hallelujah, salvation and glory and power belong to our God.'” (See also Revelation 19:6-8)

Revelation 7:9-10, 13-15 states: “9 After this I looked and behold, a great multitude (crowd) which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb!’ 13 Then one of the elders addressed me saying, ‘Who are these, clothed in white robes, and whence have they come?’ I said to him, ‘Sir you know.’ And he said to me, ‘These are they, who come out of (through) the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night within His temple. ‘”

Both the resurrected and raptured saints shall be kings and priests to God, and they shall reign on earth with Christ for a thousand years.

Revelation 1:6 states: “And He (Christ) made us to be a kingdom, (and) priests to His God and Father. . .”

Revelation 5:9-10 states: “9 And they sing a new song, saying, ‘Worthy art thou to take the scroll and open its seals, for thou wast slain and by thy blood didst ransom men for God from every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 and hast made them (to be) a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on (upon) the earth.'”

Revelation 20:6 states: “6 Blessed and holy is he who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power (authority), but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and they shall reign with Him a thousand years.”

The saints are finally at home and present with the Lord, when He comes back again, a second time. It is then that they face judgment and receive their reward; a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in heaven.

Jesus made this promise to His disciples at John 14:2-3: “2 In my Father’s house there are many rooms (mansions). . . 3 And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come (back) again (a second time) and take you (home) to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

The Apostle Paul wrote at 2 Corinthians 5:1-2, 8-10: “1 For we know that if the earthly tent (house, home) we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Here indeed we groan, and long to put on our heavenly dwelling (home, dwelling, habitation, mansion). 8 We are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 For whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according to what he has done in the body.” (See also Hebrews 9:27-28, previously cited)

In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul elaborated on Jesus’ words found at John 14:2-3. The resurrected saints must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according to what he has done in the body. They will then receive their reward, a home or mansion in heaven. This takes place at the second coming. It is only then, that they are finally absent from the body and at home with the Lord.

In Jesus’ Parable of the Talents, it is after a long time that the Master (Christ) returns and settles accounts with His servants or slaves. It is only then, that the faithful servants receive their reward and the unfaithful servants their punishment. The Master (Christ) returns and settles accounts with His slaves for the good or evil works done, while He was away.

Matthew 25:19 &21 states: “19 Now after a long time the Master of those servants came (returned) and settled accounts with them. 21 His Master said to him (the slave); “Well done, good and faithful servant (slave); you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your Master.” (Read Mathew 25:14-30, “The Parable of the Talents”)

The faithful saints, who have laid a foundation in Jesus Christ, will be rewarded for their works on the “Day” of Christ’s return, not before!

The Apostle Paul at 1 Corinthians 3:13-14 states: “13 Each man’s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.”

1 Corinthians 4:5 states: “Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.”

The Apostle Paul reaffirms this at 2 Timothy 4:8: “Hence forth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but to all who love His appearing (coming).” (See also Bible Topic: “The Rapture of the Saints and the Great Tribulation”)

2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 states: “7. . .When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 inflicting vengeance upon those who do not know God and upon those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 They shall suffer the punishment of eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might, 10 when He comes on that day to be glorified in His saints, and to be marveled at in all who have believed.”

The Millennial Reign (the Recreation)

During the millennium (the 1,000 year reign of Christ), the bride of Christ or church (the holy city new Jerusalem) comes down out of heaven to the earth. The tent of God will be with mankind and He will dwell with them.

Revelation 21:1-3 states: “1 Then I saw a new heavens and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.* 2 And I saw the holy city new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; 3 and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling (tent) of God is with men. . . “‘

The twelve apostles are given thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. This period in scripture is referred to as the recreation or regeneration, the rebirth of the world. The twelve apostles, along with the rest of the saints, will reign with Christ and judge the world for a thousand years. (See also Revelation 5:9-10 & 20:4-5, previously cited)

Matthew 19:28 states: “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I say to you, in the new world (the recreation, the regeneration, when the world is born anew, the new creation, the new order of life, the new age, the new birth, the Messianic rebirth of the world) when the Son of Man shall sit on His glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.'”

The Apostle Paul at 1 Corinthians 6:2 states: “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you? Are you incompetent to try trivial cases?”

Revelation 20:4 states: “Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom judgment was committed. . . They came to life, and reigned with Christ (for) a thousand years.”

On the night before His death, Jesus Christ made a covenant with His disciples for a kingdom, that they would sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jesus said at Luke 22:28-30: “28 You are those who have continued with me in my trials; 29 and I assign (grant, appoint, confer) to you (covenant with you), as my Father assigned (granted, conferred) to me (covenanted unto me), a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

It was at the last supper that Jesus inaugurated a new covenant with His apostles, rendering the old covenant (the Law of Moses) obsolete.

Hebrews 8:13 states: “In speaking of a new covenant He treats the first as obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” (See also Hebrews 8:10-13)

It was from this point on that the heavenly calling was in effect and all of those pressing forward were seizing it. The following morning on Passover day, Christ (the Passover Lamb) was crucified. By His shed blood, Christ bought men from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. He then made them to be a kingdom and priests to His God and Father and that they should reign as kings on the earth. (See Revelation 1:6 & 5:9-10, previously cited) The law and the prophets had ended with John the Baptist. The kingdom of the heavens was now accessible to all who believed, the early Christian church.

A Remnant of Israel Saved

A remnant of Jews, representing the nation of Israel, will be spared and survive the great tribulation here on earth. Jews from all over the world will be gathered back to their homeland. This Jewish remnant of the nation of Israel will constitute what the above verses refer to as, “the twelve tribes of Israel.” This remnant of Jewish survivors (the twelve tribes of Israel) are what Christ’s enthroned saints will rule over during the recreation; also referred to as the thousand year reign of Christ.

Romans 11:2 & 5 states: “2 God has not rejected His people (Israel) whom He foreknew; . . 5 So to at the present time their is a remnant chosen by grace.”

The LORD says at Jeremiah 31:7-8: “7 . . . ‘The LORD has saved His people, the remnant of Israel.’ 8 Behold, I will bring them out of the north country, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth. . .”

Isaiah 43:3 & 5-8 states: “3 For I am the LORD (Yahweh) your God. The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.. . . 5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the East, and from the West I will gather you; 6 I will say to the North, Give up, and to the South, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. 8 Bring forth the people who are blind, yet have eyes, who are deaf, yet have ears.” (See also Mathew 13:15-16)

Jeremiah 16:14-15 states: “14 Therefore, behold, the days are coming says the LORD, when it shall no longer be said, ‘As the LORD lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt,’ 15 but ‘As the LORD lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where He had driven them. For I will bring them back to their own land which I gave to their fathers.'”

Ezekiel 36:24, 26-28, & 35 state: “24 For I will take you from the nations, and gather you from all the countries, and bring you into your own land. . . 26 A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you. . . 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances. 28 You will dwell in the land which I gave to your fathers; and you shall be my people and I will be your God. 35 And they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are now inhabited and fortified.'”

Ezekiel 37:12 states: “. . . Thus says the LORD God: ‘Behold I will open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you home into the land of Israel.”‘

Amos 9:14-15 states: “14 I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. 15 And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall never again be plucked up out of the land which I have given them.”

In the last days, this remnant of Israel will repent and look to the One whom they pierced (Jesus Christ). They will mourn for Him as a first-born son and only child.

Zechariah 12:10 states: “I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of compassion and supplication, so that when they look on Him whom they have pierced (Christ), they shall mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over Him as one weeps over a first-born.”

In referring to Israel as Ephraim, Jeremiah prophesied that the repatriated Jews would eventually repent of their former evil deeds.

Jeremiah 31:18-19 states: “18 I have heard Ephraim (Israel) bemoaning. ‘Thou hast chastened me, and I was chastened, like an untrained calf; bring me back that I may be restored, for thou art the LORD my God. 19 For after I turned away, I repented. . . ‘” (See also Jeremiah 31:18-20)

Ezekiel 36:31 states: “Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good; and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and your abominable deeds.”

In the later part of the days, the Satanic hordes (the armies of Gog of Magog) will come up against Israel. They will be utterly defeated and destroyed. The LORD God will make His greatness known in the eyes of many nations. In the book of Ezekiel, the LORD God makes this pronouncement over 60 times, “Then they will know that I am, “Yahweh” (the LORD).

Psalms 83:2-5 states: “2 For lo, Thy enemies are in tumult; those who hate thee have raised their heads. 3 They lay crafty plans against thy people; they consult together against thy protected ones. 4 They say, ‘Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!’ 5 Yeah, they conspire with one accord; against thee they make a covenant. . .”

Ezekiel 38:14-16 states: “14 Therefore, son of man, prophecy and say to Gog, Thus says the LORD God; ‘On that day when my people Israel are dwelling securely, you will bestir yourself 15 and come from your place out of the uttermost parts of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding horses, a great host, a mighty army; 16 you will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land. In the latter days I will bring you against my land, that the nations may know me, that through you, O Gog, I vindicate my holiness before their eyes.'”

Ezekiel 38:21-23 states: “21 I will summon every kind of terror against Gog, says the LORD God; every man’s sword will be against his brother. 22 With pestilence and bloodshed I will enter into judgment with him; and I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many peoples that are with him, torrential rains and hailstones, fire and brimstone. 23 So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am Yahweh (the LORD).”

Two thirds of the nation of Israel will perish, one third of Israel (a remnant) will be saved. The natural Israelites, who survive this tribulation, will bury the dead that are slain by the LORD for seven months and burn the weapons for seven years.

Zechariah 13:8 states: “In the whole land (of Israel), says the LORD, two thirds shall be cut off and perish, and one third shall be left alive.”

Ezekiel 39:27 states: “For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them (the dead bodies), in order to cleanse the land.”

Ezekiel 39:9 states: “Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go forth and make fires of the weapons and burn them, shields and bucklers, bows and arrows, hand pikes and spears, and they will make fires of them for seven years.”

Suggested reading: Ezekiel chapters 36-39, Zechariah chapters 12-14, & Psalms 83. These passages describe the return of the Jews to their homeland and God’s salvation on behalf of Israel. They also describe the destruction of Gog of Magog in the final part of the days, the burying of the dead, and the destruction of the weapons.

The Great White Throne Judgment (The Second Resurrection)

After the thousand year reign has ended, all of the the rest of humanity who have ever lived and died, will be resurrected and face Christ in what is known as the “Great White Throne Judgment.” The dead will be resurrected out of Hades (Hell or the grave)* and the sea (the oceans). These resurrected ones will be judged by what they had done in their former lifetimes, or according to their deeds done while in the flesh. Books will be opened; the book of memory, the book of deeds, and the book of life.* The dead will be judged by their deeds in accordance with their hearts and consciences, which will either accuse or excuse them. This judgment will occur on that day, when Jesus Christ will judge men in regard to the things that they conceal (their hidden thoughts and deeds). Those who are judged worthy and have their names written in the book of life, are awarded life. Those who are judged unworthy and do not have their names written in the book of life, will be cast into the lake of fire, the second death.

After speaking of the first resurrection, Revelation 20:5 states: “The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.” (See Revelation 20:4-6)

Revelation 20:11-15 goes on to state: “11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him (Christ) who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books (scrolls) were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things that were written in the books, according to their deeds (by what they had done). 13 And the sea (the oceans) gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades (Hell, the underworld*) gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. 14 Then death and Hades (Hell, sheol, the grave)* were thrown into the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

The Apostle Paul at Romans 2:14-16 refers to this judgment: “14 When Gentiles who do not have the [divine] Law do instinctively what the Law requires, they are a law to themselves, since they do not have the Law. 15 They show that the essential requirements of the Law are written in their hearts and are operating there, with which their consciences (sense of right or wrong) also bear witness; and their [moral] decisions (their arguments of reason, their condemning or approving thoughts) will accuse or perhaps defend and excuse [them]. 16 On that day when, as my gospel proclaims, God by Jesus Christ will judge men in regard to the things they conceal (their hidden thoughts).” (The Amplified Bible)

After standing before a fair and just tribunal, the dead are either awarded life, having their names found written in the book of life; or cast into the lake of fire, having their names not found written in the book of life. Isaiah also spoke of this final judgment.

Isaiah 11:1-5 states: “1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch (Christ) shall grow out of His roots. 2 And the Spirit of the LORD (Yahweh) shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. 3 And His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what His eyes see, or decide by what His ears hear; 4 But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.”

It is important to note, that this is an earthly judgment! This is not the judgment of the saints or the church (the first resurrection), which takes place at Christ’s coming. Rather, this is the judgment involving of all the rest of humanity (the second resurrection), which takes place after the thousand years have ended.

The saints or holy ones will have already been judged and will have received their reward at Christ’s return or coming. The first resurrection and the judgment of the saints occurs at the end of the age or world (the present system of things). The saints at that time will receive a kingdom and heavenly immortality with Christ. This will mark the beginning of the thousand year reign of Christ (the millennium). Happy and holy is anyone who is part of the first resurrection! Over these the second death has no authority, but they shall be kings and priests and shall reign with Christ on the earth, for a thousand years. (Refer to Revelation 5:9-10 & Revelation 20:4-6, previously cited)

As was stated above, the latter judgment involves all of the rest of humanity, those who are resurrected after the thousand years have ended. This is the second resurrection. They will either have their names written in the book of life and inherit life, or they will not have their names written in the book of life and be thrown into the lake of fire. (Refer to Revelation 20:11-15 & Daniel 12:2 & 13,* previously cited)

The Final Test

Revelation chapter 20 goes on to depict an earth full of humans and their offspring, enjoying life on a new earth during the millennium. After being confined to an abyss (or pit), during the thousand year reign of Christ, Satan the Devil is let loose out of his prison. Satan goes forth from his prison to deceive the nations, one last time. The Devil is successful! Those who are gathered for war are like the sands of the sea. They advance over the broad plain of the earth and surround the camp of the holy ones (the saints) and the beloved city (new Jerusalem). Fire then comes down out of heaven and consumes all of those in revolt. The Devil is then thrown into the lake of fire, where the beast and the false prophet already are. There, they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Revelation 20:1-3 states: “1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain. 2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and threw him into the pit (abyss), and shut and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years were ended. After this he must be loosed for a little while.”

Revelation 20:7-10 states: “7 And when the thousand years are completed (have ended), Satan will be released from his prison, 8 and will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. 9 And they came up (advanced) on the broad plain of the earth (over the broad earth) and surrounded the camp of the saints (the holy ones) and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured (consumed) them. 10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

The reason that Satan is let out of prison, is that those who have been living on earth during the millennium, along with those who have been resurrected, may have never heard the gospel message during their former lifetimes. After receiving the the truth, they are now being tested by Satan for the first time as to their faith and loyalty to God. Conditions on earth at this time will be as they were in the garden of Eden, a paradise. This will be a new earth, regenerated after the thousand year reign of Christ, and populated with humans who have been given life as a reward. That gift of everlasting life is conditional, however, and will be determined by their passing this final test; Satan being let loose out of prison, one last time, to deceive the nations.

It is important to note, that those who are awarded life at the Great White Throne Judgment are never granted immortality. Only the saints, who are part of the first resurrection, are given immortality. Over these the second death has no authority! (See 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 & Revelation 20:6) The gift of life that is given to those living on earth, is conditional. Even if they pass this final test; Satan being let loose out of prison, they are never awarded immortality. According to scripture, immortality is a reward that is only given to the saints (the holy ones or church).

All of those dwelling on the new earth will be living in a paradise. Satan will be successful in misleading many humans. The number of them is as the sand of the seashore. All who fail this final test are thrown into the lake of fire, where they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

A New Heavens and a New Earth

In the book of Revelation, John is given a vision of a new heavens and new earth. The bride of Christ (the holy city new Jerusalem) comes down out of heaven to the earth. The tent of God is with mankind and He will dwell with them. John envisioned a new heavens and a new earth in which tears, death, mourning, and pain will be no more. God will make all things new, the former things things have passed away.

Revelation 21:1-5 states: “1 Then I saw a new heavens and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.* 2 And I saw the holy city new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; 3 and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them; 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.’ 5 And He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.”‘

Revelation chapter 22 depicts a river of life, flowing from the throne of God the Father and of the Lamb through the street of the holy city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. There shall no more be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be there, and His servants shall worship Him. They shall see His face; and His name shall be on their foreheads. (See Revelation 14:1) There will be no more night; the Lord God will be their light, and they shall reign forever.

Revelation 22:1-5 states: “1 Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 There shall no more be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall worship Him; 4 they shall see His face; and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 And night shall be no more; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they shall reign forever and ever.”

A Millennial Temple/ The Law & Priesthood/ Levites & Princes in the New Earth

Ezekiel prophesied that there would be a millennial temple in the new earth. Priests and Levites will serve in the temple, making sacrifices and burnt offerings on behalf of the people. They shall act as judges, distinguishing between that which is clean and unclean, holy and unholy, and render judgment involving controversies. They shall keep God’s laws and statutes regarding appointed feasts and holy sabbaths. There will also be princes in the new earth. They will execute justice and righteousness, and will apportion land according to each tribe of Israel. It shall be the princes duty to furnish burnt offerings, cereal offerings, and drink offerings at the feasts, new moons, and sabbaths, to make atonement for the house of Israel. A river of water will flow from the temple and on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees. Their fruit will be for food and their leaves for the healing of the nations.

Isaiah 66: 21-23 states: ‘”21 And some of them I shall take for priests and for Levites,’ says the LORD. ’22 For as the new heavens and the new earth which I make shall remain before Me,’ says the Lord; ‘so shall your descendants and your name be. 23 From new moon to new moon, and from sabbath to sabbath, all flesh shall come worship before Me,’ says the LORD.”

Ezekiel 44:15 states: “‘But the Levitical priests . . . shall come near to me to minister to me. . . . and they shall tend to me to offer the fat and the blood,’ says the LORD.”

Ezekiel 44:23 states: “They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common. . . the unclean and the clean. 24 In a controversy they shall act as judges. . .”

Ezekiel 45:17 states: “It shall be the prince’s duty to furnish the burnt offerings, cereal offerings, and drink offerings, at the feasts, the new moons, and the sabbaths, all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel.”

Ezekiel 45:8 states: “. . . And my princes shall no more oppress my people; but they shall let the house of Israel have their land according to their tribes.”

Ezekiel 45:9 states: “. . . Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and execute justice and righteousness . . . ”

Ezekiel 47:1 states: “. . . behold, water was issuing from below the threshold of the temple. . . ”

Ezekiel 47:12 states: “And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food . . . Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”

Psalms 45:16 states: “Instead (In place) of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them (you will appoint them as) princes in all the earth.”

Isaiah 32:1-2 states: “1 Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice. 2 Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a covert from the tempest, like steams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land.”

(Read also Ezekiel 40:46, 43:18, 44:9-11, 44:15-27, 45:8-9, 45:16-17, 47:1, 6-7, 11-12)

The glory of the LORD (Yahweh) will fill the temple and God will dwell in His temple for ever. Neither the house of Israel, nor their kings, will ever defile God’s temple or His holy name again.

Ezekiel 43:5-7 states: “5 The Spirit lifted me up brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the LORD filed the temple (house). 6 While a man was standing beside me, I heard one speaking to me out of the temple; 7 and He said to me, ‘Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell in the midst of (among ) the people of (the sons of) Israel forever. And the house of Israel shall no more defile My holy name, neither they, nor their kings, by their harlotry, and by the dead bodies of their kings.'”

The Apostle Peter wrote under inspiration, that David did not ascend into the heavens. Instead, David will receive an earthly reward.

At Acts 2:34, the Apostle Peter stated: “For David did not ascend into the heavens . . . ”

The LORD (Yahweh) prophesied that David, His servant, shall be a king over them and a prince forever on the earth. God will make an everlasting covenant of peace with them (Israel), and He will bless them and multiply them. The LORD’s sanctuary ( the temple) will be in the midst of them for evermore.

Ezekiel 37:24 states: “My servant David shall be king over them; and they shall all have one shepherd.”

Ezekiel 37:26 states: “. . . David my servant shall be their prince forever.” (Refer to above passage at Psalms 45:16)

Ezekiel 37:26 states: “I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; and I will bless them and multiply them; and I will set my sanctuary (temple) in the midst of them for evermore.”

(Read also Ezekiel 37:15-27)

The Great Multitude of Saints

Revelation depicts a great multitude, who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and have access to the tree of life. They enter the holy city (new Jerusalem) by the gates, and are rendering sacred service day and night in the temple, before the throne of God. This great multitude (or crowd) are seen in heaven as the holy ones or saints. These are the saints who come out of or through the great tribulation. (Rd. Revelation 7:13-14, previously cited)

Revelation 22:14 states: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have their right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.”

Revelation 7:13-15 states: “13 Then one of the elders addressed me saying, ‘Who are these, clothed in white robes, and whence have they come?’ 14 I said to him, ‘Sir you know.’ And he said to me, ‘These are they, who come out of (through) the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night within His temple. ‘” (Previously cited, see also Revelation 11:19 & 21:2-4, 9-27)

Revelation 19:1 & 6-8 states: “After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying, ‘Hallelujah, salvation and glory and power belong to our God.’ 6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude. . . ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and exalt and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to be clothed in fine linen, bright and pure’—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints (the holy ones).”

The Mountain of the LORD (God’s Kingdom)

In the days of those kings, the mountain of the LORD, God’s kingdom, will fill the whole earth. The kingdom which shall never be destroyed. It will crush and put an end to all other kingdoms, and it itself will last forever.

Daniel 2:44 states: “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people, It shall break in pieces all of these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it (itself) shall stand forever.” (Read Daniel 2:36-45)

Daniel 2:35 states: “. . . But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.”

The prophecy of Isaiah 2:2-4 will be fulfilled. In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD (Yahweh) will be established. The law and word of the LORD (Yahweh) will go forth from Zion and Jerusalem. He will teach us concerning His ways and that we should walk in His paths. He will judge between the nations, and will render decisions for many peoples; and they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war.”

“2 . . . In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD (Yahweh) will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all nations will stream to it. 3 And many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us concerning His ways and that we may walk in His paths.’ For the law will go forth from Zion and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 And He will judge between the nations, and will render decisions for many peoples; and they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war.”

The Passing of the Former Heavens & Former Earth

The prophesies state that the former heavens and former earth will pass away at the coming day of the Lord.

2 Peter 3:10 states: “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire; and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up (the earth and everything in it will be laid bare).”

Revelation 21:1 states: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former (the first or old) heaven and former (the first or old) earth had passed away. . .

The old heavens consist of the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. These fallen angels will be cast into the abyss at the coming of the Lord. Thus, in a symbolic manner, the former heavens will pass away.

At Ephesians 6:12, the Apostle Paul wrote: “For we are not contending (wrestling) against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of the present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

The old earth consists of the world of ungodly men that will face destruction with fire, at the coming of the Lord. Just as there were a heavens and an earth of old, and the world of Noah’s day was deluged with water; so to the heavens and earth that now exist are being stored up for fire, and are being reserved for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. All of the works of human society will be exposed and burnt up at the coming day of judgment. Thus, in a symbolic manner, the former earth will pass away.

2 Peter 3:5-7 states: “5 They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago, and an earth formed out of water and by means of water, 6 through which the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist have been stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”

2 Peter 3:10 states: “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with aloud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire; and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up (the earth and everything in it will be laid bare).” (Previously cited)

1 Corinthians 3:13 states: “Each man’s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.”

Jesus prophesied at Luke 12:2: “But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.”

2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 states: “7. . .When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 inflicting vengeance upon those who do not know God and upon those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 They shall suffer the punishment of eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might, 10 when He comes on that day to be glorified in His saints, and to be marveled at in all who have believed.”

The Earth Abideth Forever

The Bible clearly states that the earth remains and abideth forever. The earth as a planet will never pass away. The evil world of mankind that exists on it, will pass away.

Ecclesiastes 1:4 states: “A generation goes (goeth), and a generation comes (cometh), but the earth remains (abideth) forever.”

Psalms 104:5 states: “Thou didst set the earth on its foundations (laid the foundations of the earth), so that it should never be shaken (not be made to totter, it should not be moved forever, it will not be made to totter to time indefinite or forever).”

A New Heaven and a New Earth

There are a new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting, and in these righteousness is to dwell. With the removal of the former heavens and former earth, the old things will have passed away. The tabernacle of God will be with mankind and He will dwell among them. This will usher in a new heavens and a new earth, where there will be no more tears, death, morning, outcry, or pain, for the former things will have passed away. And He who sat on the throne said: “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

2 Peter 3:13 states: “There are a new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to His promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.”

Revelation 21:1, 3-4 states: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; the first (former) heaven and the first (former) earth had passed away, and the sea* was no more.“ 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling (tabernacle) of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. . . 4 He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither shall there be morning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’ 5 And He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold I make all things new.’ Also He said, ‘Write this, for these words are trustworthy (faithful) and true.'”

*Red print is for variations of scriptural passages and/or for clarification.

*The “sea” in scripture is identified as being the wicked. Isaiah 57:20-21 states : “The wicked are like the tossing sea that cannot rest. . . There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked.” In the book of Revelation, the waters are comprised of the peoples, crowds, tongues, and nations. (See Revelation 17:15) The sea, representing wicked humanity, will be no more when Christ begins His millennial reign. (See Revelation 21:1)

*Many see in this passage reference to three books: the book of life, the book of memory, and the book of works or deeds. (Malachi 3:16 & Revelation 20:12)

*In a great majority of cases sheol, in the Old Testament, is used to signify the grave; and it can have no other meaning. Job 14:13 – Unger’s Bible Dictionary page 1012.

*Hell (conceal). Hebrew “sheol;” translated “grave,” 1 Samuel 2:6; “pit,” Numbers 16:30; “hell,” Job 11:8. Webster’s Bible Dictionary page 667.

*Hades: The Hebrew sheol is the equivalent for Hades, and is likewise the subterranean abode for all the dead until judgment.

*Note: Hell, a term which in common usage designates the place of future punishment for the wicked. Other meanings in many instances are expressed by this term, which must be recognized to prevent mistakes and confusion. In some cases it refers to the grave, in others to the place of disembodied spirits without any necessary implication as to their happiness or unhappiness. – Unger’s Bible Dictionary Page 467.

*Some theologians & scholars have speculated that the verses found at Daniel 12:2 & 13, might indicate the possibility of a third resurrection, comprised of the faithful men of the Old Testament. If this were so, such a resurrection would most likely occur during the 1,000 year reign of Christ. Faithful men such as King David and John the Baptist would then receive their reward on earth, during the millennium; prior to the resurrection of the rest of the dead and the Great White Throne Judgment, which takes place after the thousand years have ended.

*It is commonly taught as theological fact, that Elijah the prophet was awarded with heavenly glory and immortality when he was taken up in a fiery chariot. A careful examination of the scriptures reveals otherwise.

Elijah was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot, but to which heaven? There are three different heavens in scripture.

1. The first heaven, referring to the earth’s atmosphere or expanse.

2. The second heaven, referring to outer space (the universe), outside of the earth’s atmosphere.

3. The third heaven, referring to God’s throne room, where He resides.

The fact that Elijah did not receive heavenly immortality and glory is affirmed by Jesus Christ Himself.

Jesus said at John 3:13: “No one has ever gone (ascended) into heaven except the One (the Son of Man) who came down (descended) from heaven.”

The fact that Elijah did not receive heavenly glory and immortality was also corroborated by his contemporaries. Fifty strong men, who were servants of Elisha, were sent to search for Elijah for three days after his ascension. They returned without results. They expected to find that Elijah had descended on a mountain or in a valley. (See 2 Kings 2:15-18) Elijah did not die at this time, nor did he go into the heavenly realm (the third heaven), but he was transferred to another prophetic assignment. This was evident in that Elisha, who inherited Elijah’s garment and prophetic assignment, did not observe any mourning for his master. (See 2 Kings 2:9-14) A number of years later, after his ascension into the wind storm, Elijah is found still alive and active as a prophet, this time to the king of Judah. Because of the wicked course taken by King Jehoram, Elijah wrote him a letter expressing God’s condemnation. God’s judgment was fulfilled, shortly thereafter. “And a letter came to him (King Jehoram) from Elijah the prophet saying, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of David. . .'” (Read 2 Chronicles 21:12-15) It must also be stated that Elijah could not have inherited heavenly glory and immortality (or the third heaven), as the Christ or Messiah had not yet appeared or shed His blood on the cross for humanity. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission (forgiveness, atonement) for sins. (Hebrews 9:22)

It is also commonly taught that Enoch, the great grandfather of Noah, who prophesied against the fallen angels or watchers, was translated (or transferred) into heavenly glory. The Bible never states this. Genesis 5:24 states: “Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him.” Hebrews 11:5 states: “By faith Enoch was taken (transferred) so that he did not experience death; ‘and he was not found, because God had taken (translated) him.'” Once again, it would have been impossible for Enoch to have inherited heavenly glory and immortality as there had been no appearance of the Messiah (the Christ), or the shedding of blood for the remission of sins.

The Book of Jubilee, a parallel account of Genesis that was an accepted book by the Jews of Jesus’ day, establishes the truth regarding Enoch’s being taken or transferred. The Book of Jubilee 4:23-24 states: “23 And he (Enoch) testified to the watchers, who had sinned with the daughters of men. And he was taken from amongst the children of men, and we conducted him into the garden of Eden, in majesty and honour and behold there he writes down the condemnation and judgment of the world, and all the wickedness of the children of men. 24 And on account of it, (God) brought the waters of the flood upon all the land of Eden.”

The fallen angels and their hybrid offspring of giants, may have wanted to kill Enoch. By transferring Enoch into the garden, he was spared and preserved alive to write his book.