Profile of the Prophet Isaiah
For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. Isaiah 65:17
There are many things about the present heavens and earth that are beautiful and wondrous, for they are God’s creation and bear witness to His power, wisdom, and glory.
Since the fall of Adam, creation is also under the curse of sin. Not only did sin corrupt human nature and cut off man from fellowship with the Creator, but the very ground was cursed for Adam’s sake, producing thorns and thistles, making food production an activity weighted with sweat and toil. (Genesis 3:17-19)
Though millennia have passed since God first proclaimed it, this curse is very much in evidence today. The natural world isn’t all beauty and wonder; the news of the day constantly brings reports of violent and destructive storms and upheavals. These things teach us that the present earth and universe will not continue forever. By them God wants to direct our attention to Judgment Day, so that we repent of our sins and place our hopes in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, and the eternal life promised to all who believe in Him.
The heavens and earth that now exist will come to an end when Christ returns according to His promise. Then “the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up…Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:10, 13)
When Peter speaks of “His promise,” he is referring to this passage from Isaiah. Through Isaiah and Peter, God revealed His plans for a new creation freed from sin and its curse.
Father, when this world disappoints us and when we see our life in it passing away, bring to our minds Your faithful promise of the new heavens and new earth and the place in them that is ours through the work of Jesus Christ. Amen.