2 Peter 3:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

NIV: But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

NASB: But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

CSB: But based on his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

NLT: But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

KJV: Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

NKJV: Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

In contrast to the message of the false teachers, Peter has both assured and warned his readers that Christ will return in God's perfect time. God will judge the sins of humanity with fire which consumes the heavens—or "sky"—and the elements—or "heavenly bodies." Verses 11 and 12 gave a more detailed description of these events.

As it turns out, destruction in judgment is not the only prophecy to be fulfilled. God has also promised a new heaven and a new earth for His children, a place we already look forward to and long for. In contrast to this present world, that new one will be a place where righteousness lives forever in the form of God Himself (Revelation 21:1–4).

Does Peter mean that our current heavens and earth will be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new planet or perhaps a whole new universe? Or is he saying that God will purify our current heavens and earth with fire, creating a new world on the same planet after all the unrighteousness has been burned away from this one? Theologians and scholars have differed on that point for hundreds of years.

In truth, it's difficult for us to know exactly what God's fiery judgment or the new heavens and earth will be like. What does seem clear is that the judgment will be terrible and final and that the new earth and heavens will be a real, physical place where God Himself lives with us.

The apostle John confirms Peter's prophecy in Revelation 21:1–5, including these hopeful words: "God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

2 Peter 3:1–13 includes Peter’s dismantling of the arguments of the false teachers. They will scoff because Christ’s promised return has not yet happened, and the world continues on as if nothing will ever change. Peter reminds Christians that God made the world and Noah’s flood is evidence that He is willing to alter it in order to bring judgment on the sins of humanity. In the coming judgment, everything will be destroyed and laid bare with fire. Christians look forward to the new heavens and earth which will come after.

Peter dismantles the arguments of false teachers working to mislead Christians in the early church. He counters their idea that since Jesus has not yet returned, He must not be coming. Peter reminds His readers that God created the world. The flood of Noah's day is evidence that He is willing to bring judgment on the earth for sin. God is not late, He is patient and merciful. But the day of the Lord will come eventually. Everything will be destroyed. A new heaven and earth will be established. Christians should live as if that’s true.

After thoroughly condemning the false teachers in chapter 2, Peter now dismantles their arguments. These deceivers scoff that Christ has not returned as promised. We should doubt Christ's return, they say, since the world goes along as it always has and always will. Peter reminds his readers that God is the one who made the world. Noah’s flood is evidence of His willingness to alter the course of nature in order to bring judgment on humanity for sin. Christians should be looking forward to the new heavens and earth, rejecting false teaching, and leading holy lives.

Apparently written shortly before his death in the AD 60s, 2 Peter may have been written to the same audience as 1 Peter, which was Christians scattered by persecution. Peter writes this letter to encourage Christians to live out the purpose of their lives in Christ. He warns readers to beware of teachers who claim to be believers, but present a false version of Christianity. And, Peter calls on all Christians to eagerly watch and wait for the return of the Lord.