2 Peter 3:13-14 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.… I. THAT THE NEW HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH WILL EMERGE FROM THE RUINS OF THE PRESENT. This is far the most probable for the following reasons — 1. Our planet has already undergone changes somewhat analogous. Geology would give us to understand that this globe has passed through numerous changes. 2. The apparent indestructibility of matter. 3. The moral events that have transpired on this earth. 4. The context makes it evident. Lest the reader should fancy that the fire should entirely destroy this beautiful world, it was natural for St. Peter to intimate that a new heaven and a new earth would grow out of it. II. THE NEW HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH WILL BE THE ABODE OF "RIGHTEOUSNESS." "Wherein dwelleth righteousness," This is its moral glory, this it is that marks it off in glorious contrast from its present character. This world at present is like the house of the old leper, every part defiled. But "righteousness "will dwell in its future state. 1. It will dwell universally. 2. It will dwell supremely. Now, wherever found, it is in a servile state. Right is under the foot of might. 3. It will dwell exclusively. There will be nothing of an opposite character. 4. It will dwell permanently. Its regions will never be invaded, its authority will never be shaken, its glory will never be overshadowed by evil. This indwelling righteousness is its glory. The most bright and majestic objects of nature looked at through a corrupt heart are uninteresting. No one can see God's beauty in the external world who has not moral beauty within; no one can catch the sweet harmonies without who has not the moral harmonies within. The soul is the measure and mirror of man's universe. III. THAT THE NEW HEAVENS AND EARTH ARE OBJECTS OF PROSPECTIVE INTERESTS TO THE GOOD. "We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth." This looking implies two things — 1. Sufficient evidence to believe that these new heavens and earth will appear. Looking means expecting — expecting implies reason. 2. A conviction that some advantages will accrue from the appearance. Looking implies desire — desire implies the desirable. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. |
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