Topical Bible: The Earth: To be Renewed

◄ The Earth: To be Renewed ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the Earth being renewed is a significant theme in biblical eschatology, reflecting God's ultimate plan for creation. This renewal is often associated with the end times and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The Bible presents this transformation as a restoration of the Earth to its intended glory, free from the corruption and decay brought about by sin.

Biblical Foundation

The promise of a renewed Earth is rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. In the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, Isaiah speaks of a new creation: "For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind" (Isaiah 65:17). This passage highlights the transformative nature of God's future work, where the current order of things will be replaced by something entirely new and perfect.

The New Testament echoes this promise, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Peter and the Apostle John. Peter writes, "But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:13). This expectation of a new creation is tied to the hope of righteousness, indicating a world where God's will is perfectly realized.

The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of this renewal: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more" (Revelation 21:1). John's vision reveals a complete transformation, where the old order is replaced by a new, divine reality.

Theological Implications

The renewal of the Earth is not merely a return to the original state of creation but an elevation to a state of eternal perfection. This transformation is part of God's redemptive plan, which encompasses not only humanity but all of creation. The Apostle Paul speaks to this cosmic redemption in Romans 8:19-21 : "The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."

This passage underscores the interconnectedness of humanity and creation in God's salvific plan. The renewal of the Earth is intrinsically linked to the redemption of humanity, as both are liberated from the effects of sin and death.

Practical Considerations

For believers, the promise of a renewed Earth offers hope and motivation for righteous living. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. This eschatological hope encourages Christians to live in anticipation of God's coming kingdom, fostering a sense of stewardship over the current creation as a reflection of the future renewal.

Furthermore, the expectation of a new Earth challenges believers to engage in creation care, recognizing the intrinsic value of the world God has made. While the present Earth is temporary, it is still a testament to God's creative power and a foretaste of the glory to come.

Conclusion

The biblical promise of the Earth's renewal is a profound aspect of Christian eschatology, offering a vision of hope and restoration. It reflects God's commitment to His creation and His ultimate plan to dwell with His people in a renewed and perfect world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 65:17
For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 3:13
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Cleansing of the Earth.
... "The observance of the Sabbath is essential to the faith; for such only as observe
the Sabbath confess that the earth will be renewed: because He who created ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the cleansing of the earth.htm

The Limitations of Earth's Great Week.
... to be the Millenarian Septenary, as the great Sabbath of the whole earth. ...
distinguishment of the seventh day, or weekly sabbath, was most solemnly renewed. ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/9 the limitations of earths.htm

Be Diligent
... Now I am not going to dwell upon that thought of a new heaven and a new earth renewed
by means of the fiery change that shall pass upon them, but simply to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/be diligent.htm

Phial the First. On the Earth, the Universe Connected with the ...
... to the ethereal regions,""Vertice ad auras ??therias tendit." On this earth of the ...
could not be brought on without being broken again, and thereby renewed. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/phial the first on the.htm

Life.
... and larger animals arrive to feed beneath their shade; till the once barren land
has become fertile and rich with life, and the face of the earth is renewed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xvii life.htm

Sections ii. , iii. And the Lord Said: "And I Will Bring the ...
... And I Will Bring the Waters of the Flood Upon the Earth to Destroy ... from the holy
mount, and lifting up their eyes towards paradise, they renewed their weeping ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/sections ii iii and the.htm

Again, on Matt. vi. On the Lord's Prayer. To the Competentes.
... As our spirit is renewed by believing, so may our flesh be renewed by rising again;
and "the will of God be done, as in heaven, so in earth." Again, our mind ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon vii again on matt.htm

The Test of Discipleship
... nature; it is an embodiment of the great principle of love, and hence is the foundation
of His government in heaven and earth. If our hearts are renewed in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 7 the test of.htm

Canaan on Earth
... a child of God, not only is my heart changed and my nature renewed, but my very ... Do
you know a man who sees his mercies coming from heaven, and not from earth? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/canaan on earth.htm

26TH DAY. A Glorious Reunion.
... Oh, the joy, too, of mutual recognition among the death-divided"ties snapt asunder
on earth, indissolubly renewed"severed friendships reunited"the ...
/.../macduff/the faithful promiser/26th day a glorious reunion.htm