Question 339: What is the new heaven and new earth?

Answer:

The new heaven and new earth are the final renewal of all creation, in which God will dwell with His redeemed people forever. After Christ’s return and the final judgment, God will restore the world from all corruption, sin, and death. The new creation will be a place of perfect righteousness, joy, and peace, where heaven and earth are united, and God’s glory fills all in all. It is the eternal home of those in Christ, where sorrow and evil will be no more. (Isaiah 65:17, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1–4, Romans 8:21, Revelation 22:1–5)

Full Scripture References

“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 (BSB)

“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 (BSB)

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away… ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will live with them… He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.’” – Revelation 21:1, 3–4 (BSB)

“…that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” – Romans 8:21 (BSB)

“Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life… On either side of the river stood the tree of life… And there will be no more curse… They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.” – Revelation 22:1–4 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The new heaven and new earth are the promised fulfillment of God’s plan to renew all creation. After the return of Christ and the final judgment, the curse of sin will be lifted, and God will dwell with His people forever in a glorified, renewed world. Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Diocese of the Living Word) writes, “The new creation is not a dream—it is our destiny. We are not escaping the world, but watching it be made new by the power of Christ.” (All Things Made New, 2022)

This new creation is not simply heaven relocated, but the complete restoration of all things—matter, spirit, body, and world—made perfect in righteousness. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) explains, “The Christian hope is not merely to go to heaven when we die, but to be raised and live forever in the renewed world where heaven and earth are one.” (Hope Beyond the Grave, 2021)

In the new heaven and new earth, there will be no more death, sin, pain, or sorrow. The presence of God will fill every place, and His people will live in eternal communion with Him. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “All that sin has stained will be cleansed. All that was broken will be mended. And we shall see God face to face and rejoice forever.” (The Great Restoration, 2020)

The renewal of creation includes not just humanity but the entire cosmos. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) writes, “God’s redemption is not partial—it is cosmic. The resurrection of the body and the transformation of the world are part of one glorious future, where Christ reigns and every tear is wiped away.” (The World to Come, 2021)

Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) adds, “We long not for escape, but for restoration. The Christian awaits a new world, not as a dream, but as a promise secured by the blood of the Lamb. What Eden lost, Christ will restore in fullness.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“God shall make a new heaven and a new earth—not by destroying, but by transforming. The creation shall be set free, as the soul is at redemption.” – Augustine of Hippo, City of God, c. 426 AD

“The promise of God is not just for the soul, but for the world. What was made shall be remade—this is the Christian hope.” – Basil the Great, Homily on the Future Glory, c. 370 AD

“The earth shall be more glorious than Eden, for there shall be no serpent, no fall, no curse—only Christ and His saints.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Revelation 21, c. 390 AD

“Heaven and earth shall be joined, and we shall walk in the light of God forever. This is the inheritance of the righteous.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Kingdom to Come, c. 250 AD