2 Peter 3:13 13But we are waiting for a new heavens and new earth according to his promise, in which righteousness dwells.
Peter’s hope is a fulfillment of Isaiah 65:17, which looks forward to a new heavens and earth. John also reflected on this hope in Revelation 21:1. The bad news that the heavens and earth will be destroyed is good news for those who believe because there will be a new heaven and new earth to replace the old. A drastic change will occur as God brings about his plan for creation. We can only imagine what this new heaven and earth will be like. Many theories have been developed, even since the Church Fathers, about what the new heavens and earth will be like, whether they will be a purification of the current physical creation or exist in a spiritual way. From a spiritual sense, we know it will be characterized by righteousness and holiness because those are qualities of the new creation. No unclean thing will be there. Peter’s statement should have given hope to the readers while also warning those who were teaching heresy.
Revelation 21 gives us further insights into the new heaven and earth. Verse 4 says, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” All things will be made new. We cannot imagine what existence would be like without death and pain. Everything we do in this life fights off death. In this life, we get a foretaste of this new existence in the fellowship and joy we have with God and other believers, but it is only the smallest sliver. This promise of the Bible gives us hope during our trials and motivates us to remain true and not be deceived by the temptations around us. We need this reminder from time to time because our minds get too caught up in just keeping up with life. God has promised new creation to those who are faithful. We must daily commit ourselves to this hope.