New Heavens and Earth?

In the past couple of years, we have heard A LOT about new heavens and new earth. I balked at it initially, but now I understand where that viewpoint comes from. I balked at it simply because I was so enamored by my historical beliefs. Old habits die hard, they say. I’m still not certain anyone should speak with such absolute authority on the subject . . . there is much ambiguity in the Word about the subject. But it appeals to me to think that what God created is exactly what He wanted all along, and He’s busy making it new again. 

I think, however, that we are mostly stuck in the eschatological (end times) point of view in this discussion. We would all agree that whenever Jesus decides to come back, the renewing work will be finished and complete. That which is broken will be broken no more! The more we focus on that end-times discussion, the more we’re inclined to just accept that this world is gonna be terrible (and even more terrible) until that grand finale of the Messiah’s return. And THAT is what I believe to be a big blunder. 

You see, when Jesus came initially, he said: “The Kingdom of Heaven has come among you.” Those words are pointing to a reality that was beginning right then, with Jesus’ presence in the world. He was NOT pointing to the end-times. And, as He made His way around that part of the world, whenever He healed a broken body (blindness, crippled, deaf, mutes, demons, or sickness), we see Him transforming the dead/dying world into the New Heavens and New Earth world. When He spoke up in defense of women or children in the face of misogyny or child abuse, He was transforming this dead/dying world into the New Heavens and New Earth world. 

Of course, when He went to the cross and, more importantly, rose from that tomb, He was doing the really heavy lifting of transforming this dead/dying world into the New Heavens and New Earth world. And when He poured out His Spirit onto the believ-ers (including 21st Century believers), He is giving them the power and authority to continue the transforming work that frees this dead/dying world from corruption and ushers in the New Heavens and New Earth at that very moment. Yes, someday Jesus’ return will fully complete that transformation, but we believers and ambassadors exist in the world for the sole purpose of continuing that transforming work! But how? Does that mean us?!? 

I’m starting a new class next quarter (beginning March 4th) called “In Service to the King – Training to be His Ambassadors for the World”. We will be discussing this subject and be learning how people like you and me can get busy healing this world. It’s not gonna be a class for everybody. But if you believe that God uses broken people to make all things new and that He can even use you, then this class is for you. I hope some of you will join me. But more than that, I hope all of us will begin to believe that New Heavens and New Earth have come among us… it’s time for us to recognize it, proclaim it, and step into that dead/dying world to transform it for Christ, our King. 

Stan (the eldest)