New Heavens and a New Earth

The phrase “new heavens and a new earth” appears three times in Scripture. The first two occasions are prophetic and appear in Isaiah 65:17 and 66:22. The third reference is 2 Peter 3:13 and refers back to the prophecies. Compare these to “a new heaven and a new earth” in the figurative language of Revelation 21:1.

The apostle Peter refers to a future habitat for righteous souls after the destruction of this present world in which we now live (2 Peter 3:10). Speaking without figurative language, our Lord identified the eternal habitation of the righteous as being heaven (Matthew 5:12). The apostle Peter likewise taught the same thing (1 Peter 1:4). Numerous New Testament passages assign the eternal abode of righteous souls as being where God is – in heaven (John 14:1-3).

Note also some of the articles from the “Archive” of Gospel Gazette Online that refer to “new heavens and a new earth.”

https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2002/dec/page18.htm
https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2004/jan/page12.htm
https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2001/aug/page18.htm
https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/1999/jul/page5.shtml

“New heavens and a new earth” is an idiom or figurative expression referring to the future heavenly home of righteous souls – redeemed from all ages.