What does the Bible say about the new heavens and the new earth?

TL;DR:

The Bible promises a new heavens and new earth, where God will dwell with His people, free from sorrow, pain, and death. This eternal state encourages believers to live with eternity in mind and to share the gospel with others.

what does the bible say?

The Bible promises a "new heavens and new earth," first mentioned in Isaiah 65:17 and 66:22, which will be created after the final judgment. Revelation 21:1–4 describes this eternal state as a place where God will dwell with His people. There will be no more sorrow, pain, or death. The new Jerusalem, a magnificent city, will be a part of this new existence, described as a city of immense size, beauty, and purity, with no temple or need for the sun, as God Himself will be the light. Believers will experience eternal fellowship with God in a perfect environment, free from sin and corruption. This promise offers hope and should inspire us to live with eternity in mind, sharing the gospel with others, so they also can experience joy in eternity.

from the old testament

The "new heavens and the new earth" are mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily in the book of Isaiah. God promises in Isaiah 65:17: "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind."
Isaiah 66:22 also promises: "For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make shall remain before me, says the LORD, so shall your offspring and your name remain."

from the new testament

Revelation 21–22 describes the new heavens and the new earth, which God promised to make after Christ’s 1,000-year reign on earth (Revelation 20:4–6) and the final judgment. We are provided a detailed look at the vision given to the apostle John regarding what will take place at the end of time, or what is often called the eternal state.
Revelation 21:1 begins, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more." The first heaven, the skies, and the first earth will be destroyed, and the sea will disappear. Believers will live in an entirely new existence that includes a new heavenly city, called the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2).
The existence of believers in this place is described in Revelation 21:3–4: "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." This eternal dwelling will include God with His people in a perfect, eternal environment.
The dimensions, or size, of the new Jerusalem are given in Revelation 21:15–21. In modern terms, this city will be 1,400 miles by 1,400 miles (12,000 stadia), a size of two million square miles! It will also be 1,400 miles high, indicating the city will be a cube shape—or possibly a pyramid shape—more than 600,000 stories high. It will include 12 gates with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel and 12 foundations that include the names of the apostles. The city will consist of a wide array of jewels and colors and will be made of gold. Keep in mind that this description is John's attempt to explain the city's splendor; it cannot include all of the details of its greatness.
Revelation 21:22–23 shares that this new city will include no temple, no sun, and no moon. The Lamb, Jesus, will be its light. Its existence will be perfectly safe and without sin.
Revelation 22:5 concludes the description of the new heavens and new earth by saying, "They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever." Ultimately, the greatest joy will be to dwell together with all believers in the Lord's presence forever. The earth that began with humans in a garden will end with God's people in a city, where we will enjoy perfect fellowship with Him.

implications for today

As believers, we long for the eternal state God has promised, where we will be in His presence forever, and there will be no more sorrow, pain, or sin. This longing should shape how we live today, as it reminds us of the fleeting nature of our current struggles and trials. While we face difficulties and heartbreak, the promise of the new heavens and the new earth offers hope, a hope that fuels our perseverance and faith in God’s promises. In light of this, we are called to live with a perspective that values eternity over temporary satisfaction, choosing to walk in holiness and trust in God's ultimate victory over sin. As we anticipate the eternal dwelling place He has prepared, let us find comfort and strength in knowing that God is already with us, and one day, we will experience His presence in perfection.

For those who reject Christ, the eternal state will be vastly different, as they will face separation from God's presence in a place of eternal punishment. This sobering reality reminds us of the urgency to share the gospel with others and live out our faith authentically. As believers, we are entrusted with the message of salvation, and it is our responsibility to make sure we share the hope found in Christ, so others can also experience the eternal joy and peace of His presence.

understand

The Bible promises a new heavens and earth, where God dwells with His people, free from sorrow and death.
The new heavens and new earth will have a magnificent, eternal city, with God as the light.
The promise of the new heavens and new earth encourages believers to live with eternity in mind and to share the gospel with others.

reflect

How does the promise of a new heavens and new earth shape your perspective on the trials, struggles, and temporary pleasures of today?
What aspects of eternal life, such as no sorrow or pain, most excite you about the future with God?
How can you live today with eternity in mind, and how can you share that hope with others?

engage

What significance does the absence of sorrow, pain, and death in the new heavens and new earth have for our understanding of God’s character and ultimate plan?
How does the description of the new heavens and new earth challenge our current understanding of heaven?
How can we practically encourage others to live with a mindset focused on eternity, rather than temporary concerns?