In the two previous blogs in this “Heaven” series, we clarify how Scripture uses the word ‘heavens’ to speak of the atmosphere above the earth and of places of authority over our life. We noted how our personal beginnings develop our beliefs and perception of life, to become captivating mental strongholds.
Since Scripture is given to assist our life in this earth, we should explore what is meant when it says: “We are looking for a new heavens and earth.” (a) [See endnotes for Scriptures] A few Old Testament prophets as well as the New Testament Peter and John spoke of new heavens (plural) coming from above, as reigning authorities. So we ask – how do we see the new heavens and its earth?
God Renews & Restores
Jesus spoke often in Matthew’s Gospel of the “kingdom of heaven” while he is recorded speaking of the “kingdom of God” in Mark and Luke. Jesus is recorded in one place using both phrases to speak of the same thing: “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again…it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (b) We find both phrases refer to the governance of God during our earthly lives.
The passing of the old ruling order is referred to in the New Testament as “The world (order) is passing away and its lusts,” (c) and “the form of this world (order) is passing away.” (d) And, we are “Not of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away,” (e) for “darkness is passing away and the true Light is already shining.” (f) The kingdom reign of God, as light from above, was being experienced in those days. That day’s age and world order were already in the process of passing away.
How does the rule and reign of God come from above? When we receive insightful words and thoughts, our perceptions of reality tend to adjust. As we partake of the Eternal One’s governing guidance, we are drawn into His perceptions and enter a better quality of life. By walking with God and absorbing His Light and Love, we become better reflective resemblances of our Eternal Father.
It is helpful to realize there are two very different Greek words in the New Testament that are translated in our Bibles as “new.” One is neos, which means numerically new, as brand new and not like the previous. The other is kainos, which means a new quality; as renewed, revised, refreshed, and restored. The coming new heavens and earth that is promised is not a neos, as brand new; it is kainos, a renewing process.
The New Testament Greek kainos is used to say: “I will make a renewing covenant,” (g) “He is the mediator of the renewing covenant,” (h) “Look for a renewing heavens and earth,” (i) and “If anyone is in Christ, he is a renewing creature.” (j) As with any kainos, we are renewing, as our process of maturing.
What great news! God is in the renewing and restoring business! He takes who we are and progressively renews, remakes, restores, and reforms us into better expressions of His heart. Our beginnings do not have to remain in control of our lives. We can be transformed by the process of renewing.
God takes who we are and progressively renews, remakes, restores, and reforms us into better expressions of His heart.
A Renewing City of God
When Scripture combines ‘heaven and earth’ as a term, it refers to the governing systems of this world. Heaven speaks of the ruling powers, systems, and authorities while the earth refers to the governed.
During his imprisonment on the Isle of Patmos, John wrote about the new heavens and earth. To help get his writing past the island guards, he wrote in the veiled language of visions, using many of the dynamics and symbolisms of Old Testament prophets. John however was clear about his intent, starting the book with: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ…the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (k) John wrote to encourage people of his day and us, regarding the ongoing purpose of the Kingdom reign and ministry of God-in-Christ.
It is important to realize that each time 
the word ‘new’ appears in the book of Revelation it is kainos. Consequently, we are given a renewing name (identity) and we sing a renewing song. As we enter a renewing Jerusalem coming down from above, we experience a renewing heavens and earth.
At the end of his book, John stated: “I saw a renewed (renewing) heaven and renewed (renewing) earth…coming down out of heaven (above) from God…and I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘The tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them…Behold, I am making all things renewed.’” (l)
John spoke of what God was already doing. The renewing Covenant Kingdom reign of God in people’s lives was already happening. The renewing process was coming from above, raising people in this world into a better life experience. As in that day, and for all time, God is in the process of making all things new. The presence of God-in-Christ is really with us, among us, and in our midst today!
We want to remember, God-in-Christ is the light of the world. (m) The renewing heavens and Jerusalem, as coming down from above, speak of God’s ruling reality in the earth. This is when and where natural people experience the enlightening presence of God and their lives are transformed into more godly expressions of His light. This is a spiritual reality of the renewing inhabitants of the renewing Jerusalem.
God is in the process of making all things new.
Abide in Heavenly Places
The heavens of Scripture are conveying that God’s guidance, like from above, elevates our quality of life. “The heavens are telling of the glory of God,” (n) “declare His righteousness,” (o) and “praise Him.” (p) A “renewing heavens and earth” (q) is “coming down out of heaven…making all things new.” (r)
The Apostle Paul said we are “partakers of the heavenly calling,” we “have tasted of the heavenly gift,” and “have come to the heavenly Jerusalem.” (s) Paul also said, “God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…and raised us up …seated us with Him in the heavenly places…in order that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known…to the rulers and authorities in heavenly places.” (t) We taste and partake of spiritual blessings in the heavenly places of our mind; then we are able to give heartfelt expressions to the rulers that function as authorities in our earthly lives.
Jesus said His presence would be “in the midst of two or three” who interact as children of faith. (u) Paul confirms: “For we (together) are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them (in their midst) and walk among them.” (v) The Most High declares: “My people are from all nations.” (w)
While God is our heavenly overseer, sharing guidance that is “above” earthly perceptions, His presence dwells in our midst, among us, and with us as our insightful, enabling and encouraging guide. When we seek to partake of God’s influence in this life, we are partaking of the renewing Kingdom of Heaven. (x)
Who is the elevated authority in our life? Is it people, places and things, or the inspiration that comes from above? “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” (y) For many, this earthly life is a heavenly place because we stay focused on what God is saying and doing. We are regularly partaking of the renewing heavens and earth!
God invites us to daily partake of His transforming insight and rise above this world’s restricting ways. Do not lose heart. Maintain your interaction with God, for He is renewing in the heavenly places of our minds and hearts. Share the glorious benefits of this heavenly way of life with those you influence, today.
Do not lose heart. Maintain your interaction with God, for He is renewing in the heavenly places of our minds and hearts.
a) 2 Peter 3:13; b) Matthew 19:23-24; c) 1 John 2:17; d) 1 Corinthians 7:31; e) 1 Corinthians 2:6; f) 1 John 2:8; g) Hebrews 8:8; h) Hebrews 9:15; i) 2 Peter 3:13; j) 2 Corinthians 5:17; k) Revelation 1:1-2; l) Revelation 21:1-5; m) John 9:5; 8:12; n) Psalm 19:1; o) Psalm 69:34; p) Psalm 50:6; q) Isaiah 66:22; r) Revelation 21:1-5; s) Hebrews 3:1; 6:4; 12:22; t) Ephesians 1:3; 2:6; 3:10; u) Matthew 18:20; v) 2 Corinthians 6:16; w) Romans 9:24-26; 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10; Revelation 5:9-10; Hosea 1:10; 2:23; Isaiah 52:10; x) Matthew 7:21; y) James 3:17
Keith Carroll, “The Relationship Guy”
Relational Gospel Founder
Created To Relate author