Heaven & Hell
What is the new heaven and new earth?A Scripture-grounded answer about new heaven and new earth bible
Published Reviewed
Published Reviewed
The new heaven and new earth is God's final renewal of all creation, described in Revelation 21-22 and prophesied in Isaiah 65:17. It is not the destruction of the physical world but its transformation — creation freed from the effects of sin. The new earth is the eternal home of God's people, where God dwells among them directly. It will be a place of perfect justice, beauty, and joy, with no more death, pain, or separation from God. This is the Bible's ultimate hope: not escape from the physical world, but its redemption.
Why this answer? It starts with Revelation 21:1, then cross-checks Isaiah 65:17 and 2 Peter 3:13 so the summary stays anchored in Scripture.
Many Christians imagine eternal life as disembodied souls floating in clouds, but the Bible's actual picture is far more concrete: a renewed physical creation where God dwells with embodied people. The Greek word in 2 Peter 3:13 and Revelation 21:1 is kainos ('new in quality') rather than neos ('new in time'), suggesting transformation rather than replacement. Romans 8:19-21 says creation itself 'waits with eager longing' for this liberation from decay. Isaiah 65:17-25 envisions a world where people build houses and live in them, plant vineyards and eat their fruit — real physical life without the curse. N.T. Wright has argued that the popular view of 'going to heaven when you die' actually misses the Bible's bigger hope: heaven coming to earth. Revelation 21:3 confirms this: 'The dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them.' The endpoint is not escape from creation but its complete renewal.
“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.”
- Revelation 21:1
Heaven is the eternal dwelling place of God where believers will live forever in His presence. Scripture describes it as a place of perfect joy, no more tears or suffering, and complete communion with God. It is prepared for those who trust in Jesus Christ.
The Bible describes heaven using vivid imagery: streets of gold, gates of pearl, a crystal-clear river of life, and the tree of life bearing twelve kinds of fruit. Revelation 21-22 presents the new Jerusalem descending from heaven — a city of dazzling beauty where God dwells directly with his people. Most importantly, Scripture emphasizes what heaven lacks: no death, no mourning, no crying, no pain. The physical descriptions may be symbolic, but they point to a reality more beautiful than language can capture.
Glorification is the final stage of salvation when believers receive resurrected, imperishable bodies and are fully conformed to the image of Christ. It occurs at Christ's return and completes the process that began with regeneration and continued through sanctification. Romans 8:30 places it as the climax of the golden chain of salvation. Unlike justification (instantaneous) and sanctification (progressive), glorification is entirely future — the moment when sin is completely eradicated and believers are made perfect in body, soul, and spirit.
The Bible does not give a definitive answer about whether animals (or specific pets) are in heaven. However, Scripture does teach that animals are part of God's good creation, that they matter to God (Matthew 10:29), and that the new creation includes animals — Isaiah 11:6-9 describes the wolf dwelling with the lamb and the lion eating straw like an ox. Romans 8:21 says 'the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption.' Many theologians believe the renewed creation will include animal life, though whether specific pets are resurrected is speculative.
Ask any question about the Bible, Christianity, or theology and get answers grounded in Scripture.
Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.