The biblical theme of the passing of the old creation and the everlasting Word of God is a foundational concept in Christian theology, emphasizing the temporary nature of the physical universe in contrast to the eternal and unchanging character of God's divine pronouncements. This theme is articulated throughout scripture, providing assurance to believers regarding the ultimate triumph of God's perfect plan over the imperfections of the present world.

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The concept of the transience of the current creation is deeply rooted in biblical texts. Jesus' statement in Matthew 24:35, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall never pass away,"[1] serves as a cornerstone for this understanding. This verse highlights the ephemeral nature of the physical cosmos compared to the immutable and enduring quality of God's spoken word.[2] The Greek word for "pass away" (παρέρχομαι, parerchomai) implies a transition or a coming to an end, signifying that the current cosmic order is not permanent.[3] This idea is further echoed in passages like Psalm 102:25-27, which describes the heavens and earth wearing out like a garment, but God remaining the same.[4] Similarly, Isaiah 51:6 states, "Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail."[5] These verses collectively underscore the biblical teaching that the material world, despite its apparent solidity, is subject to decay and eventual dissolution.[6]

The renewal of creation is a central tenet of eschatological prophecy, most vividly described in Revelation 21:1: "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."[7] This vision signifies a radical transformation, not merely a renovation, but a complete replacement of the old, fallen creation with a new, perfect order.[8] The phrase "no more sea" is particularly symbolic. In ancient Near Eastern thought and biblical symbolism, the sea often represented chaos, disorder, evil, and the dwelling place of monstrous entities (e.g., Leviathan in Job 41, the beast from the sea in Revelation 13).[9] Its absence in the new creation therefore symbolizes the complete eradication of all sources of chaos, evil, and separation from God.[10] This new creation is characterized by the direct presence of God among His people, as described in Revelation 21:3-4, where God will dwell with humanity, wiping away every tear, and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain.[11] This signifies the establishment of a perfect divine order, free from the imperfections and suffering of the present world.[12] The concept of a new creation is also found in Isaiah 65:17, "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind,"[13] further solidifying the prophetic expectation of a transformed reality. The Apostle Peter also speaks of "new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells" in 2 Peter 3:13, following the destruction of the old heavens and earth by fire.[14] This emphasizes the purification and renewal that will precede the establishment of the new creation, where righteousness will be the defining characteristic.[15]

The everlasting nature of God's Word stands in stark contrast to the transient creation. Jesus' declaration in Matthew 24:35 is a powerful affirmation of the eternal stability and reliability of God's promises and decrees.[16] The Greek word for "pass away" (παρέρχομαι, parerchomai) is used again here, but with a negative particle (οὐ μή, ou mē), creating a strong double negative that emphasizes the absolute impossibility of God's words failing.[17] This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God's word is consistently portrayed as powerful, effective, and enduring. Isaiah 40:8 states, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever."[18] This verse directly contrasts the fleeting nature of creation with the eternal nature of God's word. Psalm 119:89 declares, "Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens."[19] This highlights the divine origin and unchangeable nature of God's decrees, which are established in the eternal realm.[20] The immutability of God's character is intrinsically linked to the immutability of His Word. Hebrews 6:18 states that "it is impossible for God to lie,"[21] reinforcing the absolute trustworthiness of His promises. Therefore, the stability of God's Word provides a firm foundation for faith and hope in the midst of a changing world, assuring believers that His ultimate plan for redemption and renewal will be perfectly fulfilled.[22]

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