2 Peter 3:13
Verse
Context
Sermons
Martyn-Lloyd Jones
Edgar F. Parkyns
Greg Barrow
Rolfe BarnardRobert B. Thompson
Zac Poonen
Horatius BonarSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We, according to his promise, look for new heavens - The promise to which it is supposed the apostle alludes, is found Isa 65:17 : Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind; and Isa 66:22 : For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed, etc. Now, although these may be interpreted of the glory of the Gospel dispensation, yet, if St. Peter refer to them, they must have a more extended meaning. It does appear, from these promises, that the apostle says here, and what is said Rev 21:27; Rev 22:14, Rev 22:15, that the present earth, though destined to be burned up, will not be destroyed, but be renewed and refined, purged from all moral and natural imperfection, and made the endless abode of blessed spirits. But this state is certainly to be expected after the day of judgment; for on this the apostle is very express, who says the conflagration and renovation are to take place at the judgment of the great day; see Pe2 3:7, Pe2 3:8, Pe2 3:10, Pe2 3:12. That such an event may take place is very possible; and, from the terms used by St. Peter, is very probable. And, indeed, it is more reasonable and philosophical to conclude that the earth shall be refined and restored, than finally destroyed. But this has nothing to do with what some call the millennium state; as this shall take place when time, with the present state and order of things, shall be no more.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nevertheless--"But": in contrast to the destructive effects of the day of God stand its constructive effects. As the flood was the baptism of the earth, eventuating in a renovated earth, partially delivered from "the curse," so the baptism with fire shall purify the earth so as to be the renovated abode of regenerated man, wholly freed from the curse. his promise-- (Isa 65:17; Isa 66:22). The "we" is not emphatical as in English Version. new heavens--new atmospheric heavens surrounding the renovated earth. righteousness--dwelleth in that coming world as its essential feature, all pollutions having been removed.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Nevertheless we, according to his promise,.... Or promises, as the Alexandrian copy, and the Vulgate Latin version; namely those in Isa 65:17; look for new heavens and a new earth; not figuratively, the world to come in distinction from the Jewish world or state; a new church state, the Gospel dispensation, with new ordinances, as baptism and the Lord's supper, all legal ceremonies and ordinances being gone, and everything new; for these things had taken place already, and were not looked for as future: but these phrases are to be understood literally, as the heavens and the earth are in every passage in the context, Pe2 3:5; and designs not new heavens and earth for substance, but for qualities; the heavens and elements being melted and dissolved, and so purged and purified by fire, and the earth and its works being burnt up with it, and so cleared of everything noxious, needless, and disagreeable, new heavens and a new earth will appear, refined and purged from everything which the curse brought thereon for man's sin: and such heavens and earth the saints look for by faith and hope, and earnest expectation, and with desire and pleasure; and therefore are not distressed, as they have no reason to be, with the burning of the present heavens and earth, as awful as these things will be; and they expect them not upon their own fancies and imaginations, or the vain conjectures and cunningly devised fables of men, but according to the promises of God recorded in the above passages, and in which they may be confirmed by the words of Christ, and by the vision of John, Rev 20:1. The Alexandrian copy reads, "and his promises"; as if it respected other promises the saints looked for besides the new heavens and earth; namely, the resurrection of the dead, eternal life, the in corruptible inheritance, the ultimate glory and happiness: wherein dwelleth righteousness; meaning not the heavenly felicity, called sometimes the crown of righteousness, and the hope of righteousness, to which righteousness gives a right, and where it will be perfect, for the apostle is not speaking of the ultimate glory of the saints; nor the righteousness of Christ, as dwelling in the saints, as if the sense was this, we in whom righteousness dwells, look for new heavens and a new earth; for though the righteousness of Christ is unto and upon them that believe, yet it is not in them; it is in Christ, and dwells in him, and not in them; it is not inherent in them, but imputed to them: by "righteousness" is meant righteous men; such as are so not in and of themselves, or by the deeds of the law, or by works of righteousness done by them, but who are made righteous by the obedience of Christ, and are righteousness itself in him; see Jer 33:16; now these, and these only, will be the inhabitants of the new heavens and the new earth; there will be no unrighteous persons there, as in the present world, which lies in wickedness, and is full of wicked men; and they will be stocked with inhabitants after this manner; all the elect will now be gathered in, and Christ, when he comes, will bring all his saints with him from heaven, and will raise their bodies, and reunite them to their souls; and those that are alive will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and will make up together the general assembly and church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven; and whereas, upon the coming of Christ, the present heavens and earth will be burnt or purified by fire, and so made new and fit for the spirits of just men made perfect, who being again embodied, will fill the face of them, and shall inherit the earth, and reign with Christ on it for a thousand years, during which time there will not be a wicked man in them; for the wicked that will be alive at Christ's coming will be burnt with the earth, and the wicked dead shall not rise till the thousand years are ended, and who being raised, will, together with the devils, make the Gog and Magog army; wherefore none but righteous persons can look for these new heavens and earth, for to these only are they promised, and such only shall dwell in them; so the Targum on Jer 23:23 paraphrases the words, "I God have created the world from the beginning, saith the Lord, I God will "renew the world for the righteous":'' and this will be, the Jews say, for the space of a thousand years; "it is a tradition (they say (l)) of the house of Elias, that the righteous, whom the holy blessed God will raise from the dead shall not return to their dust, as is said, Isa 4:3, and it shall come to pass, &c. as the Holy One continues for ever, so they shall continue for ever; and if you should say those years (some editions read, "those thousand years", and so the gloss upon the place) in which the holy blessed God "renews the world": as it is said Isa 2:11, and the Lord alone; &c. what shall they do? the holy blessed God will make them wings as eagles, and they shall fly upon the face of the waters:'' and this renovation of the heavens and the earth, they say, will be in the seventh millennium; "in the seventh thousand year (they assert (m)) there will be found new heavens and a new earth;'' which agree with these words of Peter. (l) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 92. 1, 2. Ed. Coch. p. 317. (m) Zohar in Gen. fol. 35. 3.
2 Peter 3:13
The Day of the Lord
12as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat.13But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Not in Word Only
By Martyn-Lloyd Jones5.4K54:55PowerMAT 6:33ROM 8:231TH 1:31TH 1:82PE 3:13REV 20:10In this sermon, the preacher uses a story of a man climbing a mountain to illustrate the journey of seeking and experiencing the glory of God. The preacher emphasizes the need for the pulpit to effectively communicate the gospel message, but also highlights the importance of the lives of Christians in verifying the truth of the message. The sermon then focuses on the person of Jesus Christ, describing his miraculous deeds, teachings, and his role in bringing transformation to people's lives. The preacher concludes by urging the congregation to give their preachers time to proclaim the gospel, as these profound truths cannot be adequately conveyed in just a few minutes.
Revelation 12
By Edgar F. Parkyns1.1K1:01:082PE 3:13REV 22:16REV 22:20In this sermon, the speaker explores the identity of a woman mentioned in Revelation chapter 12. Through careful analysis of the text, it is revealed that the woman is a mother with many children. These children are described as those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding this prophecy as it is due to begin fulfillment soon and points to the return of Jesus as the ultimate goal.
Debate: How the Solemn League & Covenant Binds the Usa, Canada, Australia, etc., Today (3/3)
By Greg Barrow7811:18:091CH 16:13PSA 85:10MAT 6:33ROM 4:13TIT 3:5HEB 10:222PE 3:13The sermon transcript discusses the importance of being mindful of God's covenant and the word He has commanded for a thousand generations. It emphasizes the need for regeneration and righteousness, as mentioned in Titus 3:5 and Romans 4:13. The author highlights the neglect of family leaders in teaching the doctrine of Christianity, which contributes to the divisions and corruptions in the church. The devil seeks to undermine family duties and pervert the youth, but the solemn injunctions and dying charge of Jesus Christ protect the public duties in the assemblies of the saints.
God of the Bible vs. the 'God' of Today
By Rolfe Barnard4871:02:47GodPRO 4:23MAT 6:33ACT 20:7ROM 1:16HEB 10:252PE 3:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on winning individuals for God rather than trying to win everyone. He shares an illustration about a negative experience he had with a church leader who didn't agree with his preaching style. The speaker also mentions a powerful moment when he witnessed the impact of his preaching in New York City, where people were moved by his message and brought to the mission for help. He then discusses the concept of the God of the Bible versus the God of today and highlights the significance of knowing the only true God for eternal life, as stated in the Bible.
Justice for the Nations
By Robert B. Thompson0GEN 22:182CH 7:14ISA 42:1ISA 42:3ROM 6:23ROM 12:4GAL 3:29EPH 4:13HEB 4:10JAS 1:221PE 2:92PE 3:13Robert B. Thompson preaches about the importance of Christ, the Servant of the Lord, who will bring justice to the nations at His return. The sermon emphasizes that all members of the Body of Christ are called to participate in bringing justice to the world. It highlights the urgency for Christians to discover and utilize their spiritual gifts to build up the Body of Christ and prepare for the coming of Jesus. The sermon also stresses the need for believers to focus on unity of faith, deepening knowledge of Christ, developing His moral image, and finding rest in God.
The Millennium
By Zac Poonen0ISA 11:6ZEC 14:9MAT 25:412PE 3:13REV 20:7REV 21:4Zac Poonen preaches about the future reign of peace on earth for 1000 years, where Garden of Eden conditions will be restored, symbolized by the lion lying with the lamb and the child playing with the cobra (Isaiah 11:6-9). During this time, Jesus will reign as King from Jerusalem over the entire earth, with Satan bound and unable to influence the world (Zechariah 14:9-21). However, at the end of the 1000 years, Satan will be released to test the unconverted inhabitants once more, revealing the depth of man's stubbornness and wickedness. God will then judge the rebellious multitude, casting Satan into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10).
Rev. 21:3. God's Tabernacle on Earth
By Horatius Bonar0God's PresenceRestoration of CreationPSA 78:60ISA 65:17MAT 5:8JHN 1:14JHN 14:23ROM 8:211TH 4:16HEB 12:142PE 3:13REV 21:3Horatius Bonar emphasizes the profound significance of God's promise to dwell among humanity, as proclaimed in Revelation 21:3. He highlights the joy of heavenly beings at this announcement, reflecting on the immense sacrifice God made through Christ to restore the relationship between Himself and mankind. Bonar discusses the desirability of this event, God's unwavering purpose to dwell with men, and the process through which this will be accomplished, centering on the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. He urges believers to prepare for this glorious future and challenges sinners to consider their place in this promise. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a heartfelt response to Christ's invitation to dwell within us now, as a foretaste of the eternal communion to come.
The New Earth. -- (Rev. 21:1-8)
By Martin Knapp0ISA 25:8ISA 65:171CO 15:262PE 3:13REV 21:1Martin Knapp preaches about the vivid description of events following the final judgment, focusing on the promise of God to make all things new. The chapter describes the new earth and its glorious capital, the New Jerusalem, symbolizing the beginning of eternity of holiness. The sermon emphasizes that the earth will not be annihilated but purified by fire, becoming the eternal inheritance of the saints. It highlights the characteristics of the new earth, including the presence of God, the absence of tears, death, mourning, crying, pain, and the enforcement of prohibitory laws against sin and unbelief.
2 Peter 3:13
By John Gill0Righteousness and RenewalHope in God's PromisesISA 65:17JER 33:16MAT 5:5ROM 8:182PE 3:13REV 20:1John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 3:13, emphasizing the promise of new heavens and a new earth as a literal transformation rather than a figurative one. He explains that this renewal will involve the purification of the current heavens and earth, making way for a realm where only the righteous will dwell, free from wickedness. Gill reassures believers that their hope is grounded in God's promises, including the resurrection and eternal life, and that they should not fear the destruction of the present world. He highlights that the righteous, made so by Christ, will be the only inhabitants of this new creation, fulfilling the prophetic visions of both Peter and the Old Testament. Ultimately, Gill encourages the faithful to look forward to this glorious future with expectation and joy.
(God-Centered Praying) 4. the Kingdom of God
By Zac Poonen0God-Centered PrayerKingdom Of GodEXO 23:19PRO 3:9MAT 6:10MAT 6:33MRK 9:1LUK 12:212PE 3:131JN 3:3Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of God-centered praying, particularly the petition 'Thy kingdom come.' He explains that true salvation leads to a desire to be free from self-centeredness, placing God at the center of our lives and prayers. Poonen highlights that a genuine longing for God's kingdom reflects a disgust for the evil in the world and a commitment to living righteously in preparation for Christ's return. He urges believers to examine their lives and ensure they are ready for the kingdom of God, which requires a heart that prioritizes God's glory and righteousness over personal comfort. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep, authentic spirituality that seeks to honor God in every aspect of life.
The Beatitudes the Second Beatitude
By A.W. Pink0Divine ComfortMourning for SinMAT 5:4LUK 18:9ROM 7:242CO 7:10EPH 1:6PHP 4:7HEB 12:112PE 3:131JN 1:7REV 21:3A.W. Pink explores the paradox of the second Beatitude, 'Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted,' emphasizing that true mourning is a spiritual sorrow over sin and separation from God. He contrasts the self-righteousness of the Pharisee with the humility of the publican, illustrating that genuine mourning leads to justification and comfort from God. Pink explains that this mourning is not limited to initial conviction of sin but is a continual state for believers, who mourn over their failures and the dishonor done to God. He reassures that those who mourn will find comfort through the grace of God, culminating in eternal joy and the promise of no more sorrow in the future. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing our spiritual poverty and the need for divine comfort in our lives.
Down From Above
By Vance Havner0Divine InterventionThe Need for SalvationJER 17:9JHN 3:3JHN 6:38JHN 8:23ROM 1:21ROM 3:231CO 15:47COL 3:12PE 3:13REV 21:2Vance Havner emphasizes that God's work is from above, contrasting it with human belief in evolution and self-improvement. He argues that humanity is not on an upward trajectory but rather in a state of decline due to sin, needing salvation through Jesus Christ, who came down from heaven to redeem us. Havner highlights the necessity of a new birth from above for true transformation, as man cannot save himself. He warns against the illusion of progress without God, asserting that only divine intervention can lead to genuine change. Ultimately, he points to the New Jerusalem, which will come down from above, as the ultimate hope for humanity.
Fullness of the Gentiles
By Sir Robert Anderson0PSA 90:4DAN 9:24LUK 21:22ACT 1:11ROM 11:25GAL 3:281TH 4:162PE 3:13Sir Robert Anderson preaches about the main stream of prophecy running through Hebrew history, emphasizing the significance of the Abrahamic race in the Old Testament and the restoration of God's normal order of dealings with men. He discusses the blindness of Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, highlighting the promises and prophecies in favor of the nation that are yet to be realized. The sermon delves into the complexities of the fulfillment of promises to Judah in light of the present dispensation and the distinctiveness of blessings for Jews and Gentiles. Sir Robert Anderson also explores the multiple manifestations of Christ's second advent and the importance of understanding unfulfilled prophecy for believers.
Rev. 21:1. the Vision of the Restitution of All Things
By Horatius Bonar0RestorationHope in ChristGEN 1:1ISA 35:10ISA 65:17MAT 11:28JHN 3:16ROM 8:211CO 15:542PE 3:13REV 21:1REV 21:4Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 21:1, presenting a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, symbolizing the ultimate restoration of all things. He emphasizes the end of sin, the serpent, the curse, corruption, mortality, and sorrow, heralding a glorious new creation where God's purposes are fulfilled. Bonar draws parallels between the beginning in Genesis and the conclusion in Revelation, highlighting the continuity of God's plan throughout history. He invites listeners to embrace the hope of eternal life and the joy of entering into this promised glory, urging them not to miss the opportunity for salvation. The sermon culminates in a call to respond to God's invitation to partake in this divine restoration.
Of the New Heavens and Earth, and the Inhabitants of Them.
By John Gill0New CreationRighteousnessPSA 37:29ISA 65:17MAT 5:52PE 3:13REV 3:12REV 7:9REV 21:1REV 21:11REV 21:27John Gill preaches about the promise of new heavens and a new earth, emphasizing that believers look forward to a literal renewal of creation where righteousness dwells. He contrasts this future state with the current world, which is marred by sin and suffering, and describes the inhabitants of this new creation as perfectly righteous, free from sorrow and pain. Gill draws on biblical prophecies, particularly from Isaiah and Revelation, to illustrate the joy and glory that await the faithful in this transformed existence.
Christianity and the Future
By David Shelby Corlett0MAT 18:10MAT 25:46JHN 5:281CO 5:101CO 15:241CO 15:511CO 15:54PHP 3:201TH 4:152PE 3:13David Shelby Corlett preaches about the kingdom of God as a present reality and a future hope, emphasizing the rule of Christ over His people through the Holy Spirit and the ultimate consummation of God's kingdom. Believers anticipate the second coming of Christ, where the living and the dead in Christ will be united with Him. The Christian view of death is seen as a transition to a new life in a glorified body, and the resurrection will bring both the just and the unjust back to life. Glorification represents the completion of salvation, transforming believers into the likeness of Christ's glorious body.
The Beatitudes the Third Beatitude
By A.W. Pink0MeeknessHumilityNUM 12:3PSA 25:9PSA 149:4ISA 61:1MAT 5:5MAT 21:5ROM 8:17GAL 6:1EPH 4:22PE 3:13A.W. Pink expounds on the third Beatitude, 'Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth,' emphasizing that meekness is synonymous with humility. He illustrates this by referencing biblical figures like Moses, who exemplified true humility by choosing God's path over worldly honors. Pink argues that meekness is essential for receiving God's guidance and blessings, as it reflects a spirit of lowliness and dependence on divine mercy. He also highlights that true meekness is not weakness but a strength that stands firm in faith and righteousness. Ultimately, the meek are promised both present contentment and future inheritance in God's kingdom.
Rev. 21:5. the New Things of God
By Horatius Bonar0New BeginningsGod's PromisesPSA 33:3ISA 65:17MAT 26:28JHN 13:34EPH 4:24HEB 10:192PE 3:13REV 3:12REV 21:5Horatius Bonar emphasizes the transformative power of God's new things as revealed in Revelation 21:5, highlighting the significance of the new covenant, new man, new way, new song, new commandment, new wine, new Jerusalem, new heavens and earth, and new name. Each of these 'new things' represents a profound shift from the old, offering believers a fresh start and a deeper relationship with God through Christ. Bonar illustrates how these new elements are not just replacements but enhancements that fulfill God's promises and reflect His love and grace. The sermon encourages believers to embrace these new realities and live in the light of their implications for their lives and faith.
The Peace of the Righteous
By Allan Halton0ISA 32:17ISA 57:20JHN 14:27JHN 16:33ROM 5:1ROM 14:172PE 3:13Allan Halton preaches on the inseparable link between peace and righteousness according to the Bible, emphasizing that there is no peace without righteousness. He highlights how Christ, as the Prince of peace, is also the King of righteousness, and how His righteousness leads to true peace. Halton explains that God's grace enables us to walk in His righteousness, which is the key to experiencing the peace of God. He concludes with the promise of a future world where righteousness dwells, bringing ultimate peace.
The Pilgrims (An Allegory)
By Hannah More0Pilgrimage of FaithEternal PerspectiveMAT 6:19ROM 12:22CO 5:1PHP 3:20COL 3:21TI 6:7HEB 11:13JAS 5:31PE 2:112PE 3:13Hannah More emphasizes the journey of life as a pilgrimage, where believers are reminded to live in faith as strangers on earth, preparing for their eternal home. She illustrates how many are distracted by earthly desires and neglect the preparation needed for their ultimate destination, often clinging to temporary pleasures instead of focusing on the eternal promises of God. The sermon warns against the folly of hoarding earthly treasures, which cannot be taken into the afterlife, and encourages believers to use their time wisely in preparation for the journey ahead. More calls for a shift in focus from the transient to the eternal, urging the faithful to embrace their identity as pilgrims and to seek the things above. Ultimately, she reassures that God provides a better inheritance for those who remain faithful.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We, according to his promise, look for new heavens - The promise to which it is supposed the apostle alludes, is found Isa 65:17 : Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind; and Isa 66:22 : For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed, etc. Now, although these may be interpreted of the glory of the Gospel dispensation, yet, if St. Peter refer to them, they must have a more extended meaning. It does appear, from these promises, that the apostle says here, and what is said Rev 21:27; Rev 22:14, Rev 22:15, that the present earth, though destined to be burned up, will not be destroyed, but be renewed and refined, purged from all moral and natural imperfection, and made the endless abode of blessed spirits. But this state is certainly to be expected after the day of judgment; for on this the apostle is very express, who says the conflagration and renovation are to take place at the judgment of the great day; see Pe2 3:7, Pe2 3:8, Pe2 3:10, Pe2 3:12. That such an event may take place is very possible; and, from the terms used by St. Peter, is very probable. And, indeed, it is more reasonable and philosophical to conclude that the earth shall be refined and restored, than finally destroyed. But this has nothing to do with what some call the millennium state; as this shall take place when time, with the present state and order of things, shall be no more.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nevertheless--"But": in contrast to the destructive effects of the day of God stand its constructive effects. As the flood was the baptism of the earth, eventuating in a renovated earth, partially delivered from "the curse," so the baptism with fire shall purify the earth so as to be the renovated abode of regenerated man, wholly freed from the curse. his promise-- (Isa 65:17; Isa 66:22). The "we" is not emphatical as in English Version. new heavens--new atmospheric heavens surrounding the renovated earth. righteousness--dwelleth in that coming world as its essential feature, all pollutions having been removed.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Nevertheless we, according to his promise,.... Or promises, as the Alexandrian copy, and the Vulgate Latin version; namely those in Isa 65:17; look for new heavens and a new earth; not figuratively, the world to come in distinction from the Jewish world or state; a new church state, the Gospel dispensation, with new ordinances, as baptism and the Lord's supper, all legal ceremonies and ordinances being gone, and everything new; for these things had taken place already, and were not looked for as future: but these phrases are to be understood literally, as the heavens and the earth are in every passage in the context, Pe2 3:5; and designs not new heavens and earth for substance, but for qualities; the heavens and elements being melted and dissolved, and so purged and purified by fire, and the earth and its works being burnt up with it, and so cleared of everything noxious, needless, and disagreeable, new heavens and a new earth will appear, refined and purged from everything which the curse brought thereon for man's sin: and such heavens and earth the saints look for by faith and hope, and earnest expectation, and with desire and pleasure; and therefore are not distressed, as they have no reason to be, with the burning of the present heavens and earth, as awful as these things will be; and they expect them not upon their own fancies and imaginations, or the vain conjectures and cunningly devised fables of men, but according to the promises of God recorded in the above passages, and in which they may be confirmed by the words of Christ, and by the vision of John, Rev 20:1. The Alexandrian copy reads, "and his promises"; as if it respected other promises the saints looked for besides the new heavens and earth; namely, the resurrection of the dead, eternal life, the in corruptible inheritance, the ultimate glory and happiness: wherein dwelleth righteousness; meaning not the heavenly felicity, called sometimes the crown of righteousness, and the hope of righteousness, to which righteousness gives a right, and where it will be perfect, for the apostle is not speaking of the ultimate glory of the saints; nor the righteousness of Christ, as dwelling in the saints, as if the sense was this, we in whom righteousness dwells, look for new heavens and a new earth; for though the righteousness of Christ is unto and upon them that believe, yet it is not in them; it is in Christ, and dwells in him, and not in them; it is not inherent in them, but imputed to them: by "righteousness" is meant righteous men; such as are so not in and of themselves, or by the deeds of the law, or by works of righteousness done by them, but who are made righteous by the obedience of Christ, and are righteousness itself in him; see Jer 33:16; now these, and these only, will be the inhabitants of the new heavens and the new earth; there will be no unrighteous persons there, as in the present world, which lies in wickedness, and is full of wicked men; and they will be stocked with inhabitants after this manner; all the elect will now be gathered in, and Christ, when he comes, will bring all his saints with him from heaven, and will raise their bodies, and reunite them to their souls; and those that are alive will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and will make up together the general assembly and church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven; and whereas, upon the coming of Christ, the present heavens and earth will be burnt or purified by fire, and so made new and fit for the spirits of just men made perfect, who being again embodied, will fill the face of them, and shall inherit the earth, and reign with Christ on it for a thousand years, during which time there will not be a wicked man in them; for the wicked that will be alive at Christ's coming will be burnt with the earth, and the wicked dead shall not rise till the thousand years are ended, and who being raised, will, together with the devils, make the Gog and Magog army; wherefore none but righteous persons can look for these new heavens and earth, for to these only are they promised, and such only shall dwell in them; so the Targum on Jer 23:23 paraphrases the words, "I God have created the world from the beginning, saith the Lord, I God will "renew the world for the righteous":'' and this will be, the Jews say, for the space of a thousand years; "it is a tradition (they say (l)) of the house of Elias, that the righteous, whom the holy blessed God will raise from the dead shall not return to their dust, as is said, Isa 4:3, and it shall come to pass, &c. as the Holy One continues for ever, so they shall continue for ever; and if you should say those years (some editions read, "those thousand years", and so the gloss upon the place) in which the holy blessed God "renews the world": as it is said Isa 2:11, and the Lord alone; &c. what shall they do? the holy blessed God will make them wings as eagles, and they shall fly upon the face of the waters:'' and this renovation of the heavens and the earth, they say, will be in the seventh millennium; "in the seventh thousand year (they assert (m)) there will be found new heavens and a new earth;'' which agree with these words of Peter. (l) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 92. 1, 2. Ed. Coch. p. 317. (m) Zohar in Gen. fol. 35. 3.