2nd Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
This passage of scripture teaches us the sacred truth that life as we know it will one day cease to be, and God's eternal kingdom of glory will be ushered in. It also teaches us what necessary preparations are to be made, in order for us to be partakers of the immortal inheritance.
Life as we know it just cannot continue on forever, for without the hope of glory, we are headed for an abyss from which there is no recovery. There must be more to life than just working hard, paying bills, retiring in the golden years, only to die and leave it all behind. If this is all life consisted of, with death as the end result, then life would not be worth living, but God has given us the hope of eternal glory which puts the whole saga of life into its proper context. Jesus made reference to this hope as He sought to focus the minds of His hearers on eternal realities, instead of dwelling on the temporal and mundane things of life. Let's read:
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
However, there are certain preparations to be made in order for us to be partakers with Christ in the immortal inheritance, for the sins that originally caused the separation between God and man, will cease to exist, and that's why the apostle Peter says that the new earth is a place wherein "Dwelleth righteousness". The restoration of the image of God in fallen man is the great purpose of the plan of salvation, and in all who desire a better country, this work must of necessity begin and be brought to completion. In Galatians chapter five we read of the elements of human nature that must be uprooted and replaced with godly virtues and characteristics, through the indwelling and restorative work of the Holy Spirit. Let's read:
Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
As Christians we are to cooperate with God in the accomplishment of His good purposes in us, by surrendering ourselves daily to be molded and fashioned by His word and His Spirit, so that this important work of cleansing from all unrighteousness can continue on a daily basis without interruption. If we seek the Lord earnestly and consistently each day, then the assurance is given that our characters will be completely transformed in time for the second coming of Christ, which ushers in God's kingdom of glory. Let's read:
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reminds us of our heavenly calling to cooperate with God in the saving of our souls, so that His image and character may be fully restored in us. Let's read:
1st John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Let us therefore so live and do as those who are living in expectant hope of the new heaven and earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. "Good night" and God bless!