Isaiah 65:17,18 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create.

     Among the most fantastic prophecies in the Bible tells of GOD’S re-creation of the Earth to its pristine condition as it was before the entrance of sin with all its woes. In order for this to take place everything we see in the world today: its mountains, valleys, plains, rivers and oceans, along with every man-made structure, however great or small will vanish and be gone—forever.

     This event is united with the second resurrection judgment when the entire race of men stands before Jesus Christ. The separation between the righteous and the unrighteous will be seen. It is defined as those who have the Holy Spirit residing in their hearts vs. those who never opened their hearts to GOD’S call to repent from sin.

     After the judgment concludes with every unrepentant soul acknowledging the justice of GOD to remove the threat of sin, a world-encompassing ocean of lava will ensue. It will consume every trace of sin’s blight on the Earth. This is the “hell” that the Bible speaks of: the same “hell” that churchmen have ill defined for centuries, teaching that the fire never goes out, and those who rejected GOD’S love will face flesh searing fire for all eternity. There is no greater slander of the LORD Jesus Christ than this near-universal doctrine among Christians, Muslims and certain Buddhists. It has caused more souls to reject Christ’s salvation and be lost to eternal death than any other teaching. It has prompted torture, the burning of men and women alive at the stake, and ignited wars between nations.

     Scripture presents a very different scenario where everything is swallowed up by the fire and reduced “to ashes upon the earth.” “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root [Satan] nor branch [all of his minions].” Mal.4:1. The Apostle Peter prophesied, “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition [the total and eternal extinction] of ungodly men.” II Pet.3:7.

     After “the lake of fire” sweeps the globe of every trace of sin’s presence the fire goes out! Jesus will then fulfill His promise: “Behold, I make all things new.” Rev.21:5. The saints will then witness the full magnificence of Creation Week as it was first recorded in the Genesis account. For six days the saints will witness Jesus re-create the Earth. And everything appears as He speaks “the Word:” the water, the land, the sky, the colors, the diversity of life, the fragrant aromas—the restful sounds! And after all the “work” is done “the Saviour” with His vast multitude of redeemed children enter the first Seventh-day Sabbath of the New Earth. Universal tranquility is restored: never to be threatened ever again as GOD promised through His prophet Nahum: “affliction shall not rise up the second time.” Na.1:9. Eternal Paradise begins—as it was, “In the beginning.” Every ideal of the human heart will be fulfilled—every lofty goal achieved with art, music, engineering and inventions beyond our comprehension! The explorers among men will sail the heavens and discover glories that GOD prearranged for their joy. And all will carry out their dreams without imposing a single threat to any living thing. The life of Jesus Christ will forever reign as the Source for all enjoyment, discovery and purpose. At long last, the famous closing words of childhood fables will find their true fulfillment: “And they lived happily ever after.”

     “And all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7.