The Apostle Peter speaks in the Bible about “The Generations of the Heavens and the Earth” in 2 Peter 3:7 in much the same way as we speak of grand parents, children and grand children, as revealed in the three passages of scripture verses below:
The Old Heavens and the Old Earth
“For this they [today’s Christians] willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the HEAVENS WERE OF OLD, AND THE EARTH standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby THE WORLD THAT THEN WAS, being overflowed with water, perished:”
2 Peter 3:5-6
The Present Heavens and the Earth
“But the HEAVENS and the EARTH, WHICH ARE NOW…are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment….”
2 Peter 3:7
The New Heavens and the New Earth
“For, behold, I create NEW HEAVENS and a NEW EARTH…”
Isaiah 65:17
Some Christians today “ignorantly believe” ( 2 Peter 3:5) that there is no need to delve into subjects like this that are controversial, as they have no affect on one’s Salvation. Such statements imply that there is no truth to be found. In this, these people prefer ignorance over knowledge and truth (1 Tim 2:4).
The Bible warns that to ignore such statements can affects one’s Salvation; however, Salvation has many requirements. One of these is having “a love of the truth” (2 Thes 2:10). This means that determining what is “Truth” is very much a Salvation issue – whatever the topic is.
“But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. “
1 Cor 14:38
The image below illustrates the “generations” of the Earth. In parts 2 through 5, these generations will be discussed.
The information about this topic is quite extensive. Those who are “spiritually-minded” (Rom 8:6 ) are invited to explore the facts. Christians need to know what our Creator has revealed to us about this subject through the lens of the Bible.
Before a Christian can “walk in the Spirit” (Rom 8:1), it is necessary understand what God’s plan for mankind is.
In God’s scheme of things, it matters what we do with not only the basic issues but many other Biblical issues that He confronts us with. In is God wants to determine how we handle or mishandle each problem. This helps Him assess our spiritual condition and where we will spend eternity after we die. It also helps Him plan to prevent us from spending eternity in hell if we are not responding correctly.
Therefore, this article reveals Biblical truths about the history of the Earth that is clearly stated in scripture. It should therefore be “studied” so as to become “approved by God” (2 Tim 2:15) and to help assure us of Salvation.
Original, Present, and New Heavens and Earth
The various topics related to this have been divided into four parts that can be accessed by clicking on the links below.
The Original Heavens and the Earth – Part 2
The Present Heavens and the Earth – Part 3
The End of This Age – Part 4
The New Heavens and the New Earth – Part 5
Please feel free to leave any comments you have at the bottom of each article.
