9th June 2026

9th June 2026


Pray (ACts) 


Read (2 Peter 3v9-10) 


Message (Scott Woodburn) 


When Christ returns we will be raised to life in new everlasting bodies. In the same way, creation itself will be restored to a perfect condition - this world and the whole universe will be gloriously changed. Does that mean that this world will be completely destroyed and something new will come in it's place? No. Just as you will be the same but made perfect, then so too will the universe be recognisable yet radically different.


Peter once spoke on this saying "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." (v10). Some read this to mean that creation will be completely done away with and whatever comes next will be absolutely brand new. This isn't the case.


In Derek Thomas' little book "Heaven on Earth" he gives various reasons for expecting a resurrected creation rather than a completely new one. His first point is that when Scripture speaks of the new heaven and earth the word used is kainos which speaks to newness of quality rather than newness of origin. Secondly, Thomas points to Paul's language in Romans 8 which talks of creation being liberated rather than destroyed. Thirdly, when Jesus was raised it was in the same body in which He died not a completely new one. Lastly, if creation needs to be completely destroyed and wiped out it speaks to Satan's triumph. To be preferred is that creation will be renewed and restored and not wiped out.


Whatever the renewal of creation will be like, we can be certain it will be momentous with Peter speaking of roaring, burning and dissolving. What will the outcome of this work be? Creation will be completely renewed. The paradise that existed during the days of Eden will be the norm once more upon this earth and by faith in Christ, you and I will get to dwell there forever. I don't know about you but I can't wait.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q89 How is the Word made effectual to salvation? The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching, of the Word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation.
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