A STUDY OF MATHEW 5:17-18 – PART 2
(All scripture verses in the NASB unless otherwise specified)
Mathew 5:17-18
Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
If you recall from part 1 of this study, we note the fact that Jesus teaches plainly that none of the law or prophets would pass away until:
- Heaven and earth passed away
- All the law and prophets were fulfilled.
We also broke verse 18 into two parts, to help illustrate this point.
- “…. until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law…”
- “… not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished”
In part 1 of this study we focused on the first part of verse 18, and demonstrated biblically that the Law, the prophets, the psalms etc., are separate yet synonymous terms which can all refer to the old testament scriptures as a whole. Therefore, old testament scriptures are an undividable body of literature after referred to as “the law”.
We also demonstrated that the old covenant “world” of Judaism was the “heaven and earth” that Jesus said must first “pass away”, so that the new covenant could be fully established.
We further demonstrated that “heaven and earth” did in fact pass away when old covenant Israel was judged and her “world” destroyed by the Lord at the hands of the Romans, for their rejection of the gospel of the kingdom in AD70.
Finally, we demonstrated that such phrases as “the end of the age”, “the last days” and the “end of all things” in the new testament, were simply Jesus’ and the apostles’ way of describing the imminent dissolution of the “Jewish world system”- the old heaven and earth.
With all of this under our belt, we now turn our attention to the second part of Mathew 5:18.
UNTIL ALL IS ACCOMPLISHED
“…. not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished”.
The first thing that we should know is that verse 18 is what is known as an elliptical statement. Meaning, “one or more words are omitted from a statement or clause, nevertheless that word(s) is understood in the context of the remaining elements”.
In this case, “the Law” should be understood as “the Law and Prophets” as in verse 17. In verse 18, the phrase “the prophets” is omitted, yet should be understood to be included in the context of the law and the prophets being accomplished. I mention this to emphasize the point that the “smallest letter or stroke” applies to not just the law, but to the prophets also.
Now, before we look at the implications of verse 18, we need to define two words within it.
The Greek word for “pass/pass away” is “parechomai”, which means “to pass by, pass away, perish, to neglect”. (The same word is translated “pass away” in verse 17).
The Greek word for “is accomplished” is “ginomai”, and means “to become, to come into existence, to come to pass”.
Jesus was saying that not one letter or stroke would pass from “Moses” (the law) or any of the prophetic writings (the prophets) until all that they prophesied was fully accomplished.
Let’s say it another way. The entirety of the old covenant writings including the law of Moses, would remain and be unable to pass away until all that they had prophesied had come to pass by coming “into existence” through spiritual application.
This is how the NLT puts it. “…. not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved”.
In my own words, this is what I believe Jesus was communicating.
“Until every element and prophecy of the old testament system had been fully accomplished and received through the new covenant in Christ, that entire old covenant world would be unable to pass away, and the new covenant word unable to be fully established”.
To validate this statement, we must:
- Prior to AD70, the “heaven and earth” (the old covenant world) had not yet passed away, and not even the smallest letter or stroke of the law could pass until it was all accomplished.
- Demonstrate that the “fulfilling” (the coming into existence) of all prophecy was accomplished through the passing away of the old covenant and the old covenant world of Judaism in AD70.
And this we will do, let us begin.
THE OLD COVENANT REMAINED UNTIL “THE END”
Hebrews 8:13
When He said, “A new covenant” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear.
2 Corinthians 3:11 (NKJV)
For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.
Hebrews 10:9
then He said, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He takes away the first in order to establish the second.
Note that the phrase “takes away” in Hebrews 10:9 is in the present tense. The first (old) covenant was at that time in the process of “being taken away”. And, it was being taken away in order to establish the second (new). As is was being taken away, it was becoming obsolete (Hebrews 8:13) and gradually passing away (2 Corinthians 3:11).
From these three texts alone (and there are more), we can clearly see that more than thirty years after the cross, the old covenant remained in existence and was therefore unfulfilled. And of course, this agrees perfectly with Jesus’ words that none of the law could pass away until heaven and earth (the old covenant world) had passed away. That would not happen until AD70.
Please pay close attention to the next text, as it demonstrates the reality of what we have said so far.
Acts 21:17-24
After we arrived in Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. After he had greeted them, he began to relate one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it they began glorifying God; and they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law…”
Notice that Paul is in Jerusalem (with the Jerusalem church) where “the brethren”, James, and “all the elders” were present. Notice also that “many thousands” of believing Jews were “all zealous for the Law”. But that’s not all…
“….and they have been told about you, that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. What, then, is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. Therefore, do this that we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; take them and purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads; and all will know that there is nothing to the things which they have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the Law”.
Did you catch it? The Law keeping Jews in Jerusalem had heard that Paul was teaching the Jews who were among the Gentiles (the diaspora) to “forsake Moses” and circumcision. Evidently this was not true, for Paul was told to “purify himself” with some of them so that “all will know that there is nothing to the things which they have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the Law”.
Paul, a faithful Hebrew Christian was still a “law keeper” more than 30 years after the cross. Paul and “the thousands of Jews who had believed” understood the words of Jesus, “not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished”. Until all the law was accomplished, all the law remained imposed upon the Jews, not for righteousness, but to fulfill the law in righteousness and to give the remnant of the Jews who had not yet believed no reason to stumble.
As the writer of Hebrews explains….
Hebrews 9:6-10 (RSV)
These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties; but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people. By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the sanctuary is not yet opened as long as the outer tent is still standing (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, but deal only with food and drink and various ablutions, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.
This is truly an amazing text. The fact that the temple and it’s sacrificial/festal system still existed and was still being practiced in the first century, was evidence that access into the most holy place (new covenant restoration) had still not yet been fully accomplished decades after the cross. (Cp. Hebrews 11:39-12:1). Note also that the word “imposed” in verse 10 is in the present tense in the Greek. That old covenant system was at that time (62-36AD) still being imposed upon ethnic Israel until the time of national and spiritual “reformation” (the new covenant age).
However, what this means is that since the temple and the entire old covenant world has “passed away” and no longer exists, then by necessity, all which it foreshadowed and prophesied has been fulfilled. Meaning all old testament prophecy has come into existence, it has been fully accomplished (fulfilled) and received under the new covenant in Christ. As we shall see, the dissolution of that “temple system” signified the age of Messiah had been established.
“DAYS OF VENGEANCE” – THE FULFILLING OF ALL THINGS WRITTEN
So, when were the “law and the prophets” fulfilled? When did all prophecy, and all scripture become fully accomplished? The answer is found right within our text, let’s read it again broken down in two parts.
Mathew 5:18
“…Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law…”
“…Not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished”.
Now notice this.
Nothing would pass from the law until heaven and earth passed away.
But, nothing would pass from the law until all was accomplished.
Therefore, when heaven and earth passed away, all would be accomplished (fulfilled).
But, “heaven and earth” was the old covenant “world system” of first century Judaism (See part 1).
Therefore, when the old covenant world passed away in AD70 through the judgment and destruction of Jerusalem, all prophecy was fulfilled, and all that it had prophesied was then fully accomplished in Jesus Christ.
Let’s prove this through the words of the Lord himself.
Luke 21:5-7,20-21,33
And while some were talking about the temple, that it was adorned with beautiful stones and votive gifts, He said, as for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in which there will not be left one stone upon another which will not be torn down.” They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?”… But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near. Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave, and those who are in the country must not enter the city; because these are days of vengeance, so that all things which are written will be fulfilled…. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.
Through the events surrounding the “days of vengeance” (the destruction of Jerusalem and the “Jewish world” in AD70), all things that were written (all old testament prophecy) would be fulfilled. And amazingly, in this context of judgment and the fulfilment of all prophecy, Jesus promised that “heaven and earth” would “pass away”.
Jesus words are clear to those who can hear them. When “heaven and earth” (the old covenant world) passed away in AD70 through the judgment and destruction of Jerusalem, all prophecy was fulfilled, and all that it had prophesied was then fully accomplished in Jesus Christ.
BEING CONSISTENT IN LANGUAGE AND IN CONTEXT
At this point we need to ask ourselves the following questions:
- Since Jesus used the phrase “heaven and earth” in Mathew 5:17-18 to refer to the old covenant “Jewish-world” of his day, is it not possible that other new testament texts regarding “heaven and earth” refer to the same thing (specially in the context of judgment, and the “end of the world”)?
- Since the “passing away of heaven and earth” can biblically refer to the destruction and judgment of a nation and the change or dissolution of their “world system”, is it not logical that the arrival of a “new heaven and a new earth” can refer to the establishment of a “new nation” and the reception and application of a new world system?
I believe these are important and appropriate questions that demand clear and definitive answers if we are to understand biblical eschatology.
Regarding the former, I am convinced that the answer is yes. After all, aren’t we simply being consistent with language within the bible to suggest so? Jesus used this language (Mathew 5:18, 24:35), so did Paul (1 Corinthians 7:26-31), so did John (1 John 2:16-18), so did Peter (1 Peter 4:7), and so did the prophets (Isaiah 13:1-19, 34:1-5, Haggai 2:20-22).
As we study a familiar text below, be aware that Peter is once again borrowing the “cosmic destruction language” of the old testament prophets to predict the judgment of God on old covenant Israel, and the dissolution of every “element” (letter and stroke) of the entire old covenant “world” in AD70.
2 Peter 3:1-13
This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles. Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
For the sake of time we will not do a verse by verse exegesis on this chapter. Instead, we will develop only what is necessary to prove our position. The first thing that we need to notice is of course the near context of chapter 3.
In chapter 2, Peter tells his reader that there would be false teachers that would arise among themselves, and due to their rejection of “their master who bought them”, they would bring “swift destruction” upon themselves. (2:1)
Then Peter mentions the judgment of the “ancient world” and identifies it as the flood upon the “world of the ungodly” (2:5). Peter says that the flood upon the “old world” served as an example (as a copy) of the judgment that was to come upon the ungodly who “feasted with them” (2:13). These were first century Christians. But not just any Christians. In chapter 3, these “ungodly” are identified as the Jewish scoffers. They considered “the fathers that fell asleep”, to be their fathers, and the “promise of his coming” to be their promise.
Thus, through their rejection of the new covenant gospel and the blasphemy of them who upheld it, the Jewish scoffers and false teachers were bringing upon themselves a “swift destruction” which would be similar to the flood-judgment of the “old world” – the world of the ungodly. This establishes the context as we go forward.
It’s important to notice that for Peter, the “heavens and earth” that were destroyed by water are synonymous with “the world” (cosmos – orderly arrangement, constitution, the world, inhabitants of the world). In verse 6, Peter says that the “world’ of Noah’s day was destroyed (apollymi – to destroy, to perish, to render useless) by the flood.
Now ask yourself this question. Was the physical sun, moon, stars, and the entire globe destroyed, and rendered useless as a result of the flood-judgment in the days of Noah? Did the physical “heaven and earth” perish, so that God had to literally create them again? The answer is obvious, no. So, what did Peter mean?
Recall the words of Peter in the previous chapter.
2 Peter 2:4-5
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly.
Both times the word “world” is used in these verses it is the Greek word “kosmos” (the same as 2 Peter 3:6). Notice that Peter says that the flood was brought upon the “world of the ungodly”. It is obvious that since neither the heavenly lights or the earth physically perished and ceased to exist as a result of the flood, that the God’s judgment was not focused on the material creation, but on the “ungodly world system”. The world (kosmos) of the ungodly, was the arrangement and constitution of the old world and the inhabitants which governed it.
Notice again the contrast Peter is making with the “old world” and the “world” that at his, time still existed.
“…by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire…”
Peter is indicating that up until his days (first century), there had been two “worlds” which had existed. The pre-flood world, and the world of Peter’s day. Once again, the fact that God did not re-create heaven and earth is definitive proof that the two “worlds” that had existed were not two physical creations, but two different and distinct “world systems” and their “orderly arrangements” – two kosmos’.
The “old world” which perished with the flood was the Adamic / pre-flood world system, which men through disobedience, sin, and violence had corrupted. The “world” of the first century was the old covenant world (the Mosaic system) that Peter calls “the present heavens and earth” which was reserved for fire. Which leads to our next point.
Peter is clearly making a parallel in the methods of judgment. The old world was destroyed by water, Peter’s present world would be destroyed by fire. However, since the world that was destroyed by the flood (by water) was not the physical creation, why should we suppose that the “world” to be destroyed by fire refers to the burning of physical creation? We need to honor Peter’s parallel which eliminates any idea of the entire physical creation being scorched by fire.
Next, we will look at the world translated “elements”, which is critical to our understanding of the entire text.
2 Peter 3:10,12
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up… looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat”.
The Greek word that is translated as “elements” is “stoicheion” and means “first things, rudimentary or fundamental principles/elements of a larger whole.
The question is, do Peter’s “elements” (stoicheion) in this context refer to the atoms, particles and “matter” that constitute all created things, or to the many principles and detailed elements of the old covenant “world system” – that is, to the many elements which constitute the Mosaic system as a whole?
To answer this question, we will do what we always do, and allow the scriptures to be their own best interpreter. The Greek word “stoicheion” is used only 7 times in the entire new testament, and only 5 times outside of 2 Peter 3. These are listed below in their immediate context.
Galatians 4:3-5,8-10
So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things (stoicheon) of the world. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons… However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things (stoicheon), to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? You observe days and months and seasons and years.
In Galatians, Paul recalls that when some of them as Jews were under the law, they were in bondage to the “elements of the world” (the kosmos). And according to Paul, to be redeemed from under the law, was to be freed from the bondage of those “elements”.
Furthermore, Paul tells the Galatians that to “turn back again” from Christ to the law, was to be enslaved all over gain by the “weak and beggarly “elemental things” such as the observance of “days, months, seasons years”. Clearly, Paul refers to the “elements” as the principles and constitution of the Mosaic “world system”.
Colossians 2:8,16-17,20-22
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles (stoicheon) of the world, rather than according to Christ…. Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day – things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ…. If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles (stoicheon) of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?
Paul in his letter to the Colossians warns them to make sure no one takes them captive (enslaves them – same idea as in Galatians 4), by the “elementary principles of the world” (the kosmos), rather than by the things of Christ. These “elements” are describes as “food and drink, festivals, new moons and Sabbath days” which were only shadows of the new covenant realities that were about to come in Christ. There can be no doubt that these “elementary principles” refer to the entire religious and old covenant system of Judaism”, which was a shadow of the new covenant system in Christ.
Paul also says in Colossians that they had “died to” those elementary principles” of the world (kosmos). Compare Paul’s word’s in Galatians where he says that they had “died to the law” (Galatians 2:19). According to Paul, to die to the law was to die to its “religious world system”. Once again, Paul refers to the “elements” as the principles and constitution of the Mosaic “world system”.
Hebrews 5:11-12
Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles (stoicheon) of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
The writer of Hebrews rebukes those who were perhaps decades old in Christ, that they should by this time be teachers, but instead, they needed to be taught again. Notice, these Christians needed to be taught the “elementary principles” of the “oracles (words, utterances) of God”. This phrase “oracles of God” is used by Paul in Romans to refer to the whole council of God under the old covenant dispensation. It was the Jews who had been “entrusted with the oracles of God” (Romans 3:2).
Paul was saying these Hebrew Christians needed to be refreshed on the elements (principles) which were contained in the oracles (words) of God under the old covenant. By doing so, they would better understand how everything written and spoken under the old covenant age pointed to a spiritual fulfillment in Christ.
The fact that these Hebrews were seriously considering “going back”, they needed desperately to understand that just as milk is eventually replaced by solid food, the old world would eventually be replaced by the new in Christ. So again, the writer of Hebrews refers to the “elements” as the principles and constitution of the Mosaic “world system”.
What should be obvious to the reader is that each time the word “stoicheon” is used outside of 2 Peter 3, it never refers to the “elements” (atoms/molecules) of the physical creation. More specifically, it has no relation or application to the physical cosmos whatsoever.
What should also be obvious to the reader is that the word “stoicheon” is always used to refer to the rudimentary or fundamental principles and elements of the Mosaic “world system”. In other words, the “elements of the world” were the “letters and strokes” (jots and titles) which formed and constituted the entire body of old testament doctrine and religion under the old covenant world.
With this understanding, we must realize that the “passing away” and “burning of the elements” in 2 Peter 3 has nothing to do with the dissolution of the “physical elements” of creation. Rather, the “elements” in 2 Peter 3 specifically refer to “the rudimentary and fundamental principles and elements of the Mosaic “world system”. Let’s read verses 10 through 12 again.
2 Peter 3:10,12
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up… looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat”.
When we combine the biblical definition of “stoicheon” with the symbolic language of “heaven and earth passing away” in the context of judgment, we have a powerful picture.
At the judgment-coming of the Lord in fulfilment of the “promise of His coming”, the old covenant “world” was destroyed through the destruction of Jerusalem in AD70. When the Roman army (Yahweh’s vehicle of judgment) burned with fire the entire city and its inhabitants, this signified the “passing away of heaven and earth” and the melting of its elements with “fervent heat”. The dissolution and destruction by fire of the sacrificial and system, the priesthood, the tribal genealogies, the festal observances, the temple itself etc., was the “melting” of the “elements” (the entire intricate system and constitution) of the old covenant world of Judaism.
A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH
Another significant point is that the idea of “burning and melting with fire” communicates the idea of refining and purging through a separation. The “old world” was melted down with an intense heat in order to be purged to something much more precious. As precious metal is separated from the dross, and as wheat is separated from tares during the time of harvest, the old covenant world was cut off yet at the same time transformed into the new covenant world in Jesus Christ. We see this concept all through the scriptures. (See Daniel 11:35, Zechariah 13:9, Malachi 3:1-4, 4:1-6, Mathew 3:12, 13:37-43, Galatians 4:21-5:5, Hebrews).
2 Peter 3:13
But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
2 Peter 3 pictures the consummation of the refining process of Israel’s “world” which resulted in a purified and “better world”, that is, a new heaven and a new earth wherein dwells righteousness.
The fulfilment of Peter’s prophecy would bring about the fulfilment of the great prophecy of Isaiah, and Israel’s promise of a new heaven and a new earth.
Isaiah 65:8,13-15,17-18
Thus says the Lord, “As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says, ‘Do not destroy it, for there is benefit in it,’ So I will act on behalf of My servants in order not to destroy all of them…. Therefore, thus says the Lord God, “Behold, My servants will eat, but you will be hungry. Behold, My servants will drink, but you will be thirsty. Behold, My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. Behold, My servants will shout joyfully with a glad heart, but you will cry out with a heavy heart, and you will wail with a broken spirit. You will leave your name for a curse to My chosen ones, and the Lord God will slay you. But My servants will be called by another name…. For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing and her people for gladness.
Isaiah prophesied of a time when the majority of Israel who would be “destined for the sword” (65:12) would be “slain” and “destroyed”, and his (true) servants would be called by “another name”. At this time, the Lord would “render recompense to his enemies” (66:6), by “coming in fire” to render “his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire” (66:15). At this time, the Lord would create a “new heavens and a new earth” (65:16, 66:22) which the Lord himself identifies as a “new Jerusalem and a new people” (65:18). This is precisely the message of both of Peter’s epistles which climax in 2 Peter 3.
The passing away of heaven and earth in both Mathew 5:18 and 2 Peter 3 refer to the destruction and “the end” of the old covenant “world” of Judaism in AD70. But, the end of one world would mark the establishment of a new. As Peter said, “…. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way… we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
In view of the impending “end of the world”, Peter and his first century generation were “looking for” (to wait in expectation) the new heavens and the new earth as the consummated new covenant world in Jesus Christ, and the application of all its glories and blessings.
Revelation 20:11, 21:1-2,11
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them…. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband… having the glory of God”
As John sees the new heaven and the new earth, notice what he “really” sees. “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem…. as a bride adorned for her husband…having the glory of God…”. John sees the “new world” – the new city-temple and the glorified bride (church) made righteous under the established new covenant in Christ. John sees the consummated new creation. As we close this study, let’s recap what we have learned:
- The old covenant “world” of Judaism was the “heaven and earth” that Jesus said must first “pass away”, so that the new covenant could be fully established.
- That “heaven and earth” did pass away when old covenant Israel was judged and her “world” destroyed by the Lord at the hands of the Romans, for their rejection of the gospel of the kingdom in AD70.
- Such phrases as “the end of the age”, “the last days” and the “end of all things” in the new testament, were Jesus’ simply the apostles’ way of describing the imminent dissolution of the “Jewish world system”- the old heaven and earth.
- Prior to AD70, the “heaven and earth” (the old covenant world) had not yet passed away, and not even the smallest letter or stroke of the law could pass until it was all accomplished.
- That the “fulfilling” (the coming into existence) of all prophecy was accomplished through the passing away of the old covenant and the old covenant world of Judaism in AD70.
- Since Jesus applied the “passing away of heaven and earth” in Mathew 5:17-18 to the “end” of the old covenant “Jewish-world” of his day, then other new testament texts regarding the “passing away of heaven and earth” (specifically 2 Peter 3) can and should refer to the same thing, especially in the context of judgment, and the “end of the world”.
- Since the “passing away of heaven and earth” biblically refers to the destruction and judgment of old covenant Israel and the change/dissolution of their “world system”, then logically and biblically the arrival a “new heaven and a new earth” refers to the establishment of “true Israel” and the reception and application of their new covenant world system – the Kingdom of God.
The old heaven and old earth (which could never bring righteousness) has passed away nearly two thousand years ago. An in its place has been established the new heaven and the new earth – the new covenant rule and reign of God – in which we dwell in righteousness.
Dan Dery
Titus 1:9