2 Peter 3:13

2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

This verse and Revelation 21:1 are speaking of the same thing. Second Peter 3:10-14 is running parallel thoughts: verse 10 tells what will occur at "the day of the Lord" (the Second Advent), and verse 11 deals with "what manner of persons ought ye to be." Verses 10 and 12 speak of the event of the Consummation, where conversely, verses 11 and 13 address the question of "what manner of persons ought ye to be" to be ready for that event. The Apostle Peter addressed that question when he penned "in all holy conversation ['conduct'; Greek] and godliness" (verse 11). 

This Scripture text is speaking of a "new earth ['earthen vessels'; 2 Corinthians 4:7], wherein dwelleth righteousness" (verse 13). The "new heavens" (verse 13) is the exalted spiritual position those who are a "new earth" occupy (the church). That is eternal as opposed to the temporal, the firmamental "heavens" that "shall be dissolved" (verse 12). The church is a spiritual reality that is "without spot, and blameless" (verse 14). Ephesians 5:27 substantiates this truth—the "new heavens" verse 13  speaks of is the exalted position occupied by the New Testament church. 

(The Book of Revelation Explained, Volume VI, explains Revelation 21:1 more thoroughly.)

Earl R. Borders

From the September 2025 issue of The Gospel Trumpeter