New Heavens, New Earth, Righteousness
Second Peter 3:10-13 proclaims the change from the old heavens and earth to the new heavens and earth. Verse 13 says, “according to His promise we are expecting new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” This is the environment for New Jerusalem.
The main matter seen in John’s writings is the love of God expressed in His life; in Paul’s writings, the grace of God distributed in His economy; and in Peter’s writings, the righteousness of God maintained in His government.*
Because of absolute righteousness, New Jerusalem and the entire new earth will have absolute peace. The source of this righteousness is the throne of God and the Lamb in the center of New Jerusalem. Another name for the Redeeming Lamb on the throne is Melchizedek, which means King of Righteousness.
Psalm 110:4 speaks of Melchizedek and Hebrews 5:6 applies this to Jesus Christ (as do Heb. 5:10, 6:20, 7:14-16). Jesus Christ is not a King who demands righteousness from others but rather a person whose nature is righteousness and who radiates righteousness and fills the environment of new earth with it. Praise Him!
* A part of footnote 3 on 2 Peter 3:13 in the Recovery Version Bible, © Living Stream Ministry.
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Posted by Don on June 16, 2025
https://newjerusalem12.wordpress.com/2025/06/16/new-heavens-new-earth-righteousness/
