The basic meaning of the expression “heavens and the earth” is a dwelling place, a habitation. In Genesis 1:1, God created “the heavens and the earth” (the physical world) with plant and animal life, for humanity to inhabit (Gen. 1:26-28).

We later find a similar expression used with a spiritual application (Isa. 65:17; 66:22). Isaiah spoke of God creating “new heavens and a new earth” in which all men would come to worship before Him (Isa. 65:17; 66:23). He thus prophesied of the church – the habitation or dwelling place of God’s people (cf. Isa. 2:1-4; 11:1-12).

God dwells with His people, the church, and they with Him (2 Cor. 6:16-18; Eph. 2:11-22). Christians, reconciled to God, are raised out of the death of sin to sit “in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:5-6, 16).

We become citizens of the kingdom of the Son when we are saved in Christ (Col. 1:13-14). Christians inhabit a new and spiritual realm, the church, the kingdom of heaven (Acts 2:47; Matt. 16:18-19). Our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). Isaiah’s prophecies are fulfilled in the church over which Christ reigns and into which we have been transferred (Rom. 15:12; Col. 1:13; Rev. 5:9-10).

The kingdom of Christ, the church, is a dwelling place unlike this earth. It is a spiritual kingdom, the house of God, a holy temple in the Lord, where peace between God and man exists (Eph. 2:14-22). This earth is not our home (Heb. 11:13-16).

When Peter used the expression “new heavens and a new earth” in 2 Peter 3:13, he looked forward to yet another dwelling place of God’s people, the eternal kingdom, our heavenly home (2 Pet. 1:11). In visionary form, John saw this “new heaven and a new earth” prepared for eternal habitation (Rev. 21:1-7).

Revelation 20:11 and 21:1 allude to the time when the material universe is destroyed – no place is found for heaven and earth (2 Pet. 3:10-12). In its place will be “new heavens and a new earth” where God’s people will eternally dwell with Him (Rev. 21:22-22:5).

In summary, we see the expression “heavens and earth” applied first to this material world (Gen. 1:1). Then, to the spiritual kingdom (the church) that exists now (Isa. 65:17; 66:22). And finally, to the eternal kingdom, our heavenly inheritance (1 Pet. 1:4; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1). In each case, “heavens and earth” is applied to a habitation created by God for His creation. As His “new creation,” Christians presently inhabit the Messiah’s kingdom (2 Cor. 5:17). In the last, glorious day of resurrection and judgment, Christ will deliver us, His kingdom, to God the Father (1 Cor. 15:24-28). We shall dwell forever in that habitation of righteousness (2 Pet. 3:13; Matt. 25:46).

- The Spirit’s Sword, March 22, 2026