November 2
The New Creation:
A Dwelling Place of Righteousness
2 Peter 3:13
But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
Daily Steps
Following the seriousness of the Judgment Seat (Day 307), the new believer is given the glorious culmination of all Christian Hope: the creation of a new heaven and a new earth. This is the eternal destination, characterized by the absence of sin and the permanent dwelling of righteousness.
The peace in this principle is found in eternal environment:
The Basis of Assurance: Our certainty rests in keeping with His promise. God's Word (Day 269) and His covenant with His people (The Authority of the Covenants, Day 272) are unbreakable. This guaranteed promise secures our faithful expectation (Day 304) and ultimate peace (Day 295).
The Scope of Renewal: The renewal is cosmic in scope: a new heaven and a new earth. This means that the entire created order, currently subjected to decay and disorder (Day 290) because of sin, will be fully restored (The Final Triumph, Day 227). It will be a perfect, eternal dwelling place for Christ and His followers.
The Defining Characteristic: The ultimate feature of this new creation is that righteousness dwells there. Since Christ is the Source of Righteousness (Day 224), this means that sin, injustice, pain, and worldly foolishness (Day 290) will be utterly and permanently excluded. This is the destined perfection (Day 303) of life with God.
Your peace is secured by eternal environment. Embrace the Hope of the Resurrection today by fixing your eyes on the new heaven and a new earth. Let the certainty that you are moving toward a place where righteousness dwells motivate you to pursue integrity (Day 294) and godly wisdom (Day 291) now.
Reflective Question
If you truly believe you will live in a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells, how does this certainty make your current struggle against sin easier to bear? What earthly attachment are you holding onto that you need to surrender in light of this glorious future?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I confess my tendency to love the temporary things of this present world. I thank You for the great and certain promise of a new heaven and a new earth. I pray for the grace to live today in preparation for that place where righteousness dwells. Secure my peace today in this eternal environment, and let the Hope of the Resurrection shape every decision I make. Amen.
