Why do we need a new heaven?
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Frankly Answered Questions - FAQs

Why do we need a new heaven?

Q: Hi, could you please tell me why it says in Revelation 21:1 and 2 Peter 3: 13 that believers will be going to  a "new heaven and new earth" if heaven is already perfect?   Why do we need a "New" heaven if we believe that it is already perfect?  I would appreciate any info you have on this.  Thank you. God Bless!

A: There are three heavens in Biblical thinking (see 2 Corinthians 12:2; Hebrews 4:14):

  1. the atmosphere, the sky

  2. space, the sun, moon, planets, and stars, and

  3. the place in which God has His throne room, where the angels meet with Him (Hebrews 12:22) and the people of God await their resurrection.

You are quite right that the third heaven needs no cleansing, but realms 1 & 2 have been affected by evil (Ephesians 6:12) and need to be redeemed (2 Peter 3:13 - "in which righteousness dwells).