“What does the Bible mean when it says God is creating all things new?”
In chapters 65 and 66 of the Book of Isaiah, there are prophecies about God’s future restoration and renewal of all things. When it speaks of Jehovah creating all things new, it refers to a time when God will bring about a complete transformation of the world, ushering in a new era of righteousness, peace, and blessing. This is closely related to the broader biblical theme of restoration and redemption through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let’s take a look at three of these verses from Isaiah.
“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” (Isaiah 65:17, American Standard Version)
This verse is pointing to God’s intention to create a new reality, where the troubles and sorrows of the past will be forgotten, replaced by a state of perpetual joy and peace.
“For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith Jehovah, so shall your seed and your name remain.” (Isaiah 66:22)
Here, the prophet speaks about the permanence and stability of the new creation that the Creator will bring about.
“And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith Jehovah.” (Isaiah 66:23)
This verse tells us that in the new creation, all people will worship and honour God together, indicating a state of universal harmony and unity.
Let’s look at a couple of other verses.
“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now shall it spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18,19)
In these verses, we see that God is instructing His people not to dwell on or be consumed by past events or experiences, whether they were positive or negative. The Creator is telling His people to let go of the past and focus on what He is about to do. God also declares His intention to do something entirely new and unprecedented. He challenges His people to recognise and acknowledge His work, even though it may be unexpected or different from what they have experienced before. This demonstrates God’s power to bring about transformation and provision in seemingly impossible situations. Just as He led the Israelites through the wilderness and provided water for them in the desert during their exodus from Egypt, He promises to make a way and provide abundantly for His people in their current circumstances.
In Revelation 21:5, we read: “And he that sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he saith, Write: for these words are faithful and true.” This verse is referring to Almighty God, who is shown throughout the Book of Revelation as the sovereign of all creation, seated on His heavenly throne. In this verse we read a declaration of God’s power and sovereignty over creation. It signifies His intention to bring about a complete renewal and transformation of the world. It speaks to the fulfilment of God’s promises and His ability to restore what was broken or lost. This will be fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
When Isaiah, and other prophets in the Bible speak of Jehovah creating all things new, it points towards a future restoration and renewal that encompasses not only the physical world but also the spiritual and moral dimensions of existence. It represents Christ’s ultimate victory over sin, evil, and death, and His establishment of a kingdom characterised by righteousness, peace, and the fullness of His presence.