The heavens and earth which now exist are reserved for fire until the day of judgment. According to II Peter 3:10-12, the heavens will pass away with a great noise, the elements will melt with fervent heat, and the earth with all its works will be burned up. This destruction occurs after the resurrections of Revelation 20, once death and the grave are cast into the Lake of Fire. Romans 8:19-23 explains that creation was subjected to decay by God's design, awaiting deliverance. The old, sin-stained earth cannot serve as the inheritance of God's children. Following its complete removal, Revelation 21:1-6 describes new heavens and a new earth, wherein righteousness dwells, established as God's permanent, unmovable habitation forever. Also see sermons and articles about 'Earth, Burned Up'.
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
2 Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
2 Peter 3:12-13 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
