The Bible is filled with powerful verses that speak to the eternal nature of God and His word. One particularly profound phrase found in several Scriptures is “heaven and earth shall pass away,” reminding us of the fleeting nature of the world around us.
This phrase is a strong reminder that while everything in our physical world is temporary, God’s word and promises remain unchanging and everlasting.
In this blog post, we will explore 15 Bible verses related to the idea that heaven and earth shall pass away. These verses not only highlight the transience of the created world but also point us toward the eternal hope and security found in God.
1. Matthew 24:35
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
Explanation: In this verse, Jesus speaks of the certainty of God’s word standing firm forever. While the physical world is temporary and will one day pass away, His promises and teachings endure for eternity, offering a foundation that remains unshaken despite the passing of time.
2. Mark 13:31
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
Explanation: Similar to the verse in Matthew, this passage from Mark emphasizes the permanence of Christ’s words. This serves as a powerful reminder that while our earthly existence is finite, the truth of God’s word is everlasting and reliable.
3. Luke 21:33
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
Explanation: Jesus reassures His followers that although the world may change or fade away, His teachings and the truth of His promises will stand forever. This reinforces the trustworthiness of God’s word in the face of life’s uncertainties.
4. 2 Peter 3:10
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.”
Explanation: This verse describes the ultimate transformation that will take place when Christ returns. The physical world, including the heavens and the earth, will be destroyed, but the eternal truth of God will remain. It reminds us that the temporary nature of our world calls for readiness and faith in God’s eternal kingdom.
5. 2 Peter 3:13
“But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
Explanation: While the current heaven and earth will pass away, God promises a new creation where righteousness will prevail. This gives believers hope for the future, looking forward to a renewed world free of sin and imperfection.
6. Revelation 21:1
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.”
Explanation: Revelation 21 presents the vision of the new heaven and new earth, symbolizing the final restoration and redemption of creation. The old order has passed away, making way for God’s eternal kingdom where there will be no more suffering or decay.
7. Isaiah 51:6
“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed.”
Explanation: Here, the contrast is drawn between the temporal nature of the universe and the eternal nature of God’s salvation and righteousness. While the world may deteriorate and pass away, God’s salvation remains constant and unchanging.
8. Matthew 5:18
“For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”
Explanation: Jesus underscores the certainty and permanence of the law, noting that every part of God’s word will come to pass. Even when heaven and earth pass away, the truth of God’s law and promises will stand firm and complete.
9. Psalm 102:25-26
“Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away.”
Explanation: The psalmist reflects on God as the Creator of the heavens and earth, acknowledging that while creation itself will fade, God remains eternal. This verse emphasizes the transitory nature of the world and the everlasting nature of God.
10. Hebrews 1:10-12
“And, ‘You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.'”
Explanation: This passage draws from Psalm 102, reiterating the eternal nature of God in contrast to the created world. While heaven and earth are temporary, God remains unchanging and eternal, providing stability and assurance to His people.
11. Isaiah 34:4
“All the host of heaven shall rot away, and the skies roll up like a scroll. All their host shall fall, as leaves fall from the vine, like leaves falling from the fig tree.”
Explanation: This vivid imagery describes the destruction of the heavens and the earth, symbolizing a time of judgment. It serves as a warning but also a reminder that everything in creation is subject to God’s will, emphasizing His sovereignty over all things.
12. Revelation 20:11
“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.”
Explanation: This verse speaks to the final judgment and the passing away of the old earth and heaven. It illustrates that when God’s judgment occurs, the current world will disappear, highlighting the inevitability of His rule and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
13. Matthew 24:34
“Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.”
Explanation: In this verse, Jesus speaks about the fulfillment of His prophecies regarding the coming of the kingdom of God. The passing away of the heavens and earth symbolizes the fulfillment of His promises, pointing to the ultimate establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.
14. Isaiah 65:17
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.”
Explanation: God promises the creation of a new heaven and earth where there will be no more sorrow or pain. This new creation will be free from the former struggles of the old world, offering hope and anticipation for the future.
15. Romans 8:21-22
“That the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.”
Explanation: Paul speaks of the liberation of creation from its current state of decay and corruption. The promise of a new heaven and earth is a source of hope for believers, offering a future where all things are made new and perfect.
Conclusion
The Bible frequently reminds us that heaven and earth shall pass away, but the eternal nature of God and His word remains. These verses not only underscore the transitory nature of the physical world but also point to the unchanging truth of God’s promises and the hope of a new creation.
As believers, we are called to fix our eyes on the eternal, knowing that our hope is secure in God’s unshakable kingdom.
As you reflect on these verses, think about how they might inspire you in your journey of faith. How do these promises help you find peace in the midst of life’s challenges?
Share your thoughts, favorite verses, or personal reflections in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!