‬‬‬‬‬‬‬In our previous meditations, we categorised the promises of God into two. The categories are based on time. If they can be appropriated rather quickly, we call them “short-term” promises. If, on the other hand, months or years are needed to process them, we referred to them as “long-term promises”. From our text, we can add a third category which we will like to call the eternal promises. These latter promises cannot be fully appreciated as long as this current earth stands. Many inspired writers referred to this in the Bible. One is contained in Peter’s writing where he said, “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2Peter 3:13).  Apparently what Peter said here is outside the scope of man’s architectural prowess. No amount of urban renewal can deliver the kind of new earth that God has in mind.

When this promise shall be fully realised, we shall not only be partakers of His divine nature, we shall also bask in the glory of divine presence.

A promise of an eternal nature is what our passage is dealing with. In the new heavens and new earth, God promised total bliss. No tears in the eyes, no ache or sorrow in the heart, and no more death. The factors for pains and sorrows, being sin and Satan, would have been taken out of the way. This is the blessed hope of those who are redeemed. While we are in this body, we keep fighting to keep these negative forces at bay, minimizing their influence over us as much as possible. However, full redemption is at the coming of the Saviour, Jesus Christ. When this promise shall be fully realised, we shall not only be partakers of His divine nature, we shall also bask in the glory of divine presence.