After Satan’s systems are destroyed, notice what Peter says will replace them. “According to his promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13, NAS). God will replace the present evil order of society with a new, righteous order.

This new heavens and earth refers to the Kingdom of God for which Jesus taught us to pray: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9, 10). Jesus was telling us that God’s Kingdom will be right here — on the Earth!

In keeping with the symbolic nature of Peter’s words we see that the new heavens refer to the new spiritual ruling power of God’s Kingdom that will govern earth’s new society. The new earth will not literally be a new planet but symbolically refers to a trans- formed society on earth which will be holy and righteous.