10,000 Years
I recently heard an interesting comment that has my imagination active. If there was some sort of rampant disease, for example, that completely wiped out the human race, how long would our presence on earth be noticed? One estimation is that in only 10,000 years all traces of humanity would vanish. That means that all the steel and concrete would dissipate into the earth. All of the landmarks and monuments would disappear. It is often pointed out how damaging we are to the earth, yet it appears that the earth is somewhat self-healing. But, of course, the earth will not last forever.
I spent some time recently with my good friend Brian. We, and our families, visited some sites around Colorado and reflected on what the new heaven and new earth would be like. Will there be trees and vegetation as we know it? Will the animals we are used to seeing exist there? Of course, we cannot say. But we are given insight in the Bible.
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.
The word “new” here is not simply referring to time — like we think of tires for our car. My tires get old, and then I get new tires. Instead, the word new used here refers to new in quality. It is changed. It is different. It is, as Kittel says, “the epitome of the wholly different and miraculous thing which is brought by the time of salvation.” I am fascinated by the concept that this same word is used to define us as believers in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:24) and for the new commandment we receive (see 1 John 2:-7-8).
So the earth will be different and new; as we are. The sea will be gone; earth will not be water-based as it is today. Sin will be gone and we will not be sin-based as we are today. Reflect on the idea of being different. We are not simply new tires — we are new creations. A completely new creature with properties unlike mere humans. And we will live in a completely new place.
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