Jesus said, “the meek will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5 cf Psalm 37:11). But it won’t be this tired old wasted earth, it will be a new one full of peace. The cleansing of the earth will be by fire. God will destroy His creation, not mankind. It is reserved for the day of judgment and fire:

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 3:7

*The Greek word for perdition is “apōleia.” It means “utter destruction)

(Over time, the old sinful ways of the earth will not be remembered, nor will the acts of sinful men.

Peter, John, and Isaiah all describe this new earth:

“Nevertheless, we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

2 Peter 3:13

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.”

Revelation 21:1

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.”

Isaiah 65:17

But what happens to the wicked?

David tells us plainly…

“For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more. But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace

Psalm 37:99-11

Malachi confirms their destruction:

“For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch.

Malachi 4:1

Peter also describes the end of this earth through fire. This verse is 3 verses before Peter’s description of God’s creation of a new earth:

“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 3:10

Then Peter encourages us to live a life in anticipation of that great day! Peter is linking the coming of Christ with the destruction of this earth.

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God,

2 Peter 3: 11-12

Mercifully, the Lord “delays” His coming so as to give people time to repent and not perish.

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9

“Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus”

Rev 22:20