Fire is a frequent symbol of divine judgment in the Bible. It was an especially compelling symbol when St. Peter was writing to first century Christians because of the fire that had burned Rome in A.D. 64. That fire was an inferno that spread across the city for many days. Ten of Rome’s fourteen districts were destroyed and more than 200,000 people were left homeless.

It was against that backdrop that Peter anticipated a future divine judgment against human sin that would far exceed the burning of Rome. He wrote:

“That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire and the elements will melt into heat, but in keeping with this promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”

Peter is saying that God’s future judgment on this earth will be so severe that our world is going to have to be replaced with a new earth. Now do I really believe our world is going to be destroyed by a fiery judgment from God? Yeah, I do. Not that I have all the details figured out, because I do not.

So where does that leave us? Yes, there will be judgment someday, but God has provided a way of escape. The Bible says that those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus will not be condemned for their sins. “We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” And those who are counted among the righteous will have nothing to fear.