Die nuwe hemel en die nuwe aarde: dogmatiese en etiese oorwegings oor ’n aspek van die eskatologie

Abstract

Most Christians confess their belief in a new heaven and a new earth. The question, however, arises as to what exactly is meant by and expected from the acceptance of the concept of a new heaven and a new earth. In some Christian traditions the idea of heaven is predominantly emphasized- thus neglecting the notion of earth. In line with this emphasis the general idea of "after death we go to heaven" is stimulated. In other views, the new earth as final destination plays an important role, while the concept of the new heaven is underrated. In this article it is attempted not only to investigate different theological views concerning the new heaven and the new earth, but also to present a Biblical perspective on this topic of discussion.