One of the most difficult points in the bible: An analysis of the development of Jonathan Edwards’ understanding of the new heaven and new earth

This article investigates Edwards's concept of the new heaven and new earth. It appears that, as a young tutor, he believed in a material new earth but later, during his ministry, he became convinced that the new heaven and new earth had to be interpreted spiritually. So, in Edwards's view, there is no expectation of a re-creation of earth. The future of the risen saints will not be on a new earth, but in heaven. But Edwards speaks about the destruction of the old heaven, and the renewal of heaven. This article not only investigates the development of Edwards's thought, but also provides an analysis of the theological structures and tensions in Edwards's concept.