Luke 21:33 (ESV) – Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“Nothing lasts forever.” This statement gets repeated in many contexts. It is said after a best friend leaves your company. It is said after high-school or college friends part ways to start new chapters in life. Sadly, it is said by married couples who get divorced. Things don’t always last forever. There are often seasons for things, and then those seasons change.

But our passage today reminds us that God’s Word never changes. Jesus says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” This statement raises a few issues worth discussing. First, in what way will Heaven and earth pass away? Some people believe the Bible teaches that God is going to burn the earth at the end. This image comes from 2 Peter 3:10. But Peter is not saying the coming of the Lord is going to destroy the earth. Rather, the emphasis is on purifying it. All things will be made new. So, when Jesus refers to Heaven and earth passing away, the reference is to their current state. Upon Jesus’ return to the earth (the Second Coming), He is going to restore Heaven and earth. This is called “The New Heavens and the New Earth.” 

The second issue in our verse today is “but my words will not pass away.” So the current state of the creation will change upon Jesus’ return. But Jesus says that His words will not pass away. What does this mean? It means that His words are true. They stand the test of time. They are timeless, eternal, and authoritative. The Word of God is unchanging. 

The practical relevance for us today is huge. God’s Word doesn’t bend or flex for our modern age. When the Lord instructs about how to live holy, it is still the same standard today, even if the culture has a different view. God’s definition of a man or a woman is still the standard. Our culture’s confusion on the issue doesn’t change what God says. His words will not pass away. So read them. Learn them. And obey them. 

Reflection & Journal: 
- In what way will Heaven and earth pass away?
- How does Jesus use the imagery of Heaven and earth passing away to compare to His words? 
- What should the life of the Christian look like in light of this passage today?

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