The World to Come: A Better Place Awaits

Al Felder
May 13, 2025
3 min read

“For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.”— Hebrews 2:5

This world, broken by sin and filled with sorrow, is not our final home. As Christians, we look forward to something far better: the world to come, a place of rest, righteousness, and eternal fellowship with God. Scripture calls us to lift our eyes beyond this life and set our hope on what God has prepared.

A World Designed by God

Unlike what some false teachers claim today, the Bible does not promise a refurbished version of this earth. God’s Word teaches that this world will perish, not be restored, but replaced. Hebrews and 2 Peter both affirm this truth:

“The heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat…” (2 Peter 3:10)“…as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed.” (Hebrews 1:12)

God, who created this world and the one to come, will exchange what is temporary for what is eternal. The “new heaven and new earth” mentioned in Scripture is not a renovated earth, but an entirely new, untouched realm that has remained unused because of sin yet awaits the faithful.

Why This Matters

In Hebrews, the writer addressed Jewish Christians who were tempted to return to Judaism under pressure. They were discouraged, isolated, and suffering for their faith. Yet the epistle reminds them—and us—that Christ is superior to all, and that His promises are sure. The world to come is real and far better than anything here.

“For we are saved by hope… But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” (Romans 8:24–25)

We cannot see this eternal world with mortal eyes. That which is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). Just as we exchange our mortal bodies for spiritual bodies, this world will be exchanged for a new one designed for the redeemed.

Lessons from the Journey

The writer of Hebrews compares the Christian walk to Israel’s wilderness journey. Just as they left Egypt and were led to a new Promised Land, we too have left the world behind in baptism and follow Christ toward the world to come. He leads many sons to glory, not back to the Egypt of this world, but forward to heaven.

“For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” (Hebrews 13:14)

Why Teaching the Truth About Heaven Matters

Because it shapes our hope. We are saved by hope, not for what we see, but for what is promised in heaven.
Because it strengthens us in suffering. Paul said it best: “To depart and be with Christ… is far better.” (Philippians 1:23)Any doctrine that clings to this world and ignores that hope misleads souls.
Because it is a salvation issue. Our hope is in heaven (Colossians 1:5), not here on earth.

Final Encouragement

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Let us not grow weary or turn back when the journey is arduous. There is a better place—the world to come—prepared for those who love and obey the Lord.