He Shall Have Dominion

the new creation’s “not yet” aspect. For a discussion of the “already”
spiritual new creation, which precedes and prepares us for the material
new creation, see ch. 14 “Eschatological Features.”
Regarding a consummational new earth, Scripture suggests that we
may expect a renovated material new earth for a variety of reasons.
Consider the following lines of thought.
First, the biblical analogy. We may expect a renewed earth on the
analogy of the individual’s transformation. Just as we receive a new body
at the resurrection (Eph 1:14), so we will inherit a renewed earth on
which to dwell with that body.
For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the
revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to
futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;
because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage
of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we
know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs
together until now. And not only they, but we also who have the
first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves,
eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption [resurrection] of
our body. (Ro 8:19–23)
The comprehensive nature of sin and redemption (involving both soul
and body), demands a comprehensive new earth (involving spiritual and
material aspects). Why else would we return to our bodies by means of
resurrection, if we are to remain solely and forever in the spiritual,
100
heavenly realm? Beale argues for a physical new earth in eternity,
noting that
among the “hints” [Paul] mentions are Rom. 8; 1 Cor. 15, and parts
of Revelation. . . . Several Old Testament texts, and many New
Testament passages, speak explicitly of the future physical
resurrection of the saints, which is certainly a partial reference to a
future, consummated new creation, since physically resurrected
bodies are new created bodies, and the way saints will inhabit a
broader new creation is through resurrection. I believe this is more
than a “hint” of a consummated physical, new creation. 101
Second, the biblical calling. Scripture seems to present our temporal
labor in the physical earth as a training ground for eternity. The biblical
100. See: Fairbairn, The Typology of Scripture, 1:350.
101. Beale in Brower and Elliott, Eschatology in Bible and Theology, 28 n 40.