Definition
The new creation (Greek: καινὴ κτίσις / καινοὶ οὐρανοὶ καὶ καινὴ γῆ) is the eschatological expectation that after the final judgment God will renew or replace the existing creation with a new order of perfection (Isa. 65:17; 66:22; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1). Theological debate centers on whether the new implies radical replacement (ex nihilo) or a transformative renewal of the existing creation. In this corpus the new creation is closely linked to the apokatastasis: the restoration of all things is the new creation.
Usage in the Corpus
Stephen Jones
Jones grounds the new creation in the two-witness model: when the overcomers on earth unanimously testify to the Word of the Kingdom, the new creation begins to unfold. He cites Isa. 65:17-18: “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create.” The new creation is for Jones the endpoint of the apokatastasis: “As He resuscitates the whole earth by breathing into their nostrils the breath of life once again, we are brought into Immortality and Perfection, as at the beginning. Eden and more is restored.” The day comes when God will be “all in all” (1 Cor. 15:28). [Jones, Secrets of Time, Ch. 3 and Appendix C]
Cees Noordzij
Noordzij connects the new creation to the liberation of creation from bondage to decay (Rom. 8:21): “the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” The new creation does not happen apart from the sons of God — they are its instrument of liberation. The revelation of the sons of God is simultaneously the dawning new creation. [Noordzij, Moses and the Path to Sonship, Sections 2 and 8]
Witness Lee / Watchman Nee
Nee/Lee lay the foundation of the new creation in the resurrection of Christ, typologically portrayed in Gen. 1:9-13 (the earth rising from the death-waters on the third day and bearing abundant life): “After the resurrection of Christ, after the Lord was brought out of death, He produced abundant life.” The eschatological New Jerusalem is the ultimate realization of this creation-and-resurrection pattern. [Nee/Lee, The All-inclusive Christ, Ch. 1]