How Will the Present Earth Pass Away?
by John Morris, Ph.D.*

http://www.icr.org/article/3190/

First, let's review some facts of physics. We have discovered that
atoms themselves are held together by mysterious forces. These forces
keep each atomic nucleus, which contains particles of like electrical
charge, from flying apart. They also keep the electrons in proximity
to the nucleus, allowing atoms to bond to form more complex molecules,
including all organic compounds which make up every cell in every
living thing. These forces can be manipulated by man, in some cases
with the release of great energy, but their ultimate nature is not
understood, and they cannot be replaced by something of our own
creation. The facts are quite compatible with the truth of Scripture,
that Christ "uphold|s| all things by the word of His power" (Hebrews
1:3), and that "by Him all things consist" (Colossians 1:17).

Let's also remember that "the ground," probably including even the
physical elements (Genesis 3:17), was cursed because of Adam's sin.
Many of the atoms today spontaneously decay into smaller, less complex
atoms, giving off harmful radiation. The earth's surface substantially
consists of sedimentary rock deposited by moving Flood waters, full of
the remains of dead organisms which died horrible deaths in that
flood. Other rocks were melted by unimaginable heat and later cooled
into our present igneous and metamorphic deposits. Everywhere we see
remnants of bent and broken rock. Our planet has experienced past
violence not encountered by modern man.

Surely, one of the primary purposes of the coming renovation of the
heavens and the earth will be to replace it with a "new heavens and a
new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (II Peter 3:13). Neither
heavens nor earth will fully be "un-created," for both were created to
last forever (Psalm 148:5-6). Evidently, the raw materials which
comprise the present atoms will be transformed into something
recognizably similar, but different. The atoms will disintegrate and
their matter will be reshaped into our permanent home, free from any
memory or evidence of sin.

We will dwell there forever, enjoying the unbroken fellowship of our
great Creator/Savior Jesus Christ.

*Dr. John D. Morris is President of the Institute for Creation Research.