21. What new heavens came into existence in 1914?

²¹ Recall, however, that Peter echoed Isaiah’s prophecy and showed that it had a future fulfillment. The apostle wrote: “There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.” (2 Peter 3:13) In 1914 the long-awaited new heavens came into existence. The Messianic Kingdom born in that year rules from heaven itself, and Jehovah has given it authority over all the earth. (Psalm 2:6-8) This Kingdom government, under Christ and his 144,000 corulers, is the new heavens.​—Revelation 14:1.

22. Who will make up the new earth, and how are people being prepared even now to become the nucleus of that arrangement?

²² What of the new earth? Following the pattern of the ancient fulfillment, the new earth will be made up of people who gladly submit to the rulership of the new heavenly government. Even now, millions of rightly disposed individuals subject themselves to this government and strive to follow its laws as found in the Bible. These ones come from all nationalities, languages, and races, and they work together to serve the reigning King Jesus Christ. (Micah 4:1-4) After the passing of the present wicked system of things, this group will form the nucleus of a new earth that will eventually be a globe-encircling society of God-fearing humans who inherit the earthly realm of God’s Kingdom.​—Matthew 25:34.

23. What information do we find in the book of Revelation concerning “a new heaven and a new earth,” and how will this prophecy be fulfilled?

²³ The book of Revelation describes a vision the apostle John saw of the coming day of Jehovah, when this system of things will be removed. After that, Satan will be abyssed. (Revelation 19:11–20:3) Following that description, John echoes the prophetic words of Isaiah, writing: “I saw a new heaven and a new earth.” The subsequent verses of the account of this glorious vision tell of the time when Jehovah God will radically change conditions on this earth for the better. (Revelation 21:1, 3-5) Clearly, Isaiah’s promise of “new heavens and a new earth” will have a wonderful fulfillment in God’s new world! Under the new governmental heavens, a new earthly society will enjoy a paradise that is both spiritual and physical. Comforting indeed is the promise that “the former things [sicknesses, suffering, and the many other woes humans face] will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart.” Whatever we may remember at that time will not cause us the deep hurt, or pain, that now burdens the hearts of many.

Through Isaiah, Jehovah says: “Here I am creating new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart.” (Isaiah 65:17)