Not Home Yet: How the Renewal of the Earth Fits into God's Plan for the World

by Ian K. Smith

Christians often view heaven as their "future home"--but God's plan is to live forever with his people on a renewed earth. Beginning with the creation of the heavens and earth and ending with the awe-inspiring picture of the New Jerusalem descending to earth, the storyline of Scripture reveals God's commitment to the physical world. What's more, an understanding of God's commitment to renew and restore this earth connects what Christians learn on Sunday mornings with what happens the rest of the week, infusing all good earthly endeavors with dignity, meaning, and significance. This anticipation of God's cosmic renewal has the power to shape the mission of the church as God's people discover eternal purpose in the seemingly "earthly" and "unspiritual" facets of everyday life.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity

176 pages, Paperback

Published August 6, 2019

About the author

Ian is the Principal of Christ College and lecturer in New Testament and Greek exegesis. He has been on the full-time staff at Christ College since 1995, prior to which he was a missionary with Australian Presbyterian World Mission at Talua Ministry Training Centre in Vanuatu. Ian has also worked as a high school teacher and as the minister of Griffith Presbyterian Church.

Reviews

[Matthew Manchester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me. This was a book I picked up because I needed something to read. I didn't have any interest in it, yet it completely won me over.

SUMMARY

When I started, I didn't even know what the book was about. I figured it was about the end-times, or Christian environmentalism. Neither is the case. In the beginning the author states:

The aim of this book is to reawaken (resurrect even), a biblical understanding of the earth and God’s mission to it.

Practically, it ends up being a earth-focused discussion on the doctrine of vocation (one of my favorite subjects). Once I realized that, I enjoyed the book immensely.

THE GOOD

There's so much going on in this book. Smith is incredibly nuanced and holistic in his approach. His chapter destroying Two Kingdoms theology was a personal favorite of mine. I also enjoyed his biblical and historical theology at work in the book. It shines as he discusses the theme of exile in scripture.

THE CHALLENGES

Chalk it up to my beginning low interest level for this book, but I found the first three chapters pretty boring. Most of it is the introduction and the creation story. Chapter 4 was a breakout chapter though.

CONCLUSION

This is a book well worth the read. It will challenge your presuppositions about many things that are affected by the resurrection. It's deeply nuanced and confessional. Let me end this review with one of my favorite quotes in the book concerning the (re)newed earth to come:

This picture of the enduring nature of purified, human accomplishments is seen in the image of the glory and honor of the nations being brought into the New Jerusalem. As the dross is separated from the gold, so will be found the purity of human achievements in music, art, literature, architecture, drama, food, agriculture, craft, and so much more.

Four stars.

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid book that digs into an oft-overlooked theology of land/home/earth. This does a good job of conveying the Biblical trajectory of creation to new creation (not earth to heaven, but the old heavens and earth to the new heavens and earth). It reminds us that, in fact, God and the holy city will descend from heaven to the earth. It also shows God's big plan of renewal of the earth through Jesus, not merely its annihilation. I think a main limitation of the book is the choice to focus on systematic theology, rather than a clearer structure of Biblical theology to see the compelling progression of themes across the Biblical narrative - the book sometimes jumps forward or back to make a point and lands on similar ideas at different occasions

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: Traveling is fun, but after a while we long for home.

Is heaven our home? For the believer should heaven be considered our home? Are we currently "not home yet"?

In Not Home Yet, Ian K. Smith argues that heaven is NOT our home. His point is technically a valid one. Heaven is not our final, ultimate HOME. After Jesus' return and the resurrection of our bodies, our final, ultimate home will be the NEW HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH. Smith is correct in his conclusion that the Bible speaks of a new heaven and a new earth, restored and recreated. The book celebrates the fact that the physical earth will not be destroyed or obliterated, that our final-and-forever home will be this earth. The book celebrates our future resurrection bodies.

A few weeks ago I saw a meme on Facebook. KNOWLEDGE is knowing that tomatoes are a fruit. WISDOM is knowing that tomatoes do not belong in fruit salad. I was reminded of this as I read this one. Smith seems so pleased with himself that he's discovered that heaven is NOT OUR HOME and that our eternal rest is not to be found in heaven that he just has to talk about it to anyone and everyone he meets. I think he definitely loves the shock value. I WILL RATTLE EVERYTHING YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN FAITH. DID YOU KNOW THAT HEAVEN IS NOT YOUR HOME?!?! EVERYTHING YOU EVER LEARNED ABOUT HEAVEN FROM YOUR GRANDMA AND GRANDPA IS WRONG.

Smith's argument is that Christians should spend less time thinking about "heaven" and "things above" and the "great glory" beyond and start focusing on the earth--for it is our present home and future home. Christians priorities can be unbalanced because they don't grasp the obvious truth that heaven is not our home.

He also wants to make sure that your hope is not in dying "and going to heaven to be with the Lord" but your hope is in the future resurrection after Christ's return. HEY, YOU, YOU SHOULDN'T LOOK FORWARD TO HEAVEN. That's just silly. The only thing worth looking forward to is OUR FUTURE RESURRECTION WHERE WE'LL LIVE ON THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH.

Here's the thing--if you read the Bible, if you read the Bible widely--Genesis to Revelation, if you read the Bible often, you already know that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. You may not have "chewed the cud" (aka meditated enough) to ponder if what we call heaven is actually heaven. But if you slow down, go step by step, stop and consider, you'll say YES, there will be a day; there will be a great day; a glorious day; I'll have a new body and a new home. I will live with the LORD and all my brothers and sisters ON THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH. You can reach a biblical conclusion without all the shock and awe, without turning your "foundations" topsy, turvy.

Would his other points have come across better--a bit smoother--if he hadn't been so busy trying to shock and awe us out of ignorance?

Smith' book is about God's downward movement. (The Bible is not about us going heavenward; but God coming earthward). Smith examines Eden, the tabernacle, the temple, the incarnation, the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the second coming. He also looks at the first cataclysmic destruction of the earth--the flood--in both the Old and New Testaments. He says that believers could learn a great deal about the future "destruction" of the earth by studying the first.

Sin does not ultimately change earth's beauty or the fact that God will renew, recreate, restored. We should not let sin stop us from appreciating the fact that earth is and will be our home.

John 14 is not about "heaven" (as we know it, as opposed to HEAVEN aka new earth) but about Christ's second coming and our future resurrection.

After reading most of the book, Smith finally "grants permission" to believers to think of "heaven" as a type of home. "After Christians have died, they are away from the body, which perishes in the grave, but at home with the Lord in some sort of bodiless existence. So in the light of this, it is appropriate to refer to heaven as "home" as long as we understand that it will not be our permanent home. We still await the new heavens and new earth."

[Kylie DeWard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was like reading a longer, well-written, scholarly journal article— my dream book.

Smith offers a perspective on eternity that somehow gets glossed over in the church and other forms of Christian education. Tell me how I found out about this stuff 2-3 years ago as a freshman in college? C’mon, churches. That’s kind of a big deal.

The detailed analysis of the OT and the role of Israel as foundation for the NT and a lot of Jesus’s teachings was just… so well done. And using all of those references and more to help readers understand the concept of the renewal of the earth… simply astounding. And all of that in under 200 pages!

I wish I came across this book a long time ago.

[Jack Whalen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reframes the perspective that we are sojourners traveling towards our celestial home in heaven. Rather, heaven is a temporary home until the Earth is renewed and we dwell here (or there?) forever. Also challenges the commonly held belief (blame Plato?) that there is a distinction between secular and spiritual in our lives. He argues that the two kingdom view is rather between Christ and sin, and not between secular and spiritual. Consequently, it is not just the spiritual things we do that have any significance. Rather, since this world is going to be redeemed, the works that we do have meaning as Christ will renew them as well and purge the sin from it.

[Josh E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the view of eternity that Smith portrays here, one that is so needed in the western church. He touches on the interconnected themes of home, dwelling, garden, city, work, and more. It’s a lot to tackle in such a small volume, made possible by writing in such a way that makes the literary research accessible to the layman. At times though, I think it’s too accessible to the point where some of the full depth and beauty of the argument is lost. It’s a great introduction to the topics presented for readers, but I would love to see a second edition with more editing.

[David Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that gives great insight into the thread of Eden lost and gaining back a new Eden that we find throughout Scripture. The final fulfillment of that is in the new Heaven and new Earth which will be our domain in the New Jerusalem as opposed to a Platonic idea of disembodies spirits in Heaven. Encouraging and Educational.

[Hobart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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In the beginning, we're told, God created the heavens and the earth. As Rod Rosenbladt used to say (maybe still does, it's been a while since I heard him), "God likes matter, He made it." The Scriptures are replete with post-Fall references to God visiting Earth, coming to Earth and dwelling with His people. This is what the Incarnation and the bodily resurrection are about. Yes, the risen Christ ascends to Heaven—but He's coming back to renew the planet. That's what it's all about. The goal of humanity is not going to Heaven after we die, but to live with Him in our resurrection bodies on a renewed Earth. That's what this book is about, in a nutshell—how Creation isn't to be abandoned, discarded and therefore it doesn't matter what we do. Instead, we're caretakers of this place waiting to be renewed when our pilgrimage is complete.

Smith begins his case with Genesis 1-2 and what this tells us about God's attitude toward His creation. Then he moves on to the Fall and God's work through his redeemed people to renew the Earth, through the Flood and the covenant made with Earth, to the eventual establishment of Israel and his dwelling with His people in the Tabernacle and Temple—all of which points to the ultimate tabernacling with humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. Then Smith moves into a discussion of Christ's resurrection and what it means for His people and this world as explained by the Apostles—what it means for this world and how we should view the world.

Now, I shared the general, overall thesis of the book before I read this—but I hadn't given it much thought, and didn't see it in the kind of detail that Smith brought out. I found most of this book fascinating and relish the opportunity to give it a slower, more careful read in the future. I found the explanations and arguments carefully framed and well-reasoned. There's a chapter or two that I highlighted the majority of, and every chapter has a good amount of highlighting, the way he put certain points was very helpful. I could've used a little more depth (not possible in a book of this length, and the goal was probably something involving length to draw in—or not scare off—readers).

There are some problems with the book if you ask me. I can't buy, at all, his arguments about Genesis 6:1-4 (that "sons of God"=angels*), but as it's not pivotal to his overall argument, it's not a big deal for me (it just gave me a little pause).

* I know it's not unique to Smith, but it's rare enough that I run into it that it stuck out to me. And, no, I won't waste anyone's time debating that here, it's not that type of book. Read Bavinck for one of the quickest arguments against it, or check out Christ the Center, Episode 373.

My major reservation about this book is the lack of application—I'd have preferred a chapter or two (or four?) of "given this, how then should we live?" Smith hints at, even points toward, what the believer should do in light of this thinking. But to me, it seemed as if he was reticent to show how these ideas should affect the way that readers should put these ideas into action, how they should impact what they do from day to day—or how to think about their actions and society (ecclesiastical, political, geographic—take your pick). Yes, a good deal is self-evident, but I'd appreciate having it spelled out (if for no other reason than it'd be good to put some meat on these bones).

The book is a bit brief, and (again) I'd like to see some of what he said expanded upon, but what's there is really good, thought-provoking, faithful to the text of Scripture and consistent. It was a rewarding read, and I think it'll be an even more rewarding re-read. It's an accessible book and one that I'd encourage people to pick up and discuss.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Crossway via NetGalley in exchange for this post—I am grateful that both groups gave me the opportunity.

[Nancy Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this book completely. The author has clearly described our final home, a new heavens and a new earth. But Goodreads has put the wrong Ian K. Smith as the author of this book. The real author of this book is -

About Ian
Ian is the Principal of Christ College and lecturer in New Testament and Greek exegesis. He has been on the full-time staff at Christ College since 1995, prior to which he was a missionary with Australian Presbyterian World Mission at Talua Ministry Training Centre in Vanuatu. Ian has also worked as a high school teacher and as the minister of Griffith Presbyterian Church.

Ian is married to Jenni and they have four adult children and four grandchildren.

Qualifications:
1978 Bachelor of Arts (University of Sydney)
1979 Diploma of Education (Sydney Teachers’ College)
1984 Bachelor of Theology (Honours) (Australian College of Theology)
1992 Master of Education (Honours) (University of New England)
1994 Master of Theology (Australian College of Theology)
2003 Doctor of Philosophy (University of Sydney)

Publications:
“Does 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 refer to an Intermediate State?” Reformed Theological Review 55 (1996) 14-23.
Heavenly Perspective: A Study of the Apostle Paul’s Response to a Jewish Mystical Movement at Colossae LNTS (JSNTS) 326, (London; T & T Clark, 2006).
“Passion and Resurrection Narratives” in Content and Setting of the Gospel Traditions eds. Mark Harding and Alanna Nobbs, (Eerdmans, 2009).
“Covering of the Head”, “Crown of Thorns”, “Gallio”, “Gamaliel”, “Gospel”, “Harmony of the Gospels”, “Lysias”, “Scythians”, “Tyrannus”, in Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary ed. Tremper Longman III (Baker, 2013).
“Give us this Day our Daily Bread”, Teach us to Pray: The Lord’s Prayer and the Gospel of Jesus (Presbyterian Christian Education, 2013).
“The Later Pauline Letters: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon”, in All Things to All Cultures: Paul Among Jews, Greeks and Romans eds. Mark Harding and Alanna Nobbs, (Eerdmans, 2013).
“Study Notes on Galatians” in Gospel Application Bible (Crossway, 2013).
“The Church: What is it, what is its part in the purposes of God?” in Truth Matters, D. Cook (ed), (Christian Education Committee, Presbyterian Church of Australia, 2014), 57-64.
“Hebrews” in Into All the World: Emergent Christianity in its Jewish and Greco-Roman Context eds. Mark Harding and Alanna Nobbs, (Eerdmans, 2017).
Not Home Yet: How the Renewal of the Earth Fits into God’s Plan for the World (Crossway, 2019)

I don't know how to correct this on Goodreads.

[Adam Christiansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally wish that there were more books like Not Home Yet by Ian K. Smith, principal at Christ College, Sydney, Australia. He is a former missionary to Vanuatu. In reading the Not Home Yet, it was plain that Dr. Smith has a pastor’s heart. He wrote this book “to reawaken (resurrect even) a biblical understanding of the earth and God’s mission to it.”

I enjoy the care that Dr. Smith uses in building his argument in the first chapter, “The Creation of Home.” We get introduced to his careful technique of opening the Scripture. He starts with the big picture and then zeroes in on words and phrases to help us understand the verses as they were understood when written.

He gets into the underlying Greek and Hebrew words without becoming pedantic or leaving the lay reader behind him. From reading Not Home Yet, it is obvious that Smith loves the Scripture and wants to remain true to what has been revealed by God for His people.

Not Home Yet by Ian K. Smith is a wonderful book on the Eternal State of the redeemed of the Lord and their Home on a renewed Earth in the New Creation.

In the past, I have been agnostic on the fate of the Old Creation. I have wondered whether the New Creation will be ex nihilo or a restoration of the Old. Dr. Smith has helped me settle on the restoration of the Earth.

I would definitely recommend this book. Not Home Yet would be a great sermon resource for a pastor. It would also be an excellent choice for a small group doing a book study.

I requested and received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher, Crossway, Wheaton, IL. in return for a fair review.

Adam Christiansen
Book Chats

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book hits the important topic of the eternal destiny of God's people--on a renewed earth, not in an ephemeral "heaven." Smith makes a lot of good arguments but often struggles to state his conclusions clearly. He also exhibits too often the all-too-frequent condescension toward of those who have erroneous (or simply nebulous, no pun intended) of what the future state will look like."

The most helpful portion of the book is probably his discussion of John 14:2–3. This passage often presents a problem for the "eternity on earth" view. In short, Smith's view is that the "father's house" is the temple, Christ's "going" there is his death on the cross, and his "take you to myself" should be translated "receive you to myself" (this is a valid Greek move), so that we will be together on earth, not in heaven; and that the "many mansions" are temporary way-stations, not eternal residences.

I agree with most of Smith's exegesis, but not all of his conclusions. Because all of the above is true (and I agree with him), many want to argue that out work here on earth now somehow "prepares" for that eternity here on earth. But writers (Smith isn't the only one) never say how, and they never show support from Scripture. They use this eschatological understanding to argue for a neo-Calvinist view of cultural transformation, but they never show how A leads to B. In fact, I would argue, it doesn't. We can believe in an eternity on a new earth without believing that our work now somehow "ushers in the kingdom," as so many transformationists like to argue. To show how this is possible, I'd recommend What is the Mission of the Church?: Making sense of social justice, Shalom and the Great Commission.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very few link the resurrection with the renewal of all things. Normally an understanding of the gospel is individualistic; it's about my salvation. The renewal brings us home with purpose.

The word renewal is word that gives hope. That the previous will pass away with a new hope for the way it was created to be. We are not home yet. There is so much implications to the renewal of all things and how it is tied to the gospel. When looked at thru those lens, salvation doesn't become about my salvation but about the Kingdom of God and his rule. A new Eden, a new earth. I was a struck anew about the new earth. What a worshipful time that will be. There will be those that will worship and those that will be in terror. God wants to be known and he has made a way to be known thru his son Jesus. There is a rebirth that brings renewal once our spiritual eyes are open.

Another aspect of renewal is repentance. Without repentance of sins and submission to the lordship of Jesus, nothing else makes sense. ..Renewal gives meaning to life. . So much taught on repentance that it can be overwhelming, however, looking at repentance as a renewal makes sense and becomes something to be embraced. I highly recommend this text.

A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Kevin V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a much needed book today. Drawing from his wealth of knowledge of biblical languages, world and church history, and Biblical Theology, Ian Smith presents a clear and thorough exploration of the theme of home for Christians.

He seeks to right some wrongs regarding how the church today largely understands and teaches the hope of resurrection life. And he shows how the proper understanding and teaching of this doctrine bears practically upon life here and now.

His conclusions do clearly draw upon some of the ideas of 19th and 20th-century Neo-Calvinism, and they suggest a Postmillennial leaning. Yet, even as he acknowledges the positives of each, he is careful to show where he is differing from them in important ways.

Overall, I’m grateful for his work in giving the church this book.

[Neil McKinlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy to read, sane, sensible, and terse distillation of a much-neglected teaching of the Bible of which far too many Christians are ignorant - heaven and earth.

This is Biblical Theology at its best, beginning "In the beginning" with Genesis 1 and in the Garden with God's covenant with Adam and the Cultural Mandate, and ending in Revelation 21-22 with God's covenant with the last Adam in the Garden-City with the Great Commission/Cultural Mandate fulfilled in Christ.

Creation and recreation are solidly grounded in the basic Christian belief of "the resurrection of the body" (see Apostles' Creed). Our bodies don't burn up, but our same bodies are renewed, likewise, neither does creation burn up but this same creation is renewed.

Quite a brilliant book that speaks volumes in an economy of words!

[Lydia Jaeger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hits Home

Ian Smith develops an accessible evaluation on the new heaven and earth built on a mountain of biblical evidence. This read is helpful in understanding the space between death and Christ’s return. Smith remains sensitive to the middle eastern land dispute and engages the idea that our theology has real-world implications today in politics and conservation
There is grace that meets us on earth through Christ’s covenant to his created work and world. Smith reminds us that new bodies and a garden city waits for us.

“No longer do we pilgrimage to experience Christ’s Spirit in the temple — Israel is no longer drawn on a map but it is defined as all those who are united in Christ — and the wider culture is blessed.”

[Patrick Lacson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that makes me long for heaven! I love his chiastic explanation of the Bible and how the new earth and new heavens is a restoration not a destruction and recreation.

Smith traces the biblical theology of Adam, Earth, Dominion, Garden, City and faithfully shows how these themes are all recreated in the new heavens and new earth. While I do not subscribe to the replacement theology that bleeds through from his covenantal distinction between the ages, I truly appreciate and embrace the clear biblical theology that the Bible teaches.

He writes warmly and causes you to long for heaven in this very concise, accessible, and edifying book.

[Brice Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview on the biblical teaching of resurrection and the renewal of creation. Heaven isn't necessarily our home -- a renewed earth is.
This book could've been five stars if the author had fleshed out some of the implications of what this means. There wasn't much application, and I think that's where this book could have really shone.

[James Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If I had to use one phrase to describe it, it would be: thought-provoking. This whole concept of the Earth being renewed is an aspect of Scripture wholly missing from teaching today, I would say both in the church and in seminary. He addressed certain issues I literally have never had a teacher/author/pastor teach. I enjoyed it and was challenged.

[Betsy Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently, they did a sermon series at my church on Heaven and other than Randy Alcorn’s book— I had not read anything on the subject until this one. This is not a quick read, but a thorough study with a zillion biblical references. I loved it.

[Preston Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent read. If you’re looking for an introductory book on NHNE theology to recommend someone who is not familiar this is a good book. Not sure deep in academics arguments but a really good synopsis and has several little nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout as well.

[Seth Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas on the second coming / resurrection I haven't considered before. The earth will be renewed when Jesus comes back - it's not just something that passes away or is destroyed. The earth is part of the redemptive arc.

[Don Gale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, concise book on God’s people in God’s place and what exactly that place is after we die. Good Advent read, too.

[Scott Kercheville · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don't need to buy every facet of this book to greatly benefit from its thorough biblical treatment of the subject.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice look that traces the idea of "home" through the Bible and argues that the eternal "home" of humanity is this earth.

[Coyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

"For various and largely unconnected reasons, I’ve spent the last few months thinking about the end of the world. More specifically, I’ve spent the last few months thinking about the relationship between the world we live in now and the coming kingdom of heaven."

Read the rest here:

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/schaeff...

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-provoking book with several interesting things to think about. I took a long time to read this for various reasons and would like to read it again at a quicker pace. Some of the interesting bits included:

Noah is a type of second Adam and Jesus is referred to as the final Adam.
Renewed/restored earth rather than burnt up/destroyed.
John 14 and 'my Father's house' being interpreted as Heaven rather than the temple.