Heaven and Earth Shall Pass Away
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35 KJV)
Introduction: The Eternal Power Words of Christ
In a world that is constantly shifting where kingdoms rise and fall, trends fade, and even the very earth trembles, there is one thing that remains unshakable: the Word of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 24:35 - “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (KJV)
This stunning declaration by Jesus reminds us that God’s Word is eternal, unchanging, and unfailing. Long after the stars have burned out and the mountains have crumbled into dust, the promises and truths spoken by our Savior will stand unbroken.
His Word is not bound by time, nor can it be silenced by the noise of culture or the decay of creation.
In this Bible study, we will explore the profound meaning of Matthew 24:35 and uncover cross references that affirm the eternal nature of God’s Word. Whether you are seeking spiritual encouragement, sermon insights, or in-depth scriptural understanding, this study is for you.
🔍 Topics we'll explore:
- What does Jesus mean by “Heaven and earth shall pass away”?
- How does this verse affirm the divinity of Christ?
- What other Bible verses support the eternal Word of God?
- Why is it vital for believers to stand on the unchanging truth of Scripture today?
Join us as we journey through the Word of God and encounter a Savior whose words will never pass away - a truth more enduring than the heavens themselves.
In-Depth Bible Study & Commentary
📖 Context of Matthew 24:35
Jesus is speaking to His disciples on the Mount of Olives in what is known as the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24–25). Here, He prophesies about the destruction of the temple, the signs of His second coming, and the end of the world.
In verse 35, Jesus makes a profound statement that reveals the eternal nature of His words in contrast to the temporal nature of creation. This is no small claim. He elevates His own words to be more enduring than the universe itself.
🔍 Word-by-Word Insight
- "Heaven and earth" – Refers to all of creation, both the visible sky above and the earth beneath. This phrase includes all that humans perceive as permanent and foundational.
- "Shall pass away" – Means to perish, to disappear, to cease to exist. This shows that even the most enduring parts of creation are temporary.
- "But my words" – Jesus is not just referring to teachings but every truth, promise, prophecy, and command He has spoken.
- "Shall not pass away" – His words will never lose relevance, power, or fulfillment. They are eternal, unchanging, and unfailing.
🔁 Cross References & Supporting Verses
Here are key scriptures that affirm the eternal, unchanging, and enduring nature of God's Word:
Isaiah 40:8 (KJV)
"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."
The temporary nature of all things is contrasted with the eternal stability of God's Word. This directly supports Jesus’ claim in Matthew 24:35.
Psalm 119:89 (KJV)
"For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."
God’s Word is fixed, unchanging, and eternal — not just on earth, but established in heaven itself.
1 Peter 1:24–25 (KJV)
"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
Peter quotes Isaiah and connects it to the gospel message of Christ, declaring its unchanging, eternal nature.
Luke 21:33 (KJV)
"Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."
This is a parallel verse to Matthew 24:35, again spoken by Jesus. Its repetition highlights its importance.
John 6:63 (KJV)
"The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
Christ’s words are not just teachings, they are spiritual realities with the power to give eternal life.
Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
The unchanging character of Christ implies the unchanging nature of His words. What He said is eternally valid.
Numbers 23:19 (KJV)
"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it?"
Every word God speaks is trustworthy. His promises cannot fail, because He cannot lie.
When the Skies Roll Back and the Earth Fades, His Word Still Stands
The Bible contains vivid passages that portray heaven and earth passing away and rolled up like a scroll. Found in both Isaiah and Revelation, this powerful imagery underscores the truth that while creation is temporary, God’s Word remains unshakably eternal.
📖 Isaiah 34:4 (KJV)
"And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree."
🔍 Explanation:
- "Heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll" paints a vivid picture of the end of the physical universe — much like an ancient scroll being closed up and stored away.
- This represents the judgment of God and the temporary nature of creation compared to His eternal authority and Word.
📖 Revelation 6:14 (KJV)
"And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places."
🔍 Explanation:
- This occurs during the breaking of the sixth seal in John's apocalyptic vision.
- Again, the imagery of the sky being rolled up like a scroll signals a cataclysmic shift in the natural order — God intervening directly in His creation at the end of the age.
Connection to Matthew 24:35
When Jesus says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away,” He echoes this prophetic and apocalyptic imagery. Even when the sky is rolled up, the stars fall, and the earth trembles — His Word stands unshaken.
✝️ Theological Significance
- Jesus Affirms His Divinity: Only God’s Word is eternal (Isaiah 40:8), yet Jesus says “my words” will never pass away. He equates His words with divine authority, affirming His divine nature.
- The Certainty of Prophecy: Jesus had just spoken of future events such as tribulation, cosmic signs, and His return. He is simply saying that His words will stand even when heaven and earth will be long gone.
- A Foundation for Faith: We can trust every word of Christ. His words do not shift with culture, time, or opinion. They are the rock-solid foundation (see Matthew 7:24–25).
- The Endurance of Scripture: The Bible, as the written Word of God, continues to be relevant, living, and active (Hebrews 4:12), because it reflects the eternal Word of Christ.
Practical Application
- Trust in His Promises: When all around you seems uncertain or crumbling, Christ's words remain true.
- Cling to the Bible: Every verse, every teaching carries eternal weight.
- Proclaim His Word: The gospel does not fade; it is eternally relevant and powerful.
- Stay Anchored: Don’t build your life on temporary things. Build it on the eternal Word of Christ.
Rock-Solid Foundation
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
In a world that is constantly shifting and where even the strongest things grow weak and the most stable things crumble, I come to You in awe of one unshakable truth: Your Word endures forever.
Lord Jesus, You said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” And today, I cling to those words like a lifeline. Everything around me may change. People may fail. Plans may fall apart. But Your promises never fade. Your truth never expires. Your voice still speaks through the ages and it speaks to me now.
Please forgive me for the times I have doubted or allowed the noise of the world to drown out the stillness of Your eternal truth. Teach me to treasure Your Word more than silver or gold. Let it shape my thoughts, guide my steps, and anchor my soul.
When fear tries to shake me, let Your Word remind me that You are my Rock. When the world grows darker, let Your light shine through Your unchanging promises. When I grow weary, let the truth of Scripture breathe new life into my heart.
Thank You, Lord, for speaking words that bring healing, hope, correction, and peace. Seal them in my spirit. Help me not just to read them but to believe them, live them, and proclaim them.
May Your Word be my foundation when everything else fades. And may I be found faithful, holding fast to every word You have spoken, until the very end.
In the mighty and eternal name of Jesus Christ,
Amen 🙏