“New Beginning.” The words New Beginning in Matthew 19:28 are from the Greek word paliggenesia (#3824 παλιγγενεσία), a compound word that means “new origin” or “new birth.” It is comprised of palin, meaning “again,” and gennēsis, “origin” (the Greek word used for the book of “Genesis”). Here in Matthew paliggenesia is used as a technical term for the Messianic Age (the HCSB translates the word “Messianic Age”), which is why it is capitalized in the REV. The only other usage of paliggenesia in Scripture is Titus 3:5, which uses the term in a totally different context, and refers to the new beginning (the new birth) given to Christians when they are born again and receive holy spirit. By using paliggenesia, Jesus describes the Age to come as a “new beginning,” or, alternately, a “second genesis” (the word is comprised of palin, meaning “again,” and gennesis, which is the word for the book of Genesis). The coming Millennial Kingdom, Paradise, is like starting creation all over again, renewed.

Christ’s Millennial Kingdom lasts 1,000 years (Rev. 20:2-4) and is Christ’s kingdom on earth. Jesus will one day come back to earth, fight the battle of Armageddon, and set up a kingdom that fills the earth (Rev. 19:11-21; Dan. 2:34, 35, 44; The name “Armageddon” comes from Rev. 16:16, the place where the enemy kings are gathered). Jesus’ kingdom on earth is so different from our current fallen world and this present evil age that the Bible calls it a new beginning or new creation. Here in Matthew 19:28. Jesus calls it a paliggenesia, a new beginning. Isaiah 65:17 says God will create a new heaven and earth (this is a different creation from the final heaven and earth of Rev. 21:1, which are also called a new heaven and earth). Peter called it the “restoration of all things” (Acts 3:21). The Bible also calls this future earth “paradise,” and it is the earth that the meek will inherit when they are raised from the dead.

[See Appendix 3, “Christ’s Future Kingdom on Earth.”]

The wonderful teaching of the new earth that saved people will enjoy is almost completely unknown by Christians due to the unbiblical teaching that “heaven” is the eternal home of those who are saved. But the Bible is clear that Jesus comes back to earth, and when he does, the saved will be where he is.

“you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” According to the Old Testament prophecies, in the Millennial Kingdom, Jesus Christ will live in a palace on the south slope of Mount Zion, and the Temple of God will be on the top of Mount Zion. Jesus will be king over the earth (cp. Ps. 2:8; 72:8-11; Dan. 2:35; 7:14; Mic. 5:4; Zech. 9:10; Rev. 2:8; 19:11-21). Furthermore, Jesus will set up rulers who will help him rule, and they will be righteous people who have been faithful to him in their lives on earth (cp. Jer. 23:4, also Jer. 3:15; 33:26; 1 Cor. 6:2; Rev. 2:26-27).