EARTH Just A Testing Ground?

Will the Earth Remain Peaceful?

Although the Scriptures clearly show that God's toleration of the wicked has its limits, how can we be sure that evil, once eliminated will not recur? After all, following the Flood of Noah's day, it soon surfaced again to such an extent that God had to thwart mankind's wicked schemes by confusing their language. -Genesis 11:1-8.

Our main reason for confidence that evil will not arise again is that the earth will not longer be ruled by humans as it was soon after the Flood. Rather, it will be ruled by the Kingdom of God. Ruling from heaven, this Kingdom will by earth's sole government. (Daniel 2:44; 7:13, 14) It will act quickly against anyone who attempts to reintroduce evil. (Isaiah 65:20) In fact, it will eventually destroy the very originator of wickedness-Satan the Devil-along with the demons, the wicked angels that followed him. -Romans 16:20

Additionally, mankind will have no causes for anxiety about food, clothing, shelter, and employment-the lack of which today drives some into a life of crime. Yes, the entire earth will be transformed into a productive paradise with an abundance for all. -Isaiah 65:21-23; Luke 23:43.

More important, the Kingdom will educate its subjects in a peaceful way of life while at the some time raising them to the very pinnacle of human perfection. (John 17:3; Romans 8:21) Thereafter, humankind will no longer have to struggle with weaknesses and sinful tendencies, making perfect obedience to God both possible and delightful, as it was in the case of the perfect man Jesus. (Isaiah 11:3) In fact, Jesus remained loyal to God even in the face of great temptation and torture-things that will be utterly foreign to life in Paradise. -Hebrews 7:26.

Next time: Why Some Do Go to Heaven

Watchtower, 2000