What Is God's Purpose for the Earth?

1. Why did God create the earth?

      Jehovah gave the earth to men and women. It is our home. Therefore, the first human couple, Adam and Eve, were not created to populate the heavens-God has already created angels to live in heaven.  (Job 38:4, 7) Rather, God took the first man and settled him in a delightful paradise called the Garden of Eden.  (Genesis 2:15-17)  Jehovah gave him and his future offspring the prospect of enjoying life without end on earth.  Read Psalm 37:29; 115:16. 

     Originally, only the garden of Eden was a paradise.  The first human couple were to fill the earth with their offspring. In time, they were to subdue the entire globe and make it a paradise.  (Genesis 1:28) The earth will never be destroyed. It will always be mankind's home.  Read Psalm 104:5. 

2.  Why is the earth not a paradise now? 

        Adam and Eve disobeyed God, so Jehovah put them out of the garden. Paradise was lost, and no man has succeeded in restoring it.  The Bible says:  "The earth has been handed over to the wicked." -Job 9:24. Read Genesis 3:23, 24. 

        Has Jehovah abandoned his original purpose for mankind? No!  He is almighty. He cannot fail. (Isaiah 45:18) He will restore the human race to the way he meant  it to be. Read Psalm 37:11, 34.

3.   How will Paradise be restored? 

        Paradise will be restored on earth during Jesus' rule as God's King.  In a battle called Armageddon, Jesus will lead God's angels and destroy all who oppose God.  Then Jesus will imprison Satan for 1,000 years.  God's people will survive the destruction because Jesus will guide and protect them.  They will enjoy everlasting life in Paradise on earth.  Read Revelation 20:1-3; 21:3, 4. 

Next time: What Is God's Purpose for the Earth?- When will suffering end?

From the Awake! magazine, 2014