THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/THE EARTH

What is God's Purpose for the Earth?

WHAT PEOPLE SAY  

Many assert that the earth came about through a mindless process.  Some religions teach that the earth  is a temporary testing ground where God examines people to see if they should be with heavenly life or condemned to a fiery hell.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

The Bible says that "God created the heavens and the earth."  (Genesis 1:1) He told the first human pair:  "Be fruitful and become many, fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection . . . every living creature that is moving upon the earth."  (Genesis 1:28) The only mention of death was in connection with disobedience.  (Genesis 2:17) Thus, God meant for the earth to be the eternal home for mankind. It was to be filled with obedient humans who would care for it and live forever on it. 

Will the Earth Be Destroyed?

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Scientists have proposed various scenarios by which the earth could be destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. Sometimes called existential risks, these include natural disasters-such as asteroid or comet impact, super volcanoes, the death of the sun, or global warming-and they also include man-made catastrophes-such as nuclear war or bio-terrorism. 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

God's purpose for the earth has not changed. God's Word clearly states:  "The earth remain forever."  (Ecclesiastes 1:4)  Furthermore,  it will be inhabited for all time:  "The righteous possess the earth, and they will live forever on it." -Psalm 37:29. 

WHAT DOES IT MATTER?

Belief that the earth will eventually be destroyed has caused some to plunder its precious resources.  It has caused others to lose hope for the future and to live only for today.  This can lead to a life with little meaning or purpose.  On the other hand, if we believe that we can live forever on earth, we are more likely to make decisions that will benefit us and our families-even in the distant future.

Next time: THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/THE EARTH - Is Heaven Mankind's Final Destination? 

From the Awake!  magazine