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What Is God’s Purpose for the Earth?What Does the Bible Really Teach?
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A NEW WORLD IS AT HAND!
15. What is the “new earth”?
15 The Bible assures us: “There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to [God’s] promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.” (2 Peter 3:13; Isaiah 65:17) Sometimes when the Bible speaks of “the earth,” it means the people who live on the earth. (Genesis 11:1) So the righteous “new earth” is a society of people who receive God’s approval.
16. What is a priceless gift from God to those whom he approves, and what must we do to receive it?
16 Jesus promised that in the coming new world, those approved by God would receive the gift of “everlasting life.” (Mark 10:30) Please open your Bible to John 3:16 and 17:3, and read what Jesus said we must do to receive everlasting life. Now consider from the Bible the blessings that will be enjoyed by those who qualify for that wonderful gift from God in the coming earthly Paradise.
17, 18. How can we be sure that there will be peace and security everywhere on earth?
17 Wickedness, warfare, crime, and violence will be gone. “The wicked will be no more . . . But the meek will possess the earth.” (Psalm 37:10, 11) Peace will exist because ‘God will bring an end to wars throughout the earth.’ (Psalm 46:9; Isaiah 2:4) Then “the righteous will flourish, and peace will abound until the moon is no more”—and that means forever!—Psalm 72:7.
18 Jehovah’s worshippers will live in security. As long as the Israelites in Bible times obeyed God, they lived in security. (Leviticus 25:18, 19) How wonderful it will be to enjoy similar security in Paradise!—Read Isaiah 32:18; Micah 4:4.
19. Why do we know that food will be abundant in God’s new world?
19 Food shortages will not exist. “There will be an abundance of grain on the earth,” sang the psalmist. “On the top of the mountains it will overflow.” (Psalm 72:16) Jehovah God will bless his righteous ones, and “the earth will give its produce.”—Psalm 67:6.
20. Why can we be sure that the whole earth will become a paradise?
20 The whole earth will become a paradise. Lovely new homes and gardens will occupy land that had once been ruined by sinful humans. (Read Isaiah 65:21-24; Revelation 11:18) As time passes, parts of the earth already subdued will expand until the whole globe is as beautiful and productive as the garden of Eden. And God will never fail to “open [his] hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.”—Psalm 145:16.
21. What shows that peace will exist between humans and animals?
21 There will be peace between humans and animals. Wild and domestic animals will feed together. Even a little child will have nothing to fear from animals that are now dangerous.—Read Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25.
22. What will happen to sickness?
22 Sickness will vanish. As Ruler of God’s heavenly Kingdom, Jesus will do healing on a far grander scale than when he was on earth. (Matthew 9:35; Mark 1:40-42; John 5:5-9) Then “no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’”—Isaiah 33:24; 35:5, 6.
23. Why will the resurrection bring joy to our hearts?
23 Dead loved ones will be restored to life with the prospect of never dying. All those sleeping in death who are in God’s memory will be brought back to life. In fact, “there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.”—Acts 24:15; read John 5:28, 29.
24. How do you feel about living in Paradise on earth?
24 What a marvelous future awaits those who choose to learn about our Grand Creator, Jehovah God, and to serve him! It was to the coming Paradise on earth that Jesus pointed when he promised the criminal who died alongside him: “You will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) It is vital that we learn more about Jesus Christ, through whom all these blessings will be made possible.
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