What is God’s plan for planet Earth?

We believe that God does indeed have a plan for all humankind as well as for the physical planet earth and that plan does not involve its destruction, as some prophets and Christian groups express.

We believe that God will destroy this evil world or social order run by its prince Satan (not the actual earth) and in its place usher in a new world or system of righteousness (2 Peter 3:13) ruled by Jesus and his Church where all persons who ever lived, whether they believed in Jesus or not or whether they were good or evil, will have an opportunity for everlasting life on a perfected earth due to Jesus’ all-inclusive ransom sacrifice.

“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22) 

The reason some believe in the earth’s actual destruction along with all the ungodly is because they interpret 2 Peter 3 (The Day of the Lord) literally, rather than figuratively. 

They also believe that salvation is strictly heavenly and rests on belief in Jesus now. However, such an interpretation is in direct contrast to other scriptures that describe God’s future peaceable kingdom on earth. (See Isaiah 11:1-9; 32:1-5; 35:5-10 and 65:21-25.) 

God’s millennial kingdom will be nothing like our present evil world. “No longer will the fool be called noble nor the scoundrel be highly respected.” (Isaiah 32:5) 

Not only will mankind be perfected, but the earth and the animal kingdom will also be perfected. 

“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.” (Isaiah 35:1) 

“The wolf and the Lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.” (Isaiah 65:25) 

Why would Jesus tell us to pray, “Thy kingdom come in earth as it is in heaven” if it were not to be so? 

The subject of the two parts or phases of salvation is basic and crucial for understanding God’s beautiful plan of the ransom for all. Although Jesus died for everyone, His blood was first applied for His Church (those who have chosen to follow Him and live a life of righteousness, while sacrificing their human wills in order to do the will of God). 

When these die, they will be with Jesus in heaven. After this Church class is completed and is reigning with Him in heaven, Jesus’ blood will be applied for the vast majority of humanity during the millennial age. 

Then the dead shall come forth from their graves to a period of judgment, or decision. The Scriptures are clear that during this time Satan will be bound. 

“He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:2) 

Satan will not be allowed to influence people’s minds or create havoc in the world during the millennial age as he does today. (See Revelation 20:3.) It is true that people will return with their same mind-sets and will need to learn righteousness. However, they will have ample opportunity to do so (at least a hundred years –see Isaiah 65:20). 

While they are learning to perfect their characters they will not be allowed to harm another. “They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9) 

What a beautiful picture of restoration! 

In Scripture, the fire of judgment destroys that which is evil and purifies that which is good. Therefore, the figurative “fire” of God’s judgment will destroy the evil systems and bring righteousness and purity to the earth and its inhabitants. 

Will God would bring major destruction and correction to the planet earth? We believe that God will bring destruction to the current evil systems of this world (but not the literal earth) and to those who chose willfully to follow after evil. 

Once accomplished, righteousness will prevail on a perfected earth where humans will know and love God and enjoy everlasting life. 

“Now the dwelling of God is with men and he will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4) 

To learn more about the plan of God and the destiny of mankind listen to our series, “Did God Make Heaven and Hell Humanity’s Destiny?”