Why do Jehovah's Witnesses think the earth will not be destroyed?

[Frank Goad]

Why do Jehovah's Witnesses think the earth will not be destroyed?

like in their website here: https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/earth-destroyed/

Will the Earth Be Destroyed?

Current time 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Progress: 0%
Duration 0:00
Download

AudioAudio download options Will the Earth Be Destroyed?
The Bible’s answer
No, planet Earth will never be destroyed, burned in fire, or replaced. The Bible teaches that God created the earth to be inhabited forever.

• “The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it.”—Psalm 37:29.
  
  
• “[God] has established the earth on its foundations; it will not be moved from its place forever and ever.”—Psalm 104:5.
  
  
• “The earth remains forever.”—Ecclesiastes 1:4.
  
  
• “The One who formed the earth, its Maker who firmly established it, . . . did not create it simply for nothing, but formed it to be inhabited.”—Isaiah 45:18.

Will humans ruin the earth?
God will not allow humans to ruin the earth completely by pollution, warfare, or any other means. Rather, he will “bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” (Revelation 11:18) How will he accomplish that?

God will replace human governments, which have been unable to protect the earth, with a perfect heavenly Kingdom. (Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10) That Kingdom will be ruled by God’s Son, Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 9:6, 7) When on earth, Jesus exercised miraculous powers over natural elements. (Mark 4:35-41) As the King of God’s Kingdom, Jesus will exercise full control over earth and its elements. He will re-create, or renew, conditions on earth, making them similar to those that existed in the garden of Eden.—Matthew 19:28; Luke 23:43.

Doesn’t the Bible teach that the earth will be burned in fire?
No, it does not. Such a misconception often comes from a misunderstanding of 2 Peter 3:7, which says: “The heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire.” Consider two important points that help us understand the meaning of those words:

1. The Bible uses the terms “heavens,” “earth,” and “fire” to refer to more than one thing. For example, Genesis 11:1 says: “All the earth continued to be of one language.” Here, “earth” refers to human society.
   
   
2. The context of 2 Peter 3:7 indicates the meaning of the heavens, earth, and fire mentioned there. Verses 5 and 6 draw a parallel with the Flood of Noah’s day. On that occasion, an ancient world was destroyed, yet our planet did not disappear. Instead, the Flood wiped out a violent society, or “earth.” (Genesis 6:11) It also destroyed a kind of “heavens”—the people who ruled over that earthly society. Thus, wicked people were destroyed, not our planet. Noah and his family survived the destruction of that world and inhabited the earth after the Flood.—Genesis 8:15-18.

Similar to the waters of the Flood, the destruction, or “fire,” of 2 Peter 3:7 will bring an end to the world of wicked people, not to planet Earth. God promises “new heavens and a new earth” in which “righteousness is to dwell.” (2 Peter 3:13) A “new earth,” or new human society, will be ruled over by “new heavens,” or new leadership—God’s Kingdom. Under the rule of that Kingdom, the earth will become a peaceful paradise.—Revelation 21:1-4.

I think it will because of this website here:

Stumper questions Jehovah's Witnesses do not like to be asked!

1.The Watchtower Society teaches that the earth will never be destroyed or depopulated. How can it be, then, that God says in Isa 51:6, "... the earth itself will wear out, and its inhabitants will die like a mere gnat ...", and that Jesus says in Mt 24:35, "Heaven and earth will pass away...", and that John says in Rev 21:1 that he saw "... a new heaven and a NEW earth, for the former heaven and the FORMER earth had passed away, and the sea is no more."?

 

[Balthazzar]

Why do Jehovah's Witnesses think the earth will not be destroyed?

like in their website site here?:

Will the Earth Be Destroyed?

Current time 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Progress: 0%
Duration 0:00
Download

AudioAudio download options Will the Earth Be Destroyed?
The Bible’s answer
No, planet Earth will never be destroyed, burned in fire, or replaced. The Bible teaches that God created the earth to be inhabited forever.

• “The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it.”—Psalm 37:29.
  
  
• “[God] has established the earth on its foundations; it will not be moved from its place forever and ever.”—Psalm 104:5.
  
  
• “The earth remains forever.”—Ecclesiastes 1:4.
  
  
• “The One who formed the earth, its Maker who firmly established it, . . . did not create it simply for nothing, but formed it to be inhabited.”—Isaiah 45:18.

Will humans ruin the earth?
God will not allow humans to ruin the earth completely by pollution, warfare, or any other means. Rather, he will “bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” (Revelation 11:18) How will he accomplish that?

God will replace human governments, which have been unable to protect the earth, with a perfect heavenly Kingdom. (Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10) That Kingdom will be ruled by God’s Son, Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 9:6, 7) When on earth, Jesus exercised miraculous powers over natural elements. (Mark 4:35-41) As the King of God’s Kingdom, Jesus will exercise full control over earth and its elements. He will re-create, or renew, conditions on earth, making them similar to those that existed in the garden of Eden.—Matthew 19:28; Luke 23:43.

Doesn’t the Bible teach that the earth will be burned in fire?
No, it does not. Such a misconception often comes from a misunderstanding of 2 Peter 3:7, which says: “The heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire.” Consider two important points that help us understand the meaning of those words:

1. The Bible uses the terms “heavens,” “earth,” and “fire” to refer to more than one thing. For example, Genesis 11:1 says: “All the earth continued to be of one language.” Here, “earth” refers to human society.
   
   
2. The context of 2 Peter 3:7 indicates the meaning of the heavens, earth, and fire mentioned there. Verses 5 and 6 draw a parallel with the Flood of Noah’s day. On that occasion, an ancient world was destroyed, yet our planet did not disappear. Instead, the Flood wiped out a violent society, or “earth.” (Genesis 6:11) It also destroyed a kind of “heavens”—the people who ruled over that earthly society. Thus, wicked people were destroyed, not our planet. Noah and his family survived the destruction of that world and inhabited the earth after the Flood.—Genesis 8:15-18.

Similar to the waters of the Flood, the destruction, or “fire,” of 2 Peter 3:7 will bring an end to the world of wicked people, not to planet Earth. God promises “new heavens and a new earth” in which “righteousness is to dwell.” (2 Peter 3:13) A “new earth,” or new human society, will be ruled over by “new heavens,” or new leadership—God’s Kingdom. Under the rule of that Kingdom, the earth will become a peaceful paradise.—Revelation 21:1-4.

I think it will because of this website here:

Stumper questions Jehovah's Witnesses do not like to be asked!

1.The Watchtower Society teaches that the earth will never be destroyed or depopulated. How can it be, then, that God says in Isa 51:6, "... the earth itself will wear out, and its inhabitants will die like a mere gnat ...", and that Jesus says in Mt 24:35, "Heaven and earth will pass away...", and that John says in Rev 21:1 that he saw "... a new heaven and a NEW earth, for the former heaven and the FORMER earth had passed away, and the sea is no more."?

Good talking points - The bible states that we'll be baptized with spirit and with fire Matthew 3:10-12 - It also states that Jesus came to send fire on earth Luke 12:49 , which he suggested was his baptism. It also states the elements will melt with fervent heat 2 Peter 3:10 - It also states that hell, false teachers, the anti christ, false prophets, etc will be thrown into the lake of fire Revelation 20:10-15 It also states that the Lord sits as a refiner who purifies the sons of Levi so we might offer gifts of rightness to Him Malachi 3 -

I'm in agreement with the Jehovah Witness' by the way - All this is about the continuation of life, purification, and getting it right, the Lord being unwilling that any just perish 2 Peter 3:9

“Standing In The Flame”



A few years ago

I was living alone

in a home

not far from home

when … I saw the flames



I was having a smoke

then a choke

on the front porch

when … I could feel flames



I thought what's done is done

It does no good to complain

so while walking around

an angel looked up at me

You've been “hit” is all he said

while I stood in flames



So here I am burning - and the flames

make me insane

with restless heart,

and ears hearing and eyes that see

myself burning –

I wrestle in the flame

I wrestle in these flames



Yes it happened to me –

I guessed everlasting calamity

in flames -

Burning in the flames.

Everlasting calamity

in flames

the flames became my chains

Still, I'm standing in the flame

I stand here in the flames.



The 6th of the month

and half past the day

I think of a book

and Daniels prophesy -

With flames consuming me

I see the refinery

with the flames

refining me -

as in Malachi 3

I think it's the way it's suppose to be

with flames consuming me



Still I wrestle with the flames

the flames became my chains

I keep standing in the flames

I take my stand in the flame -





Inspired by Incubus “Pardon Me”

 

[Trailblazer]

Why do Jehovah's Witnesses think the earth will not be destroyed?

like in their website here: https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/earth-destroyed/

Why do other Christians believe that the earth WILL be destroyed?

 

[Frank Goad]

Why do other Christians believe that the earth WILL be destroyed?

I think it will because of this website here:

Stumper questions Jehovah's Witnesses do not like to be asked!

1.The Watchtower Society teaches that the earth will never be destroyed or depopulated. How can it be, then, that God says in Isa 51:6, "... the earth itself will wear out, and its inhabitants will die like a mere gnat ...", and that Jesus says in Mt 24:35, "Heaven and earth will pass away...", and that John says in Rev 21:1 that he saw "... a new heaven and a NEW earth, for the former heaven and the FORMER earth had passed away, and the sea is no more."?

 

[Trailblazer]

I think it will because of this website here:

Stumper questions Jehovah's Witnesses do not like to be asked!

1.The Watchtower Society teaches that the earth will never be destroyed or depopulated. How can it be, then, that God says in Isa 51:6, "... the earth itself will wear out, and its inhabitants will die like a mere gnat ...", and that Jesus says in Mt 24:35, "Heaven and earth will pass away...", and that John says in Rev 21:1 that he saw "... a new heaven and a NEW earth, for the former heaven and the FORMER earth had passed away, and the sea is no more."?

I believe that the earth might be depopulated but I don’t believe the earth will be destroyed.

Isaiah 51:6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

The verse says that the earth shall wax old like a garment, it does not say it will be destroyed.

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

That as Jesus’ way of saying that His words will be with is forever, it was not intended to be interpreted literally. We know that heaven will never pass away because Jesus and God are in heaven, and all the believers who have ever died are in heaven, so there is no reason to believe that earth will pass away.

Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

I believe that means that when Christ returns, the first earth filled with unrighteous men will pass away and it will be replaced by a new earth filled with righteous men. The verse does not refer to a replacement of the physical earth, it refers to a replacement of the people who live upon the earth.

I do not agree with the JW doctrine that teaches that the new earth will be populated by all the people who have ever lived who will come back to life, get a new physical body, and live on earth forever. I believe that all the believers who have ever died are in heaven which is where all believers go when they die. They are buried as natural human bodies, and they are raised as spiritual bodies which reside in heaven where they will live forever (1 Corinthians 15:40-54) Eternal life is spent in heaven, not on earth.

The new earth will be for the people who are living on earth when Christ returns and for their progeny. Earth will be populated by a new race of men, righteous men.

New Race of Men

 

[Hockeycowboy]

The Scripture says the ‘heavens will be destroyed by fire’, too. If it’s literal, then where is everyone gonna go?

Earth can mean people (society), as in Genesis 11:1.

Heavens can mean rulerships (governments), as in Ephesians 3:10.

Sea can mean the wicked, as in Isaiah 57:20.

 

[muhammad_isa]

Logic and intuition says that we all have to die .. we observe that our ancestors are all dead.
We also have reason to believe that this world is also finite.

It doesn't really make any difference one way or the other.
Almighty God can create an infinite amount of "planet earths" for the righteous to live on.

All those that are dead, are only physically dead .. their souls belong to God, and we are all answerable to Him.

If souls can be destroyed, then what's the difference between the spiritual and physical?

 

[danieldemol]

Logic and intuition says that we all have to die .. we observe that our ancestors are all dead.
We also have reason to believe that this world is also finite.

This much is true, however the Bible is at least outwardly self contradictory on the issue of the nature of the earth being finite or infinite, so it is a question that can only be resolved using science - which isn't much use in scriptural debates im afraid.

In my opinion.

 

[muhammad_isa]

..the Bible is at least outwardly self contradictory on the issue of the nature of the earth being finite or infinite, so it is a question that can only be resolved using science - which isn't much use in scriptural debates im afraid.

That's true .. but the OP has already pointed out..

35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
- Matthew 24 -

Where, imo the JW's have it wrong, is that they interpret the 1000 years reign on earth of Jesus [ where satan is trapped in a pit ] that Book of Revelation refers to, as being the Day of judgement.

satan manages to get out of that pit, and eventually, the trumpet will be blown.
i.e. people will continue to die and sin while on earth

..and God knows best.

 

[Hockeycowboy]

That's true .. but the OP has already pointed out..

35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
- Matthew 24 -

Where, imo the JW's have it wrong, is that they interpret the 1000 years reign on earth of Jesus [ where satan is trapped in a pit ] that Book of Revelation refers to, as being the Day of judgement.

satan manages to get out of that pit, and eventually, the trumpet will be blown.
i.e. people will continue to die and sin while on earth

..and God knows best.

Regarding heaven & earth, I have a thread I’d like you to read, at least the OP. It explains an understanding of heaven & earth as the Bible uses in some places:

"New Heavens and New Earth" - Why Destroy the Old?

Regarding the Day of Judgment during Christ’s Millennial reign:

I’m sure you’re aware the Bible states (Romans 6:23), “the wages of sin is” — what? — “death”. It doesn’t say torment, does it?
So the conclusion is, when a person dies, they’ve ‘paid the price’ for their sins.

At Romans 6:7, Paul says, “the one who has died has been acquitted / freed from sin.” When a person is acquitted, their crimes aren’t held against them anymore.

This is why, when the Bible speaks of a “resurrection of judgment” of the unrighteous (John 5:28-29; Acts of the Apostles 24:15), the judgment is based on how these ones act after their resurrection.
It would make no sense to resurrect these unrighteous ones, only to immediately condemn them to death again!

And this promised “better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35) only occurs “in the last day” (John 6:44), during Christ’s rule, when God’s “Will” for the earth will be accomplished. — Matthew 6:9-10.

Regarding individual humans living forever, as humans, we have the assurance of Revelation 21:3-4 :” the tent of God is with mankind…. And death will be no more.”

Since it’s talking about mankind, and death is no more, then that means humans living at that time, will have everlasting life, “the gift God gives.” — Romans 6:23.

Best wishes, my cousin.

 

[muhammad_isa]

It would make no sense to resurrect these unrighteous ones, only to immediately condemn them to death again!

13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
- Acts 24 -

Is this incorrect?

and..

44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45 "He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
- Matthew 25 -

 

[Hockeycowboy]

- Acts 24 -

Is this incorrect?

No, it’s right on…there “shall be” or is “going to be” a resurrection. IOW, it’s yet to come.

Did I give you a reason to think I implied it was incorrect?

46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
- Matthew 25 -

You highlighted this verse to make a point, I assume? What is your point?

Awaiting your reply, my cousin.
Have a good evening.

 

[muhammad_isa]

No, it’s right on…there “shall be” or is “going to be” a resurrection. IOW, it’s yet to come..
Did I give you a reason to think I implied it was incorrect?

You suggested that "It would make no sense to resurrect these unrighteous ones, only to immediately condemn them to death again!"

..whether it "makes sense" to you or not, is neither here nor there.
It is not what Jesus taught.

"there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust."

 

[Hockeycowboy]

You suggested that "It would make no sense to resurrect these unrighteous ones, only to immediately condemn them to death again!"

..whether it "makes sense" to you or not, is neither here nor there.
It is not what Jesus taught.

"there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust."

Yes, exactly. These “unjust” ones will be judged on their actions, after they are resurrected, what they will do & how they will act, after they are brought back to life, and learn the truth about God.
What they did in the past, will not be held against them; they were “acquitted / freed” from their past errors.

That is because Jehovah God is merciful, and He understands how many negative influences there are currently in this world.

But during the Resurrection, all those influences will be gone, and people will be able to learn accurately what God is like. Then, they will be able to make informed choices.

 

[muhammad_isa]

Yes, exactly. These “unjust” ones will be judged on their actions, after they are resurrected, what they will do & how they will act, after they are brought back to life, and learn the truth about God..

..but you told me previously that "the unjust" will not be resurrected .. now you are agreeing they will.

What they did in the past, will not be held against them; they were “acquitted / freed” from their past errors..

There is one sin that cannot be forgiven .. disbelief, and actively working against God and righteousness..

That is because Jehovah God is merciful, and He understands how many negative influences there are currently in this world..

Yes, of course God is Most Merciful.

But during the Resurrection, all those influences will be gone, and people will be able to learn accurately what God is like. Then, they will be able to make informed choices.

No. It is too late then for disbelievers who are wilful .
The Bible and Qur'an do not teach that the unrighteous will not be resurrected.
Orthodox Christians and Muslims have it .. on this particular issue.

 

[pearl]

I guess the question is will all be destroyed or transformed?

 

[Trailblazer]

There is one sin that cannot be forgiven .. disbelief, and actively working against God and righteousness..

Pardon the interruption, but I thought that the one sin that cannot be forgiven is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

Matthew 12:31-32
King James Version

31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

The Baha'i explanation of what those verses mean is below. In short, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is like a bat which hates the light, that Light being God, so that means one hates God. (The manifestation of the Light of God is Jesus.)

Answer.— If a soul remains far from the manifestation, he may yet be awakened; for he did not recognize the manifestation of the divine perfections. But if he loathe the divine perfections themselves—in other words, the Holy Spirit—it is evident that he is like a bat which hates the light.

This detestation of the light has no remedy and cannot be forgiven—that is to say, it is impossible for him to come near unto God. This lamp is a lamp because of its light; without the light it would not be a lamp. Now if a soul has an aversion for the light of the lamp, he is, as it were, blind, and cannot comprehend the light; and blindness is the cause of everlasting banishment from God…...”
Some Answered Questions, pp. 127-128

 

[muhammad_isa]

I guess the question is will all be destroyed or transformed?

Do we really need to know, other than something good or something bad can happen after our death?

If a person thinks that nothing bad can happen to anybody after death, not only is it not what we are taught in scripture, but it gives satan an opportunity as we could well "let our guard down".

Temptation is bad enough, without living in a cloud-cuckoo-land.

 

[muhammad_isa]

Pardon the interruption, but I thought that the one sin that cannot be forgiven is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

It boils down to the same thing, doesn't it?

The Baha'i explanation of what those verses mean is below. In short, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is like a bat which hates the light, that Light being God, so that means one hates God..

Yes exactly, and following in satan's footsteps.

 

[Hockeycowboy]

..but you told me previously that "the unjust" will not be resurrected .. now you are agreeing they will.


There is one sin that cannot be forgiven .. disbelief, and actively working against God and righteousness..


Yes, of course God is Most Merciful.


No. It is too late then for disbelievers who are wilful .
The Bible and Qur'an do not teach that the unrighteous will not be resurrected.
Orthodox Christians and Muslims have it .. on this particular issue.

Muhammad, apparently you misunderstood me. I agree the unrighteous will be resurrected.
But their judgment isn’t based on what they did in the past, which is what many sects of Christendom teach.It is based on how they act after they are resurrected, and learn truth.