The New Earth

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Oct 3, 1911

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 38, No. 39.

1. For what purpose does the Lord say He created the earth?

For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else. Isa. 45: 18.

2. What class of people did the Lord design should inhabit the earth?

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matt. 5: 5.

3. What does the psalmist say will be the lot of the wicked when the “meek” come into their inheritance?

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Ps. 37: 8-11.

NOTE.—From the foregoing texts we learn that the purpose the Lord had in creating the earth was that it might be “inhabited.” And since that was His purpose, He has determined that His work of creation shall not have been in vain. The “meek” persons are those who are to be the dwellers in the earth, and they are to delight themselves in the abundance of peace; but this abundance of peace will have to be brought about by the cutting off of the wicked.

4. Is the earth in its present condition to be the eternal home of the “meek” amid the delights of the abundance of peace?

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. . . . And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Rev. 21: 1, 4, 5.

5. Through what will this present earth pass before the promised new earth is given to the “meek”?

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. . . . Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2 Peter 3: 10, 13.

6. For what is the earth of the present time reserved?

But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 2 Peter 3: 7.

NOTE.—Observe that the foregoing texts from Peter’s epistle show that the earth that now is, is reserved for the day of judgment and the perdition of those who are not meek, those who are ungodly. At that day of judgment, fire will dissolve or melt this earth, and out of the crucible will come the new earth, “according to His promise;” and this new earth will be the abode of righteousness, which is equivalent to saying it will be the place where the righteous will dwell.