“The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’S, but the earth He has given to the children of men.” (Psalm 115:16)
God designed the earth for man.
What if I tell you our resurrected life will not be in heaven, and that there are no pearly gates with deceased family members waiting there to greet us? Most would be shocked, but let us review what Scripture has revealed to us. First, a review of God’s plan for man. The earth was designed by God to be man’s eternal home. Remember the tree of life in the garden? The word “tree” is plural. Trees of life, an orchard! Everything man needed to live on this earth forever was provided by God.
The warning about death, the consequence of disobedience, went unheeded and brought the curse. “Cursed is the ground because of you; In toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; And you shall eat the plants of the field; By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, until you return to the ground; Because from it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:17-19)
Adam and Eve were driven out of the garden so not to have access to the life-giving trees. “least” man “eat and live forever.” (Genesis 3:22-24) “As in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:22) As Adam lies as dust so do those who die in Christ, but they shall be first to be raised at Christ’s return. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
“Thus says the LORD, who created the heavens; (God Himself who formed the earth and made it; He has established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited.”) (Isaiah 45:18) “Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations; You have established the earth, and it stands.” (Psalm 119:90) “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) Someday soon “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
We have yet to realise God’s purpose for man on earth.
God has anchored mankind to this earth, and like this anchor in Tiberias by the Sea there is more to be completed.
Someday “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9) Sickness and death will be destroyed. (Isaiah 25:6-9) “O let the nations be glad and sing for joy; for You shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon the earth. Let the people praise You, O God; let all the people praise you. Then the earth shall yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. (Psalm 67:4-6)
Finding Scripture to refute religious traditions, fables and heresy that speak of mankind dwelling in the heavens is easy, if we care to look. Jesus is coming here to rule and reign for one-thousand years. At the close of that period Satan will be released and entice the nations to war against Jesus and His saints. That is when evil will finely be destroyed along with this earth as well as the heavens. Then God will create new heavens and a new earth.
“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, ‘Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. 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 have passed away. And He that sat upon the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelation 21:3-5)
Now why do you think there will be a new earth? Man needs a place to forever dwell with his God, as his Creator originally intended. There is so much more that can be discovered if one cares to take the time.
Will we visit the heavens when earth remains our home? Except for a few prophetic scenes of saints before the throne, and the voices of martyrs rising from under God’s altar, Scripture is mostly silent. Not one prophet in the Holy Scriptures would agree with the garbage false prophets have claimed to be true. And that is how we tell truth from error. Our trust is in God’s word not man’s imaginations. Thank God, our Father, who has delivered us, in Christ, and by His Spirit, leads us into all truth.
His Family Table 