And you would be wrong
What do think these mean?
They mean that God is going to redeem the portion of this world that can be saved before it passes away and we are going to inherit new heavens and a new earth. I though every Christian knew that.
Have you ever been in the Land of Israel ?
I didn't know it. Still don't. And you did not explain a single one of those verses I posted. When you get time, would you explain them?
How do you explain all the dead bodies here?
"For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord. And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh." (Isa 66:22-24 KJV)
I believe that is a prophecy that was supposed to be after this one:
"And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord God shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name: That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes. For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying." (Isa 65:15-19 KJV)
Now, if the Lord is going to literally destroy this earth and literally create a new one, as you imply, who get's punished for destroying the old one?
"And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth." (Rev 11:18)
If there is a literal new earth, where did these nations and kings come from?
"And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it." (Rev 21:24)
And why is there any healing required?
"In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." (Rev 22:2)
No matter how you respond to those, this one is a tough nut to crack:
"One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever." (Ecc 1:4 KJV)
I believe the difference in you and me on this issue is: I really, truly love this earth. I cannot imagine a more beautiful place. The wonders of all of God's creation are breathtaking in their beauty, but this is my backyard. I would be perfectly happy here. I would love to be one of those who inherit the earth; but I am too old. I will have to settle for heaven, if I am found worthy enough.
"I truly believe that after Satan is defeated, everyone will "live happily every after," in a manner of speaking, much like it is explained here:
"And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads." (Rev 22:1-4 KJV)
Philip