Heaven or Earth?
Do you hope to live forever? Where?
Written: June, 2012
Updated: May, 2024

If you believe the Bible is the word of God, (1 Thes 2:13) that must include having faith the Bible never contradicts itself. And, that we must believe "all" of it. All who "do believe" share this hope: They believe all persons who exercise faith in Jesus Christ have before them the hope of eternal life. (John 3:15-16 ; Romans 5:18-21 ; Matthew 19:29) Where, though... Where will we spend eternity? Whether our future will be in heaven or on the earth evokes much controversy among those who assert they are Christians. (Mat 17:5; 1 Cor 4:1-5) Those who like the idea of going to heaven will point to scriptures similar to John 14:2-3, while those who prefer the idea of living on earth will choose scriptures like Psalms 37:11 & Psa 37:29. [Please consider we are talking about a great danger here. If you are being misled by people who pick and choose scriptures to support what they want you to believe, they can make God's Word say anything... (Mat 7:15; Luke 13:23-28) What that means is: Picking and choosing scriptures is the act of constructing a "doctrine" of "their chosen" faith. That is how people mislead themselves and others. Go to: JustBibleTruth.com -> Select: Being Misled?] Please note and remember always: The Bible must be your only doctrine. And, as you progress to Christian maturity, (Heb 6:1-3 of 1-12) if even one scripture contradicts your belief, your belief [your doctrine] is wrong! All scripture must fit together to paint the hope of God's "one thought" in your mind. (Php 2:2 of 1-4; 2 Tim 3:14-17) Can seeing the overall theme of the Bible help us understand this dispute about our future? Some scriptures can, at first glance, make the Bible "seem" contradictory about our future. Please know it is not. And yes, you can know your future!

One scripture that gives rise to the belief Christians will live forever in heaven is 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18. We there read:
We are telling you what the Lord taught. We who are still alive when the Lord comes will not go into his kingdom ahead of those who have already died. (16) The Lord will come from heaven with a command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the dead who believed in Christ will come back to life. (17) Then, together with them, we who are still alive will be taken in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. In this way we will always be with the Lord. (18) So then, comfort each other with these words! 

It's easy enough to see why some believe that scripture, pulled out of context, indicates Christians go to heaven to live forever. The verses at John 14:2-3 also seems to support that idea. Do note Jesus there said he was going to heaven to prepare a place, but did not say that place was in heaven. He also said he would return to receive his followers. I think the "place" he was preparing is the earth! (Mat 25:34 of 31-34) My hope is to live on earth forever, but those scriptures did give me pause. Please do know, if that is God's will, I will be pleased with whatever his plan is! That said, I do believe in "all" the Bible; and, that I have to work to understand God's truth. (1 John 5:20-21; Luke 13:26-27 of 23-28) The truth that is the Bible can't be understood from one or a few scriptures. (Heb 5:8-14) Each scripture is a numbered and ordered building block of your faith. If we do believe in "all" of the Bible, faith requires we consider other scriptures that seem to temper or refine 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 and John 14:2-3. [The Bible never contradicts itself. (2 Tim 3:14-17; 1 Thes 2:13) If you see what appears a contradiction, you can know you have a misunderstanding, likely based on a lack of knowledge.] Before we go on to consider some additional scriptures, some of which paint a picture of eternal life on earth, and knowing every scripture is true, I put before you another potential meaning for our being "taken up" in the clouds to meet Christ: Clearly, we need protection to survive the end of the tribulation and Armageddon. [Armageddon being God's fast approaching or now revealed war to destroy the last of this wicked old world system. (2 Pet 3:10-13; 1 Thes 5:1-11)] I think that promised protection; our being "lifted up," might refer to our "faith in Christ" being able to lift us above the destruction [whether lifted figuratively or physically], and be what Paul is referring to by saying we will be caught away to meet the lord in the clouds. [Similar to how Noah was lifted up by the ark, while Lot and Rahab were lifted above or out of the destruction on the earth in their day in different ways. (Mat 24:36-42)] You don't yet have any sound reason to believe my understanding is the proper one, but, that's why we're about to consider some additional scriptures. Be careful what you allow yourself to be led to believe...

For the sake of expediency and respect for your time, let me just say, if you are determined to take the two scriptures in question (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 and John 14:2-3) at face value, and are unwilling to temper your understanding with other scriptures, there may be limited reason for you to read on... You may have set your  faith  doctrine. To learn what the Bible teaches, you must accept that while every single scripture is true, (2 Tim 3:16-17) they are not all literal. For example: Jesus Christ said each one of his followers absolutely must drink his blood and eat his flesh. (John 6:53) Do you believe that? I hope so! Do you also believe Jesus meant it literally? Of course not! Other scriptures help us understand we consume Christ by taking in his words and understanding they have power to sustain us alive. (John 6:63; John 11:25-27; John 4:25-26 of 19-26) Again for expediency, after some further reasoning, this page ends with four quotes from the Bible, which I believe make clear the "place" Jesus has been preparing from heaven is our earthy home. (Mat 25:34) He is subduing his enemies in the midst of the earth; remaking it a fit home for righteous people! (Psa 110:1-2) If you can entertain that notion, you might wish to jump to the conclusion and consider those scriptures.

As to misleading and being misled, at least one religious sect has promised God will never allow a nuclear war because it would harm the earth beyond repair. What an ignorant and vain-glorious thing to say! (Num 11:23 of 18 & 21-24 & 31; Isa 59:1) What will those who have believed their teachings do if such a war does begin. Puny men spraying their nuclear devices all about might be exactly what God was talking about when He said the wicked will be destroyed by (or as by) fire (2 Pet 3:10) and what Paul was saying we would be caught away and protected from. Then again, just the other day, there was a thunder clap above or very near my home. It was so powerful I could actually feel the shock wave ripple through my head and chest. It was the most powerful thunder I ever remember experiencing. Some slightly stronger ones is all it would take to destroy the wicked; while the righteous were preserved alive by God's spirit; preserved by their faith in Christ! Anyway... Without too much wasted time speculating about what the Bible does not make clear, we can all share a sure hope in one thing it does make crystal clear: We can each have life and protection through our personal faith in the words of Christ! (John 11:25-26; John 5:24) If Paul had actually been telling the Thessalonians we are all going to heaven forever, how could Psa 37:29 and Isa 11:1-12 and Job 33:13-30 and Ecc 1:4 and Psa 104:5 and Psa 37:10-11 also have fulfillment. Those promises must all be true, don't you think? "All" scripture is inspired by God. (2 Tim 3:16-17) One sect solves this seeming contradiction [a contradiction to those without understanding] by asserting some [only from among "their" sect, of course] will go to heaven; while others [still just others from "their" sect] continue to live on earth. (Rev 7:4 and Rev 7:9) The scripture quoted above from 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18, however, does seem to indicate there is only one group; joined of two groups. [Joined of Jews and Gentiles maybe...?] Also, Jesus intimated he was going to live on earth, as he promised us he would drink the fruit of the vine with us there. (Mat 26:29) Just remember: What is truth must include "all of these" scriptures, as well as all others! Don't be overly concerned with details to the point of passing judgment on others... (1 Cor 4:5; Mat 7:1; Rom 2:1-11; Rom 14:4 of 1-4) Leave the Religionists to argue about their doctrine; using it as the basis of their judgment nonconformists are lost to God. Sincere Christians have faith in what they "do know" Christ said; and don't have to worry about what we don't yet know "and" clearly and fully understand; "from the Bible." They just remain in what they "do know" of Christ's teachings. (John 8:31-32) Also remember: God told us to listen to Jesus (Mat 17:5) and Jesus promised, if we just continue to listen to him, he will help us. (John 14:15-17; John 14:25-26) Then, we are free to learn and comprehend at our own pace, while also perceiving and understanding the danger of being swallowed up by any one of many religious groups of men; each sect of them asserting we "must" follow "them"... (Mat 24:23-28) That is their "identifying mark," or their bad "fruitage," trying to convince you of your need to follow "them" instead of directing you to read Christ's words for yourself (many do seem to imagine they are leading us "to Jesus," of course). (Mat 7:15-16a) But the simple thing to remember is this: "Actually" leading people to Jesus is simply telling them to read his words for themselves... (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)

As I said, my hope is to live forever here on the earth; along with Christ Jesus and all his other human followers. (Psa 37:27-29; Mat 26:29; Pro 8:22-31) [Jesus  will surely  "might" spend some of his time in heaven with his Father and some on earth with us. (None of us really know - maybe Jesus will serve as God's eternal earthly tether to mankind - Pro 8:31 of 22-31)] That hope of living forever on the earth is what I also believe the Bible as a "whole" teaches. The main thing I believe, which is a belief I hope we can share absolutely, is Jesus promised he will be with me forever. I don't want to shipwreck my faith worrying, or certainly arguing, about "where" we will live. Whatever is God's plan, that is what I want! "We" must all remember: Our only understanding of, and faith in God's plan, comes from the Bible; and, it "must come" from "only" the Bible and from "all" of the Bible! And anyway, once you express your faith in Christ, you take away my responsibility for worrying about you. (Eze 3:17-19) It is not my place to judge! (Rom 14:4 of 1-4) Whether we have true faith in the actual words of Jesus is, however, judging each and every one of us, right now... (John 12:47-49; John 3:19 of 16-21) I "live and exist" in that hope! Have you joined me there, in Rahab's home...? Have you joined me in singing the song of Christ? [Please visit JustBibleTruth.com -> select: R U Compliant? -> find the paragraph beginning: "If you haven't"... and read the few paragraphs between the red ruler lines.]

So, in conclusion, are you able to join in praying fulfillment of these words from Job 33:13-30? Is that "your" hope for the future?
...'Why do you accuse God of never answering our [prayers] complaints? (14) Although God speaks again and again, no one pays attention to what he says. (15) At night when people are asleep, God speaks in dreams and visions [visions in past times, but in our day, God is speaking to each of us through Christ - Heb 1:1-2; Mat 17:5]. (16) He makes them listen to what he says, and they are frightened at his warnings. (17) God speaks to make them stop their sinning and to save them from becoming proud. (18) He will not let them be destroyed; he saves them from death itself. (19) God corrects us by sending sickness and filling our bodies with pain. (20) Those who are sick lose their appetites, and even the finest food looks revolting. (21) Their bodies waste away to nothing; you can see all their bones; (22) they are about to go to the world of the dead. (23) Perhaps an angel may come to their aid--- one of God's thousands of angels, who remind us of our duty. (24) In mercy the angel will say, "Release them! They are not to go down to the world of the dead. Here is the ransom to set them free." (25) Their bodies will grow young and strong again (fresher than in the days of their youth); (26) when they pray, God will answer; they will worship God with joy; God will set things right for them again. (27) Each one will say in public, "I have sinned. I have not done right, but God spared me. (28) He kept me from going to the world of the dead, and I am still alive." (29) God does all this again and again; (30) each one saves a person's life, and gives him the joy of living.'

Join me in praying for God's promised deliverance:
Psalm 37:27-34: [MWT - God's Hebrew Name restored.] ..."Turn away from evil and do good, you will keep living and be secure forever. (28) For יהוה loves what is right and does not abandon his faithful people; they are preserved forever; but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. (29) The righteous will inherit the earth and live on it forever. (30) The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks judgment. (31) The Law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not wobble. (32) The wicked spies on the righteous and seeks to kill him. (33) יהוה will not leave him to the hand of that one, and he will not pronounce him wicked when he is being judged. (34) Wait on יהוה and keep His way; and He will exalt you to inherit the earth; you will see when the wicked are cut off."

Mal 3:16-4:3 MWT: ...'At that time those in fear of יהוה spoke with one another... יהוה kept paying attention and listening, so that a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared him and esteemed his name. (17) "They shall be mine, says יהוה of hosts, in the day when I make up my special property (gather my chosen people), and I will protect them just as a man shows compassion for his own son who serves him. (18) Then you will see the distinction between the righteous one and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.
Malachi 4:1-3 MWT "For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be like stubble for the flames. The day that is coming shall set them all ablaze, says יהוה of hosts, so that I will leave them neither present life nor future hope. (2) But for you who fear my name, the sun (son) of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. (3) And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act in justice says יהוה of hosts.'

Psa 27:1-14 MWT: ..."You, O יהוה, are my light and my salvation. Of whom shall I be in fear. יהוה is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be in dread. (2) When evil doers approach to eat up my flesh, they being my adversaries and enemies personally, they themselves stumbled and fell. (3) Armies may surround me, but I won't be afraid; war may break out, but I will trust you. (4) One thing I have asked from יהוה, it is what I shall look for: Let me live in your house all the days of my life, to see how wonderful you are and to pray in your temple. (5) In times of trouble, you will protect me. You will hide me in your tent and keep me safe on top of a mighty rock. (6) You will let me defeat all of my enemies. Then I will celebrate, as I enter your tent with sacrifices of joyful shouting, I will sing and make melody to יהוה my God. (7) Please listen when I pray! Have pity. Answer my prayer. (8) My heart tells me to pray. I am eager to see your face, (9) so don't hide from me. I am your servant, and you have helped me. Don't turn from me in anger. You alone keep me safe. Don't reject or desert me. (10) Even if my own father and mother should desert me, even יהוה himself would take me up. (11) Teach me to follow you, יהוה, and lead me on the right path because of my enemies. (12) Don't let them do to me what they want. People tell lies about me and make terrible threats, (13) If I had not had faith in seeing the goodness of יהוה in the land of those alive...! (14) Hope in יהוה! Be courageous and let your heart be strong. Yes, trust in יהוה."

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