Expert: Ernie Laurence, Jr. - 9/2/2011

Question
Greetings,
This question was ask of me at our last ladies club meeting and I didn't know how to answer it. Can you help me?
The question: Will God's Kingdom make the earth a paradise?
Thank you Ernie.

Harriett
From Idaho falls

Answer
Hey Harriett, thanks for the question.

I am not sure what your religious background is, but most of those who are members of the church of Christ are amillennialist to some extent.  We believe that the kingdom of Christ is the church of Christ, that it has already come.  In the gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John we constantly read of the kingdom being at hand, near, coming soon, etc.  After that point, the kingdom is always spoken of as existing.  E.g.:

Colossians 1:13
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Revelation 1:9
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

When Christ does return and the resurrection of all takes place (Acts 24:15; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; 1 Cor. 15), it will be the end of the universe (including the Earth).  The universe was created for man.  Once man is no longer here, the physical/temporal realm serves no more purpose.  I believe it will simply cease to exist in much the same manner that it was spoken into existence in the first place.

I don't believe, nor want to be in a restored Eden or any thing here in this life.  I want to be in eternity with God my Creator.

If you have further questions or need me to expand on this answer, please let me know.

In Truth and Love,

Ernie