Heaven on Earth

An objection that sometimes comes up when sharing the gospel is “heaven is here on earth.” Recently I heard that from a panhandler who wanted money from me (I handed him a snack and a gospel tract but he soon gave them back). It later occurred to me there is no need to beg in heaven. I could have also asked this man where one could find the Pearly Gates and the streets of gold on earth.

That beggar might have been a Jehovah’s Witness. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society teaches that only 144,000 people will get into heaven while all other Jehovah’s Witnesses will live forever on earth. Before the latter could happen, Jehovah’s Witnesses left behind after the rapture will have to suffer through a tribulation period and avoid taking the mark of the beast. That certainly won’t be heaven on earth.

Back in 1987, Belinda Carlisle had the #1 hit “Heaven is a Place on Earth” (from an album called “Heaven on Earth”). The lyrics talked about a couple enjoying each other to where it’s almost heavenly. That is God’s intent for marriage. However, the Bible makes it clear heaven and earth are two separate places. The very first verse mentions God creating two separate realms. Genesis 28:12 describes Jacob’s ladder reaching from earth to heaven. 

This is coming a time when a city in heaven will relocate to earth. Revelation 21:2 talks about the New Jerusalem “coming down out of heaven from God.” This occurs after the millennial reign of Christ and the Great White Throne Judgment. 

In the meantime, God wants His people on earth to live as citizens of heaven. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus said, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” As ambassadors of Christ, we can bring increase to the number of people who will have a heavenly home by being a witness for Him and fulfilling the Great Commission.

“May you be blessed by the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” - Psalm 115:15

Inherit the Earth

Jehovah’s Witnesses are among the most difficult people to witness to. The Watchtower has indoctrinated them with false interpretations of Scripture. One of which is only 144,000 people will get into heaven. All other Jehovah’s Witnesses will supposedly live forever in an earthly paradise. This is a gross misinterpretation of God’s word.

Revelation 7 identifies the 144,000 as Jewish evangelists, 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel that will minister during the seven-year tribulation period. Verse 9 from that same chapter refers to “a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues” standing before God’s throne clothed with white robes. In case you have doubts as to where this is taking place, Psalm 11:4 says, “The Lord’s throne is in heaven.” The Bible clearly shows there is room for more than 144,000 people in heaven.

To defend their paradise doctrine, Jehovah’s Witnesses often quote what Jesus said in Matthew 5:5; “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Yet there are verses in this same chapter that promises eternity in heaven. Matthew 5:3 says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Verse 10 says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 

Wherever the Bible appears to contradict itself, it’s helpful to look up Scripture in other translations. The Message paraphrase of Matthew 5:5 reads, “You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.” The phrase “inherit the earth” is basically a slang term meaning people who live for the Lord will receive blessings in this life. Psalm 25:13 and Psalm 37:9, 11, 22 also talk about inheriting the earth. Both the American Standard Version and the English Standard Version use the term “inherit the land.”

While God wants us blessed on earth, we should be more concerned with heavenly rewards. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” The New Living Translation of this verse reads, “Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.”

There is coming a time when God’s people will literally inherit the whole earth but not before the tribulation. During which, I’ll be enjoying the marriage supper of the Lamb up in heaven. What about you?

"He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them.” - 1 Samuel 2:8