What Is The Future Of Planet Earth, And For Humanity?

There are many different scientific, religious, and philosophical views on the future of the earth and humanity, but most of it is speculation. There are those who are predicting when the world will end. Is there a reliable source to turn to? The answer is yes. The Bible is full of prophecy, and much of it has already been fulfilled to the exact detail. Therefore, we can assume that what it says about the future of the earth and humanity will happen!

The Book of Revelation mentions three distinct periods of the future and humanity: The Tribulation Period, the 1000 year reign of Christ, and a new heaven and earth.

Tribulation Period

Matthew 24:21 says there is coming a time when “there will be great tribulation such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now and never will be.”  This will last for seven years. There is much to be said in the Book of Revelation about this time, but I want to  zero in on several passages. Read Revelation 8:7-12; 9:1-6 and 20-21. Also read chapter 13 to see where the world is headed, and chapter 16 that lists the plagues that will occur. This will be a time of God‘s judgment and wrath upon an unbelieving and ungodly world, and a last chance to accept Jesus as the savior. However, there will still be many who refuse to repent (Revelation 9:20-21).

The 1000 year reign of Christ

Jesus will return and will rule the planet during this time, and Satan will be bound with no more deception. (Revelation 20:1-3). There will be:

Peace (Psalm 46:17-18; Isaiah 32:17-18)

Justice (Jeremiah 23:5)

Righteousness (II Peter 3:13)

Longevity (Isaiah 65:20; 29:18)

A tame animal kingdom (Isaiah 65:20; 29:18)

David Jeremiah summarizes this time. “Praise the Lord! -Things will be different in the millennium. The devil will be bound, the earth will again become the healthiest environment we could imagine for human life, and God will extend the lifespan of the men and women who come out of the tribulation and their children.”*

A new heaven and new earth

God will create a new heaven and new earth where he will reside. Revelation 21:3-4 describes it: “…behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more. Neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”  There will be a new Jerusalem, a river of life, a tree of life for the healing of the nations, with no more darkness (Revelation 21:9 – 22:5).

This is the future of planet Earth and humanity, according to the inspired word of God. However, you won’t have to experience the tribulation if you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. He will spare you from the wrath to come, and you can enjoy the millennial age of 1000 years.

*David Jeremiah, The Coming Golden Age, Thomas Nelson, 2024, p. 109