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

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