The New System

sandy

Is there enough scriptural support for the beleif in a paradise here on earth?

I heard somebody say that there isn't. I curious to here any other thoughts on this.

I never heard such a claim before. I'm sure there is already a thread on this. If any of you know of one can you point me to it?

Thanks.

prophecor

This should be interesting

FairMind

A future paradise earth populated by perfect men and women who have everalasting life makes sense to me. That was God's intended purpose for the earth and whatever God purposes eventually comes to be. It doesn't make sense to me that God created mankind to live a short while on earth and then go to heaven to keep him company. God already has the angels in heaven.

jwfacts

Hi,

I have a few scriptures to consider at

http://www.jwfacts.com/index_files/earthforever.htm

It is interesting that Muslims and Jews generally believe in paradise, but that it is heavenly. Likewise the NT references to paradise are also in regards to heaven.

Luke 23:42-43) 42 And he went on to say: “Jesus, remember me when you get into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.” (Watchtower Doctrine makes this disputable as to whether this is refering to heaven or earth, but is generally understood to mean heaven) (2 Corinthians 12:1-4) 12 I have to boast. It is not beneficial; but I shall pass on to supernatural visions and revelations of [the] Lord. 2 I know a man in union with Christ who, fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know; God knows—was caught away as such to the third heaven. 3 Yes, I know such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body, I do not know, God knows— 4 that he was caught away into paradise and heard unutterable words which it is not lawful for a man to speak. (Revelation 2:7) 7 Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations: To him that conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’(this refers to the anointed so is in heaven)

Calliope

but the wits ARE living in a spiritual paradise right now!!! don't you remember what it was like? all fun and reprimand. possibly a lot like this coming "new system"...

jwfacts

The WTS claims Rev refers to heaven*** it-2 p. 576 Paradise ***
Eating in “the Paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7 mentions a “tree of life” in “the paradise of God” and that eating from it would be the privilege of the one “that conquers.” Since other promises given in this section of Revelation to such conquering ones clearly relate to their gaining a heavenly inheritance (Re 2:26-28; 3:12, 21), it seems evident that “the paradise of God” in this case is a heavenly one.

It claims that Cor does not refer to earth. *** it-2 p. 576 Paradise ***
This undoubtedly provides the key for understanding Paul’s description of the vision (evidently had by him, since it forms part of his defense of his own apostleship) referred to at 2 Corinthians 12:1-7. Caught away to “the third heaven” (see HEAVEN [Third Heaven]), the vision viewer entered “paradise” and heard unutterable words. That this paradise envisioned could refer to a spiritual state among God’s people, as in the case of fleshly Israel, can be seen from the fact that the Christian congregation was also God’s “field under cultivation,” his spiritual vineyard, rooted in Christ Jesus and bearing fruit to God’s praise.

In the w83 says that Rev refers to heaven as well, but then tries to explain that Luke 23 refers to an earthly paradise.
*** w83 10/15 p. 4 Does the Bible Promise an Earthly Paradise? ***
To such ones who had the hope of being received into heaven, Christ promised: “To him that conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7; John 16:33; 1 John 5:4) This figurative “paradise of God” is in the invisible heavens.
However, is it correct to assume that heaven is the only paradise set before all of Jesus’ followers? Since the sympathetic evildoer did not conquer the world by pursuing a course of faithfulness to God but was justly being put to death for his wicked deeds, what Paradise did Christ promise him? ...
Therefore the correct translation of Jesus’ words is: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.” A number of Bible translations read this way.
The article then goes on to quote their standard scriptures to attempt to show paradise is on earth.

However, does this make sense? The Jews thought paradise was in heaven. The WTS claims the other two NT references to paradise do not relate to the earth. So it would follow that Jesus words at Luke would not have been understood to relate to the earth either.

IronClaw

43 And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, You will
be with me in Paradise.”

The WT changes the punctuation of this verse, thereby insinuating that this would be a future event. But once again So-called Greek Scholar Freddy Franz screwed up. Jesus used this very phrase "Truly I tell you," over 70 times, and in all of these times the comma was put in after the word "you". So why would Jesus make an exception in this case? The reason of course is so that the WT could FIT the Bible to its Doctrine. The evildoer was to be in Paradise that day, not in the future. Thus this man I believe went to Heaven, not a future earthly paradise.

The Claw of the "I dont buy it class"

DaveNwisconsin

I hope when it happens that someone fixes the ozone layer or else we will fry!

jwfacts

With that hat you will be fine Dave.

cyberdyne systems 101

You hear Witnesses claim God's original purpose was for man to live forever on earth - there is no direct statement proving this the case. Interestingly note that Adam was denied to take of the fruit from the tree of life, in case he ate and lives forever. This same tree of life is mentioned in Rev 2 as has been quoted already showing it in heaven. So is it right to say if Adam had not sinned he would have lived forever, or is it that at that time he was just like the other living creature's around him and unless he was given life by means of this tree he would die? Did God therefore just prevent him from partaking thereby allowing him to die? I read a verse last night which said something along the lines of 'which was prepared for you from the begining' I cant recall where now though, sorry...anybody? It is is to 'add' assumptions without clear statements from the Bible to deny such thoughts.

The New System

Share this