> Did they believe that the earth would always exist and that it would become a paradise? - short answer, yes & yes.
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> Did Russell or any of the Bible Students entertain the hope of living forever upon the earth?
> Or, did they believe that going to heaven was the only hope that there was?
^^^ Ok, two related questions that I'll try to answer.
Russell and the original Bible Students believed that they would go to heaven if they were faithful to that calling.
But they didn't believe that all the world's population was going to be destroyed. They believed that, while the world's governments were corrupt and fit for destruction, ordinary people would have the chance to live on a paradise earth. Those that died would be resurrected ... but there would be some who wouldn't taste death at all.
That's all I can remember. I'm sure there will be other posters who correct any mistakes and add to what I've posted.
Edit: Russell and his followers believed the time of the end started in 1799, I think.