“He who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it TO BE INHABITED.”
—Isaiah 45:18.

When God finished our world, He looked down on a perfect planet teeming with life, and He observed with satisfaction that it was very good (Genesis 1:31). However, as time passed, people became more corrupt, and the earth groaned under the increasing weight of wickedness. This state of degradation and decline has continued until now our world totters on the brink of destruction. It needs the cleansing by fire that God has promised.

After its transformation by fire, who does Jesus promise will occupy the new earth?

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
—Matthew 5:5.

The Lord never allows His plans to fail. They may be hindered, but in the end He will work out all things according to His great purpose. He will restore His perfect creation to its original beauty. Eden lost is to be Eden restored, and the meek “will inherit the earth.”