Would You Accept Life in a Paradise?

PARADISE! What does the word suggest to you? A reality or a dream? An earthly possibility or, as many professing Christians, Jews and Muslims believe, just a symbol of a blessed condition after death?

The fact is that Jesus Christ spoke of Paradise. To an evildoer impaled alongside him, he said: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) So it is vital for us to know the facts about Paradise.

Paradise, often associated with the Bible’s garden of Eden, is viewed by many people as being mythological rather than being related to a definite geographic location. What do you believe? Was there ever a portion of the earth in Asia Minor prepared specially for man’s initial habitation, as the Bible book of Genesis indicates?

Interestingly, the Bible’s account of the paradise garden of Eden does not start with a vague, “Once upon a time in a far-off land . . .” Rather, the Bible book in which we learn about Eden speaks of definite time periods and establishes the basis for a chronology and genealogy that can be traced through the length of the Bible. (Luke 3:23-38; see also the Bible encyclopedia Aid to Bible Understanding, pages 333-348.) The Bible also identifies a specific region “in Eden, toward the east,” and a river “issuing out of Eden” that became four rivers. Two of those are identified today as the rivers Euphrates and Tigris. This would perhaps place Eden in what is now the mountainous area north of the Mesopotamian plains, south of Lake Van in eastern Turkey.​—Genesis 2:7-17.

The Bible account shows that the first man, Adam, was placed in a garden or park setting and surrounded with all he needed to sustain life. There was an abundance of vegetation and “every tree desirable to one’s sight and good for food.” For such a variety of trees to exist, it was evidently no small garden or park.

Man Yearns for a Paradise

In modern times man has established gardens and parks in or near many major cities. Why? Because the city dweller often yearns to refresh his spirit by renewing his contact with nature. And what is sometimes our reaction when we walk into a beautiful park or garden, especially when the flowers and trees are in bloom? We exclaim, “What a paradise!” How much we would love to be able to live in such a paradise setting! Yes, it is a natural yearning that really stretches back to man’s origin in the paradise park of Eden.

That is the very hope that Jesus set before the dying evildoer by his side when he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) Here Jesus was not promising a heavenly destiny to the evildoer or to his supposed immortal soul. He was offering him everlasting earthly life in a Paradise earth under his Kingdom rule. How do you react to that promise?​—Matthew 6:9, 10; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15.

Would You Accept a 500-Year Bonus?

Interestingly, the magazine Psychology Today recently presented its readers with a somewhat related question: “If someone offered you a pill that would make it possible for you to live 500 years, would you take it?” Of course, nothing was said of having perfect health or of a Paradise state. But what were the reactions? More than 50 percent said they would take the pill. Many said they wanted “to achieve more, to do more, or to enjoy life more.” Another man stated with great simplicity, “I love life.” Some of the women explained that “life is exhilarating; there’s too much to do and not enough time to do it.” How do you feel about life? Do you love life? But what if you could have, not a 500-year bonus, but everlasting life in Paradise conditions and in perfect health? The Bible offers you that very prospect.​—John 17:3; Psalm 37:11, 29; Isaiah 33:24.

On the other hand, in the same poll, some were very vocal in their refusal of the bonus. Why? “Some believe that life is simply too boring.” Jehovah’s Witnesses sometimes meet a similar objection when they explain that God’s purpose is to give everlasting life to obedient mankind in Paradise conditions on earth. Some object, “What would we do living forever in a paradise? Life would have no contrasts, no challenges. It would be boring!”

Is that really so? Will everlasting life on a Paradise earth be boring? The following article will answer these questions.

Life in Paradise​—Will It Be Boring?

“THE two foes of human happiness are pain and boredom.” Do you agree with that opinion of a 19th-century philosopher? Most people have been bored at times, but why?

Boredom is associated with “dullness, repetition, or tediousness,” “a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction.” It often results from work or activity that does not stimulate or satisfy. But it is also true that boredom is a subjective state. What is boring to one person may be fascinating to another.

Will Everlasting Life Be Boring?

In contrast with man’s present situation, all those who attain life in the promised Paradise will be in tune with their setting and its Maker. Why? Because they will receive an adequate education to prepare them for an interesting and fruitful life in a Paradise environment. How do we know that? Because the prophet Isaiah was inspired to write: “The earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea.” Yes, knowledge of Jehovah, mankind’s supreme Benefactor, will be the key to real enjoyment of everlasting life on a Paradise earth.​—Isaiah 11:9.

All the earth in perfection will reflect the marvelous qualities of the Great Creator. Obedient mankind will have a deep love of God and therefore a desire to know and understand his ways and wisdom as epitomized on earth. Even today, imperfect men marvel as they study the wonders and complexity of nature. Yet even the greatest expert in any field is never satisfied​—he always wants to know more. And there is always more to know! Man’s intelligence and insatiable curiosity are such that everlasting life will always be interesting!​—1 John 4:7, 8.

An illustration of this, even under present imperfect conditions, is the attitude of 90-year-old Andrés Segovia, the world-famous classical guitarist. Does he find life boring? He still travels the world and gives concerts. Although he has seen world-weariness in others, “he is too ebullient, entirely too absorbed by his work to be weary.” He himself stated: “I read and study history, philosophy, art in all its disciplines and music.” Yes, there is still so much to learn. But think how much more there will be to learn in a perfect earthly Paradise! And with the joyous prospect of everlasting life restored, mankind will have time to do it.

The case of Andrés Segovia also illustrates another point​—man’s potential for knowledge. As psychologist Peter Russell wrote in The Brain Book: “Within our own heads lies one of the most complex systems in the known universe. . . . No human being has ever come anywhere near to using its full potential.” In a limited life span of maybe 70 or 80 years, the brain’s potential remains virtually untapped. As Russell says: “It is frequently stated that we use only 10 percent of our full mental potential. This, it now appears, is rather an overestimate. We probably do not use even 1 percent​—more likely 0.1 percent or less.” Imagine what the human brain will be capable of in Paradise without the pressures of sickness and aging!

A Thousand-Year Project

It has to be acknowledged that life for many today is boring simply because they are locked into a routine that allows for little variety or stimulus of the mind. But when the Bible speaks of everlasting life under God’s Kingdom rule by Christ, it is referring to a life-style that modern man has never known. First of all, this Kingdom government has, not a five-year schedule as some modern states have, but a thousand-year-long provision, just as a start! That purpose is expressed in various parts of the Bible and offers a fascinating prospect of varied activities, all of which will be upbuilding and creative.​—Revelation 20:1-7.

There will be so much to do and so much to learn, along with strong motivation for both, that “boredom” will be a forgotten word. For example, Jehovah has promised that he will “bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” (Revelation 11:18) That means that the ruined earth will have to be cleaned up. Just think of the enormous task of restoring the earth to its former pristine beauty and purity​—clearing out slums and overbuilt areas; purifying the earth’s rivers and waters of pollution. Love for God and neighbor will motivate obedient men and women to participate joyfully in this great work.

A Program of Building, Planting and Educating

Logically a Paradise setting cannot include the housing abuses that exist today. Who really wants to live in cramped conditions in decaying buildings, shantytowns or even on the streets? Most would delight to have a home of their own and land to cultivate! That is God’s promise to those who show their loyalty to him now. The final result will be a Paradise earth inhabited by happy people, satisfied with a meaningful life, deriving joy from serving others.​—Acts 20:35.

God has guaranteed “new heavens and a new earth” that will mean a complete change of living conditions for millions of people. Isaiah prophesied: “And they will certainly build houses and have occupancy; and they will certainly plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. . . . For like the days of a tree will the days of my people be; and the work of their own hands my chosen ones will use to the full.”​—Isaiah 65:17-23; 2 Peter 3:13.

These promises had a minor fulfillment in the restoration of the Jews to their land in 537 B.C.E. They are having a far greater fulfillment in a spiritual way in this 20th century, and they give indications of what life will be like during the Millennial Rule of Christ’s Kingdom over the earth. Now when we analyze Isaiah’s words we immediately see that they imply meaningful activity, creative work. This building and planting program will last for a long time because housing will be needed not just for the Armageddon survivors but also for the billions who will return progressively during the resurrection. What endless possibilities there will be for architectural initiative and variety of design!​—Revelation 16:14-16; 21:3, 4.

Just think of what the resurrection itself implies. Your ancestors will be raised from the dead. Your genealogy will unfold before your very eyes! You will be able to trace your roots and origin, not from dry records, but by talking with your resurrected forebears. That certainly will not be boring!​—John 5:28, 29.

In addition, during the Thousand Year Rule of Christ’s Kingdom a worldwide educational program will be carried out to bring the resurrected ones up to date on the fulfillment of God’s purposes toward the earth and what they must do in order to merit life forever. Doubtless Jehovah will reveal new instructions suited to mankind’s changed circumstances. The people will then be judged by the laws and instructions in the “scrolls” opened during Christ’s Millennial Reign.​—Revelation 20:12.

Using the Brain’s Potential

Will life be boring, then, during the Thousand Year Rule and thereafter? Remember the brain’s marvelous potential and compare what you now know with what there is to know.

For example, how many animals, plants and insects can you name or describe from personal experience? Twenty? Fifty? A hundred? For some city dwellers, out of touch with nature, that can be a revealing challenge. Yet one biologist writes: “As many as 5 million different kinds of organisms share the biosphere [consisting of living creatures and their environment].” How many of those five million kinds of earth dwellers can you name? For example, how many different kinds of insects have you seen in your lifetime? There are more than 700,000 classified species! And what about the marvelous variety of birds with their diverse plumage, design and songs? How many can you recognize? Yet there are 8,600 living species of birds. Where would man be without trees? We rely on them for food, shade, timber and fuel. How long would it take you to get to know all the 20,000 different kinds of trees?

Yet these are only a few of the thousands of fascinating subjects that intrigue man. (Compare Job, chapters 38 and 39.) Their variety and depth present no problem for our brain capacity. In effect, we have a brain designed with an endless potential. Therefore, mankind, blessed with an active and inquiring mind, will have no room for boredom. What we need, however, is enough life to match the brain’s potential. And that is precisely God’s promise for obedient mankind​—endless life on a Paradise earth.​—John 17:3; Revelation 22:1, 2.

Eternity Not Boring

But yet another Paradise prospect presents itself​—getting to know the whole earth, little by little. There will be no national boundaries, no restrictions to travel. Gone will be the narrow nationalistic, racial and tribal mentalities. All will recognize that they belong to the one, united human family. What a joy it will be to travel and gradually get to know our millions of “brothers” and “sisters” dwelling in peace around the earth. That will be a source of endless joy​—not boredom!

Jehovah’s promises and purposes will be brought to complete fulfillment regarding this earth: “The meek ones will eat and be satisfied; those seeking him will praise Jehovah. May your hearts live forever. All the ends of the earth will remember and turn back to Jehovah. And all the families of the nations will bow down before you.” If you wish to be among those meek ones who will live forever, feel free to contact Jehovah’s Witnesses or the publishers of this magazine. Without cost your questions will be answered and you too may have the hope of everlasting life in a Paradise earth!​—Psalm 22:26, 27; Titus 1:2.

[Picture on page 6]

How many types of birds, animals, fish and plants do you know? In Paradise there will be time to learn about all of them

God’s Word Is Alive

Jesus Promises a Re-creation

“LOOK! We have left all things and followed you,” the apostle Peter is saying to Jesus. “What actually will there be for us?” Consider Christ’s remarkable reply: “Truly I say to you, In the re-creation, when the Son of man sits down upon his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also yourselves sit upon twelve thrones.”​—Matthew 19:27, 28.

So Jesus is here promising that Peter and the other apostles will rule with him as kings, sitting on thrones. But when? “In the re-creation,” Jesus says. What is this RE-CREATION? And when will it be realized?

The Bible account by Luke of this same occasion helps to identify “the re-creation.” It reads: “Peter said: ‘Look! We have left our own things and followed you.’ [Jesus] said to them: ‘Truly I say to you, There is no one who has left house or wife or brothers . . . who will not . . . in the coming system of things [receive] everlasting life.’”​—Luke 18:28-30.

So “the re-creation” is here identified with “the coming system of things.” When Christ sits down in heaven upon his glorious throne, along with those who will rule with him, there follows the re-creation of a righteous system of things. (2 Timothy 2:11, 12; Revelation 5:10; 14:1, 3) A consideration of the kind of start that God gave our first parents in Eden will give an idea of what the re-creation will be like.

Jehovah God created the first human pair, Adam and Eve, perfect and placed them in the garden of Eden. It was a paradise of pleasure. Jehovah originally purposed for humans to live forever on earth enjoying true peace and security, such as you see depicted here. Yet rebellion corrupted that original paradise, and, in time, resulted in the wicked system of things that now exists.

Will God’s purpose to have an earthly Paradise go unfulfilled? No, it will not! We have Christ’s own promise that the righteous system with which humankind began life on this earth will be re-created. There will be a restoration of Edenic conditions, and eventually these conditions will be extended earth wide. Thus the Creator will vindicate his original purpose to have an enduring righteous system of things. Surely we can rejoice in this Bible-based prospect!​—Psalm 37:29; Revelation 21:3, 4.