Welcome to “Ehrman Errs,” a blog series devoted to using our conversational AI to refute each alleged biblical contradiction that is posed in the article on Bart Ehrman’s website: 50 Contradictions in the Bible: The Biggest, Most Shocking Differences.
Today’s alleged contradiction:
#1 – The Earth Does Not Last Forever
In Ecclesiastes 1:4, we read that “the earth remains forever,” a sentiment echoed in Psalm 104:5, which praises God for laying the foundations of the earth so firmly that “it should never be moved.” However, this view contrasts sharply with certain passages in the New Testament that foresee the destruction of the current earth and the creation of a new one. For example, 2 Peter 3:13 describes the hope for “new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells,” and Revelation 21:1 envisions “a new heaven and a new earth” after the first has passed away.
How Does Ehrman Err?
At first glance, it may seem that the Bible presents a contradiction about the permanence of the earth. However, when we examine the relevant passages in their literary, historical, and theological contexts, we find that the Bible’s teaching is consistent and coherent.
1. Understanding the Language of Permanence
Let’s look first at the Old Testament passages:
- Ecclesiastes 1:4 (ESV):
“A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever.” - Psalm 104:5 (ESV):
“He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved.”
These verses use poetic language to express the stability and reliability of the created order, especially in contrast to the fleeting nature of human life. In Hebrew poetry, “forever” (עוֹלָם, olam) often means “for an age” or “for as long as the present order endures,” not necessarily “for all eternity without any change.” The focus is on God’s faithfulness in sustaining creation throughout human history.
2. Theological Context: God’s Sovereignty Over Creation
The Bible consistently teaches that God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe (Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16–17). The earth’s stability is a testimony to God’s power and faithfulness. Yet, the Old Testament also contains hints that the current creation is not ultimate or unchangeable:
- Psalm 102:25–26 (ESV):
“Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away.”
This passage recognizes that, compared to God’s eternal nature, even the heavens and the earth are temporary.
3. The New Testament: Fulfillment and Renewal
The New Testament builds on this foundation. It teaches that, because of human sin, creation itself is subject to decay and will one day be renewed:
- 2 Peter 3:10, 13 (ESV):
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed… But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” - Revelation 21:1 (ESV):
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.”
Here, the “passing away” of the current heavens and earth is not a contradiction of the Old Testament’s affirmation of the earth’s stability, but rather a fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. The “new earth” is a transformed, perfected creation—free from sin, death, and decay.
4. Reconciling the Passages
- Poetic and Provisional Language:
The Old Testament’s statements about the earth “remaining forever” are poetic affirmations of God’s sustaining power, not absolute metaphysical claims that the current form of the earth will never change. - Progressive Revelation:
The New Testament reveals more fully God’s plan to renew creation. The “new heavens and new earth” are the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell with His people in a restored world.
5. Conclusion: No Contradiction, but Fulfillment
When we interpret Scripture with Scripture, using the historical-grammatical method, we see that the Bible does not contradict itself. Instead, it presents a unified story: God created the world, sustains it, and will one day renew it. The earth’s current stability is a sign of God’s faithfulness, but it points forward to the greater reality of a new creation.
Supporting Verses:
- Psalm 102:25–26 (the earth will perish, but God remains)
- 2 Peter 3:10, 13 (the earth will be renewed)
- Revelation 21:1 (a new heaven and a new earth)
Summary:
The Bible’s teaching is not contradictory, but progressive and purposeful. The earth’s present stability is real, but it is not ultimate. God will bring about a new creation, fulfilling His promises and demonstrating His glory.