How will the earth be able to sustain all of the people prophesied to be resurrected in Revelation 20:5, 11-12?

As we look at the world around us, we see that it is already in danger of becoming “saturated” with humanity. The world’s population is quickly approaching 7 billion. Arable land is rapidly disappearing or being depleted of its life-giving nutrients. Cities are overcrowded, leading to urban sprawl. Enormous mountain ranges, deserts, and polar regions either cannot sustain human life or are at best unusable. Pollution and wars have also greatly affected this planet’s ability to continue supporting ever more human beings.

When one considers this, it is painfully obvious that the earth, in its present state, could not possibly contain the untold billions who will be brought back to life according to these verses. But at the time of which these passages speak, earth will be a very different place.

God’s government will have reigned on earth for 1,000 years (Rev. 20:4-5). Many huge, even miraculous, renovation projects will be undertaken during this time, to prepare and restore a devastated earth for the multitudes that will be resurrected. Isaiah 40:4 describes mountains being lowered to usable heights, and deep valleys being raised up. Isaiah also tells us that the deserts will blossom with abundant life (35:1-2). A right climate will be restored to the planet (Isa. 30:23; 35:7), with rain in due season—when it is needed (Zech. 10:1). God will do all these things with Christ and the saints. After all these projects are completed, there will be far more usable land than we have in our present day.

Let’s suppose that forty billion people will be resurrected at the end of this millennial rule. And let’s further suppose there will be fifty million square miles of usable land surface. After some simple calculations and estimations, we can postulate that a six-member family would have about 5 acres of land. This will be enough land to feed the family and support other uses. Notice Micah 4:4: “But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken it.”

To learn more about this time and other prophecies regarding God’s Plan for mankind, read our book Tomorrow’s Wonderful World – An Inside View!