Does Earth belong to God according to the Bible?

The Bible, as the foundational text for Judeo-Christian thought, contains numerous references to the ownership, purpose, and stewardship of the earth. This blog post will explore the biblical perspective on earth’s ownership, examining key scriptures, theological interpretations, and implications for humankind.

Biblical Foundation: God as Creator and Owner

The very first verse of the Bible sets the tone for understanding God’s relationship to the earth: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This declaration establishes God as the Creator of all things, and by extension, suggests His ownership. The act of creation itself is foundational to the concept of ownership throughout the Bible, denoting authority and rights over what has been made.

Psalm 24:1 explicitly states, “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” This verse is often cited to affirm that not only did God create the earth, but it remains under His ownership and authority. The verse emphasizes both the physical world and its inhabitants as belonging to God.

Similarly, Deuteronomy 10:14 says, “To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.” These passages leave little ambiguity about the biblical claim: the entirety of creation, seen and unseen, is God’s possession.

Theological Interpretations of God’s Ownership

The assertion that God owns the earth is not simply a poetic flourish; it forms the bedrock of Judeo-Christian theology regarding humankind’s relationship to the environment and to each other. Theologians such as Augustine and Aquinas taught that creation reflects God’s glory and sovereignty. The earth is not autonomous or self-owned but remains under the authority of its Maker.

This theological perspective shapes doctrines of stewardship, sin, and redemption. If God is the rightful owner of the earth, then humanity’s role is not that of owner, but of steward or caretaker. This view is reinforced in Genesis 2:15, where God places Adam in the Garden of Eden “to work it and take care of it.” Adam is given responsibility, but not ultimate ownership — a distinction that has significant ethical implications.

The Earth and Its Purpose in Scripture

The Bible describes the earth as more than a physical planet; it is the stage for God’s redemptive plan. Isaiah 45:18 says, “For this is what the LORD says—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.” This passage underscores the intentionality behind creation, suggesting that the earth exists for a divine purpose.

Throughout the scriptures, the earth is portrayed as a place that displays God’s attributes — His power, creativity, order, and provision. Romans 1:20 states, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” The earth thus serves as a testament to its Owner’s character.

Stewardship: Humanity’s Role on God’s Earth

While the Bible affirms God’s ownership, it also assigns a significant role to humanity. In Genesis 1:28, God commands mankind to “fill the earth and subdue it” and “rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature.” This dominion is often misunderstood as license for exploitation, but the biblical context points to responsible stewardship.

The concept of stewardship is reinforced in the parables of Jesus, where servants are entrusted with their master’s resources and held accountable for their management (see Matthew 25:14-30). In this sense, humans are caretakers, not proprietors, of the earth. The land, animals, and resources are ultimately God’s, and humanity is called to manage them in a way that honors the Creator.

Leviticus 25:23 further illustrates this principle: “The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers.” Here, even the Israelites’ possession of land is temporary and conditional, a stewardship rather than an ownership.

The Earth in the Psalms and Prophets

The poetry and prophecy sections of the Bible repeatedly affirm God’s ownership and care for the earth. Psalm 50:10-12 proclaims, “For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine… for the world is mine, and all that is in it.”

The prophets echo this theme, often linking the health of the land with the faithfulness or disobedience of God’s people. When Israel turns away from God, the land suffers; when they return, restoration follows. This reflects the interconnectedness of creation and Creator, and humanity’s responsibility within that relationship.

New Testament Perspectives

The New Testament reiterates and expands upon the Old Testament’s teaching regarding God’s ownership of the earth. Colossians 1:16 affirms, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things have been created through him and for him.” This Christological focus presents Jesus as the agent and goal of creation, further cementing divine ownership.

Hebrews 1:2-3 describes Jesus as the heir of all things, through whom the universe was made, and who sustains all things by his powerful word. Revelation 4:11, in a vision of heavenly worship, says, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” These passages not only reaffirm God’s ownership but also point to the ultimate redemption and renewal of the earth in God’s plan.

The Redemption and Restoration of the Earth

The Bible does not limit God’s concern to spiritual realities; it envisions the redemption of the physical creation as well. Romans 8:19-21 speaks of creation “waiting in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed,” and that “the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay.”

Revelation 21 depicts a “new heaven and a new earth,” indicating that God’s ownership persists beyond the present age. The renewal of creation is seen as part of God’s redemptive purpose, where the earth is not discarded but restored. This vision challenges any notion that the physical world is unimportant or expendable.

Implications for Modern Believers

If the earth belongs to God, then modern believers are called to reflect this truth in their attitudes and actions. Environmental care, justice, and sustainable living become not merely political or social issues, but spiritual responsibilities. The biblical worldview calls for respect, gratitude, and wise stewardship of God’s creation.

Furthermore, recognizing God’s ownership challenges the tendency toward materialism and exploitation. It invites humility, reminding humanity that we are guests and caretakers, not masters. This perspective fosters a sense of global responsibility, as every person and nation inhabits land that ultimately belongs to God.

Conclusion

In a world facing environmental crises and questions of sustainability, the biblical teaching that the earth is the Lord’s remains both a challenge and an invitation—to honor the Creator by caring for His creation.