12. When is sin eradicated?

At the end of the millennium, Christ descends to earth again, with the saints and the New Jerusalem. He will end the great controversy and eradicate sin by executing the decisions of the millennial judgment. Satan, his angels, and his human followers, including the beast and the false prophet, receive their punishment—eternal death. The very surface of the earth outside the city appears to melt, becoming a vast lake of fire for the “judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:7). The fire that destroys the wicked purifies the earth from the pollution of sin. The watching universe is satisfied that God is both merciful and just (see Ephesians 3:9, 10; 1 Corinthians 4:9).JTL27 14.1

Out of the purified and renewed earth, Christ will create a New Earth and establish on it His eternal kingdom, which the saints will enjoy for eternity. Satan, the root, and his followers, the branches, will be no more. Sin will never rise again. The great controversy between good and evil is forever ended.JTL27 14.2

The Bible describes this final act of cleansing the earth of sin and sinners as God’s “strange act” (Isaiah 28:21), for He “is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 NKJV). “We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him” (2 Peter 3:13, 14 NIV).JTL27 14.3