There was a time “when the earth itself did not exist”

…the various species found upon the earth have an origin in time; for it is acknowledged by all that there was a time when these species existed nowhere on the face of the earth, and indeed a time when the earth itself did not exist. But the world of existence has always been, for it is not confined to this terrestrial globe. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Excerpt from a table talk, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre. To see the entire talks please visit ‘Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)

Human soul has a beginning but no end

Know that, although human souls have existed upon the earth for a myriad ages and cycles, the human soul is nonetheless originated. And since it is a sign of God, once it has come into being it is everlasting. The human spirit has a beginning but no end: It endures forever. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Excerpt from a table talk, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre. To see the entire talks please visit ‘Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’)