Do you really think that change has no meaning? The abode 'on' earth is the abode of man and creation. 'in' the earth is more the realm of demons and even deeper in the earth, hell it's self.
Let's look at some more of those 'On' to 'In' changes, although this seems to be a minor point for you..
Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
Genesis 4:14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me. (KJV)
Genesis 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. (KJV)
Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (KJV)
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (KJV)
Luke 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. (KJV) This particular verse, and the surrounding verses have just gone totally whacky! This almost was identical to Matthew 6. Only real difference being "debts" and "debtors" in Matthew, and trespasses in Luke... No More.
Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (KJV)