KINGDOM - OLOGY 33

A Transformed Physical Environment Marks the Transition into the Eternal State 

         The earth was created to serve as the proper habitation of mankind through eternity. It was originally designed and adapted to meet all the needs of mankind: physical, soulical, spiritual. In the area of the physical it was arranged to meet all the needs of bodily well-being (Gen. 2:9). In the area of the soulical it was designed to arouse the senses and satisfy the intellect (Gen. 2:9). In the area of the spiritual, it was placed in a setting to excite wonder and devotion to the Creator (Psa. 8:1, 3, 9; 19:1-6). There was nothing in that original environment that did not meet the combined needs of this creature made in the image and likeness of God.

            But an unforeseen factor, as viewed by man and produced by man, brought about a change in that environment that would distress men through millenniums of time. Because of sin, a curse was pronounced upon the earth (Gen. 3:14-19). The effects of the curse have taken their toll in mankind and will continue until God is pleased to lift that curse. Amazing changes take place during the period of the Mediatorial Kingdom, but it is not until the ushering in of the eternal state that the curse is lifted in its totality (Rev. 22:3). As encouragement for the people of God, the apostle Paul wrote: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it” (Rom. 8:18-25). The fulfillment of this hope provides for every company of saved people. Some will enter into its benefits earlier than others. But all will experience its fullness at the ushering in of the eternal state.

            Certain details make it perfectly clear that there is a profound rearrangement in the physical environment as transition is made into the eternal state. Geological changes will take place. Whereas there were oceans and seas during the millennium, in the eternal state there is no more sea (Psa. 72:8; Rev. 21:1). There will be physiological changes in the experience of existence. During the millennium there will be death, but during the eternal state there is no more death (Isa. 65:20; Rev. 21:4). There will be ecclesiastical change in the area of worship. An enlarged temple will be in use during the millennium, but there is none during the eternal state (Ezek. 40:48; Rev. 21:22). Christ Himself will be that Temple. It is also clear that there will be an essential change in the illumination of the New Jerusalem. Even though the sun and the moon still exist, there is no need for them in that city, for the Lord Jesus Christ is the Light-bearer (Rev. 21:23, 25; 22:5). This list is sufficient to make the reader realize that this is a new earth in kind and quality though not in substance.

            The method by which this transformation is effected is suggested in the writings of Peter. He declares that "the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Pet. 3:10). This is the day of God (2 Pet. 3:12), when in power He will destroy the present world order, not with water, as He did in the flood, but with fire. By this means there will be destruction which affects the passing away of the first earth and the bringing of a new earth upon the scene (Rev. 21:1). The destruction is not to be interpreted in terms of annihilation of substance. The adjective "new" in each one of its appearances makes reference to something that is new in kind, though not substance. This must mean therefore that there is a new arrangement of things, an arrangement that approximates the new order of society that will inhabit this environment. When God brought the first creation into existence, He called it good (Gen. 1:31). From that time forth God's work has been in the area of preservation (John 5:17; Neh. 9:6). One aspect of preservation in relation to material creation is redemption. This event will bring restoration to its completion. Over and over again the various parts of creation are said to endure forever (Psa. 72:5, 17; 119:90) and are used as rules of measure for the promises of God to His people (Jer. 31:35, 36).

            The fact and the method of change is declared in the Word of God. But the time element involved in change is not mentioned. While God could effect this change instantly, there is no more reason to believe that this is so here than in the first creation. There it was accomplished in six days. Perhaps some such schedule will be used in the future. Certain things argue for a period of time. Such disposition will be necessary to care for the billions of people saved during the millennium and go living into the eternal state. It will be necessary to move them about as various portions of the earth undergo change. While there is no reason to believe that this change is extended over a long period of time, there is reason to believe that just as some period was necessary to work out the transition from the tribulation into the millennium, there will also be an adequate period to make the transition from the millennium into the eternal state (Dan. 12:11-12).

            Is it possible by means of this transformation that the earth is to be restored to its Edenic splendor of long ago? If so, then what was lost in the first Adam is now returned to its original state and beyond through the Last Adam. What God sought to do in the earth in the beginning will at last reach the acme of perfection in the eternal state. There will be a garden of God in the earth. Living waters will flow from the throne. The tree of life will again be accessible to men, and its leaves will preserve the health of all those who live in physical bodies (Rev. 22:1-2, 14). The curse is now completely lifted. The sterility of the soil is removed and the growing season extends through the entire year. Devastating storms of flood, and wind, and snow, and ice, and drought will no longer afflict the earth. Famines and pestilences and earthquakes will be a thing of the past. The earth will thus be restored to that primeval paradise where things began, but with something more, the presence of the incarnate Son of God, and now a completely regenerated society. At last thy will shall be done in earth, even as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10). The prayers of the saints have been answered and the perfect kingdom is here (Matt. 6:10).