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Any forecast of conditions in the ages to come can be based only on what fragmentary details God has revealed in the Bible, interpreted in the light of currently expanding knowledge in every other field, a phenomenon of the Time of the end" foretold by Daniel (12:4). Though liberty and enlightenment have already lifted many out ofsuperstition and ignorance, it must not be understood that the new earth will be merely a rather improved continuance ofthe old order, but under different rulers. It will be completely different. Behold, I am making all things new." (Revelation 21:5).
Christ's kingdom on earth will achieve sum changes as can only be glimpsed at in our present condition. When its purposes are accomplished, all will possess absolute perfection of physique and intellect, with the capacity to understand and master every branch of learning in the arts and sciences pertinent to the earth. All will have the joy of continuing the creative process begun on this planet at the dawn of its history, by caring for the earth, cultivating the waste places, erecting beautiful dwellings and other buildings, and extending Edenic conditions from east to west and from north to south, until the whole earth answers to the prophetic description of Isaiah 66:1 and 60:13: “. . . the earth is my footstool: . . . I will make the place of my feet glorious.” Conditions on earth will not be static. God promised Noah that as long as the earth remained there would be seedtime and harvest, summer and winter, cold and heat. That earth will remain is assured, as God created it to be inhabited (Isaiah 45:18). There must therefore always be interest, activity and development, opportunities and even challenges to be met, with no thought of an eternity of idleness. New arts will bloom; new sciences be discovered; control over the lower orders of creation will be re-established, while increasing insight into natural laws will endow perfect humanity with powers yet undreamed of. Many questions inevitably come to mind, and the unbiased truth-seeker will find that Scripture and reason present such a future for the human race as could only have been devised by a just, wise, and loving God, who delights in bringing joy to those created in his own image and likeness. |
The Milk
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