The End Times Bible Report Quarterly
Winter 2019: Issue Number 87
Repairing the World
“The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise… look for New Heavens and a New Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
— 2 Peter 3:10-13 —
After the first six creative days, “God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31) But, what of the seventh creative day? Has everything been “very good?” The seventh creative “day” (Greek: space of time, epoch, age), is not yet finished. At the beginning of the seventh day God rested from his work and left the dominion of earth in the control of Adam and his family. Since that time, mankind has not done a “very good” job of taking care of this planet and its inhabitants.
The world is in desperate need of repair, and it is within the plan of God that, before the end of the seventh creative day, there is to be a complete overhaul of earth’s corrupted society — its religion, governments and social arrangements. Along with this will come the mending of our planet’s ecosystem — the trees, the oceans, the air we breathe, weather systems, and even earth’s unstable surface, which has been plagued by volcanos and earthquakes. (Isaiah 60:13) The most significant repair will be the hearts of humanity. When the seventh creative day is successfully completed, God will then say “it is very good.”
“Tikkun Olam” — Hebrew: “Repair the World”
The Nation of Israel has a phrase that speaks well of their attitude toward the world. Tikkun Olam described means “to do something with the world that will not only fix any damage, but also improve upon it, preparing it to enter the ultimate state for which it was created.” (Chabad.org) True to this benevolent principle, whenever there is a natural disaster, Israelis are in the news, carrying out this noble mission — from search and rescue, to rebuilding communities, to medical assistance and post-psycho trauma care. Israel has a heart to help no matter one’s religion, race or country — even her enemies! And, is this idea of repairing the world not Scriptural? Yes, it is the same teaching of mercy and unselfishness which is behind Jesus’ directive: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Mark 12:31) It is also the expectation of the worldwide blessing God expressed in His oath-bound promise to faithful Abraham: “...in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.” (Genesis 22:17,18) Note here three significant and powerful points:
• All nations will be blessed.
• The blessing will come through Abraham’s seed.
• The seed has two components: a spiritual seed — the stars, and a fleshly seed — the sand.
We might describe the blessing of all nations as repairing the damage done by sin since the fall of Adam. This philosophy of Tikkun Olam already at work in Israel is the preparatory work occurring before the establishment of God’s Kingdom to come upon the earth. That God intends to bring the planet back to its Edenic condition is a promise of Scripture, and along with this work will come the restoration of health, security and happiness which once resided in Eden’s Garden.
Repairing the Heart
Before the world can effectively be repaired, there must first be a repair of the hearts of all humanity. Every possible reform can be initiated, but if men’s hearts are not repaired, selfishness will always have it’s destructive influence. In fact, humanity is so far from perfection of character that many of the heroes and idols set up before the world as examples are devoid of moral integrity. Selfishness is a powerful influence among politicians, religious leaders, financiers and social leaders. Indeed, history has proven that if the poor and oppressed gain freedom under their present sinful conditions, the once oppressed will often become the oppressors. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one...” (Romans 3:10) Thus, for the heart to be repaired it must be educated by and conformed to the perfect pattern which Jesus displayed in his character — the proper balance of justice, mercy and wisdom.
For over 6,000 years, mankind has been separated from God because of the disobedience of our first parents. During this time, God has permitted our race to experiment with sin and note its bitter consequences. He has granted mankind time to attempt to build righteous nations and experience their utter failure. But, the thousand-year judgment day (epoch), coinciding with the return of Christ, will ultimately teach mankind purity of heart. “When Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” During that judgment day the world will learn a new language — the language of unselfish love for God and for one another. (Isaiah 26:9; Zephaniah 3:8-9; Jeremiah 31:31-33) Thus, one of the primary tasks associated with the repair of the hearts of man is the reconciliation of the world to God. This broken relationship between God and His human creation will be repaired and restored to the loving relationship possessed by Adam and Eve while they dwelled together with God in their peaceful Garden home.
Ministers of Reconciliation
While the world awaits their promised time of reconciliation with God, the followers of Christ have the privilege of being reconciled with God now. Through the merit of Christ, our hearts are being “transformed” — repaired — by following his perfect example. (Romans 12:2) As we grow more in his likeness, we develop an intense desire to be instruments of God’s blessing to ALL. Jesus’ unselfish spirit of helpfulness, kindness and good will toward all is the very spirit of God. “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus...” Philippians 2:4, 5
Jesus’ followers are not only being transformed in their characters, but they are also being trained to be ministers of reconciliation. “All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation” to the world. (See 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.) It seems, however, to be an impossible task to be a positive force of change upon the whole world now. This is true, because it is not yet time to convert the world — evidenced by the fact that it has been over 2,000 years since Christ died to save it! No, the Church must wait to be ministers of reconciliation to the world until the body of Christ, his Bride, is complete. (Romans 11:25) Then, their desire to bless the world will be granted in God’s Kingdom to come. Then, Satan will be bound, so as not to be able to deceive and suggest evil thoughts. Then, education on a world-wide scale will teach merciful and just laws. Then, the Church, as knowledgeable and sympathetic teachers, will perform their ministry of repairing the hearts of humanity — bringing the world into full harmony with God. Jesus will be the “Everlasting Father,” the life-giver of mankind (Isaiah 9:6), and his Bride, the Church, will be considered the nurturing and caring Mother.
Replacing, NOT Repairing
the Old Heavens & Earth
Jesus painted an interesting picture which describes well the difference between repairing versus replacing something that is old and dysfunctional. He pointed out that “No one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins.” (Matthew 9:17 NLT) This illustration can be compared to the old heavens and earth. New principles of justice are now stretching the old systems of the world to the limit, and ultimately the present social order will burst in destruction. This said, while the hearts of humanity and our damaged planet will be able to be repaired, the old order will not be able to be repaired, but must be replaced — shaken until the old systems collapse and can be replaced with the New Heaven and New Earth. “For thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land.’” Haggai 2:6 NAS
Our world certainly does seem to be shaking out of control. On every global level — whether economic, political, social or religious — present awareness of injustice and corruption demand sweeping changes under a competent, righteous and merciful ruler — Messiah.
• Old Political & Economic Systems: We are a world so connected that what happens in one part of the earth very often instantly ripples around our globe. Since the development of the United Nations, many countries realize that it is in their best interest to provide for the best interest of the other nations. Although government leaders make great promises for repairing the world, selfishness often overrules and prevents a total love your neighbor as yourself attitude and outcome. Because of a lack of trust among countries and increased hate-speech by some leaders, the world remains in a very unstable and combustible state.
History has shown us that every form of government has been tried, and yet, corruption prevails. The great Russian revolution which was to bring about the equality of man by communism is just one example. That seemingly equitable form of government was to enable the common people to have control — no longer under a dictatorship or monarchy. There was to be no disparity between the rich and the poor — fairness was to be the law. Although the idea was noble, the reality was that selfishness on every level brought that government down in failure.
The world must learn that the political and economic systems of this “present evil world” will not satisfy the real desire of their hearts — health, happiness, freedom from fear and an end to death. Only God’s Kingdom will bring about the perfect, unselfish balance of justice and love, and this will be cherished most by those who have suffered the most!
• Old Social Systems: Injustices against women, children and people of color are dominating media coverage and shaking up society. People in every country and under every banner are marching en mass for their rights, and, although they demand justice, the wheels of change move slowly, causing even more frustration and volatility. Selfishness will always prevent effective change and repair of social injustices. This will not be resolved until human hearts are repaired and the New Earth replaces the Old. Awareness is just one step in the destructive process upon the old social order, and this brings about an ever growing desire for the New Earth. Only God’s Kingdom, under the administration of His Son can stop the cycle of oppression and injustice which came about as a result of sin.
• Old Religious Systems: The old, false “heavens” are also being shaken. There is no question that pedophilia, crimes of greed and other self-serving behaviors are being manifest on a shocking scale in the religious world. These crimes have been covered-up for centuries, because the ruling powers in false churches are resistant to losing their authority and social positions — even if the change would be good for their congregations. Satan, “the prince of the power of the air [heavens]” certainly does not want to see his counterfeit church empire destroyed. Nevertheless, “the powers of the heavens shall be shaken,” and the inauguration of the New Heaven under the administration of Messiah is coming in! Ephesians 2:2; Luke 21:26
Yes, the old heavens (false religious systems) and the old earth (political, economic and social systems) must be removed and replaced with the new. Only one government is capable of bringing about the kind of massive change necessary on a global scale. “Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” (Psalm 46:2) Fear not! for the shaking process signals that the promised New Heaven and New Earth — under the reign of Messiah and his Church — is very near!
Divine Blueprint for a
New Heaven and a New Earth
Every architect has a blueprint from which to accurately construct and successfully complete his creation. So too, God has a blueprint for His creative plan which is outlined in detail in the Bible. And, just as an architect asks that no one judge his project by his unfinished work, likewise, we should not judge God’s creation in its unfinished state. Rather, it should be viewed by the prophetic blueprint which illustrates His plan in its grand completion. Revelation 22:1-3
Promises of a better day coming are scattered throughout the Divine Blueprint of God’s Word. We call to mind Isaiah 48:15 which clarifies that the earth was created not in vain — God formed it to be inhabited. The Edenic paradise — which God has in mind to extend to all — shall be restored. “The desert shall blossom as the rose;” and both the plant and animal creation will be restored to their proper balance. Nature with all its pleasing variety will call to man from every direction to seek and know the glory, power and love of God; and mind and heart will rejoice in Him. This is the New Earth promised!
The Kingdom will be in the benevolent control of a Wonderful Counsellor — the Prince of Peace! This is the New Heaven promised! (Isaiah 9:6) Rest assured that, until the hearts of humanity learn righteousness, God will not give dominion of the earth back over to Adam’s children. But, the time will come when the repair process will be complete, and “the meek shall inherit the earth.” Psalm 37:11
How thankful we are that the New Heaven and the New Earth will provide a “Highway of Holiness” where “even a fool shall not err therein... And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads... and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Isaiah 35:8, 10) The use of the word “return” becomes clearer when we recognize that sin and alienation from God are an unnatural state — it is this state that is in need of repair. Harmony with God is the natural state that our first parents enjoyed in Eden. The definition of return includes the thought of “returning to the starting point.” Thus, mankind will eventually return to where the human race first began — human perfection in a paradise home.
When God’s progressive plan is complete and the rough scaffolding for repair is removed, it will reveal that the world’s dark night of weeping under the influence of evil has been permitted for instruction. Mankind’s training period and trial will extend throughout the thousand-year reign of righteousness, during which Messiah will instruct and guide each individual back into full harmony with their Creator. They will ultimately stand before God unblemished — recipients of everlasting life.
At the end of this seventh creative day, God’s finished creative work will universally declare the infinite power, wisdom, love and justice of His glorious character. Then all of God’s creation, unitedly with Him, will declare with one voice — “IT IS VERY GOOD!”
Past End Times Issue on This Topic
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According to Bible chronology, what the world has been experiencing for the past 100 years, especially since the start of World War I, is the great prophetic clash between the kingdoms of this world, with Satan as their ruler, and the Kingdom of God, with Christ as His appointed reigning King. These two worlds are at war, and there will never be peace as long as Satan and his followers are permitted to influence the hearts and minds of humanity. Soon the Prince of Peace will take full control, and Satan will be bound. (Revelation 20:1-3) But, at this end time of the present evil world, Christ has started to take control of the affairs of earth and is in process of tearing down this old order—the financial, social, political and religious powers which have been corrupted by evil. “The kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdom of our Lord . . . And the nations were angry . . .” — Revelation 11:15, 18
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