A Better World–Why Not?

Members of the Church of God have just celebrated the annual Feasts of Trumpets and Atonement, which picture the return of Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16) and the banishment of Satan (Revelation 20:1-3). In a few days, Church members will observe the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days at designated convention sites all over the world. These days picture and foreshadow a time of unparalleled joy, happiness and prosperity for all nations–something that the world has not experienced before. The Kingdom of God will have come to this earth (Matthew 6:10). Truly, utopia will become reality–Paradise will be established right here on this planet. This world will witness “heaven on earth” in the truest sense of the word.
 
Today, we are bombarded with bad news. Even the “Current Events” sections in our weekly Updates are filled with unpleasant and dire warnings. But we don’t report these events because of masochistic tendencies. Rather, we are telling our readership what is happening in light of Biblical prophecy. These events are necessary to unfold prior to a most mind-boggling occurrence–the return of the Messiah and the beginning of a wonderful and better world. Viewed in that way, even the bad news is good news.
 
But the REALLY good news will become reality when God begins to rule this earth. The Feast of Tabernacles pictures the “Millennium” or a period of one thousand years, when Christ and His immortal disciples or “saints” will govern on and over this planet (Revelation 20:4, 6; 5:10; Isaiah 32:1; 33:17, 20-22). Notice, from the pages of the book of Isaiah, the RESULT of such righteous and all-powerful administration–and compare it, if you like, with our present human rule:
 
— “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4).
 
— “Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end” (Isaiah 9:7).
 
— “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb. The leopard shall lie down with the young goat. The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them… the nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole… the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:6-9).
 
— “Then He will give the rain for your seed With which you sow the ground, And bread of the increase of the earth; It will be fat and plentiful. In that day your cattle will feed In large pastures…” (Isaiah 30:23).
 
— “And the inhabitant will not say, ‘I am sick'” (Isaiah 33:24).
 
— “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing” (Isaiah 35:6).
 
— “For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert” (Isaiah 35:6).
 
— “He will make her wilderness like Eden, And her desert like the garden of the LORD; Joy and gladness will be found in it” (Isaiah 51:3).
 
— “All your children shall be taught by the LORD, And great shall be the peace of your children” (Isaiah 54:13).
 
— “Violence shall no longer be heard in your land” (Isaiah 60:18).
 
— “The LORD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations” (Isaiah 61:11).
 
Too good to be true? But why should it be? Granted, these are truly amazing, breath-taking announcements of a better world to come–and there is so much more! It is THAT better world, which is worth “living for”–and even “dying for,” if need be. The Feast of Tabernacles reminds us of a future civilization and society, which seems so distant today, so unrealistic, so incredible.
 
But imagine what we just read: Satan will no longer deceive mankind; Christ will rule this earth; human nature will be changed; the environment will be fruitful, hospitable and pleasant; war and violence will be a thing of the past; all sickness will be healed! Why is it so hard to believe that such a world is possible? Of course, with man it is not possible–but is anything too difficult for God?
 
Adam and Eve lost their Paradise–but not forever. It is man’s destiny to find and regain it–and even in a much more all-encompassing condition than at the time of man’s creation.
 
Today, the Church of God proclaims the gospel or good news of the coming Kingdom of God in all the world as a witness. That very Kingdom will be ushered in within a few years from now–and all the world will experience its life-saving and life-enriching effects. Today, this world scoffs at its destined future. But soon, it will celebrate a new and everlasting beginning of a better world–and why not?