A New Creation
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Key Verse: “I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” Selected Scripture: |
THE HEAVENS AND THE earth that Isaiah speaks about are not the literal heavens and earth because they were created for the human family and will abide forever. (Eccles. 1:4) In the Bible many symbols are used to express thoughts and emphasize certain lessons. In our Key Verse the prophet uses these to identify the social and religious order of earth’s society. The old heavens and earth would thus represent the present order, and the new ‘heavens and earth’ that are yet under the creative hand of God represent Christ’s kingdom that will replace the old order.
God has allowed imperfect men to govern themselves during the long centuries of history, a history dominated by pride and selfishness, and written in blood. Christ’s thousand-year kingdom of righteousness and blessings will replace fallen man’s rule, and will sweep away all injustice and unrighteousness. The prophet has emphasized that the former things will neither be remembered nor come into the mind once the new heavens and new earth are completed and in power.
Those who will share with our Lord Jesus in this new kingdom order are being selected during the present Gospel Age. It is a special faith class that is being called. The new spiritual ruling power will be our Lord, together with his faithful bride. They will have the power and authority to put down all evil, and hold out everlasting life freely to those who are obedient.
Isaiah continues, “Be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.” (Isa. 65:18,19) Under the administration of that blessed kingdom every person, including those who will be raised from the grave, will have full opportunity to obey the laws of God, and never have to die. It will surely be a grand time of joy and rejoicing among the people, with no more tears, sorrows, or death. (Rev. 21:1-4) The prophet’s reference to Jerusalem points to the people of Israel and symbolizes the wonderful work that will be accomplished during that kingdom reign. Israel, as God’s own typical people, thus represents on a grander scale the whole world of mankind brought together at the end of the Millennial Age—God’s own perfected human family.
In that day, as the prophecy continues, no one will die that has not reached maturity, nor will anyone die because of old age. The incorrigible will have a one-hundred-year trial. (Isa. 65:20) The trial for life will be fair, and exacting. Those who have been given ample probation and are proven unfaithful will be considered as mere children when compared to the obedient ones who will receive everlasting life. The sinner that is accursed will be cut off from any further blessings. The individual rights of property will be recognized, and all will receive the just benefits of their labor.
“It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” (vs. 24) Under the administration of the new heavens and new earth God will be mindful of all of his human family’s interests even before they ask.