bible study from OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2007

Replacing a Broken World

PREPARED BY CHET ECHELBARGER

This present world is plagued with a myriad of problems man cannot solve. People want to enjoy universal peace, happiness, abundance, well-being, good health and prosperity. Yet, these desires are unobtainable in this present age. Could these one day become reality for everyone? Could they become universal? Could news media one day report only good news?

Imagine living in a world where:

Does this sound like a science fiction novel? Does it sound too good to be true? Will all the peoples of the world eventually enjoy these utopian conditions? Is it possible that the problems now plaguing civilization on such a grand scale will disappear?

The Bible foretells that a wonderful, prophesied utopia is coming to planet Earth. And it will happen soon—in your lifetime!

God’s Word is almost entirely a message about a coming world government. Everywhere Jesus Christ journeyed, He preached—announced—the coming of the kingdom of God. He explained that it would be a world-ruling supergovernment that would smash and replace all governments of men. He brought exciting, thrilling good news in advance of its arrival. He spoke of the wonderful world tomorrow.

Before we learn some of the exciting details of what can be expected in this new world, be sure to grab your Bible, some paper and a pencil or pen so you can write down the Bible verses that answer the questions in this study. Let’s look at how this wonderful world is going to come about.

(1) Why is the world in its present form—in such a state of confusion, suffering and ignorance? Would an omniscient Creator God have authored this? I Corinthians 14:33. If this is not the world that our Creator intended, who is its grand architect? II Corinthians 4:4.

This verse is talking about Satan the devil and identifies him as the “god of this world.”

(2) How is he able to maintain control and influence over the world? Ephesians 2:2.

His destructive influences are broadcast through the air much like radio waves are transmitted to radio and television sets in our homes. Our minds are easily tuned into his negative influences, which appeal to our vanity and human nature.

(3) Just how pervasive and widespread is his sphere of influence? Revelation 12:9.

Satan remains ruler over the earth until Jesus Christ’s Second Coming, at which time he will be replaced.

(4) At that time will Jesus Christ, who now resides at His Father’s throne in heaven, return to earth and establish the world-ruling government of God? Matthew 24:21-22, 29-30; Daniel 2:44; Zechariah 14:3-4, 9.

This will be a much-needed event, to say the least. Even though the solutions for man’s problems remain out of his reach, they are coming—but not before man learns some devastating lessons. The Bible reveals that this world will experience turbulent times never before experienced in history. This period is known as the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord. If it were not cut short by Christ’s Return, it would result in the total annihilation of mankind. This is one reason the Return of Jesus Christ will be necessary. At last, man’s ambitions of establishing a world-ruling government will be achieved—through the government of God!

(5) Will those who survive the coming Great Tribulation have learned their lesson? Will they want to learn God’s way of life? Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:9. Will they eventually cooperate with each other? Isaiah 52:7-8.

This supergovernment of God will usher in a different way of living. People will live God’s way of giving, sharing, helping and serving. They will be taught God’s way of life, which brings happiness. The problems of war, crime, sickness and poverty will vanish as individuals learn to obey God’s Law.

(6) Where does Scripture state the location of its headquarters will be? Jeremiah 3:17; Zechariah 8:3. Will it serve as a model city, an example to the entire world? Isaiah 62:1-2, 7.

Jerusalem is destined to become the headquarters of the world. It will become an unprecedented city of magnificence and splendor.

Most forms of government have a central seat from which their authority is administered. This is one of the main obstacles confronting a humanly devised world-ruling government. There is no consensus on where it will be located or who will be in charge. But God’s government leaves no question of who will be in charge.

(7) What will other cities be like? Amos 9:14; Zechariah 1:17; Isaiah 60:18. Will this bring happiness and joy to these places? Zechariah 8:4-5; Jeremiah 33:10-11.

When Jesus Christ returns, many of today’s cities will have been destroyed during the Great Tribulation. They will need to be rebuilt (Ezekiel 36:33-35; Isaiah 61:4).

Although not every detail of the condition of these cities is mentioned in the Bible, we can be certain they will be well planned, because we are told that “God is not the author of confusion” (I Corinthians 14:33). The Bible also shows that many of the problems and conditions in today’s cities will no longer exist in the new world. Problems such as violence and poverty will be eradicated. Many of these evils can be linked to overcrowded conditions, which will no longer exist (Isaiah 5:8).

(8) Will the landscape be changed in the new world? Can we expect the old waste places and deserts to be made fertile and productive? Will beautiful forests spread and thrive in tomorrow’s world? Isaiah 35:1-2, 6-7; 41:17-20.

Think about the major transformations that will occur. For instance, imagine parched, dry deserts becoming green, lush gardens of grass, trees and shrubs, with bubbling springs and brooks. When you look at today’s earth, most of it is unproductive; only 10% is usable for food production. Vast areas are covered with oceans, deserts, rocky mountainous terrains and unusable wilderness. In the world tomorrow, much of that waste land will become productive, with beautiful forests, more agricultural land, fish-filled lakes and streams. No more polluted rivers, lakes and streams or ravaged landscapes.

(9) At that time, will there be one common, universal language that is understood and spoken by everyone? Zephaniah 3:9.

In addition to cultural differences, consider how language barriers affect cooperation and understanding among different nations and ethnic groups. Often, words of one language do not readily translate into another language with the same or comparable meaning. This problem will be eliminated when all people speak, read and communicate in one common, pure language.

(10) In the new world, will people privately own land and enjoy the rewards of their work for which they have labored? Will they dwell safely without fear of aggression from others? Micah 4:4; Isaiah 62:8-9; 65:21-22.

(11) Will God cause the laws of nature to work in unison to aid those who obey Him? Ezekiel 34:26-27; Malachi 3:10-12; Isaiah 30:23-24. Will the abundance of crops and cattle result in great rejoicing? Jeremiah 31:12. Will there be an overabundance of food? Amos 9:13.

No longer will there be huge disturbances in weather, such as droughts, floods and wild fires. No longer will crops be damaged by insects or agricultural diseases.

(12) Will people enjoy a peaceful existence without fears or worries? Review Micah 4:4.

The streets of cities around the world will soon be safe for all. Look at this description of how Jerusalem—one of the most violent, unsafe cities on earth today—will change (Zechariah 8:4-5).

Abandoned buildings, choking traffic, drug dealers, the homeless, street gangs, criminals—and all fear!—will soon fade to memories. This will be a product of living God’s Way. Life will be more enjoyable, tranquil and satisfying for people in the world tomorrow. Human beings will begin to see that living in harmony with their Creator results in a better life for everyone.

(13) What about matters of health in tomorrow’s world? Will the ailments that afflict many today be cured? Will the deaf, lame, blind, mentally handicapped and those suffering birth defects be miraculously healed? Isaiah 33:24; 35:5-6; Jeremiah 30:17.

How exciting to picture blind people seeing sunsets that they had only heard described—and the deaf able to hear beautiful music, birds singing and the sound of their children’s voices. The exuberance will be so great that the mute will not just talk—they will sing! And the lame will not just walk—they will leap! Our present world suffers from sickness and diseases, with even more deadly forms being discovered regularly. Terrible disease has been—and remains—inseparable from man’s history. This will all soon change! The entire world will learn that God has always been the only One who can truly cure—heal—all forms of sickness and disease (Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:3).

(14) How will the nature of wild animals be affected? Will God change their nature so they will be peaceful and mild-natured? Isaiah 11:6-8.

Imagine living in a world where animals such as the bear and lion are tame and friendly enough to be pets. Does that seem possible? Lions as pets? Wolves jumping through hoops on the front lawn? Tiny children walking leopards? Babies playing with once-deadly snakes? It is all prophesied to occur.

(15) Has God stated He will not allow the destructive nature of man or beast to exist in the world tomorrow? Isaiah 11:9.

No matter how surreal it might seem, we have God’s assurance that it will happen!

(16) Will the world to come be full of the knowledge of God? Will God’s Spirit be available to all? Ezekiel 11:19-20; 36:26-27; Joel 2:28-29.

The Holy Spirit, which is God’s nature of outgoing concern for others (1 John 4:16; Romans 5:5), will be available to everyone. People will come to truly love God and fellow man. Do you see how following God’s way of life under the power of His Holy Spirit will automatically spawn a better world? This change in human nature will make tomorrow’s world wonderful!

Humanity will uphold the laws of God. And many of you engaged in this study will rule, judge and teach in this new age of peace, happiness and abundance. You will have the opportunity to be pioneers!

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