p. 7 | A Triumphal Possession of the New Earth

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 21, 1915

A Triumphal Possession of the New Earth

By H. A. ST. JOHN

Seven Great Triumphs — No. 7

A Triumphal Possession of the New Earth

H. A. ST. JOHN

AFTER the triumphant entrance of the redeemed into paradise, they reign with their Redeemer throughout the long millennial age. During this one thousand years we know not how many delightful excursions and visits they may make together to the sinless worlds of God’s beautiful creation.

And when the millennial age is ended, Jesus, with all his angels and all the saints, comes back to this earth, which was left one thousand years before, a dark, desolate, bottomless pit, the kingdom and prison of Satan and his angels. The beautiful city is then seen descending. Jesus purifies and prepares a place for its reception, a great plain upon which it settles.

When this takes place, all the wicked

dead are raised. Satan then has all his subjects of all the ages. He at once prepares to capture the holy city and all its happy and holy inhabitants. When all is ready, fire falls from above, and Satan and all his mighty hosts are burned to ashes. Thus the promise to the saints, made many centuries ago, will be verified: “When the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.”

The rebellious being all destroyed, the works of man and all the works of Satan are dissolved and consumed, and sin and the curse are no more. When the fire has done its work, Jesus calls his saints, saying, Come, behold what desolations I have made in all the earth! The great controversy of the ages is ended, and the great battle field presents a picture of desolation and ruin that no pen can describe. The saints cast one sad look upon the scene of desolation, then their attention is drawn away from the cheerless picture by the cheering words of Jesus, “Behold, I make all things new.”

Then the blessed Jesus proceeds with the grand work of making the new heavens and the new earth. We know not how long a time this may occupy; but as it is a re-creation, might not the unfolding of the new heavens and new earth be accomplished in a period of seven days, ending with the re-creation of the holy Sabbath? Jesus made the Sabbath for man in his first estate. So may not he remake it as the Sabbath for man in his perfect state? Then indeed may be heard again the morning stars singing together, and all the sons of God shouting for joy. Then will the work of redemption be complete. And when the saints are invited to enter, take possession, and eternally inherit this glorious earth made new, it will be their final, seventh, and eternal triumph. Are we pressing on in the way? O, what will it be to be there!

Sanitarium, Cal.