*This Earth Again to Be as Beautiful as Eden—The Curse to Be Removed
God's Original Purpose to Succeed—Coming of Christ
the Climax That Brings It*
By Eva Bowen Nelson
WHEN God had completed the work of creating this earth, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” The beauties of the earth, the perfection of its inhabitants, and the happy prospects before them, caused rejoicing throughout the universe. A new world had been brought into existence,—a world that was to be peopled with a sinless race, who should join with the angels in ascribing everlasting glory to God.
HIS PURPOSE FOR THE EARTH
But God's purpose for the earth was thwarted for the time being when our first parents yielded to the artful temptation of Satan, and disobeyed God. The rejoicing of the heavenly beings was turned to sorrow; for Adam and Eve had closed the door to the supreme happiness that was in store for the race, and opened it to lifelong trouble and unhappiness.
But God in His love did not leave them in despair. The promise was made that sometime the power of evil which now had gained control should be broken, and the earth restored to its original condition.
God cannot lie. Therefore this promise is yet to be fulfilled. The conditions prevailing in the world to-day are not in God's plan for the earth. He purposed only the highest good for every dweller upon it. There must, then, be some event yet future that will bring about the realization of this divine purpose.
That which was lost to man through Adam's sin, can be restored to him only through Christ; so man must look to the Master for the realization of God's purpose for mankind. “For this purpose the Son of God was manifest,” says the apostle John, “that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8.
ALL SATAN'S WORKS TO BE DESTROYED
Chapel and Recitation Building, Washington Missionary College
The realization of God's plan was accomplished in part at Christ's first advent. By the life and death of the Son of God, Satan's power was forever broken. He was made a conquered foe. But a complete destruction of his works was not then made. He still continues to rule among wicked men in the world, and his works are everywhere manifest. But this condition is not always to continue. It will finally terminate. By the revelation of Christ the works of Satan are to be destroyed. Since this was not wholly accomplished at His first advent, He must come again, to finish the work of destruction. And that is just what He will do. Says the prophet: “Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, . . . to lay the land desolate: and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.” Isa. 13:9. Then the very root and branches of sin will be destroyed; for its originator will be blotted out of existence, with all who have become subject to him. The earth itself will dissolve with fervent heat, and will be made over into the new heavens and the new earth.
THE EARTH TO BE THEN RESTORED
Then God's purpose for the earth will be realized. It will be restored to its first loveliness. The whole earth will be at rest, and will be quiet. The universe again will rejoice, and the ransomed ones will “break forth into singing.” Isa. 14:7. “The voice of a great multitude,” “as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings,” will be heard, saying, “Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Rev. 19:6.
THE CONTROVERSY ENDED
Then it will be said: “The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.”
