THE INFINITE CREATOR SEEKS TO DWELL WITH MEN
By J. O. C.
Man Was Created in God's Image for This Purpose — Sin Will Not Triumph Over the Divine Plan — The New Jerusalem, the New Earth, the Tree of Life, the River of Life, and an Unsullied Eternity — God to Be With Men
GOD has ever designed to associate in blessed intercourse with men. To this end He created man in His own image, that the creature might be fitted to enjoy fellowship with his Creator. One thing only is now needed to carry into effect the original plan, and that is for man to walk in the light of life freely provided through the offering of Jesus Christ. Then mutual fellowship between God and man is fully assured. 1 John 1:3-7. GOD SEEKS TO LIVE WITH MEN
But even after man fell from this wonderful grace, and chose to walk after the desires of his own heart, God attempted to live with him. Indeed, every inducement was presented by which to win his affection. His offspring were followed to Egypt, where they had been subjected to the most abject slavery, and He kept them while there "as the apple of His eye." They were at last miraculously released from their merciless masters, and led toward a land set apart for them generations before, where He might be with them as their daily Guide and Counselor. Deut. 32:8-10. In this effort He began early to manifest the symbol of His presence among them. So by a pillar of cloud by day, and one of fire by night, their long, tedious march was directed. Ex. 13:21. When the proper resting-places were reached, the fact was indicated by a halting of the cloudy or fiery column; and when the camp was pitched, the cloud assumed position just above the tabernacle, in which reposed Heaven's law, the ten pillars of divine government. From that vantage-point the voice of infinite Leadership was heard in daily regulation of every movement for the people's good. Ex. 33:9-11; Num. 12:5, 6. Then, too, on the day appointed for the high priest to go in before the tented ark containing the tables of the law, there to atone for the sins of Israel, he was sure to face the bright Shekinah, which stood for the presence of God above the mercy-seat. Lev. 16:29, 30; Ex. 25:22. Also when the Hebrew service was transferred from its tabernacle home to the temple erected by Solomon, God reserved there a place whence His name might indicate His presence. 2 Chron. 6:18, 41. This permanent "house of God" was built in Jerusalem, "possession of peace," the "city of God," to which place all Israel must repair three times each year, in token of loyalty to its indwelling King. Deut. 16:16. SYMBOLIC OF SOMETHING IN ADVANCE
All this took place under an ancient system, which was highly significant, being symbolical of an infinitely advanced order of things. It was, in fact, a regime of education in miniature, designed to instruct in future fundamentals. Its deeper meaning was forcefully stated when the prophet, as God's mouthpiece, declared that in the new earth state it will be the stipulated order for all flesh to come before God for worship every Sabbath, and every new month, throughout eternity. Isa. 66:22, 23. With this emphasized thought in mind, the question naturally arises as to what particular point in the new earth must such a gathering-place be. Jerusalem of old was the place where the tribes of Israel assembled at established periods. The union of the tribes at this point, at stated times, for the cooperate recognition of God as their sovereign Ruler, was to them the possession of peace. But as those occasions were only figurative of a better and enduring substance, so the new earth must have the possession of peace in fact; for it is discovered that in the latest inspired prophetic view of last things is one of a scene embracing the "New" Jerusalem. We read: "I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away. . . . And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven." Rev. 21:1, 2. Referring to chapter 20:9, it is learned that this "beloved city" came down upon the earth. THE THRONE OF THE UNIVERSE MOVED
Interest must center first of all on the internal grouping of the place. Without doubt it becomes the capital of the new earth, since it is transferred from heaven to the newly created world. This removal must have been prompted by some direct motive, which is communicated in the fact that the thrones of both Jehovah and the Lamb are located in that city. Not only does its removal to the new earth indicate that God intends to dwell permanently with His people there, but the location of His throne within its precincts tells that it is destined to be the capital city of the King of kings. And a blessing is connected with the outlook under consideration, not usually accorded to subjects of this earth's empires. The promise is that His people "shall see His face." Rev. 22:4. This will not be to look upon something representing God's countenance, but an actual view of His glory-shining visage, and all because His loving dependents bear His exalted name in their own open faces. Infinitely rich though that city is, with its jasper-garnished walls, its golden streets, and gates of pearl, nothing requires the closing of its portals against intruders; for sin, man's last enemy, has been destroyed. The city is therefore curseless, having no sign of degeneration in any form; but the light of God's glory, which outshines the sun, is to be its eternal light. Rev. 21:21-27. In this humanly unknown glory will walk and bask the nations of the saved, as they meditate upon the exceeding riches of God's grace that could bestow so great honors upon a sin-depleted race. Eph. 2:7. THE TREE OF LIFE AND THE RIVER OF LIFE
This ecstatic bliss is to be absolutely age-lasting; for the tree of life, from which the first Adam was excluded, has been transplanted into God's new garden of delights, and all His subjects will partake of its delicate, life-giving fruit. Rev. 22:1, 2. They will also drink of the water of life, a river having its source directly beneath the throne of God. In this privilege, all the saved quaff from the actual fountain of life's invigorating stream. Rev. 21:6. Thus the tabernacle of God will again be with men, as their very own "possession of peace." He will then have wiped away the last trace of tears from every eye, by the removal of sorrow, pain, and death. Indeed, every former cause of regret will have passed away, and all things will have been made new, as when the Edenic creation had its birth. It will truly be a desirable restoration, one to drive from mind the last trace of former impediments to happiness. Human language can not possibly portray its attractiveness as set forth by inspiration, but the grace-hungering soul can long for it beyond expression, and live in anticipation of it. Best of all, no one is excluded from the race to that goal. Why, then, should not all make the trial, and press on to the gates of that beautiful city, and so win a home there in the name of Him who has loved us and who gave Himself for us? J. O. C.