THE END OF EARTHLY STRIFE.
1. To whom does the earth belong? “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.” Ps. 24:1. 2. To whom do the people belong? “The world, and they that dwell therein,” also belong unto the Lord. Same verse, last clause. 3. To whom do the creatures of the earth belong? “Every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains; and the wild beasts of the field are Mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; for the world is Mine, and the fulness thereof.” Ps. 50:10-12. 4. To whom do the treasures of the earth belong? “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of Hosts.” Hag. 2:8. 5. How did God come to own the world and all that is in it? 6. Did the Lord sell the earth to men? “The earth hath He given to the children of men.” Ps. 115:16. 7. How came men to imbibe the idea of accumulating the land and its treasures? When Satan overcame Adam, and usurped the dominion, his spirit of selfishness was imparted to the race. Hence all the strife for possessions; hence the inequalities and the oppressions and the conflicts. But when the Lord comes again in the glory of His power, He will overcome and forever subdue the usurper, and forever destroy all the results of his wicked rule in the hearts of men. 8. Then who will eventually possess the earth? “Evildoers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be; yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Ps. 37:9-11. God’s eternal purpose will be fulfilled in the new earth, which He will create, “wherein dwelleth righteousness.” See 2 Peter 3:9-14.