Signs of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 29. (7/28/1914)

Signs of the Times

Jul 28, 1914

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jul 28, 1914

The Future of Our Earth

By Arthur G. Daniells

It Was Formed to Be Eternally Inhabited—It Is Definitely Promised to the Righteous By ARTHUR G. DANIELLS

THIS is the first of three articles by Elder Daniells on the general subject of the future of our earth. Next week he will give attention to the time when the promises spoken of in this article will be fulfilled. He will also speak of the manner of their fulfilment, and incidentally present the part that the temporary desolation of the earth will play in the great transformation and renovation of our planet.

WHAT is to become of the earth on which we dwell? Will it continue to exist, and revolve in space as at present, or will it be destroyed? If it is to continue, of what use will it be? Will it be inhabited? If so, by whom? If it is to be destroyed, what reason can be given for such a strange act?

To the thoughtful, the above inquiries must be of deep interest. There is but one source from which it is possible to get anything like a satisfactory answer to these questions, and that is the word of God. Nature can give no light regarding them.

CREATED TO BE INHABITED

The object for which the earth was created is thus stated by the prophet Isaiah: “For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else.” Isa. 45:18. It appears, then, that the design of God in creating the earth was that it should be inhabited. By whom? Let the psalmist answer: “The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath He given to the children of men.” Ps. 115:16. Again: “What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him?” “Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet: all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.” Ps. 8:4, 6-8.

MAN PLACED IN POSSESSION OF ALL

From this we learn that when the earth and all pertaining to it had been created, man was created and placed in possession of all. This is further confirmed by the words of Moses in Gen. 1:26-30. Here is man, made in the image of God, standing at the head of all that is living on the earth. This world, in all its beauty and extent, is his dominion. He is rightful possessor and ruler of all. He of course must govern, and be governed, by the laws of his wise and just Creator. What a wonderful gift to man—a beautiful world, unstained by sin!

AMERICA’S VOLCANO, MOUNT LASSEN, CALIFORNIA, IN ERUPTION

The wise man says, "The earth abideth forever." Eccl. 1:4. God said to our first parents, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth." Hence it is certain that had man been loyal and true to the requirements of God, he, with his posterity, would have lived in this happy and holy estate throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.

MAN LOST HIS DOMINION

But in time a sad and much regretted change took place. The tempter came. Man sinned, and lost his innocence, his life, and the dominion of the earth as given to him at the beginning. Paul, after referring to man's first dominion as stated by the psalmist, says: "Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him." Heb. 2:8. At first all things were put in subjection under him; but at present this is not the case. He has lost his dominion. It has passed from him.

A USURPER AND DECEIVER ENTERS

To whom did the dominion pass? Was it not to the one who deceived man, and caused him to sin? When Jesus came to earth to carry out a very important part in the plan of redemption, Satan met Him at the very beginning of His work, and exerted all his satanic power and cunning to defeat Him. He tempted the Son of God by offering to Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, saying, "For that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it."

Here Satan asserted his claim to the ownership of the earth, which he won by conquest. Jesus did not dispute it, but seemed to recognize its truthfulness, and afterward called him "the prince of this world." John 14:30. Paul called him "the god of this world." 2 Cor. 4:4.

From these considerations it seems evident that when man was taken captive, his "dominion" passed into the hands of the captor; and that the captor, for a time, has at least limited control of this world.

THIS POWER AND USURPATION TO BE OVERTHROWN

That a decided change will in time take place, when every vestige of power will be taken from him, the Bible clearly teaches. Jesus Himself announces, "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost." Matt. 18:11. Man was lost, and his dominion also was lost. Therefore Jesus came to save both man and his dominion—the earth.

For this reason Micah says: "And Thou, O Tower of the flock, the Stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto Thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem." Micah 4:8.

SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH

The Bible abounds in promises to the effect that the righteous shall inherit the earth. As we read these promises, it will be seen that many of those passages which state that this earth shall be the home of the saved, also declare that it shall not be the home of the wicked. Let the reader observe the striking contrast everywhere drawn between the righteous and the wicked.

David says to the righteous: "Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb." "For evil-doers 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. 37:1, 2, 9-11.

WHEN THE WICKED ARE "CUT OFF"

According to these statements, it is evident that so far as the present life is concerned, prosperity is as likely to attend those who serve Satan as it is to attend those who serve the living God. Jesus says His Father "maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." But it is not to the present that we are pointed for consolation and hope. Our minds are directed to the future, when the wicked "shall be cut off"; then the righteous "shall inherit the earth," and dwell therein forever.

On this point Solomon says: "For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it." Prov. 2:21, 22. Here it is plainly stated that the wicked shall not inherit the earth. Now inasmuch as the wicked do at present inhabit the earth the same as the righteous, all such statements must have reference to a future state. We therefore conclude that God does not intend to destroy our earth at the close of probation, but that He will make it the everlasting abode of all who have "washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

The expressions, "The earth abideth forever," "The perfect shall remain in it," "The righteous shall never be removed," etc., are emphatic, and can not be set aside.

WILL THE EARTH BE DESTROYED?

But, it is asked, does not the Bible teach that when the work of the gospel is finished, the earth will be burned up and destroyed? How can it teach that, and at the same time teach that it will abide forever, and that the righteous shall inhabit it forever, and never be removed? The Bible writers tell us of a great burning day when the earth will be on fire, but none of them state that it will be burned up.

No doubt the apostle Peter comes nearer to conveying such a thought than any other writer of the Scriptures; but a careful reading of his words will show that he does not say that the earth will be burned up.

Here is what he says: "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." 2 Peter 3:10. This verse states a number of facts: 1. That the day of the Lord will surely come; 2. That when it does come, the elements shall melt with fervent heat; 3. The earth also, in addition to the elements, shall melt with fervent heat; 4. And the works that are therein shall be burned up. And so John says, "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8.

WE LOOK FOR A NEW EARTH

Thus it is seen that the melting of the earth and the complete destruction of its works is a part of the great plan of redemption.

The apostle adds, "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13.

A new or renewed earth will come forth from this purifying fire. Of this change the psalmist says: "Of old hast Thou laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the work of Thy hands. They shall perish, but Thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt Thou change them, and they shall be changed." Ps. 102:25, 26.

In another place we are told how the earth will be changed: "Thou hidest Thy face, they are troubled: Thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. Thou sendest forth Thy Spirit, they are created; and Thou renewest the face of the earth." Ps. 104:29, 30.

From the purifying fires of the great day of God, the earth will come with its face renewed; and the blight and mildew of sin will have been removed, the works of Satan destroyed, and the earth in its renewed state and Eden beauty will be given to the saints of the Most High, who shall possess it through the ceaseless ages of eternity.

IT WAS PROMISED TO ABRAHAM

On this ground, and this only, is it possible to understand God's promises to and dealings with Abraham and his posterity. On one occasion "the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever." Gen. 13:14, 15.

That the world, and not Palestine only, is here promised to Abraham, is stated by Paul in Rom. 4:13: "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith." Of course Palestine is included in the promise. This positive promise to Abraham that he should possess the world forever was renewed by the Lord at a subsequent time. Gen. 17:1-8. Although Abraham was at this time in the land of Canaan, the Lord reminds him that he is there as a stranger and not as an heir.

THESE PROMISES FOR THE FUTURE

The same promise was confirmed to Isaac and Jacob. Gen. 26:3-5; 28:13. But none of these promises have ever yet been fulfilled. Speaking of Abraham and the promise to him, Stephen says: 'And He gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet He promised that He would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.' Acts 7:5.

There is no mistaking this statement. Abraham never received one foot of this earth in fulfilment of the promises we are now considering. What, then, shall we conclude—that the Lord will not do as He has promised, or that the promise had reference to a future time? This is all made plain by Paul in his letter to the Hebrews: 'By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.' Heb. 11:8-10.

THE ETERNAL CITY PROMISED

Let us note the facts here stated: 1. Abraham was called into a country which he should afterward receive for an inheritance; 2. He dwelt in this land to the day of his death, as in a strange country; 3. He looked forward to a city, the New Jerusalem, whose builder and maker is God; 4. He and his sons died, 'not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off'; 5. They 'confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.' How evident that the promises were for the future, and that those to whom they were given so understood them!

Finally Paul says, 'These all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.' Verses 39, 40. The better way provided is that all the heirs shall receive the inheritance at the same time. And who are the heirs?—'If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.' Gal. 3:29. The heirship extends to all who shall overcome.

This is the rest that remains for the people of God. O, blessed rest that remains for the worn and weary toilers in the Master's vineyard! O, blessed home that awaits the pilgrims and strangers of this sin-cursed earth! O, delightful day, when shall be gathered from all parts of the world, and from all ages of human history, that 'great multitude, which no man could number,' to receive from the Lord God this earth, blooming as it did when first given to man!

To this great event, and for this priceless gift, have all the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs looked with longing, tearful eyes. And lo, the day draws on apace!

'How bright the vision! O, how long Shall this glad hour delay? Fly swifter round, ye wheels of time, And bring the welcome day.'

Treasures in Heaven

By L. D. Santee

By L. D. SANTEE

"But then shall I know even as also I am known."

There is a thought that banishes my sadness, When all the busy cares of day have fled,— That all the resurrected friends in gladness, Called from the silence of their dusty bed, Shall be the same when I again behold them, The same when I shall greet them by and by, The same when once again my arms enfold them, And with them journey to our home on high;

That in the wondrous change to the immortal, They are not lost to those who held them dear, But after we have passed through heaven's portal, We'll know them there as we have known them here, The same fond eyes, though void of every sorrow, The same true heart, though free from every pain. My spirit thrills that on some glorious morrow, My loved ones I shall recognize again.

God will not take the ones who'll walk in glory, And make them strangers in the world above. 'Twould dim the sweetness of the wondrous story, Did we not know the friends that here we love. But when we're fashioned like unto the angels, And worship at Jehovah's shining throne, We'll raise a loud, a thrilling, sweet evangel, To feel that there we'll know as we are known.

The Master's Response to the Cry of Faith

By Mrs. E. G. White

Even Leprosy Yields to His Touch — Healing Power Not Delayed in This Disease — Even So He Acts Promptly for the Sinner — Perfect Relief Assured to Every One Who Trusts

By MRS. E. G. WHITE

Of all the diseases known in the East the leprosy was most dreaded. Its incurable and contagious character, and its horrible effect upon its victims, filled the bravest with fear. Among the Jews it was regarded as a judgment on account of sin, and hence was called "the stroke," "the finger of God." Deep-rooted, ineradicable, deadly, it was looked upon as a symbol of sin.

LIKE ONE ALREADY DEAD

By ritual law the leper was pronounced unclean. Whatever he touched was unclean. The air was polluted by his breath. Like one already dead, he was shut out from the habitations of men. One who was suspected of having the disease must present himself to the priests, who were to examine and decide his case.

If pronounced a leper, he was isolated from his family, cut off from the congregation of Israel, and doomed to associate with those only who were similarly afflicted. Even kings and rulers were not exempt. A monarch attacked by this terrible disease must yield up the scepter, and flee from society.

MUST PUBLISH HIS OWN CALAMITY

Away from his friends and his kindred, the leper must bear the curse of his malady. He was obliged to publish his own calamity, to rend his garments, and sound the alarm, warning all to flee from his contaminating presence. The cry, "Unclean! unclean!" coming in mournful tones from the lonely exile, was a signal heard with fear and abhorrence.

In the region of Christ's ministry were many of these sufferers, and as the news of His work reached them, there is one in whose heart faith begins to spring up. If he could go to Jesus, he might be healed. But how can he find Jesus? Doomed as he is to perpetual isolation, how can he present himself to the Healer? And will Christ heal him? Will He not, like the Pharisees, and even the physicians, pronounce a curse upon him, and warn him to flee from the haunts of men?

NOT ONE TURNED AWAY

He thinks of all that has been told him of Jesus. Not one who has sought His help has been turned away. The wretched man determines to find the Saviour. Though shut out from the cities, it may be that he can cross His path in some byway along the mountain roads, or find Him as He is teaching outside the towns. The difficulties are great, but this is his only hope.

Standing afar off, the leper catches a few words from the Saviour's lips. He sees Him laying His hands upon the sick. He sees the lame, the blind, the paralytic, and those dying of various maladies, rise up in health, praising God for deliverance. His faith strengthens. Nearer and yet nearer he approaches to the listening throng. The restrictions laid upon him, the safety of the people, the fear with which all men regard him, are alike forgotten. He thinks only of the blessed hope of healing.

HEARS ONLY THE VOICE OF LIFE

He is a loathsome spectacle. The disease has made frightful inroads, and his decaying body is horrible to look upon. At sight of him the people fall back. In their terror they crowd upon one another to escape from contact with him. Some try to prevent him from approaching Jesus, but in vain. He neither sees nor hears them. Their expressions of loathing are lost upon him. He sees only the Son of God, he hears only the voice that speaks life to the dying.

Pressing to Jesus, he casts himself at His feet with the cry, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean."

Jesus replies, "I will; be thou clean," and lays His hand upon him.

Immediately a change passes over the leper. His blood becomes healthy, the nerves sensitive, the muscles firm. The unnaturally white, scaly surface peculiar to leprosy disappears; and his flesh becomes as the flesh of a little child.

THE PRIESTS HAD TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT

Should the priests learn the facts concerning the healing of the leper, their hatred of Christ might lead them to render a dishonest sentence. Jesus desired that an impartial decision be secured. He therefore bids the man tell no one of the cure, but without delay present himself at the temple with an offering before any rumors concerning the miracle should be spread abroad.

Before the priests could accept such an offering, they were required to examine the offerer and certify his complete recovery.

This examination was made. The priests who had condemned the leper to banishment testified to his cure. The healed man was restored to his home and society. He felt that the boon of health was very precious. He rejoiced in the vigor of manhood, and in his restoration to his family. Notwithstanding the caution of Jesus, he could no longer conceal the fact of his cure, and joyfully he went about proclaiming the power of the One who had made him whole.

IT IS THUS WITH THE LEPROSY OF SIN

When this man came to Jesus, he was "full of leprosy." Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. The leprosy was cleansed.

Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,—deep-rooted, deadly, impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isa. 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence was healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will; be thou clean."

INSTANT HELP FOR SINNERS

In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted.

When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask; but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Gal. 1:4. "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15.

Religion and the State School

By Will H. Spicer

Shall Students Be Forced to Attend Religious Services in a State University?

By WILL H. SPICER

AT the Pennsylvania university recently, following a successful revival conducted by "Billy" Sunday, a movement was set on foot by the students to make chapel attendance compulsory. This is said to be an age of reviving interest in religion. Apparently there is danger that the old errors which have retarded the spread of Christianity in the past, will be revived as much as any of the old truths. The enlightened believer must look askance at the spirit called Christian which seeks to secure the benefits of religion to others by compelling them to attend church.

DIFFERENT PRINCIPLES APPLY

No one can object to religious regulations in a private college, where, if they are distasteful, the student can easily go to another school. Different principles apply where membership is voluntary than where it is determined by the rights of birth, as in the country as a whole. When state funds furnish part of the support of the school or university, its status changes. According to the principles of our government, the state can not support religion directly, but only protect the citizen in its exercise. Religious opportunities can be supplied to the students by those who believe them necessary, but the state funds must be devoted to the promotion of those attainments in learning that are beneficial from a civil standpoint. And no benefits given by the state should be conditioned on the acceptance of religious privileges or responsibilities.

THE CHURCH SHOULD PROVIDE RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION

It is the duty of the church to provide religious instruction; and history has demonstrated that if it fails, the government can not take its place. A movement to arouse the churches, in university towns especially, to their responsibility in this matter, has been started, and has great possibilities for good in it if not perverted.

In a survey of the subject, presented in the Biblical World for June, Richard C. Hughes, D. D., says: "There is no mission, at home or abroad, of more importance in the bringing in of the kingdom of God, than the one given to the church that is unselfishly and vigorously ministering each year to a great company of students who are soon to scatter to the ends of the earth, and carry the inspiration and spirit of its message into enlightened social service."

And, be it added, carry the message itself. The gospel of Christ must ever be the central theme for the Christian church. The truth of the gospel is what the world needs to know. Social service will be one of the ways in which faith demonstrates itself. There is a large humanitarian basis for it which both Christian and secular educators should make the most of.

THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

Yet in Christianity alone is found the pearl of great price, which has inspired more sacrifice and labor for the good of mankind than any other thing presented to the vision of the race. To keep that pearl unsullied is the duty of the church. If the truth of the gospel were something that could be proved, like a problem in mathematics, there would be no objection to having it taught by authority of the civil power, seeing that it would be of benefit from that standpoint. But this is not so. The gospel deals with things spiritual, which must be accepted by faith.

Even things that can be proved mathematically can be doubted by some people who desire to doubt them; and this is much more true of Christianity. Hence any effort to enforce belief or study of one side of a question must seem to the unbeliever like a confession of the inadequacy of the evidence. To keep the truth pure, it must be kept free. Like all other truth, Christianity has been and ever will be strongest when belief in it is allowed to rest on the evidence of its sources and of its consequences in the life of man.

If the gospel is from heaven, it is true; but if it is from any earthly authority, it is false. The inspired Word, and the Word-inspired church, are the only channels through which its light can shine clearly. Civil support can only obscure its divine origin. To succeed in her mission, the church must realize that success depends entirely on the help of God.

The Glorious Triumph

By George William Reaser

THE human witnesses of the tragedy of the universe—the crucifixion of the Son of God—had no conception of the potency, the far-reaching importance, of the event. The Son of man had said, "I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me." Prophecy had foretold that to "the Tower of the flock, the Stronghold of the daughter of Zion," should come the "first dominion."

The final fulfilment of these two utterances will be a world redeemed from sin and all of its blighting results, to all eternity, and a universe bound together eternally in love, to the government of God. What a glorious triumph of the cross!

G. W. REASER.

The Roots of Sin

"You can kill the tree of sin only by cutting all its roots."

Conscience

By Eliza H. Morton

CONSCIENCE is primarily a feeling, yet it makes its decisions in accordance with the intellect; and unless the intellect is educated by the word of God, it is not a safe guide. The conscience enforces what the Bible and reason say is right, and prompts and prods when the carnal mind leads contrary to God's revealed will.

Every man that comes into the world is to a certain extent enlightened by conscience; for there is enough in nature to reveal the existence of a God, and even heathens feel a conscience accusing or excusing them. Rom. 2: 14, 15. Conscience, however, may be educated wrong, and lead men to do many cruel and wicked deeds. John 16: 2.

The blood of Christ is the only thing that will purge and strengthen a conscience that has been weakened by sin. Heb. 9: 14. It is the blessed privilege of every Christian to hold a good conscience, and to go on from strength to strength. In order to have this growth in the divine life, one must not tamper with sin, no matter in what garb it comes, and no matter how alluringly and bewitchingly it appeals to the senses.

The repeated transgression of any command of God deadens the moral sensibilities, defiles the conscience (Titus 1: 15), sears it as with a hot iron (1 Tim. 4: 2), and leads the soul straight downward to destruction.

The conscience that is in harmony with the Bible will be quick to discern the motions of sin in the members of the body, and quick to obey the voice that says, "This is the way, walk ye in it." Isa. 30: 21. Those who honestly desire to do right, and seek help from above, will be strengthened by God's Spirit, and be enabled to overcome the tendencies of the natural heart. "There is power in the blood." ELIZA H. MORTON.

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