This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Dr. Ron Braley. This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press.
Recently, I wrote a series about our Supernatural God— Elohim led by YHVH, the Creator. I touched on Elohim rebels including Satan, coming cosmic battles, an earthly Kingdom, judgment and re-creation. Over the following few articles, I’ll start with the new creation and give a high-level view of the ‘end times,’ which have been in motion since Jesus brought YHVH’s Kingdom to people. But... First, the point is hope. We believe what YHVH has done and is doing. So, we believe He’ll keep His word to restore everything to perfection as it once was. Read Revelation 21:1-22:5 for a glimpse of that beautiful future. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men… looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus…” (Titus 2:11-13). Second, here’s the basic sequence from now until the coming new age of re-creation
• Life will continue as it has until religious deception, war and environmental issues increase
significantly.
• The ‘Antichrist’ ruler will crush YHVH’s people for several years.
• YHVH will rescue them and bring wrath against the ungodly.
• There’ll be peace on Earth for a while.
• Finally, judgment and a new age when YHVH will again hang out with His creation.
These periods could be categorized as: (1) From now until the Sataninfluenced Antichrist; (2) During the time of the Antichrist; (3) After the Antichrist; (4) Return to Eden. We’ll focus on the return to Eden here and then cover the other periods in subsequent articles.
As it was in the beginning
Before some Elohim rebelled, YHVH walked with people in a beautiful place and partnered with them to manage His creation (Genesis 2:625). YHVH’s creation was ‘good,’ and the relationship between Creator and the created was perfect (complete). Two unique trees grew there—one that offered enlightenment not meant for people and another that gave indefinite human life.
We now die because our access to that Tree of Life was removed (Genesis 3:22-24).
So it will be in the end
In a remarkable reversal, YHVH will destroy this realm and, in its place, create one where He and His creation coexist as it was and is meant to be (Revelation 21:1-4). No pain. No suffering. No evil. What about the Tree of Life?
Read Revelation 22:1-2, and you’ll see that it will be restored. Beauty, purity, eternal life and perfection will be the order again.
Summary
God has pursued us since we walked away long ago. One day, He’ll tire of our immoralities and self-centeredness and insert Himself into our history for massive reconstruction. In the following article, we’ll continue our end-times journey by unveiling from now until the devil pulls Antichrist’s strings. Remember that God desires our love for Him and people more than religion. Questions or comments? Email [email protected].
Blessings and peace, Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin
