Vertical Divider
|
Vertical Divider
|
Vertical Divider
|
Vertical Divider
|
Despite the rebellion and destructiveness of His creatures during the “Tribulation” period, God promised the future regeneration of the earth. It was congruent with His eternal remedy to vindicate His nature in heaven and on earth.
Messianic Age The divine regeneration of the earth will first necessitate the judgment of the degenerated earth. “… the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the [degenerated] heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the [degenerated] earth and its works will be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:7, 10) The fire of divine judgment will destroy every trace of angelic and human rebellion related to the degenerated heavens and earth. After the fiery destruction of the degenerated earth, God will regenerate the earth in temporal form. “But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13: cf. Matthew 19:28) According to plan, the kingdom of God will be visibly manifested on the regenerated earth. (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13) It will accommodate the immediate, visible reign of Christ on earth and allow for the vindication of the divine nature through the restoration of national Israel. (cf. Psalm 2:6-9; Isaiah 2:2-4; 9:6-7; 11:1-12:6; Jeremiah 23:3-8; 33:9-26; Matthew 25:31-34) As revealed throughout the Old Testament, the restoration of Israel to the covenant plan of God and kingdom citizenship on the regenerated earth has long been their national hope. (cf. Psalm 24:1-10; 89: 3-4, 29, 34-37; Isaiah 1:26-27; 4:2-6; 9:6-7; 16:5; 27:12-13; 29:22-24; 30:18-26; 32:16-20; 33:20-24; 35:1-10; 43:5-7; 44:1-5, 21-23; 45:17; 51:3; 52:1-10; 55:12-13; 56:6-8; 60:1-14; 61:10-11; 62:1-12; Jeremiah 3:8, 17; 16:14-15; 31:1-40; 50:19-20; Ezekiel 11:14-20; 17:22-24; 20:40-41; 28:25-26; 34:25-31; 36:8-15, 24-38; 37:1-25; 40:1-43:27; 44:1-46:24; 47:1-48:35; Hosea 1:10-2:1; 14:4-8; Joel 2:18-32; 3:17-18; Amos 9:11-15; Micah 4:1-8; 7:18-20; Zephaniah 3:9-20; Zechariah 8:1-8; 10:8-12; 14:9-11) Theologians refer to the rule of Christ over the restored nation of Israel as the “Davidic,” “Messianic,” or “Millennial” kingdom. “Davidic” because it is the fulfillment of the kingdom God promised to David (2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 28:7; Daniel 7:27; Obadiah 15-21; Micah 4:1-8); “Messianic” because it will be ruled by Jesus the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:16; Psalm 89:20-37; Isaiah 2:2-3; 24:23; Jeremiah 33:15-17; Daniel 7:13-14; Luke 1:30-33; Revelation 20:4, 6); and “Millennial” because its duration is 1000 years (Revelation 20:2-7). The reign of Christ on the regenerated earth with the full, willing cooperation of national Israel will provide a perfect, visible demonstration of selfless love, unfailing mercy, and absolute justice. Consequently, it will decisively vindicate the nature of God once and for all. |
Vertical Divider
|
The Messianic Age on the regenerated earth can be briefly summarized as follows:
|
Vertical Divider
|
|
Vertical Divider
|
© 2023 James Hiatt |
Vertical Divider
|
Vertical Divider
|
|