Eden Restored & More

We have been thinking about the Christian hope for the future and by hope we mean confident expectation rather than sincere wishful thinking. This confidence is grounded in the truth that the God of the Bible, first revealed to the Jewish people and then through Jesus their Messiah-King to the rest of the world, created all things and controls and overrules history. History is moving to the climax purposed and planned by God.

The Christian Bible opens with a creation story in two parts which reveals God's purpose for the universe He made. Only God is qualified to speak of such things because the world is His handiwork and belongs to Him. Genesis chapter one is not science, nor even history as seen by a human observer. It is a majestic picture explaining the why of creation.

In Genesis chapter one we learn that God created everything. The earth, the sun, moon and stars, land and seas, plants and animals - all living things. He created humankind with a special responsibility to care for the world on his behalf. The word 'rule', better translated 'dominion' conveys the thought of ordering and caring (on behalf of God). It does not convey the idea of reckless and irresponsible exploitation, although sadly this is what has happened, particularly in more modern history.

'So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, '"Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground." '

Genesis 1:27-28

Genesis chapter two, the second half of the creation story, focuses on humanity. It is set in a garden and shows that we humans are deeply flawed and out of harmony with our creator, the earth and indeed each other. Just how serious this situation is unfolds in the stories that follow. 

The message of the story of Noah is that God, despite everything, will not give up on humankind. The remainder of the Bible, beginning with the story of Abraham, reveals God's project to put things right and into the position that he intends.

The image of the garden reappears at the end of the Bible in Revelation chapter 22 and is intended to be read as a complement to the Genesis story. The NIV translators draw attention to this by inserting the heading Eden Restored. The tree of life will be multiplied and bring healing to the nations. The curse is removed.

'Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.'

Revelation 22 1-6

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Sometimes, in the responsibilities, routines, concerns, and challenges of everyday life, we Christians lose our sense of proportion. It is very easy to lose the big picture and to focus our attention on ourselves, our immediate family or church family; although in times of national crisis, such as war or natural disaster, our focus will broaden, but afterwards it narrows once more.

But God's concern has always been with the whole earth. 

'Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.' 

Psalm 72:9

'Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.'

Psalm 96:1

'For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.'

Habakkuk 2:14

Indeed, God's concern has always been with the whole cosmos, the heavens and the earth.

' "As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me," declares the Lord, "so will your name and descendants endure." ' 

Isaiah 66:22

' "See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind." '

Isaiah 65:17

In the New Testament, Paul speaks of a time of fulfilment when the whole cosmos is united under Christ and God will be fully reconciled with all creation.

'...He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfilment-to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.'

Ephesians 1:9-10

'...and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.'

Colossians 1:20

Peter speaks of a new, or better rendered renewed heaven and earth.

'But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.'

2 Peter 3:13

And John speaks of a new and transformed heaven and earth.

'Then I saw "a new heaven and a new earth," for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.'

Revelation 21:1

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What is the practical outworking of all this? The answer is surely an enlarged vision. If we reduce or narrow our focus, we miss out on a great deal. The gospel is a personal invitation to be reconciled with God but that is just a beginning. Put starkly, the gospel is far more than a personal ticket to heaven. 

Those who are reconciled with God are incorporated into the church, the community of the redeemed, who share in God's ministry of reconciliation by demonstrating to others what God is like. Evangelism is, of course, hugely important, but there is more than simply sharing the gospel. God has a passionate concern for truth, justice, mercy and compassion. Disciples of Jesus Christ are called to be salt and light in their communities and places of work. As we become involved in the social structures of the world, and as we stand up against discrimination, exploitation and cruelty, we participate in God's work of transformation. The outworking of this ministry is shown in the way we treat others; how we treat our neighbours with kindness, respect and dignity, even our enemies - those who would seek to do us harm.  It should also show in the way we treat our environment. Care for creation is a kingdom value. The person who sings God's praises in a church meeting and yet throws their litter into the street on the way home is missing something.

We Christians are called to take up the vocation God gave to Adam. Our sphere of responsibility is the place where he has put us, our garden. In this age of globalisation, our garden is inevitably connected with a multitude of gardens the world over. It is highly significant then, that in Revelation 22 John returns to this garden imagery to describe the world as it will be when, as Paul puts it, '...the times reach their fulfilment'. What a glorious hope we have!

Chris Moffett