[Footnote A: See discussion of this in "The Finished Mystery", pages 62-95.]

[548]The reasonable mind cannot conceive that Jehovah would develop a new creation and glorify that creation by committing to the head of it all power in heaven and in earth without assigning the new creation some work to do with reference to man. The very purpose of the glorification of the new creation, the church, is that the members thereof, directed by the head, the Lord Jesus, might judge and bless and restore the families of the earth. There could be no judgment without a trial; and a trial means an opportunity. Jesus plainly said: "In the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel". (Matthew 19:28) Here is the positive statement of regeneration. Regeneration means the act of reproducing or giving life anew to a creature.

[549]Again it is written concerning those who participate in the first resurrection and thereby become members of the royal family of heaven: "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection; on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years," which thousand-year reign is for the purpose of restoring mankind.—Revelation 20:6; Acts 17:31.

[550]Again says the Apostle: "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?" (1 Corinthians 6:2) Again Jesus plainly declared that at his second coming he would sit upon his throne of glory, and before him should be gathered all nations, and he would separate them and reward them according to their obedience to his laws. (Matthew 25:31-46) If the church, Jesus the head and his body members glorified, endowed with power and authority, are not to act as the great deliverer and uplifter of the human race, then why should they be clothed with such power and authority? If there is to be no opportunity for the restoration of mankind, then God's plan with reference to the new creation and its work must fail. He has positively announced that one of the very purposes for calling and developing the new creation is the blessing of mankind.—Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:16,27,29.

[551]"I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light unto the gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison [the grave, condition of death], and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house." (Isaiah 42:6,7) "Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages."—Isaiah 49:8.

[552]Thus we see that every purpose of the divine plan points to the restoration of mankind. Every vital doctrine speaks of that coming time for man's blessing. Every other string of the harp of God harmoniously blends with the music of the tenth string, the restoration of man. It must be admitted by every honest student of the Bible that all the fundamental doctrines point to God's purpose of offering restitution blessings to the entire human race, and that the obedient ones will enjoy the blessings upon the earth. And now let us examine some more specific texts further corroborating the already strong proof that restitution is the great object of the divine plan relative to the human race.

[553]God made a covenant with the nation of Israel, by which covenant he promised to give life to all who would keep that covenant. (Leviticus 18:5) The Israelites, like others of Adam's offspring, having been born sinners and imperfect, could not keep this covenant; therefore could not get life through it. The specific reasons are: (1) Because the ransom-sacrifice had not yet been given; (2) because of the imperfections of the human race and the imperfections of Moses the mediator of the covenant it yielded life to none of the nation of Israel. (Romans 8:3) There was a two-fold purpose for this law covenant being made. One was, that it might serve as a schoolmaster to lead Israel to Christ (Galatians 3:24); and the other, to foreshadow a better or new law covenant arrangement which God would make through his beloved Son Christ Jesus. (Hebrews 10:1; 8:5) Christ is the great high priest; and by his fulfilling the divine purposes, he is now the mediator of a better covenant, the new covenant, which God purposes to make for man's benefit. (Hebrews 8:6; 9:15) When the church is glorified and the kingdom set up, then the blood (merit) of Christ will be applied for the sealing of the new covenant, through which covenant promised blessings are to be extended to the human race.

[554]After these days, then—after the gathering out of the Christ class or new creation—this covenant is to be made, as St. Paul states: "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be my people; and they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more."—Hebrews 8:8-12.

[555]Under this new covenant the whole human race shall have the opportunity to come back to God through Christ the mediator. Mark that it is plainly stated that during the time of restoration 'God will put his laws into their minds, and write them in their hearts, and will be to them a God and they shall be to him a people; for he will be merciful to them, and their sins and iniquities he will remember no more'. This could mean nothing less than the taking away of the imperfections of the obedient and restoring them to a righteous condition.

[556]Following the glorification of the church and the making of the new covenant, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Barak, Jepthae, and the prophets (all of whom we term faithful worthies), the Lord has promised shall be brought forth from the tomb, being given a better resurrection. (Hebrews 11) These shall be princes, rulers, or legal representatives of the Christ, in the earth; and through them the Lord will establish a righteous government in the earth. (Psalm 45:16; Isaiah 32:1) And then "out of Zion [the Christ, invisible to men] shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem"—the headquarters of Christ's visible representatives.

[557]"It shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains [kingdoms], and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."—Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-4.

THE LIVING FIRST

[558]St. Paul emphatically states that the Lord Jesus shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom. (2 Timothy 4:1) In this he is corroborated by St. Peter (1 Peter 4:5) The word quick here means the living, those who have some measure of life; and the text is so rendered in the Weymouth translation. When the new covenant is made and the Lord begins to deal with the people, it will be with the living first. It would be unreasonable to suppose that he would first awaken the dead and deal with them, and then with the living later. Jesus, speaking of the great time of trouble with which the present world reaches a final conclusion, indicated that many human beings will pass through the trouble. (Matthew 24:21,22) The prophet Zechariah informs us that a portion of the people will be brought through the fiery trouble, and refined, and then will call upon the name of the Lord and he will hear them. (Zechariah 13:8,9) Those who learn of the Lord's kingdom and readily put themselves under its direction and become obedient to the laws and rules of his new kingdom will be the ones who will be blessed and acknowledged of the Lord, and rapidly restored.

[559]Further corroborative proof is given by the prophet Isaiah that restoration will begin with those living on the earth at the beginning of the Messianic reign. There are millions of persons now living who have a sincere and honest desire for righteousness. Many of these love the Lord to the extent of their knowledge of him; but their knowledge is so limited because they have been taught so much error concerning his character that they are filled with fear and dread. They have not sufficient knowledge of him to have real faith. They have not gone on to the point of consecration. They have heard of the Lord's second coming and hope for something better. They realize that there is great trouble in the world and see no human remedy for it. They long for a complete and proper relief.

[560]To such Jehovah says through his Prophet: "Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing." (Isaiah 35:4-6) These words could have no application to persons who are in their graves, and must exclusively apply to those who are living at the beginning of the Messianic reign. Furthermore, when the dead are raised up, they will not come forth from the graves minus arms, or legs, or other parts of the body; but 'God will give to each a body as it pleaseth him' (1 Corinthians 15:38)—a reasonably sound body. And as a man renders himself in obedience to righteousness, his body will develop toward perfection. There are now on earth millions who are blind, or deaf, or lame, or dumb, or cripples in some form; and these are the ones to whom the Prophet refers. The kingdom being in operation, as these come to a knowledge of God's great arrangements and obey the righteous laws under the new covenant, they will develop new arms, legs, eyes; be given the power of speech, and gradually develop a sound body.

[561]When these great miracles begin to be performed in the earth, then the most skeptical, it is to be hoped, will believe that the Lord Jesus reigns. The miracles which he performed while on earth in opening the eyes of the blind and healing the sick were merely examples of what he will do in his glorified condition. Because it is both unreasonable and unscriptural to expect that the dead will come forth from their graves in a maimed, deaf, and dumb condition; but will come forth with reasonably sound bodies, these words of the Prophet conclusively prove that restoration will begin with those who are living on the earth at the beginning of the Messianic reign.

[562]Concerning the work of the Christ of restoring the peoples of earth, and looking forward to that time, St. Paul writes; "The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now, waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God"—the kingdom class. (Romans 8:19,22) Those who thus travail in pain, groan, wait, and hope for something better, could not be the dead ones, but those who are living at the inauguration of the new order. There are millions now on earth who are looking and hoping for a better time, and groaning for that relief. They understand not the mystery of God. They do not understand how his sons constitute the seed of Abraham for their blessing; yet they hope for something.

[563]During the World War millions were maimed and disfigured in various ways, and many deprived of one or both arms or legs. Because the Lord is now present, putting his kingdom into operation, it is to be expected that many of these crippled and maimed ones will be among the first to receive the restoration blessings. As they come to a knowledge of the fact that the Lord is giving these blessings, and render themselves in obedience to his righteous rule, they will be thus blessed. Happy will be their portion when they begin to be restored. Joyful will be their friends and loved ones to see such restoration blessings being ministered unto them.

[564]While the trouble in the earth is ever increasing and the suffering of the poor increases, some are manifesting a greater amount of sympathy and consideration; while others are becoming more unreasonable and harsh toward the poor. The Lord indicates what class he will favor in this time of trouble, saying: "Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth." (Psalm 41:1,2) Surely this could apply to none other than those now living in this time of trouble, because when restitution blessings begin the time of trouble will be over.

[565]Upon the earth there are now, according to the best statistics obtainable, approximately 1,700,000,000 persons who have a measure of life. The proof cited herein shows that the old world (social and political order) ended and began to pass away in 1914, and that this will be completed in a few years and righteousness fully established. The Scriptural evidence further is that many will be brought through this time of trouble, and these will be the ones with whom the Lord will first begin the work of restoration.

[566]The first world ended with a great flood, in which a few persons, to wit, eight, were saved by being carried over in the ark from the old to the new order of things that God established immediately after the flood under Noah. This was an example or picture representing the passing away of the present evil world and showing that many will be carried over from the old to the new. When God had delivered Noah and his family from the perils of the deluge and Noah builded an altar before the Lord and offered a sacrifice, the Lord made promise to Noah, saying: "I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; ... neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." (Genesis 8:21,22) The Scriptures show that "the earth abideth forever". (Ecclesiastes 1:4) Therefore this statement to Noah is a positive promise that never again will the earth witness the destruction of every living thing. Seeing, then, that we are at the end of the old order and the opening of the new, and that according to the Scriptures many must pass over to the new, it can be confidently announced that MILLIONS OF PEOPLE NOW LIVING WILL NEVER DIE, because these being offered restitution blessings the presumption must be indulged that many of them will accept and be obedient to the new order of things.

[567]It was Jesus who said: "Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die". (John 11:26) The people of the world do not yet live, nor have they had an opportunity of life; and this opportunity cannot come to mankind in general until the times of restoration begin. Then the living ones who believe on the Lord shall not die. We should keep in mind, however, that to believe means to act upon that belief, in accordance with it, and to be obedient to the new order that the Lord will establish in the earth. Furthermore Jesus said: "If any man keep my saying, he shall never see death". (John 8:51) Men cannot keep the sayings of Jesus until they hear them; and the world cannot hear until the Lord's due time. (1 Timothy 2:5,6) We are now entering that due time and the message of the kingdom is being given out, by the Lord's grace, that some may hear, and hearing, may profit and live.

[568]The majority of mankind practise unrighteousness. This is due largely to the fact of their imperfections. As the Prophet puts it, each one was born and shapen in iniquity and conceived in sin. (Psalm 51:5) They have been surrounded by conditions and influences that have induced wrong-doing. A great many of these have not the power of resistance against evil; but during the reign of Messiah evil will be punished and righteousness rewarded, and evil influences restrained. Then even those who are wicked and turn from unrighteousness to righteousness shall live and shall not die. Of this God gives positive assurance through his Prophet.—Ezekiel 18:27,28.

[569]As further proof that restoration blessings will begin with those living on the earth at the beginning of the Messianic reign, we cite the words of the prophet Job. In poetic phrase he draws a picture of mankind in a condition of suffering and sorrow, almost upon the brink of the grave. This picture describes vividly the conditions now existing in the earth. It depicts those who have a measure of life, all of whom must be brought to a knowledge of the truth. Christ is the messenger of the new covenant, through which mankind must receive the blessing. Job then pictures the appearance of this messenger of the covenant and shows that the message delivered turns many to righteousness. And those who hear, appreciate and obey the message are represented as saying, 'I have found my redeemer'; and then restitution blessings shall follow, and the old shall be restored to a condition of manly youth. Man now is filled with pride and pursues his own selfish purposes. The great time of trouble will break this pride and bring the haughty low. Note Job's description:

[570]"Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, that he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He [the Lord] keepeth back his [man's] soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain; so that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat. His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out. Yea, his soul draweth nigh to the grave, and his life to the destroyers. [Thus describing the miserable condition of humankind] If there be a messenger [the Christ, the Messenger of the new covenant] with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness, then he [the Lord] is gracious unto him [man], and saith, Deliver him from going down to the grave [thus showing that not all are to be sent into death. Then man is represented as saying]: I have found a ransom. [The result then is pictured in the next phrase when the Prophet says concerning man:] His flesh shall be fresher than a child's; he shall return to the days of his youth."—Job 33:16-25.

PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED

[571]The Scriptures clearly indicate that some stubborn, proud, disobedient ones will refuse to hear the word of the Lord and to obey his righteous laws. The loving kindness of the Lord is manifested when his long-suffering is shown in the fact that he does not immediately destroy all such, but gives each one a full and fair opportunity, the Prophet showing that each one shall have at least a hundred years of trial; and if at the end of that time he is persistent in disobeying the Lord, he shall be counted accursed and cut off in everlasting destruction. (Isaiah 65:20) St. Peter corroborated this in his statement concerning restoration times, saying: "It shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people".—Acts 3:23.

[572]Again the testimony of Jesus is to the effect that at the beginning of his reign the nations and peoples shall be gathered before him in the sense that they will be instructed concerning his reign. In parabolic phrase he pictures them being separated as sheep are separated from goats. A goat is an animal that is unruly, disobedient. It refuses to stay in the pasture where it is placed, but insists on getting outside and destroying things where it has no business. The goat, therefore, pictures an unruly or disobedient class. Sheep are docile, submissive, and in Oriental countries they are led by the shepherd. They know his voice and follow him. The Lord used this to illustrate the ones who are obedient to him. The goats, therefore, picture the wicked class; and concerning them the Lord said: "These shall go into everlasting punishment"; whereas the sheep picture the obedient class, and of them he says that they shall go into everlasting life.—Matthew 25:41-46.

[573]Punishment does not mean torture. The laws of the land provide for the punishment of wrongdoers, and the duration of that punishment is according to the enormity of the crime. If a man steals his neighbor's chickens, the duration of his punishment would probably be a few days in prison. If he burns his neighbor's house, the duration of his punishment would probably be a term of years in prison. If he takes his neighbor's life, the duration of his punishment is death. There is no limitation to that punishment. It is a lasting one—one that does not end. So those who go into destruction suffer a punishment that is everlasting; therefore everlasting punishment.

[574]This punishment the Apostle plainly describes as destruction. (2 Thessalonians 1:9) It is certain that they do not get life, because the Lord plainly says in this statement that the righteous, the obedient ones, go away into life eternal. The final fate of the wicked, therefore, is an everlasting destruction; whereas the final state of the obedient and righteous ones is life everlasting in peace and in joy.

ALL MUST HAVE A "CHANCE"

[575]The great ransom-sacrifice presented in heaven by the Lord Jesus is a guarantee that every man must have one full and fair opportunity for life. Life is pictured as a gift. In order for a gift to be effective there must be a giver or donor, and a receiver or donee. The giver must be willing to give; the receiver must have knowledge that the thing is offered and must be willing to accept. There must be two parties, the giver and the receiver; and there must be knowledge on the part of both. For this reason we read: "This is good and acceptable before God, our Savior, who desires all men to be saved, and to come to an accurate knowledge of the truth". (1 Timothy 2:3,4, Diaglott) The salvation here mentioned is effected by the great ransom-price which constitutes the price of deliverance. Then all must come to a knowledge of this fact and either accept it or reject it, just as one who is offered a gift must either receive or reject. Hence the Apostle writes: "Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life". (Romans 5:18) "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."—Romans 6:23.

[576]As further proof that all must have an opportunity, St. John wrote: "He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world". (1 John 2:2) The word "our" as used in this text means the class to which St. John belonged, namely, the church, the Christ; whereas the world includes all the race of mankind. The statement, then, is that the ransom was provided for all. Furthermore, when Jesus was born, it was announced by the angel of heaven: "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people". (Luke 2:10) Furthermore, God's promise to Abraham was that in him and his seed all the families and nations of the earth should be blessed. (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:8) Hence all must have an opportunity for such blessing.

[577]That those who are to be saved are not confined to the ones who go to heaven Jesus proved when he said: "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice". (John 10:16) "This fold" means the church; and after this class is selected, then all must have an opportunity to come into the fold of Christ. And this is true because he bought them all with his precious blood.

[578]God caused the prophet David to write: "All nations whom thou hast made shall come find worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name". (Psalm 86:9) This is further corroborative proof that all must have an opportunity.

[579]A highway is a means of travel. For instance, we have built across the United States what is known as the Lincoln Highway. A highway is used to illustrate the way that the Lord will provide for the return of the people to him through the terms of the new covenant. The prophet Isaiah thus wrote: "A highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called, The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for those; the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein". (Isaiah 35:8) It will be noticed that there is a way to go over this highway, and it shall be called "The way of holiness". In other words, those who pass over it will be made holy. The highway pictures the whole journey from the beginning to the end of the Millennial reign of Christ. The unclean shall not pass over it, because unless a man will be cleaned up before he progresses a great way, he will be permitted to go no further. But as he strives to cleanse himself and be obedient to the Lord, he will be helped. There shall be nothing there to hinder him, because Satan's influence will be restrained. (Revelation 20:1-4) The way shall be so plain and clear that any and all may see it. The Lord, therefore, has graciously provided a way for the oppressed and sin-sick to be led back over the highway of holiness into a condition of perfection and happiness.

[580]Because Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the other faithful prophets described by the apostle Paul in Hebrews 11 are promised a better resurrection; because of the statement of the Prophet that they shall be princes or rulers in all the earth (Psalm 45:16), it is to be expected that they will be the first ones raised under the terms of the new covenant. Therefore it is reasonable to expect them to be back on earth at the beginning of the restoration blessings. Hence these faithful men may be expected on earth within the next few years. They will constitute the legal representatives of the Christ in the earth. They will be the visible representatives of the kingdom of heaven. These are the ones who shall administer the affairs of earth under the direction of the Lord.

[581]We therefore see that there are two phases of God's kingdom: the heavenly, which is invisible; and the earthly, which is visible, the faithful prophets of old, namely, the ancient worthies, representing the Lord in this regard.

[582]The Lord through his prophet Zechariah gives a wonderful picture of the establishment of this kingdom and of the blessings that will come. The prophecy is written in highly symbolic phrase. It reads: "His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah; and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee." (Zechariah 14:4,5) "His feet" in this prophecy represent Jehovah's feet; while mountain symbolizes kingdom. The olive is a symbol of light, peace, and divine blessing; hence the picture is that Jehovah's authority, represented by his feet, will be established upon earth, by a kingdom of light, peace, and blessing. The cleaving of this mountain in the midst, showing a part on the north and a part on the south, pictures the two phases, heavenly and earthly, of the Messianic kingdom; and the valley between represents the valley of blessings. Into this valley the sin-sick, sore, feeble, oppressed, yea all, shall flee and there receive the blessings of the Lord, which will make them rich in health and peace and happiness for ever.

[583]Every one, then, who believes God's Word and who confidently expects the kingdom to bring blessings to mankind and who sees it now being established should watch for the return of Abraham and the other faithful prophets and get into communication with them as soon as possible after their return. And acting under their advice, all such will doubtless find early many opportunities of service, which will bring to them blessings and happiness.

[584]The Psalmist gives us another picture of this kingdom of blessing, saying: "The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof". (Psalm 50:1) The earth here represents the new organized government. The rising of the sun means the beginning of the Messianic reign; while its going down pictures the completion of that reign. Therefore, throughout the whole Millennial reign the Lord will be calling to the peoples of earth to come into this valley of blessing and receive life, peace, and happiness. "He shall call to the heavens [the spiritual, invisible part of the kingdom] from above, and to the earth [the new organized government], that he may judge his people." (Psalm 50:4) To judge means to give opportunity for blessings by means of a trial; and this is in harmony with the other statements of the Scriptures that every one must have a fair trial for life.

THE DEAD TO RISE

[585]The first few years of restitution blessings will find multitudes of people diligently seeking to be restored to health and strength; and as they grow strong themselves and prepare homes for themselves and their families, they will be thinking of their beloved dead. Naturally they will want to see them again, and they will pray to the Lord to restore them. And the Lord will hear their prayers and answer them. "It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24) Jesus declared that "all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment". (John 5:28,29) "They that have done evil" here means the entire human race aside from the church. They were born evil, born sinners. (Romans 5:12) They are coming forth to judgment, to a trial; and this is the great trial time spoken of by the Apostle, in which all men shall have an opportunity. (Acts 17:31) "There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust."—Acts 24:15.

[586]St. Paul then produces his wonderful and beautiful argument on the resurrection, saying, "If the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised; and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Corinthians 15:16-22) Then the Apostle shows that after the resurrection of the church in the beginning of the kingdom every man must come forth in his own order. Jesus declared: "Many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first". (Matthew 19:30) This principle may be properly applied to the resurrection of the dead. Those who died last will be the first to be awakened; while those who died centuries ago will be among the last to be awakened.

[587]In the World War millions of men died upon the battlefield. That was indeed the land of the enemy, the land of death. The Lord gives us a picture through the Prophet as to the coming days of blessing, saying to the woman who wept for her children, and thus illustrating all who weep for their dead: "Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears; for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border." —Jeremiah 31:16,17.

[588]As the dead come back from the tombs, provision will be made for them by their friends who are living on the earth. Families long broken up will be again united; and sadness will give way to joy. The whole human race, ransomed by the Lord, will have this opportunity; and the Prophet describes it thus: "The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away". (Isaiah 35:10) Gradually, throughout the thousand years of Messiah's reign, will the human race march up over the highway of holiness, until all will have had a full and fair opportunity, the willfully wicked destroyed and the obedient ones restored to perfection of body and mind and heart.

[589]The people of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire. It does not mean, however, that they went into an endless torture, as we have heretofore been led to believe. On the contrary, the Lord plainly states that they shall be brought back to their former estate; that is, as human beings on the earth, for the purpose of being given a trial. "When thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate." (Ezekiel 16:55) While the Lord will rule with an iron hand, compelling obedience, yet his rule will be a righteous one, and he will reprove with justice. He is pictured by the Prophet as ruling in faithfulness and righteousness, thus: "With righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins."—Isaiah 11:4,5.

[590]The beneficial effect of his righteous reign is also pictured by the Prophet, in the passage which shows how that the wild beasts of the earth will become subject to man, and how a little child shall direct them. "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den."—Isaiah 11:6-8.

[591]All must come to a knowledge of the truth; and those obeying it will have their sins and iniquities wiped out for ever. Thus says the Prophet: "They shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least to the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (Jeremiah 31:34) When the Lord remembers their iniquities and sins no more, then it must be that they are restored. When John the Baptist announced the approach of Jesus, he exclaimed: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world". When the sin of the world is gone, when there is a world without sin, then it must be a world with perfect people.

[592]That the people will be brought to a condition of health and be cured of their sickness the Lord assures us through his Prophet. "Behold, I will bring in health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth." (Jeremiah 33:6) "And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick; the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity."—Isaiah 33:24

PARADISE RESTORED

[593]The restoration means the bringing back to earth of the Edenic condition for man's benefit. Some may think there will be not sufficient room upon the earth for all the restored ones. According to the best authority, there have lived and died about 20,000,000,000 people. There are now on earth approximately 1,700,000,000 persons. This is a total of 21,700,000,000. In order to be liberal, let us suppose that all the human race will total 50,000,000,000. As a suggestion that there will be ample room for all on the earth, let one take his pencil and divide the area of the state of Texas by 50,000,000,000; and he will find that that number of people could be placed in the state of Texas alone, giving each one about 146 square feet of land upon which to stand. Of course it is not to be expected that the earth will be crowded thus; but when we remember that only a small portion of the earth's surface is now inhabited, that a great portion of it is desert, and when this desert shall become productive and all parts of the earth habitable, then we may see that 50,000,000,000 of people could comfortably be taken care of in the earth and have plenty of room to spare.

[594]But will the earth produce sufficiently to feed this multitude? The Scriptures answer: "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing; the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon: they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.... And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water." (Isaiah 35:1,2,7) "The desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited." (Ezekiel 36:34,35) When the whole earth's surface is brought up to a condition of high cultivation like unto the garden of Eden, then indeed the earth will be a fit habitation for man. The reclamation of desert land such as the Imperial Valley of California has now begun. Only a few years ago that valley was a desolate wilderness in which no animal or human being could live; and now it produces abundant crops because it has been watered. When all the vast deserts of Sahara, Arabia, and America are fully irrigated and blossom as the rose, they will produce abundantly for man's needs.

[595]The reign of Christ will result in the destruction of all man's enemies. The weeds, the thistles, the thorns, the pests that destroy crops, shall all be destroyed. Everything that produces sickness shall be destroyed. The Apostle plainly says; "He [Christ] must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."—1 Corinthians 15:25,26.

[596]We can well imagine great multitudes of people assembling in different parts of the earth to celebrate their deliverance from Satan and his wicked organizations; and as the people witness the passing away of ignorance, crime, superstition; and see knowledge, goodness, loving kindness taking their place, they will fill the earth with joyful song. The Prophet describes some of the effects of these restitution blessings thus: "In this mountain [kingdom] shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations [taking away ignorance, etc,]. He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away all tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off the earth; for the Lord hath spoken it."—Isaiah 25:6-8.

[597]St. John on the Isle of Patmos had a vision of the great Messianic kingdom and described it in symbolic phrase. The word "heaven" symbolically means the invisible ruling power; while the "earth" means organized society. The old heaven has been wicked, because Satan, the wicked one, has been ruling. The old earth has been wicked, because the organizations of men have been under the dominion of Satan. St. John, observing the Messianic kingdom and the blessings that would follow, wrote: "I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea". Thus he shows the new heaven (the Messianic kingdom) and the new earth (society organized on a righteous basis in the earth). Sea is symbolic of restless humanity, thus picturing the fact that there will be no more strikes, lock-outs, revolutions, or anarchy. Continuing, he describes the kingdom as a holy city, the new Jerusalem, in this beautiful phrase: "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God"—picturing here the dwelling place of the Lord. The place of meeting between Jehovah and mankind is through the Christ. The results will be the destruction of the enemy death, and the full restoration of the obedient ones; and thus he describes it: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."—Revelation 21:1-5.

[598]Let the reasonable person ask himself these questions:

[599]Why would God outline such a marvelous plan as this?

[600]Why would he establish a new heaven and a new earth?

[601]Why would he awaken the dead out of their graves unless he intended to give them an opportunity to be restored to the perfection enjoyed by Adam before he sinned?

[602]God has invited us to use our reasoning faculties (Isaiah 1:18); and if we believe these great truths taught in the Bible, we can reach no other reasonable conclusion than that restitution is the great objective of God's plan relative to the human race, and that restitution blessings are near because the kingdom of heaven is at hand, even at the door. Let those who are cast down look up now; let the sorrowful be glad; let the sad hearts be comforted, and the broken hearts be bound up. Lift up your heads and rejoice in the fact that the day of deliverance for mankind is at the door!

[603]Call to mind for a moment the great amount of suffering in the densely populated cities. Old men and old women, young men and young women, children, infants in arms, all crowded into foul tenements, with not sufficient food, impure air, and improper clothing; and everything tending to degrade their morals. Call to mind the countries devastated by the war, the homes destroyed, families broken up, the crippled, blind, deaf, dumb, and insane. Imagine for a moment the intense suffering of the millions of people throughout the earth; and then know that this dark vail of suffering and death will shortly be lifted and the sunlight of God's love will shine in upon all. Like the sun, the great Messianic kingdom, shining forth with healing beams, shall dispel the darkness, drive away the sickness, clean up the bodies and clean up the minds and morals, point the people to proper food—what to eat and how to eat it, what to think upon and how to conduct themselves; and above all, to give them a full knowledge of the loving kindness of our great God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, the dearest Friend of all. And know, then, that these blessings will bring eternal happiness in the earth. Men and women will not only grow strong, but they will reach that state in which they will not even fear, think, or expect, to be sick.

[604]With the establishment of the new order under the Messiah wars and revolutions shall cease, because he has promised that then "they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruninghooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more"; and thus there shall be no more restless humanity, symbolically called sea.—Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3; Revelation 21:1.

[605]The profiteers will no longer be permitted to prey upon the people, because God's promise is that under the righteous reign none shall be permitted to injure another nor defraud his neighbor.—Isaiah 11:9; 65:25.

[606]Then shall famines vanish away and no more shall be hungering for food nor vainly striving for sustenance of life, because then the earth shall yield her increase and there shall be plenty for all.—Psalm 67:6.

[607]Then shall disease and sickness be destroyed, because God has promised under this new order to bring in health and strength and to bless the people with all favors incident thereto. "The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick."—Isaiah 33:24; Revelation 21:4.

[608]Funerals now are the order of the day, and the family and loved ones left behind assemble in sorrow to pay the last tribute to their beloved dead. But under the new order of things funerals will cease, undertakers will seek a more pleasing employment, and the hearses will be changed from vehicles of sorrow to equipages of pleasure. "There shall be no more death."—Rev. 21:4.

[609]Families have been torn asunder and each member has borne his or her sorrow until claimed by the grave; but under the new order families will be reunited, parents will be brought back to the children, and children to the parents, and they shall dwell together in happiness.—1 Corinthians 15:22,23.

[610]No more will the poor be vainly hunting for a habitation or fleeing from greedy landlords, because then, as God has promised, the people shall 'build houses and live in them; they shall not build for another to live in but then every man shall have his own habitation and every man shall sit under his own vine and fig tree and none shall make them afraid'.—Isaiah 65:21-23; Micah 4:4.

[611]At that time there will be full liberty to do right, because right will always be encouraged. Every one will have the liberty to do all the good he can. There will be no secret service men nor espionage laws under the reign of Messiah. This will result in the development and exhibition of the beauty of character. Justice will prevail amongst men; they will become wise concerning the things pertaining to their welfare and happiness. Love will be the motive directing their actions and their every power shall be exercised for good.—Revelation 21:24-27.

[612]Life, that which has been the desire of men in all ages, will be completely realized—life in fullness, when men and women will be strong and vigorous, and there shall be no more pain, no suffering, no sorrow, no death; when all obedient ones shall return to the days of their youth and enjoy life as perfect human beings through endless ages.—Job 33:25; Romans 6:23; Revelation 21:4.

[613]Praise then shall take the place of sorrow. No longer will the people assemble in cemeteries on Decoration Day to pay tribute to their hero dead, because then their dead will be restored to them; and the one who shall be the greatest hero in their minds and hearts will be the great Messiah, who has brought the people the unspeakable blessings. Then will the people assemble, not to discuss politics, nor to wrangle over who shall hold the offices, but to improve their minds and to study the beauties and wonders of God's creation and to sing songs of gladness to his praise.—Isaiah 35:10; 51:11; Philippians 2:10,11.

CONSOLATION TO CHRISTIANS

[614]Death is a cruel enemy of the human race. Its sting has been felt for ages. It takes away beloved ones and leaves a burning dagger in the heart of the surviving friend. It has filled the earth with sadness, and the people with grief. But the sweet music from the harp of God has cheered some sad hearts who have learned of the divine arrangement to restore their dear ones whom they have loved and lost awhile. By faith the Christian sees that in his own good time and way God will bring back their beloved dead and give them an opportunity for endless life and happiness, because he has promised thus to do. The Christian knows that God's promises are certain of fulfillment and that his power to perform is unlimited. Such faith, based upon the precious promises, helps now in a measure to allay the sting of death.

[615]Beside the tossing billows of the mighty ocean one walks in silent meditation. Her mind turns to a beloved one who during the World War was taken away to serve in the navy. For a time he sailed the seas and returned, only to sicken and die, leaving behind a bleeding heart, which only time and the Lord can heal. As her feet silently tread the soft sands recently caressed by the waves, her mind is filled with thoughts of happy days spent with her beloved brother, whose laughter is now hushed in death and who sleeps in Jesus, waiting for the time of resurrection. The former joyful days were turned into sorrow because of Death's wicked hand. But the great Burden-Bearer lightens her load and helps her to bear her sorrow as there come to her mind the words spoken through his messenger: "Sorrow not as others, who have no hope; for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring by him.... Comfort one another with these words."—1 Thessalonians 4:13,14,18.

[616]Gazing far out to sea, she observes a mighty ship being tossed by the power of the waves as though it were an empty shell. What marvelous power is thus displayed by those waves! Yet it is but a semblance of the power of God. He who made the great ocean and caused the moon to kiss its bosom at nightfall; he who hung the stars in the heavens, which serve to guide the weary and wave-tossed mariner in his stormy course, and who holds back the winds until he has reached his desired haven—he it is who is clothed with all power and authority in heaven and in earth, and has promised to bring back the beloved dead from the grave. His promise he will faithfully keep.

[617]Her meditations for a time sad, are now turned into silent joy because of the hope planted in that once troubled bosom by the precious promises of God. By faith she sees the blessed day, not far distant, when back to life shall come that beloved brother. By faith she sees him hurrying over the highway of holiness, until he is made strong, vigorous, and returns to the days of his youth, and shall dwell in peace and happiness for ever.

[618]Oh! what sweet and consoling music the restoration string of God's harp brings to the heart of the Christian now! What great joy will fill that heart when, as a member of the glorified body of Christ, the blessed privilege will be had of awakening out of death that beloved one and marking his gradual restoration to perfect manhood! Then both the blesser and the blessed will praise God for his boundless love. Until that happy day, blessed is the one who claims the promise: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind [meditation] is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee".—Isaiah 26:3.

[619]For centuries Christians lost sight of the beautiful doctrine of the restoration pictured by the tenth string of the harp of God. This was due to the fact that the consecrated were in captivity to the religious systems formed by man and into which Satan injected false doctrines, thereby blinding the understanding of even the honest-hearted. But with the second presence of the Lord his people have been released from such Babylonian captivity. The eyes of their understanding opening because of the brightness of his presence, they have learned of the restoration string of the harp of God; and its sweet melody has cheered their hearts so much that they could not keep back the singing. God foreknew this, of course; and for the further encouragement of such caused his Prophet to write these appropriate words relative to the restoration blessings coming to the nations and peoples and kindreds of earth: "When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them."—Psalm 126:1,2.

[620]Truly, as God's Prophet said: "I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp". (Psalm 49:4) All of God's plan has been stated in parabolic language, and is appreciated only by the consecrated follower of Jesus; but when understood, it is indeed a harp that yields the most entrancing music that ever fell upon human ears. Strike now the chord of restitution and hear how beautifully it responds and harmonises with all the other strings upon the divine harp! Know, then, that as the people come to learn of God's wonderful arrangement, all whose hearts are right will praise him. The Psalmist thus appropriately says:

"O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Fear before him, all the earth. Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth; The world also shall he established that it shall not be moved; He shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein; Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord; For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the people with his truth."—Psalm 96:9-13.

[621]Finally, at the end of the Millennial reign of the Messianic kingdom, all the obedient ones of the human race will have been restored to perfect conditions. The harp of God, the great doctrinal truths, will be magnified in the hearts of all the people. But even now the fully consecrated Christian is pictured as standing above the kingdoms of this world, having the harp of God, and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?" And with the close of the thousand years "all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest". (Revelation 15:3,4) These are looking to the finished work of Christ.

HALLELUJAH CHORUS

[622]By faith looking up through the corridor of the Millennial age now opening, we see standing at the further end thereof a perfect race of human beings. Every vestige of wickedness, selfishness, and wrong has been eliminated. During the thousand-year reign of Christ that old serpent, the devil and Satan, has been restrained, that he might not deceive the nations and peoples during the Messianic reign. (Revelation 20:1-3) Being released for a little season at the end of that period, he has put forth his efforts again to deceive; but now these have ended and Satan is destroyed, because God has decreed it thus. (Revelation 20:7-10; Hebrews 2:14) Abraham, the father of the faithful, and his colleagues of like faithfulness, who have, under the supervision of the Christ, directed the people through their Millennial trial, have finished their earthly career and have been raised to a higher plane as spirit beings. Having during that reign turned many to righteousness, they shine forth as the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3) The earth has been brought to a condition of Edenic Paradise. In it there are no weeds, thistles, or wicked thorns. It is a fit habitation for perfect man, pleasing to the eye. All men and women have been perfected in organism, mind, and character; and gracious words are upon their lips. Each one, granted a perfect voice, possesses the ability to sing perfectly; and a song of joy is upon all lips. All the creation of earth is now subjected to man; and the chief joy of every one is and will be to contribute to the happiness of his fellow men and to glorify God and Christ.

[623]By faith behold this happy picture for a moment, and then turn your vision to the things heavenly. There angels, who for ages have faithfully performed service as messengers to the Lord, are assembled; line upon line, tier upon tier of these glorious beings. In their respective positions of honor stand forth the cherubim and seraphim; and in the midst of all stands the Christ. Jesus Christ the blessed and faithful one, as the great victor now looks back over his work and 'sees the travail of his soul and is satisfied' with the happy results. Standing by his side is his glorious bride, who for a thousand years has been the recipient of the exceeding riches of the grace of God through her beloved Head, and who will now enjoy these favors to endless ages. Her bridesmaids, 'the virgins her companions who follow' and serve her, are there, performing their divinely assigned functions. Above all stands the great Jehovah God, whose wisdom planned it all and whose loving kindness has been showered upon the multitude of his creatures. Joy fills his blessed heart. His plan, as he foreknew it would be, is a grand success.

[624]It is an entrancing scene! It is the appropriate time for the Hallelujah chorus. The stage is set. The trumpeters with their trumpets take their places, and the psaltery and the harp are brought forth. The timbrel, the stringed instruments, the organ, the cymbals, and every conceivable instrument of praise is in the hands of the heavenly host. There is a breathless silence. Then the trumpeters peal forth their paeans of praise, and all the other players and singers of the heavenly hosts join in. This entrancing music is caught up by the multitudes of earth and wafted back to heaven again (because communication has been established between the perfect men and the perfect heavenly creatures), until every creature which is in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, are praising God, saying: "Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever". (Revelation 5:13) Every knee is bowing and every tongue is confessing that Jesus is the Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Every creature that has breath is now joining in the song. It is the Hallelujah chorus, and this is what they sing:

"Praise ye the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance; Praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals; praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!"—Psalm 150.



How will the restoration string of the harp affect the world? 535.

What does the tenth string of the harp represent? 535.

What two great doctrines were lost sight of for a long time by Christians? 535.

What did the harp with eight strings, sometimes used by the Jews, represent? 535.

Define restoration. 536.

What did Adam lose for himself and his offspring? 536.

Give the Scriptural proof as to the nature of the first man. 536.

What was God's purpose in creating the earth and putting man upon it? 536.

Is any one warranted in denying the doctrine of the restoration of mankind? 537.

If there is to be no restoration of man, what effect would that have upon the purpose, for which God created man and the earth? 537.

Can the purposes of God fail? Give Scriptural reason for answer. 537.

If there is to be no restoration of man, then the manifestation of divine justice meant what? 538.

What is the meaning of God's promise to Abraham to bless all the families of the earth if there is to be no restoration? 539.

How did Jehovah bind this promise? and what assurance does that give concerning its fulfillment? 539.

Why did Jesus come to earth? 540.

Would his coming, death, and resurrection accomplish anything if there is no such thing as restoration of the human race? Give Scriptural reason for answer. 541, 542.

Does the ransom-sacrifice guarantee an opportunity for restoration to all? Give Scriptural reasons for answer. 543.

What guarantee is given to man by the resurrection of Jesus? Give Scriptural proof. 543.

If the doctrine of restoration is not true, then what shall we say about the words of the Apostle as recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:20-26? 543.

The mystery being the seed of promise, what, then, is the work of the mystery class when glorified? 544.

If there be no restoration of the human race, why would Jehovah devote so much time to the development of the mystery class? 544.

What relationship has the second coming of Christ to restoration? Give Scriptural statement relating to this point. 545.

Did the prophets foretell the days of restoration? Give Scriptural proof. 546, 547.

Would it be reasonable to suppose that God would provide a new creation and not give it some specific work to do relative to man? 548.

What do the Scriptures say about the judging and blessing of the families of the earth? 548.

Could there be a judgment without a trial? 548.

What did Jesus say about the regeneration of the human race, and those who would participate in this work? Give Scriptural proof. 548.

Define regeneration. 548.

What promise is given to the church with reference to reigning with Christ? 549.

What is the purpose of the thousand-year reign with Christ Jesus? 549.

What did St. Paul say about the saints judging the world? 550.

What did Jesus say about the gathering the nations before him at his second appearing? 550.

Would not the purpose of God concerning the new creation fail if there is no restoration of mankind? 550.

What did God's Prophet say concerning the bringing out of the dead from the prison-house of death? 551.

What did the prophet Isaiah state with reference to the church establishing the earth and causing the people to inherit it? 551.

To what does every vital doctrine of the divine plan point? 552.

With what do all the other strings of the harp harmonize? 552.

Why could not the Jews get life under the law covenant? 553.

For what purpose was the law covenant made? 553.

Is there to be a new covenant made for the benefit of man? Give Scriptural proof. 553.

When will the new covenant be sealed? 554.

State the terms of the new covenant as set forth by St. Paul. 554.

What opportunity will be granted to the human race under the terms of the new covenant? 555.

What do the Scriptures say that God will put into their minds and hearts under the terms of this covenant? 555.

What prominent characters will be resurrected immediately following the making of the new covenant? 556.

What official positions will these prominent characters occupy in the Messianic kingdom? 556.

What will the Lord do for the people in the way of instructing them and leading them under the terms of the new covenant, as indicated by the prophets? Give Scriptural proof. 557.

What does the Apostle say about whom the Lord will judge when he comes? 558.

What is meant by the word "quick" as used in the Scriptures above referred to? 558.

With whom will the Lord deal, first when the new covenant is made? 558.

Would we expect that he would first awaken the dead and judge them before dealing with the living? 558.

Will any people be brought through the great time of trouble now on the earth and have an opportunity for restoration blessings? Give the Scriptural reason for this answer. 558.

Are there many people now living on the earth who sincerely desire a righteous government? 559.

What is the extent of their knowledge of the Lord and his arrangement? and what effect has this lack of knowledge had upon them? 559.

What message has the Lord given to such through his Prophet? Give the Scriptural proof. 560.

Why do the words of Isaiah 35:4-6 apply to these who are living and not to those in the graves? 560.

Will the dead be resurrected minus arms or legs? 560.

What do the Scriptures say about the body they will have when raised from the dead? 560.

Having in mind the great number of cripples, deaf, dumb, and lame on the earth now, what will restoration blessings do for them? 560.

What effect may the beginning of restoration be expected to have on those who observe it? 561.

For what is the whole creation waiting while it groans in pain? Give the Scriptural reason. 562.

For what do these hope and long? 562.

What effect will the restoration blessings have on those who were crippled during the war? 563.

Does the Lord indicate the kind of people that will be carried through the time of trouble? Give Scriptural proof. 564.

How many people, approximately, are now living on the earth? 565.

How soon may we expect the present evil order to pass away? 565.

What catastrophe caused the first world to end? 566.

How many persons were saved or carried over from that first world to the new order? 566.

What did Noah and his family represent? 566.

What promise did God make to Noah immediately following the flood? Quote the promise. 566.

What assurance do we gather from this divine promise with reference to those now living on the earth? 566.

Why can it now be said that millions now living will never die? 566.

Quote Jesus' words in John 11:26. 567.

When will this opportunity of life come to mankind? 567.

What will be the results to those then living who believe and obey the Lord? 567.

What is meant by believing? 567.

Quote the words of Jesus in John 8:51. 567.

Do the Scriptures show that all men must hear and gain a knowledge of the truth? 567.

Is it possible for any one to keep the sayings of Jesus before he knows them? 567.

What is the condition of the majority of mankind? 568.

What promise has God made that will be beneficial to those now unrighteous? 568.

Shall the unrighteous ones in the earth have an opportunity to live? Give the Scriptural proof. 568.

What picture does Job give with reference to restoration in his prophecy, chapter 33, verses 16 to 25? 569.

Quote these verses of Scripture and explain them. 570.

Do the Scriptures indicate that some will refuse to obey the righteous rule of the Lord? 571.

What will be the punishment of those who disobey? 571.

How long will the Lord permit them to have a trial? 571.

When the Lord speaks of dividing the people as a shepherd divides his goats and sheep, what is meant? 572.

What class do the goats represent? 572.

What class is pictured by the sheep? 572.

What is meant by everlasting punishment? 573.

What is meant by everlasting life? 573.

Does the Apostle define everlasting punishment? If so, how? 574.

Who is guaranteed a full opportunity for life? 575.

What is meant by a gift? 575.

What things are necessary to make a gift effective? 575.

Quote the Apostle's words in 1 Timothy 2:3,4. 575.

What is meant in this passage by being saved? and what is meant by being brought to a knowledge of the truth? 575.

Quote two Scriptures showing that life is a gift. 575.

To whom is this free gift offered? 576.

Quote 1 John 2:2. 576.

What is meant by the word "our", and also by the word "world"? 576.

What does this Scripture prove with reference to the ransom-sacrifice and its benefits to mankind? 576.

What message was delivered by the angel to the shepherds at Jesus' birth? 576.

Does this guarantee that anything shall be given to all the people? and if so, what? 576.

What does the promise made to Abraham prove as to an opportunity for life everlasting? and to whom will this opportunity be given? 576.

What did Jesus say about other sheep, indicating that not all would be saved in heaven? 577.

What did he mean by "this fold"? 577.

Why will he have another fold? 577.

Quote Psalm 86:9, and state what proof this is relative to restoration blessings. 578.

What is meant by the word "highway"? Describe a highway. 579.

A highway is used in the Scriptures to illustrate what? 579.

Quote Isaiah 35:8. 579.

What is the way over that highway called? 579.

The entire highway pictures what? 579.

Will the unclean go up on the highway? and will they pass over it? 579.

If one upon the highway refuses to do right, what will be the result? 579.

What favor will be granted to those who strive to be obedient while on the highway of holiness? 579.

Shall any wicked influence be brought to bear against one on the highway of holiness? Give the Scriptural reason for the answer. 579.

How will that way compare with the narrow way that is journeyed by the church? 579.

Why should we expect Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to be among the first ones resurrected under the new covenant? 580.

When should we expect them back on the earth? 580.

What will be their positions of honor and responsibility in the earth? 580.

What will be their administrative duties in the earth? 580.

How many phases are there of the kingdom of God? 581.

Describe the picture of the Messianic kingdom as given in Zechariah 14:4,5. Quote the Scripture. 582.

What is meant in this prophecy by the words "his feet"? 582.

What is symbolized by the mountain and by the olive? 582.

What is represented by the cleaving or dividing of the mountain into two parts? 582.

What is pictured by the valley between? 582.

What will the people do with reference to this symbolic valley? 582.

Why should those on earth get in communication with Abraham and the other faithful ones as soon as possible after their resurrection? 583.

Quote Psalm 50:1. 584.

In this text what is represented by the earth? 584.

What is pictured by the sun? 584.

What is pictured by the rising of the sun and the going down thereof? 584.

Quote Psalm 50:4. 584.

What is meant by judging the people? 584.

When the peoples living on earth begin to be restored to health and strength, of whom will they then think? 585.

What will they do toward having their beloved dead restored to them? 585.

What Scriptural proof have we that the Lord will hear their prayers? 585.

What Scriptural proof have we that the dead will arise from their graves? 585.

Quote and analyze St. Paul's argument concerning the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:16-22. 586.

In what order will the dead be resurrected? that is, will those who have died last or those who have died centuries ago be the first to come forth? 586.

Quote Jeremiah 31:16,17. 587.

What is meant in this text by the "land of the enemy"? 587.

As the dead return from the grave, what will the living do for them? 588.

What effect will the resurrection have in uniting families? 588.

Quote Isaiah 35:10. 588.

Who is there meant by the "ransomed of the Lord"? 588.

How were the people of Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed? 589.

What will be their final end? 589.

Quote a Scripture showing that they will return to their former estates as human beings on the earth. 589.

In what manner will the Messiah rule? Give Scriptural proof. 589.

What will be the beneficent effects of this righteous rule, both upon animals and human beings? Give Scriptural proof. 590.

Quote Jeremiah 31:34. 591.

When the Lord remembers their iniquities and sins no more, what will be the condition of the people? 591.

Quote John 1:29. 591.

When the sin of the world is gone, what effect will that have upon mankind? 591.

What Scriptural proof have we that the people will be brought to a condition of health and be cured of sickness? 592.

Will the peoples of the earth then have ailments and complaints as they do now? 592.

What effect upon the earth itself will the times of restoration have? 593.

Will there be room for all the people that are restored to life? 593.

How many people have lived on the earth and died and gone into their grave? 593.

How many are now living? 593.

Give an illustration showing that the earth's surface will be ample to accommodate all of these. 593.

What Scriptural evidence have we that the earth will produce sufficient food to sustain the restored ones? 594.

What Scriptural proof is there that the desolate land of the earth will become like the garden of Eden? 594.

When will the earth be a fit habitation for man? 594.

Is any part of earth's surface being reclaimed now that illustrates the restoration of the earth? If so, give an instance. 594.

What will be the effect when all the desert land is made habitable? 594.

In the times of restoration, what will become of the weeds, thistles, and thorns, and pests that destroy crops? 595.

What will become of the poisonous things that produce sickness? 595.

How will the reign of Christ affect man's enemies? 595.

When, the people witness the disappearance of ignorance, crime, and superstition, and the establishment of goodness, loving kindness, etc., what effect will this have upon them? 596.

What Scriptures indicate that the people will have a joyful time in the days of restoration? 596.

What effect will the restoration have upon tears and sorrow? 596.

Describe St. John's vision upon the Isle of Patmos relative to a new heaven and a new earth. 597.

In that picture what is symbolized by heaven, earth, and sea? 597.

What effect will restoration have upon strikes, revolutions, and anarchy? 597.

How is the meeting place between God and man described in this prophetic utterance of St. John? 597.

What does St. John say about the effect of the kingdom blessings upon mankind? 597.

Unless God intends to give opportunity for man to be restored, why provide such an intricate and marvelous plan, create a new heaven and a new earth, and bring the dead out of their graves? 598-601.

Has God invited us to use our reasoning faculties? 602.

If we believe the Bible testimony, then to what inevitable conclusion are we forced with reference to restoration? 602.

What should be the attitude of mind of those who now believe the Bible? 602.

Compare present conditions of suffering with the conditions the Messianic kingdom will bring. 603.

Will man come to the state where he will no longer fear sickness? 603.

What will be the results of Messiah's reign as far as wars are concerned? Give Scriptural proof. 604.

How will the Messianic reign affect profiteers? 605.

What will be the effect as far as famines are concerned during the Messianic reign? 606.

What shall be the effect of Messiah's reign upon disease and sickness? 607.

Will there be any undertakers and hearses used when man is restored? and if not, why not? 608.

What will the effect of Messiah's reign be concerning the union of families? Give Scriptural proof. 609.

Will the people have trouble with landlords and difficulty in finding a place to live under Messiah's reign? and if not, why not? Give the Scriptural proof. 610.

What effect will the Messiah's kingdom have upon liberty? 611.

Under Messiah's kingdom will there be any espionage laws? 611.

Will there be any secret service men under Messiah's reign? 611.

What will be the motive directing the actions of men? 611.

Will the people have Decoration Day services during the Millennial reign of Christ? 613.

Will they assemble to discuss politics and fight over who shall hold the offices? or what will be the condition? Give Scriptural reasons. 613.

What is the great enemy of the human race? and how long has its sting been felt? 614.

Describe its effect upon human beings who survive. 614.

What has been the one consoling thing that has cheered the hearts of some? 614.

What hope has the Christian concerning his beloved dead? 614.

Relate an experience showing why the Christian sorrows not as those who have no hope. 615.

What does the power of the ocean illustrate to the Christian? 616.

How does this compare with the One who created the moon and the stars and the sun? 616.

How will this power be used in behalf of the dead? 616.

By faith the Christians see what in the near future for their beloved dead? and what effect does this have upon the mind of such? 617.

Is the restoration string of the harp of God a consolation to the Christian? and if so, why? 618.

Why does the Lord keep such in perfect peace, notwithstanding the turmoil in the earth? 618.

What two great doctrines of the divine plan were obscured for many years? and by what strings of the harp are they represented? 619. (See back reference)

Why have these doctrines been obscured? 619.

If they have been revived or discovered in recent years, what has been the cause? 619.

What effect upon Christians does the knowledge of restitution have? 619.

What Psalm pictures this joyful effect? 619.

In what kind of phrase has the plan of God been stated? 620.

Who have been able to understand God's plan? 620.

What did the Psalmist mean when he said: "I will incline mine ear to a parable; I will open my dark sayings upon the harp"? 620.

What kind of music does this harp yield when understood? 620.

How does the chord of restitution respond to the other strings of the harp? 620.

How did the Psalmist picture the effect of Messiah's reign upon the people? Quote the Psalm. 620.

What will be the condition of the obedient ones at the end of the Millennial reign? 621.

How will the harp of God appear to them? 621.

How is the consecrated Christian pictured at this time relative to the kingdoms and the harp of God? Give Scriptural reason for the answer. 621.

To what are these Christians looking? 621.

What is meant by the Hallelujah chorus? 622.

By faith looking to the end of the Millennial reign, describe the conditions that will then prevail. 622.

What will be the condition of Satan at that time? 622.

What will be the condition of Abraham and the other faithful prophets? 622.

Describe the condition of the earth at that period. 622.

What will be particularly pleasing about men and women then? 622.

What will be their ability to sing? 622.

What will be their chief joy of every creature at that time? 622.

What mental vision do the Scriptures give of the heavenly kingdom at that time? 623.

Describe the angels, the cherubim, and seraphim, and their positions. 623.

What will be the position of the Christ? 623.

Who will be there as the servants of the Christ? 623.

Who will stand above all? 623.

When will Christ Jesus see the travail of his soul and be satisfied? and why? 623.

What particular song will be appropriate at that particular time? 624.

Name the musical instruments represented in the prophetic picture. 624.

Describe the beginning of the Hallelujah chorus. 624.

What will the creatures of heaven and earth be doing then with reference to Christ Jesus? 624.

Repeat the Hallelujah chorus. 624.



EARTH'S HAPPY SMILE

Creation, which had groan'd in travail-pangs Together with her children until now, Ceased from her groaning. Long-forgotten smiles, The smiles of her sweet childhood's innocence, Stole o'er her happy face. The wilderness Rejoiced, and blossom'd as the rose. The curse, Which for six thousand years had sear'd the heart Of nature, was repeal'd. And where the thorn Perplex'd the glens, and prickly briers the hills, Now, for the Word so spake and it was done, The fir-tree rear'd its stately obelisk, The cedar waved its arms of peaceful shade, The vine embraced the elm, and myrtles flower'd Among the fragrant orange-groves. No storms Vex'd the serene of heaven: but genial mists, Such as in Eden drench'd the willing soil, Nurtured all lands with richer dews than balm. Earth breathed her thanks. Rivers of living waters Broke from a thousand unsuspected springs; And gushing cataracts, like that call'd forth On Horeb by the rod of Amram's son, Gladden'd the mountain slopes, and coursed adown The startled defiles, till the crystal wealth, Gathered in what was once an arid vale, A lake of azure and of silver shone, A mirror for the sun and moon and stars.

—Bickersteth



INDEX OF SCRIPTURE CITATIONS USED IN THE FOREGOING PAGES

Figures on left side of columns indicate Bible chapters and verses; figures to right, paragraph numbers.



GENESIS 1:1 ............................ 10 1:2 ............................ 14 1:20 ....................... 31, 58 1:27,28 ........................ 30 2:7 ....................31, 55, 162 2:8,9,15 ....................... 32 2:16,17 ........................ 33 2:17 ........................... 59 2:21-25 ........................ 34 3:15 ...... 147, 185, 219, 470, 547 3:16-19 ........................ 46 4:21 ............................ 1 7:21-23 ........................ 93 8:21,22 ....................... 566 12:1-3 ......................... 94 12:3 ........... 539, 547, 550, 576 13:15 ......................... 547 15:18 .......................... 94 17:1 ............................ 9 17:2,4,8 ....................... 95 18:1,2 ........................ 170 18:1-14 ........................ 95 18:18 ......................... 547 19:1 .......................... 170 21:1-3 ......................... 96 22:2 ........................... 96 22:15 ......................... 256 22:15-18 ....................... 98 24 ............................ 455 25:11 ......................... 105 25:22,23 ...................... 107 25:26 ......................... 105 25:27-34 ...................... 108 26:3,4 ........................ 106 26:34 ......................... 109 27:1,2 ........................ 110 27:29 ......................... 112 28:11-15 ...................... 115 28:14 ......................... 539 31:11 ......................... 256 35:10-12 ...................... 117 37:35 .......................... 86 42:38 .......................... 87 49:9,10 ....................... 119 49:10 ......................... 547 49:28 ......................... 304