The Impending End of the Earth

The Impending End of the Earth

In my blog last week, Why Hasn’t Jesus Returned?, we discovered that the Lord is waiting for a people to tell the truth about Him. We discovered that Christianity has been infected with the idea that God’s law functions like human law – rules imposed requiring imposed punishments – replacing the truth that God’s laws are the design protocols upon which the Creator built reality to operate (laws of gravity, physics, health and the moral laws).

Accepting the lie that God’s law functions like human law has caused Christianity to teach that God functions no differently than a sinful being, inflicting pain, suffering, and death upon those who disobey, rather than what the Bible teaches: that sin damages and destroys the sinner unless God heals and restores (Romans 6:23; James 1:15; Galatians 6:8).

God’s supreme law is the law of love, the principle of giving, upon which all life is built to operate (Matthew 22:37–40). All life is created by God to thrive by giving, whether it be the carbon dioxide we give to the plants and the oxygen the plants give to us, or the food-fertilization cycle, or the recycling of the water throughout the earth, or the pollination of plants, or the giving in marriage that brings forth new life. Giving is love in action and is the basis of health and life. Selfishness – taking to get ahead – is breaking God’s design law and always and unavoidably damages, ultimately resulting in death unless healed by our Creator.

In Isaiah chapter 24, the prophet describes in powerful language the coming end of the earth, giving incredible details that make it clear that destruction comes because of humanity breaking God’s design laws for life. Let’s take a look at the first three verses:

Behold, the LORD makes the earth empty and makes it waste,
Distorts its surface
And scatters abroad its inhabitants.
And it shall be:
As with the people, so with the priest;
As with the servant, so with his master;
As with the maid, so with her mistress;
As with the buyer, so with the seller;
As with the lender, so with the borrower;
As with the creditor, so with the debtor.
The land shall be entirely emptied and utterly plundered,
For the LORD has spoken this word (v. 1–3 NKJV).

Understanding that God is Creator and His laws are the protocols upon which life is built, what happens when people break them and God no longer holds at bay the consequences? Revelation chapter 7 tells us that God has angels that have the power to harm the earth and the sea and describes specifically how they harm the earth and the sea: by no longer holding back that which they have been restraining. These angels of God have been holding in check the winds of strife – the full result of choosing to break God’s laws and separate ourselves from Him. Throughout human history, God, in mercy, has been holding back the full consequences of human rebellion. But a day is coming when God let’s go and gives the world its choice to be separate from Him. He lets the full weight of breaking His design protocols come upon the earth, and when He lets go, the earth breaks apart, life upon it ceases to exist, and all the wicked die.

God’s laws do not discriminate, and Isaiah makes that clear. It doesn’t matter what station a person has held in this life; God’s design laws treat everyone exactly the same. It’s just like if people jump off a building; gravity treats them all the same regardless of their station in life.

Let’s return to Isaiah, who tells us what happens to the earth and why:

The earth mourns and fades away,
The world languishes and fades away;
The haughty people of the earth languish.

The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants,
Because they have transgressed the laws,
Changed the ordinance,
Broken the everlasting covenant (Isaiah 24:4, 5).

What happens to the earth when we break God’s design for life – when we take rather than give, when we exploit rather than protect? Slowly, the ecosystems of the earth, all built upon the law of interdependency – love and giving – decay, fade, and die. What is happening around the earth today?

According to the 2019 Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services by IPBES, the biomass of wild mammals has fallen by 82%, natural ecosystems have lost about half their area and a million species are at risk of extinction – all largely as a result of human actions. Twenty-five percent of plant and animal species are threatened with extinction.[1]

As the population of the earth increases and humanity continues to burn down the forests, pollute the air, soil, and water, and over fish the oceans, would it be surprising that the earth “mourns” and slowly dies? This is the natural result of unrestrained selfishness.

The Hebrew word translated as “languishes,” אָמַל ʾā·mǎl, means both to be weak-willed, as in to fail to stand for what is right, and also to decay. It is exactly what happens to the wicked. They fail to embrace God’s design law for life, and the natural results are for them to decay, to fade away. Those who are haughty, prideful, selfish, who reject God’s law of love, are ultimately given up by God to reap what they have chosen. This is God’s wrath as described by the apostle Paul in Romans 1:18–32: God gives them up and all goodness, all righteousness, and all life decays in festering wickedness.

This happens because they have persisted in transgressing God’s design laws for life, and the only possible outcome is ruin and death. The Hebrew word translated as “ordinance” is חֹק (ḥōq) and means “a clear communicated prescription of what one should do.”[2]

These people have sought to change God’s prescription for life for their own; they have exchanged the truth for a lie, love for selfishness, life for death – and their ruin is unavoidable.

They have broken the everlasting covenant – but this is not some judicial document, some legal contract, but the eternal design for life, the bond of love and trust upon which God built all reality to operate. It is referring to that sacred covenant between God and His created beings, which is modeled in the marriage covenant. And these lost souls have broken it and refuse to be reconciled to God. Their claim of the legal blood payment to God for their sins only confirms their choice to reject truth and embrace the lie – as they see God as a dictator who requires a legal payment not to kill them. They reject God’s design law, His covenant of love and trust, and prescribe for themselves the human law model of appeasement and payment.

Returning to Isaiah 24, we’re told what happens when we reject God’s design law of love and choose the path of imperial law:

Therefore the curse has devoured the earth,
And those who dwell in it are desolate.
Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned,
And few men are left (v. 6).

“The curse” is the curse of sin and death, the result of transgressing God’s law of life – the principles of truth, love, and freedom. Selfishness, decay, disease, and death devour the earth when God finally releases His restraining and protecting hand.

The Hebrew word translated as “desolate” in this text is אָשַׁם (ʾā·šǎm) and means “be guilty, sin; i.e., be liable for a wrongdoing and sin against a standard.”[3] Isaiah is telling us that the curse of sin devours the earth because its people are guilty of rejecting God’s law of love, His free remedy provided in Jesus, and they choose imperialism and selfishness instead. So God lets them go, and they are destroyed by unremedied sin.

In verses 7–12, Isaiah describes how the “new wine … languishes.” New wine is a metaphor for the love and life that is freely offered through Jesus Christ. (Remember how Jesus used wine to symbolically represent His blood and, in Leviticus 17:11, how the life is in the blood). This life-giving new wine languishes because it is unused; it is not partaken of. And because they refuse the new wine, the remedy that Jesus provides, there is no joy, no celebration, no health and happiness – “all joy is darkened … in the city desolation is left.”

When the earth is like this – with God’s law replaced with human law, Christianity teaching a legal prescription for the sin problem, rather than the healing reality of God’s law written in the heart and mind (Hebrews 8:10), with the ecosystems failing, life fading, with joy being lost from the land, with fear and selfishness increasing – then the harvest of souls will occur.

Notice Isaiah 24:13 –

When it shall be thus in the midst of the land among the people,
It shall be like the shaking of an olive tree,
Like the gleaning of grapes when the vintage is done.

Jesus said, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28 NIV84). At this time in history, God’s people are to stop looking down at the problems of this world and lift our heads up, looking to our Creator God, for redemption draws near!

Isaiah doesn’t want God’s faithful to be afraid about what is coming upon the world. Those ready for the harvest are to sing the praises of our God of love:

They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing;
For the majesty of the LORD
They shall cry aloud from the sea.
Therefore glorify the LORD in the dawning light,
The name of the LORD God of Israel in the coastlands of the sea (vv. 14, 15).

Do you hear the message of Revelation 14? “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water” (v. 7 NIV84).

This is our time – today, right now – the time in earth’s history for the fulfillment of this prophecy, for people to be so overwhelmed with awe about our Creator God of love that we glorify Him in our characters. We reveal His glorious character in our lives by practicing His methods of truth, love, and freedom. We understand that the time has come for people to make a right judgment about God, to reject the human-law lie – with its imperial dictator views of God – and to worship “him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Today, right now, God is calling for you and me to worship Him as Creator and to glorify Him by teaching the truth about Him and His design laws for life.

I invite you to reject the penal-legal lie that has infected Christianity and darkened the world and to embrace the truth about our incredible Creator God of love. Invite Him into your heart, and lift up your head – for no matter the terror coming upon the world, our redemption is drawing near!

 


[2] Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Hebrew (Old Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[3] Ibid.


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Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA

 

Testimony 21

I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

Testimony 14

We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA