WHERE JUSTICE SHALL REIGN FOREVER

WHERE JUSTICE SHALL REIGN FOREVER

MANY MEASURES HAVE been taken to bring about peace and order in society.  However, efforts to curb crime and violence have constantly failed as these remain a daily staple of newspapers and radio and television broadcasts.  Acts of terrorism, conflict and strife, as well as political uprisings continue in different parts of the world.  Many people fall victim to cruelty and oppression, finding themselves in a helpless situation.  Indeed, the words of King Solomon ring true to this day:

“Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had 
no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them.” (Eccl. 4:1, Today’s English Version)

The painful reality is that there are people in power who, instead of upholding justice, oppress their bereaved fellowmen.  Thus, it is not surprising that the efforts to establish a justice system that really works have not succeeded.  This only proves that man does not hold in his hands the key to true justice and peace in this world.  In fact, he himself is to blame for the gruesome fate mankind now suffers:

“The earth dries up and withers; the whole world grows weak; both earth and sky decay.   The people have defiled the earth by breaking God's laws and by violating the covenant he made to last forever.  So God has pronounced a curse on the earth. Its people are paying for what they have done. Fewer and fewer remain alive.” (Is. 24:4-6, Ibid.)

More than the violation of the laws legislated by man to preserve peace and order in society, is the violation of the laws of God by many people in this world.  Hence, various problems have kept cropping up in society such as the economic crisis, social disintegration, and moral decadence prevailing at present.

Moreover, God has decided to lay a final curse on the earth because of man’s wickedness:

“The earth will crack and shatter and split open. The earth itself will stagger like a drunk, sway like a hut in a storm. The world is weighed down by its sins; it will collapse and never rise again. ” (Is. 24:19-20, Ibid.)

The evil that reigns in this world will not go on forever, for God will put an end everything on earth.  The prevalence of injustice and unrest these days does not mean that God has turned a blind eye on the abuses of mankind.  More than anyone else, God is indignant of the evils present in this world.  Thus, the earth is plagued with various problems which are but a prelude to the ultimate disaster—the curse of God on the day of Judgment:

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.  But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. ” (II Pt. 3:10, 7, New King James Version)

REIGN OF JUSTICE

While a genuine rule of justice, peace, and happiness cannot be found in this world, there is a reason for us to hope and long for it as the Bible assures that there are people who have such fortune in waiting.  Apostle Peter mentions about them and the glorious condition laid in store for them:

“But God has promised us a new heaven and a new earth, where justice will rule.  We are really looking forward to that!” (II Pt. 3:13, Contemporary English Version)

A reign of justice is possible after all.  Such fortune can be achieved by those whom God has promised to dwell in the new heaven and new earth—the place where lasting peace and happiness will rule forevermore.  The apostle John, in his vision illustrates the great advantage of living in the place called the Holy City:

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.  Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.   And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:1-4, NKJV)

Fortunate, indeed, are those whom God would allow to dwell in the Holy City.  For, unlike in this world, they will no longer be victims of injustice, violence, and wickedness.  They will then be spared of the tragedies and misfortunes of the present world.  Most of all, they will live a life of peace with God and our Lord Jesus Christ forever.

DWELLERS OF THE HOLY CITY

But who are the partakers of God’s promise that they will dwell in the Holy City?  The Book of Revelation says:

“But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.” (Rev. 21:27, Ibid.)

Clearly, only those whose names are written in the Book of life in heaven will enter the Holy City and live a life ruled by eternal peace and justice.  But in order for one to be listed in the Book of Life, he has to be a part of God’s chosen nation:

“The angel wearing linen clothes said, "At that time the great angel Michael, who guards your people, will appear. Then there will be a time of troubles, the worst since nations first came into existence. When that time comes, all the people of your nation whose names are written in God's book will be saved.” (Dan. 12:1, TEV)

Therefore, one has to be included among God’s chosen people so that he can reach the Holy City.  In the Christian era, the chosen people of God are those whom He called out of darkness and brought into His marvelous light:

“But you are the chosen race, the King's priests, the holy nation, God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light.  At one time you were not God's people, but now you are his people; at one time you did not know God's mercy, but now you have received his mercy.” (I Pt. 2:9-10, Ibid.)

But where can we find those were delivered from darkness and brought to light?  Colossians 1:12-14 further illumines:

“Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.  He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,  in whom we have redemption through His blood,c the forgiveness of sins.” (NKJV)

For people to be delivered from darkness and be brought to lights to be called by God and be transferred to the kingdom of the Son, where there is redemption through the blood of Christ.  The Kingdom where those whom God called to be His chosen people, which is also that which is redeemed, is none other than the Church of Christ:

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation)

The future dwellers of the heavenly kingdom where genuine justice reigns supreme are the members of the true Church, the nation of God in the Christian era.  They are the ones whom the Bible assures the enjoyment of eternal happiness with God in the Holy City.

So, as the world’s conditions continue to worsen day by day, let us ensure our safe place in heaven by joining the true Church and remaining faithful and obedient to God’s commandments until the end.*

PAMPHLETS/PASUGO GOD’S MESSAGE/JANUARY 2002/PAGES 21-22

We cordially invite you to attend our worship services.