Goodness of God A New Forever WE HAVE A PROBLEM: CREATION’S EXPIRATION Genesis 3 - "The effects of sin on creation" - Life became burdensome. - The earth itself bears the scars of sin. - We continue to see it today: .. famine, earthquakes, volcanic explosions, tsunamis, animals hunting other animals; "the lion is not lying down with the lamb"! global warming, the disappearance thousands of miles of ice; mans overuse of the earth's resources not to simply provide for people's needs, but to line our own pockets. Romans 8:19-23 - all of creation is waiting. (groaning; not a "happy to wait") The futility of the fallen creation - no part of creation can ever again fully be what God created it to be. So great is the curse of sin, it has left all creation on a road that leads to death, destruction, and God's day of judgement. " Just as all creation was spoiled through our rebellion, the deliverance of all creation hinges on our deliverance. The glorification of the universe hinges on the glorification of a redeemed human race." - R. Alcorn GOD’S CREATION - God shows His goodness in creation. - Creators do what creators do - they create. It is an attribute of God. - All of creation was created by God as it was meant to be created. Genesis 1:31 - 2:1 - God looked at all He had made and said it was “very good”. (Gen. 1:31) - It was “complete”. (Genesis 2:1) - Whatever God intended to do when He began creating, He accomplished. - God's crowning jewel of creation - man. Adam and Eve enjoyed God's creation - They had a close relationship with God. - God was in the garden and met with them. Satan twisted God’s creation for his evil purposes and desires. Isaiah 14:13-14 GOD’S RECREATION God shows His goodness in Eternity. A New Heaven, A New Earth, and A New Jerusalem. John 14:1-3 (Jesus' promise) The curse is crushed! 2 Peter 3:10-13 - All creation will be consumed with fire and will be resurrected in its most glorious state. What will it be like? Revelation 21-22:5 - Dim the lights and close your eyes. Once again, we will walk with God. Revelation 21:3 We will reign over the new earth under the Lordship of the King. - The humblest servant of God here on this earth, will one day be a co-heir of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Romans 8:17 "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever." Revelation 11:15 "...and they (people of the New Earth) will reign forever and ever." Rev 22:5 “I did not see a temple in it, because the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” Rev 21:22 “Look, I am coming soon…” Rev 22:7,12 Why is what we believe (doctrine) about eternity important? Why should we have a solid understanding of the eternal state? Because it should shape the way we live today. 1 Peter 4:7-11 We need to understand that those things that attract us to this world will one day be completely destroyed. - Everyone worships something; God created us to be worshipers. Romans 1:20-23;32 To what or to whom we give our hearts, will determine our eternal state. - Give your heart to Jesus. (Heaven) - Give your heart to the things of this world. (Hell) While we wait for Christ's return, God is still good. - A good God is both perfectly merciful and gracious, but also perfectly just. "The reason God appointed this judgment day is to show the glory of his mercy by the eternal salvation of those he has chosen and to show the glory of his justice by condemning those he rejected, who are wicked and disobedient." - P. Tripp He is patiently waiting for all those who will one day accept Him as Lord and Savior to do so. - We grow impatient; but if it was one of us who was lost, wouldn't we want a patient Father? - Eternity is at stake and eternity is a long time to spend somewhere. - One day He will return and that day and for an eternity to come, things will be perfect. Next Step: Unbelievers, or those who are unsure of your salvation, God is waiting for you. Give your life to Jesus. Eternity is hanging in the balance, and we are not promised tomorrow. Believers, is eternity shaping the way you live today?