24478654 Other Worlds in God s Universe

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OTHER WORLDS IN GOD'S UNIVERSEPresent Truth NZ

GOD IS THE CREATOR OF THE WHOLE UNIVERSE

"In the beginning God created the heaven [Hebrew - SHAMAYIM - plural : i.e."heavens"] and the earth." Genesis 1:1 - King James Version

This text, then, should really read as follows: "In the beginning God created theheavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

This is how it appears in the New King James Version, the New American StandardVersion, the New International Version, and the Revised Standard Version.

Todays English Version renders this verse in a very interesting way, as follows.

"IN THE BEGINNING, WHEN GOD CREATED THE UNIVERSE." Genesis 1:1

THE UNIVERSE OF GOD

In the beginning, God created His mighty Universe - all the unnumbered worlds ofspace.

This truth is taught right throughout the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy writings.

"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, sothat things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Hebrews

11:3


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"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathersby the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hathappointed heir of all things, by whom also He made THE WORLDS." Hebrews1:1,2

"He is infinite in wisdom, and there is no limit to His power. He controls the heavenswith their numberless worlds." Sanctified Life 75

"If men could see for a moment beyond the range of finite vision, if they could catcha glimpse of the Eternal, every mouth would be stopped in its boasting. Men living inthis little atom of a world are finite; God has unnumbered worlds that are obedient toHis laws and are conducted with reference to His glory." Counsels to Parents andTeachers 66

"The planets are marshaled in perfect order, obeying the laws which God hasestablished." Sanctified Life 76

HEAVENLY COUNCIL MEETINGS WHERE THE SONS OF GOD ARE PRESENT

In the book of Job, we have a record of one of the occasions when the sons of God -the representatives of each of the worlds in Gods Universe - met together in Heavenfor a Heavenly Council Meeting. It is recorded that Satan, on this occasion, tried topresent himself as the representative of this earth. This was before Jesus had diedupon the Cross.

"Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before theLORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whencecomest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro inthe earth, and from walking up and down in it." Job 1:6,7

If Adam had not sinned and fallen from Gods grace, he would have been attendingthat Council Meeting in Heaven, as one of the many sons of God, and as therepresentative of this world, instead of Satan, into whose hands he had sold out thisworld when he sinned in the Garden of Eden.

SON'S OF GOD - IN HEAVEN AT THE TIME OF CHRISTS ASCENSION

"All heaven was waiting to welcome the Saviour to the celestial courts. As Heascended, He led the way, and the multitude of captives set free at His resurrectionfollowed. The heavenly host, with shouts and acclamations of praise and celestialsong, attended the joyous train....Then the portals of the city of God are openedwide, and the angelic throng sweep through the gates amid a burst of rapturousmusic. There is the Throne, and around it the rainbow of promise. There arecherubim and seraphim. The commanders of the angel hosts, the sons of God, therepresentatives of the unfallen worlds, are assembled. The heavenly council beforewhich Lucifer had accused God and His Son, the representatives of those sinlessrealms over which Satan had thought to establish his dominion - all are there towelcome the Redeemer. They are eager to celebrate His triumph and to glorify their

King.....The voice of God is heard proclaiming that justice is satisfied. Satan isvanquished. Christ's toiling, struggling ones on earth are accepted in the Beloved.


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Eph. 1:6. Before the heavenly angels and the representatives of unfallen worlds,they are declared justified." Desire of Ages 833-835

JESUS PAID THE REDEMPTION PRICE, TO RECLAIM THIS WORLD FROMSATAN

"The world that Satan has claimed and has ruled over with cruel tyranny, the Son ofGod has, by one vast achievement, encircled in His love and connected again withthe Throne of Jehovah. Cherubim and seraphim, and the unnumbered hosts of allthe unfallen worlds, sang anthems of praise to God and the Lamb when this triumphwas assured. They rejoiced that the way of salvation had been opened to the fallenrace and that the earth would be redeemed from the curse of sin. How much moreshould those rejoice who are the objects of such amazing love!" Mount of Blessing104

"Christ was crucified, but in wondrous power and glory He rose from the tomb. He

took in His grasp the world over which Satan claimed to preside, and restored thehuman race to favour with God. And at this glorious completion of His work, songs oftriumph echoed and re-echoed through the unfallen worlds. Angel and archangel,cherubim and seraphim, joined in the chorus of victory." Youth's Instructor April 161903

GODS HOLY NAME IS HALLOWED INHABITANTS OF UNFALLEN WORLDS

"Gods name is hallowed by the angels of heaven, by the inhabitants of unfallenworlds." Mount of Blessing 107

PLAN OF REDEMPTION FOR FALLEN MAN AND UNFALLEN WORLDS

" But the plan of redemption had a yet broader and deeper purpose than thesalvation of man. It was not for this alone that Christ came to the earth; it was notmerely that the inhabitants of this little world might regard the Law of God as itshould be regarded; but it was to vindicate the character of God before the universe.To this result of His great sacrifice - its influence upon the intelligences of otherworlds, as well as upon man - the Saviour looked forward when just before Hiscrucifixion He said: 'Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of thisworld be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all unto Me.' John

12:31, 32. The act of Christ in dying for the salvation of man would not only makeheaven accessible to men, but before all the universe it would justify God and HisSon in their dealing with the rebellion of Satan. It would establish the perpetuity ofthe Law of God and would reveal the nature and the results of sin." Patriarchs andProphets 68,69

"This work of Christ was to confirm the beings of other worlds in their innocency andloyalty, as well as to save the lost and perishing of this world. He opened a way forthe disobedient to return to their allegiance to God, while by the same act He placeda safeguard around those who were already pure [the unfallen worlds], that theymight not become polluted. While we rejoice that there are worlds which have never

fallen, these worlds render praise and honour and glory to Jesus Christ for the planof redemption to save the fallen sons of Adam, as well as to confirm themselves in


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Had the world been destroyed, he would have claimed that his accusations wereproved true. He was ready to cast blame upon God, and to spread his rebellion tothe worlds above. But instead of destroying the world, God sent His Son to save it."Desire of Ages 37

GOD'S WONDERFUL LOVE, AND SATANS UNJUSTIFIABLE EVIL PROVEN

"Christ and Barabbas were presented before the multitude. Barabbas was a notablerobber and murderer; Christ was the Son of God. Pilate looked upon the two, andthought there would be no hesitation in the choice of Jesus. The marks of nobility,intelligence, and purity were plainly revealed in His countenance, in marked contrastto the coarse features of Barabbas. He asked, Whether of the twain will ye that Irelease unto you? (Matt. 27:21). And the hoarse cry of the infuriated mob washeard, calling, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesuswhich is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor

said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him becrucified. (Matt. 27:22, 23). In this choice the principles of Satan were mademanifest; and the hosts of heaven, and all the worlds that God had created, judgedthat Satan was an accuser of the brethren, a liar, and a murderer. In heaven andamong the unfallen worlds the question of Satan's deceiving power, of his malignantprinciples, was settled, and the perfect purity and holiness of Christ, who wasbearing the test and trial in behalf of fallen man, was forever proved. Through thedevelopment of Satan's character and principles, he was forever uprooted from theaffection of the unfallen worlds, and the controversy concerning his claims and theclaims of Christ was forever settled in heaven. The righteousness manifested in thecharacter of Christ was forever to be the anchor, the saving hope, of the world. Everysoul who chooses Christ can say with faith, The Lord my righteousness." SelectedMessages Book 1 348

THE WITNESS OF ALL THE UNIVERSE TO GODS AMAZING GRACE

"Christ is the costly sacrifice that has been given for the reconciliation of man. Theuniverse of heaven, the worlds unfallen, the fallen world, and the confederacy of evilcannot say that God could do more for the salvation of man than He has done.Never can His gift be surpassed, never can He display a richer depth of love.

Calvary represents His crowning work [of love and grace]." Our High Calling 13

UNFALLEN WORLDS ARE THE "NINETY AND NINE"

"The Son of God stooped to uplift the fallen. For this He left the sinless worlds onhigh, the ninety and nine that loved Him, and came to this earth to be wounded forour transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. Isaiah 53:5. He was in all thingsmade like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are." Acts of theApostles 472

"Christ, the loved Commander in the heavenly courts, stooped from His high estate,laid aside the glory that He had with the Father, in order to save the one lost world.


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For this He left the sinless worlds on high, the ninety and nine that loved Him, andcame to this earth, to be wounded for our transgressions and bruised for ouriniquities. (Isa. 53:5.) God gave Himself in His Son that He might have the joy ofreceiving back the sheep that was lost." Christ's Object Lessons 190,191

"Christ might have gone to the pleasant homes of the unfallen worlds, to the pureatmosphere where disloyalty and rebellion had never intruded; and there He wouldhave been received with acclamations of praise and love. But it was a fallen worldthat needed the Redeemer. I came not to call the righteous, said He, but sinners torepentance" Bible Commentary Vol 5 1088

UNFALLEN WORLDS, AND REDEEMED WITNESS JUDGMENT OF THE WICKED

"The judgment scene will take place in the presence of all the worlds; for in thisjudgment the government of God will be vindicated, and His Law will stand forth as

holy, and just, and good." Bible Commentary Vol 7 986

REDEEMED ARE A WITNESS TO UNFALLEN WORLDS THROUGHOUTETERNITY

"The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. Matthew 20:28.Christ's work below is His work above, and our reward for working with Him in thisworld will be the greater power and wider privilege of working with Him in the worldto come. Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God. Isaiah 43:12. This alsowe shall be in eternity. For what was the great controversy permitted to continuethroughout the ages? Why was it that Satan's existence was not cut short at theoutset of his rebellion? It was that the universe might be convinced of God's justicein His dealing with evil; that sin might receive eternal condemnation. In the plan ofredemption there are heights and depths that eternity itself can never exhaust,marvels into which the angels desire to look. The redeemed only, of all createdbeings, have in their own experience known the actual conflict with sin; they havewrought with Christ, and, as even the angels could not do, have entered into thefellowship of His sufferings; will they have no testimony as to the science ofredemption - nothing that will be of worth to unfallen beings? Even now, unto theprincipalities and the powers in the heavenly places is made known through the

church the manifold wisdom of God. And He hath raised us up together, and madeus sit together in heavenly places....that in the ages to come He might show theexceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.Ephesians 3:10, R.V.; 2:6, 7." Education 308

THE ORIGIN OF SIN IN HEAVEN

"Leaving his place in the immediate presence of the Father, Lucifer went forth todiffuse the spirit of discontent among the angels. He worked with mysterioussecrecy, and for a time concealed his real purpose under an appearance of

reverence for God. He began to insinuate doubts concerning the laws that governedheavenly beings, intimating that though laws might be necessary for the inhabitants


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of the worlds, angels, being more exalted, needed no such restraint, for their ownwisdom was a sufficient guide. They were not beings that could bring dishonour toGod; all their thoughts were holy; it was no more possible for them than for GodHimself to err. The exaltation of the Son of God as equal with the Father wasrepresented as an injustice to Lucifer, who, it was claimed, was also entitled to

reverence and honour." Patriarchs and Prophets 37

WHY GOD DID NOT DESTROY SATAN WHEN HE FIRST SINNED IN HEAVEN

"It was...necessary to demonstrate before the inhabitants of heaven, and of all theworlds, that God's government is just, His Law perfect. Satan had made it appearthat he himself was seeking to promote the good of the universe. The true characterof the usurper and his real object must be understood by all. He must have time tomanifest himself by his wicked works." Patriarchs and Prophets 42

"The inhabitants of Heaven and of other worlds, being unprepared to comprehendthe nature or consequences of sin, could not then have seen the justice and mercyof God in the destruction of Satan [when he first rebelled in Heaven]...Evil must bepermitted to come to maturity. For the good of the entire universe through ceaselessages, Satan must more fully develop his principles, that his charges against thedivine government might be seen in their true light by all created beings, that thejustice and mercy of God and the immutability of His Law might forever be placedbeyond all question." Great Controversy 498,499

"The rejecters of His mercy reap that which they have sown. God is the fountain oflife; and when one chooses the service of sin, he separates from God, and thus cutshimself off from life. He is alienated from the life of God. Christ says, All they thathate Me love death. Eph. 4:18; Prov. 8:36. God gives them existence for a time thatthey may develop their character and reveal their principles. This accomplished, theyreceive the results of their own choice. By a life of rebellion, Satan and all who unitewith him place themselves so out of harmony with God that His very presence is tothem a consuming fire. The glory of Him who is love will destroy them. At thebeginning of the great controversy, the angels did not understand this. Had Satanand his host then been left to reap the full result of their sin, they would haveperished; but it would not have been apparent to heavenly beings that this was theinevitable result of sin. A doubt of God's goodness would have remained in their

minds as evil seed, to produce its deadly fruit of sin and woe. But not so when thegreat controversy shall be ended. Then, the plan of redemption having beencompleted, the character of God is revealed to all created intelligences. The preceptsof His Law are seen to be perfect and immutable. Then sin has made manifest itsnature, Satan his character. Then the extermination of sin will vindicate God's loveand establish His honour before a universe of beings who delight to do His will, andin whose heart is His Law. Well, then, might the angels rejoice as they looked uponthe Saviour's Cross; for though they did not then understand all, they knew that thedestruction of sin and Satan was forever made certain, that the redemption of manwas assured, and that the universe was made eternally secure. Christ Himself fullycomprehended the results of the sacrifice made upon Calvary. To all these He

looked forward when upon the Cross He cried out, It is finished." Desire of Ages764


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ALL THE UNIVERSE MARVELS AT CHRIST BECOMING FALLEN MANSREDEEMER

"Never was the Son of God more beloved by His Father, by the heavenly family, andby the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds, than when He humbled Himself to beardisgrace, humiliation, shame, and abuse. By becoming the sin bearer, He lifted fromthe human race the curse of sin." Bible Commentary Vol 7

" It was the marvel of all the universe that Christ should humble Himself to savefallen man. That He who had passed from star to star, from world to world,superintending all, by His providence supplying the needs of every order of being inHis vast creation - that He should consent to leave His glory and take upon Himselfhuman nature, was a mystery which the sinless intelligences of other worlds desiredto understand. When Christ came to our world in the form of humanity, all were

intensely interested in following Him as He traversed, step by step, the bloodstainedpath from the manger to Calvary. Heaven marked the insult and mockery that Hereceived, and knew that it was at Satan's instigation. They marked the work ofcounteragencies going forward; Satan constantly pressing darkness, sorrow, andsuffering upon the race, and Christ counteracting it. They watched the battlebetween light and darkness as it waxed stronger. And as Christ in His expiring agonyupon the Cross cried out, 'It is finished' (John 19:30), a shout of triumph rang throughevery world and through heaven itself." Patriarchs andProphets 69,70

WHAT RESTORATION OF THE GARDEN OF EDEN MEANS TO UNFALLENWORLD'S

"When the tide of iniquity overspread the world, and the wickedness of mendetermined their destruction by a flood of waters, the hand that had planted Edenwithdrew it from the earth. But in the final restitution, when there shall be a newheaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1), it is to be restored more gloriouslyadorned than at the beginning. Then they that have kept God's commandments shallbreathe in immortal vigour beneath the tree of life; and through unending ages theinhabitants of sinless worlds shall behold, in that garden of delight, a sample of theperfect work of God's creation, untouched by the curse of sin - a sample of what thewhole earth would have become, had man but fulfilled the Creator's glorious plan."

Patriarchs and Prophets 62

FALLEN MAN, RESTORED BACK TO EDENIC PERFECTION

"Next to the angelic beings, the human family, formed in the image of God, are thenoblest of His created works." Faith I Live By 29

A VIEW OF OTHER WORLDS - AS GIVEN IN THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY

"The Lord has given me a view of other worlds. Wings were given me, and an angelattended me from the city to a place that was bright and glorious. The grass of the

place was living green, and the birds there warbled a sweet song. The inhabitants ofthe place were of all sizes; they were noble, majestic, and lovely. They bore the


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express image of Jesus, and their countenances beamed with holy joy, expressive ofthe freedom and happiness of the place. I asked one of them why they were somuch more lovely than those on the earth. The reply was, We have lived in strictobedience to the commandments of God, and have not fallen by disobedience, likethose on the earth. Then I saw two trees, one looked much like the tree of life in the

city. The fruit of both looked beautiful, but of one they could not eat. They had powerto eat of both, but were forbidden to eat of one. Then my attending angel said to me,None in this place have tasted of the forbidden tree; but if they should eat, theywould fall." Early Writings 39,40

REDEEMED WILL VISIT UNFALLEN WORLDS

"Many seem to have the idea that this world and the heavenly mansions constitutethe universe of God. Not so. The redeemed throng will range from world to world,and much of their time will be employed in searching out the mysteries ofredemption. And throughout the whole stretch of eternity, this subject will be

continually opening to their minds. The privileges of those who overcome by theblood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony are beyond comprehension."Bible Commentary Vol 7 990

THIS WORLD INSIGNIFIGANT COMPARED TO MILLIONS OF OTHER WORLDS

"As John meditated upon the glory of God displayed in His works, he wasoverwhelmed with the greatness and majesty of the Creator. Should all theinhabitants of this little world refuse obedience to God, He would not be left withoutglory. He could sweep every mortal from the face of the earth in a moment, andcreate a new race to people it and glorify His name. God is not dependent on manfor honour. He could marshal the starry hosts of heaven, the millions of worldsabove, to raise a song of honour and praise and glory to their Creator. The heavensshall praise thy wonders, O Lord: Thy faithfulness also in the congregation of thesaints. For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord? who among the sonsof the mighty can be likened unto the Lord? God is greatly to be feared in theassembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about Him"Sanctified Life 76,77

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CROSS TO ALL THE UNFALLEN WORLDS

" The significance of the death of Christ will be seen by saints and angels. Fallenmen could not have a home in the paradise of God without the Lamb slain from thefoundation of the world. Shall we not then exalt the Cross of Christ? The angelsascribe honour and glory to Christ, for even they are not secure except by looking tothe sufferings of the Son of God. It is through the efficacy of the Cross that theangels of heaven are guarded from apostasy. Without the Cross they would be nomore secure against evil than were the angels before the fall of Satan....The plan ofsalvation, making manifest the justice and love of God, provides an eternalsafeguard against defection in unfallen worlds, as well as among those who shall beredeemed by the blood of the Lamb." Bible Commentary Vol. 5 1132


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" The Cross speaks to the hosts of heaven, to worlds unfallen, and to the fallenworld, the value which God has placed upon men, and of His great love wherewithHe has loved us. It testifies to the world, to angels, and to men, the immutability ofthe divine Law. The death of God's only begotten Son upon the Cross in the sinner'sbehalf is the unanswerable argument as to the changeless character of the Law of

Jehovah." Review and Herald May 23 1899

"One honoured of all Heaven came to this world to stand in human nature at thehead of humanity, testifying to the fallen angels and to the inhabitants of the unfallenworlds that through the divine help which has been provided, every one may walk inthe path of obedience to God's commands. The Son of God died for those who hadno claim on His love. For us He suffered all that Satan could bring against Him."Selected Messages Book 1 309

"The Cross of Christ will be the science and the song of the redeemed through alleternity. In Christ glorified they will behold Christ crucified. Never will it be forgotten

that He whose power created and upheld the unnumbered worlds through the vastrealms of space, the Beloved of God, the Majesty of heaven, He whom cherub andshining seraph delighted to adore - humbled Himself to uplift fallen man; that He borethe guilt and shame of sin, and the hiding of His Father's face, till the woes of a lostworld broke His heart and crushed out His life on Calvary's cross. That the Maker ofall worlds, the Arbiter of all destinies, should lay aside His glory and humiliateHimself from love to man will ever excite the wonder and adoration of the universe."Great Controversy 651

WHOLE UNIVERSE INTERESTED IN GODS SAINTS HERE ON EARTH

"Let the members of every family bear in mind that they are closely allied to heaven.The Lord has a special interest in the families of His children here below. Angelsoffer the smoke of the fragrant incense for the praying saints. Then in every family letprayer ascend to heaven both in the morning and at the cool sunset hour, in ourbehalf presenting before God the Saviour's merits. Morning and evening theheavenly universe take notice of every praying household." Child Guidance 519

OUR WORLD IS A LESSONBOOK TO ALL THE UNIVERSE

"Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God's wonderful purpose of

grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which angels desire to look,and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and theunfallen beings will find in the Cross of Christ their science and their song. It will beseen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love."Desire of Ages 19,20

EARTH IS THE ALIEN PROVINCE

Though corruption and defiance might be seen in every part of the alien province, away for its recovery was provided. At the very crisis, when Satan seemed about totriumph, the Son of God came with the embassage of divine grace. {DA 37.2}

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24478654 Other Worlds in God s Universe