Progression and Restoration

April 10, 2018

Admittedly, it would be logical to philosophically contend that the universe and the earth has remained relatively the same. But Scripture documents that God has intervened and that the creator will restore the universe and earth.

2 Peter 3 from New American Standard Bible

3 Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” 5 For [a]when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, 6 through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. 7 But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and [b]its works will be [c]burned up.

MPhil, Bangor University, 2003: The Problem of Evil: Anglican and Baptist Perspectives 

At times, there is present theological progression in thought, for example Christ’s work established a New Covenant which replaced Old Testament Law, but there appears in Scripture from the Garden of Eden to the Holy City of Revelation, a consistent progressive plan of God to restore his creation. This revelation is seen in Scripture and the person of Christ which gives it a divine seal of approval. The Christian worldview of seeking a supernatural God points people to the cross and the resurrection. It turns them from trusting in self to trusting in God, who alone can provide the philosophical solution to the problem of evil and, more importantly, provide the theological remedy through Christ’s atoning work, which culminates in full restoration upon his return.

PhD, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter, 2010: Theodicy and Practical Theology

The development and ultimate restoration of a number of these imperfect human beings may be worth the problem of evil in God’s estimation. Feinberg (1994: 131). I reason that as human nature has already demonstrated that it can fall, in the restoration it will need not only culminated perfect nature through resurrection, but also the influence of the Holy Spirit in heavy measure. Citizens will be filled with the Holy Spirit as was Stephen in Acts Chapter 6, for example. The New American Standard Version Bible Version (1984: 1234-1235). As God has developed saved persons to freely follow him with his guidance, I do not see why this would change within the everlasting realm. 

FEINBERG, JOHN S. (1994) The Many Faces of Evil, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House. 

THE NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE (1984) Iowa Falls, Iowa, World Bible Publishers.