How good and pleasant it is when brethren can come together in unity -lifting voices of joyful praise, thanksgiving and adoration to our common Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ! Such was the experience of this editor on August 8-11 as he spent a long weekend with Pastor & Mrs. J.W. Moreland and the New Hope Landmark Baptist Church, of Moody, Alabama.
    To my pleasant surprise, beloved brethren came in from Malvern, Arkansas and Fernandina Beach, Florida to share in this time of ministry and fellowship. I found them all manifesting the very "spirit of Christ" as regards the truth of the gospel.
    So greatly does this little flock at NEW HOPE rejoice in the blessings of the NEW COVENANT that some have, unfortunately, dubbed them "NEW LIGHTERS". To me it is evident that God has shined into their hearts - giving "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ"! May He richly bless them! E.G.
"One generation passeth away, and another cometh: but the earth abideth forever", (Eccl. 1:4).

    In the current issue of THE PILLAR, published by the Hallmark Baptist Church, near Mauldin, S.C., is an unsigned article headed "For Theologues Only". It deals with three passages which the writer suggests "seem to be rather simple and straightforward statements of truth", (Heb. 12:26-27; Hag. 2:6-7; 2 Thes. 1:7-10). In essence, the conclusion is stated in question form: "Is God telling us that the heavens, the earth, and all unsaved people are to be destroyed at the revelation of Christ?" Then the inquiry: "What is God telling us - is it really that 'hard' to understand"?
    While deeply respecting Hallmark Church, and regarding the Editors of the PILLAR as beloved brethren, I find such an over-simplified conclusion VERY HARD to understand: NOT on the basis of these isolated passages, but within the context of all three passages, and according to a general analogy of the Word of God as a whole.
    The REVELATION of the Son of Man is pictured as a coming "in flaming fire", to destroy His enemies; it is ALSO represented as a coming to BLESS THE EARTH! (Psa.

96:11-13; 98:4-8; 69:34-36; etc.).
    Instead of representing the wicked as being destroyed by some phenomenal "holocaust", the Scriptures insist that it will be by the BRILLIANCY of our Lord's coming body-presence, when He comes in the vengeance of a "flaming fire", 2 Thes. 2:7-20).
    The language of both Peter and Paul is designed to confirm the ancient Jewish expectation. Their literature abounds with evidence of an expectancy that the "times of Messiah's reign" would be introduced by a terrible conflagration. But they viewed it as one of RESTORATION, PURIFICATION, REGENERATION and RENEWAL, rather than of DESTRUCTION! According to the context of 2 Peter 3, the world that "then was" (before the flood) STILL IS - except for the perishing of the wicked and such material changes as were effected by the flood. And the world that "now is" SHALL STILL BE (following the

conflagration of 2 Peter 3) - except for the destruction of the enemy and a "new birth", renovation and restoration of the earth to its Edenic purity! Even the slightest acquaintance with Old Testament prediction, of a coming glorious age, should enable one to realize that this ancient Jewish expectancy was firmly rooted in prophetic revelation! (Isa. 66:22; 65:17; 52:1, 6, 10; Psa. 97:1-3; Joel 2: 30-32; Mal. 4:1-3; etc.).
    When properly viewed, in context, the SHAKING of the "heavens and earth" is PREPARATORY to the setting up of the long awaited Theocratic-Davidic-Messianic Kingdom on earth. In symbolic language, it describes the complete overthrow of GENTILE WORLD DOMINION. The "times of the Gentiles" will have been fulfilled.
    In Haggai 2:21-22, the SHAKING of "the heaven and the earth" is manifested in the OVERTHROW of "the throne of kingdoms" whereby "the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen" will be destroyed, (comp. Psa. 2; Rev. 11:13-18; Rev. 19; etc.).
    A careful comparison of Haggai 2:6, with Hebrews 12:26-28, will show that this "shaking" is associated with the coming of the "desire of all nations" (peace?) on earth, the filling of the Lord's HOUSE (involving His New Covenant people) WITH GLORY, and their receiving (as joint-heirs with Christ) of "a kingdom that cannot be moved", because IT HAS NO END! E.G.
    "The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord", (Isa.11:9).

    In the symbolism of prophetic language, employed as a means of encouragement to the faithful without arousing the wrath of world- rulers, "heaven and earth" are so joined as to designate A POLITICAL UNIVERSE, (Isa. 51:16, etc.).
    "The Heavens" suggest "exalted positions of political power and glory in human governments". This symbolic usage is abundant in the writings of the prophets, (Isa. 13:10-13; Jer. 4:23-25; Ezek. 32:7; Isa. 34:4-6; Joel 2:10-11; Isa. 14:12-14; etc.).
    "The Earth" (or nations) suggests "the multitudes of people - the strength and power by which the 'heavens' are supported, or upheld". This symbolic usage is clearly found in Revelation 12:16; Genesis 6:12 and many other places.
    Even in ancient hieroglyphic writings: states, empires, kings, queens and nobility in general, were described by the sun, moon and stars; so their ECLIPSE, extinction, or OVERTHROW! In like manner, the ancient prophets sometimes designated kings and empires by the names of heavenly luminaries. Their temporary setbacks, and ultimate overthrow, were represented by eclipse and extinction. Thus, the downfall of "principalities and powers", (Col. 2:15; Eph. 6:12) - be they civil or religious - are designated, in prophetic language, by the "shaking of heaven and earth" - the darkening of sun and moon, (Matt. 24:29). Disproof of such usage surely requires more than mere ridicule, or a prior rejection. rejection.

    In full accord with this symbolic usage, Jesus foretold that "the powers of the heavens shall be shaken". This He linked with such "distress of nations", and "mourning of the tribes of the earth", as results in "men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth" and "the coming of the Son of Man in the clouds of heaven", (Matt. 24:29; Mk. 13:25; Luke 13:26; etc.).
    Joel connects this "shaking" with the Lord's DWELLING again IN JERUSALEM, and the manifestation of millennial glory, (Joel 3:16-21). Isaiah saw it in connection with the earthly manifestation of the Lord's glory and majesty (Isa. 2:17-21), in the day when HE ALONE is to be exalted in the earth.
    Is it not a strange interpretation that, insisting on the LITERALITY of a few isolated passages, magnifies features that create irreconcilable CONTRADICTION to other portions of the Word? Is it not equally strange that, on the basis of such isolated passages, such a philosophy is constructed as (if true) would effectively CRUSH the hope engendered in a groaning creation, a sin-cursed earth and in the longing of nations - thus, LIMITING the full and glorious RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS, and ignoring the expressed ability, willingness and ETERNAL PURPOSE of the Almighty King TO PERFORM IT?
    If one is passionately preoccupied with the vindication of a personal "philosophy" already espoused

he may be tempted to select such isolated texts as APPEAR, on the surface, to support it. However, if one is truly interested in the UNITY OF TRUTH; humbled before the glory, majesty, holiness and awe of God; if conscious of a coming "judgment seat of Christ" [where God's own people will be called to account]; surely, SURELY he will want to consider the WHOLE BIBLICAL REVELATION on ANY SUBJECT! Thus, my call for sobriety, carefulness, humility and absolute honesty before the facts. E.G.


    "Knowing this FIRST, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any PRIVATE INTERPRETATION", (2 Pet. 1:20). Divine wisdom established this principle as a safeguard against the formulation of dogmatic systems of interpretation apart from a careful examination, consideration and analogy of ALL the scriptures say on any subject. I submit that ONLY BY PASSING OVER A MASS OF PERTINENT PROPHETIC REVELATION may one formulate a philosophy of "catastrophe" for the earth created by our Lord, and for His glory. Consider the following:
    1. Cursed for man's sake, the earth must be REDEEMED, and restored to its Edenic purity; otherwise Christ, as the second Adam, will fall short of providing a perfect redemption. The "catastrophe" theory concedes to Satan a victory that he could never win - the eternal wreckage of a possession promised

to both God's Son and to His people.
    2. The "redemption of the purchased possession" (Eph. 1:14) involves far more than a PEOPLE, (I Pet. 2:9). It also involves "the uttermost parts of the earth"! (Psa. 2:8). Closely associated with our Lord's return, to establish His kingdom, the Scriptures portray a "regeneration" which is awaited by both "the saints" and "the creation", (Matt. 19:28; Rom. 8:19-23). This involves nothing short of a RESURRECTION and RENEWAL, (Psa. 2:7; Acts 13:32-37; Col. 1:18 Rev. 1:5; I Cor. 15:20; comp. Isa. 66:8-10; Ezek. 37:1-14).
    As regards mankind, it involves the "resurrection of the just" [Luke 14:14 - those whom God has declared righteous] UNTO a higher quality of life wherein they are conformed to the "image of God's dear Son", (I John 3:2; Rom. 8:29; I Cor. 15:49-50; 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 3:21).
    As regards the MATERIAL CREATION [earth], it is NOT destined for destruction, but for RESTORATION to its Edenic condition, (Isa. 35:1, 6; 51:3; etc.) wherein the long-awaited Theocratic Purpose will be carried out through the glorious rule (judgeship) of David's preeminent Son in His personal, visible and literal body-presence! (Isa. 2:2-5; 9:5-7; etc.).
    The Scriptures EVERYWHERE represent the RENEWED EARTH [not heaven] as the abode of the New Covenant people - sharing the rule of their glorified King, over an unglorified humanity! (Psa. 37:9-11; Isa. 66:22-24; Matt. 24:46-47; 25:21; Lk. 19:17; 2 Tim. 2:12).

    3. The "catastrophe" theory makes God a liar; His promises to Abraham, the meek and faithful of the earth, a mere MOCKERY! (Gen. 17:4-8; 22:16-18; Rom. 4:13; Acts 7:5; Matt. 5:5; prov. 11:31; 10:30 2:21-22; Isa. 60; 7:13; etc.).     4. It denies to Jesus Christ the very spot that He [as Jehovah] has SPECIFICALLY CHOSEN to place His memorial name, (Ex. 3:15; Psa. 132:13-18; 48:1-8; 68:16; 87:1-3; Mic. 7:18-20) FOREVER - the PLACE OF HIS REST!
    5. It implies that God's purpose for man to subdue and rule the earth (Gen. 1:18) was so frustrated that God had to abandon it as a hopeless failure! - contradicting all that God ever spoke concerning the IMMUTABILITY OF HIS PURPOSE! (Isa. 14:27; 42:13; etc.).
    6. It contradicts the literal - grammatical KINGDOM CONCEPT as set forth in the covenants, promises, prophecies and hope of the faithful throughout the Scriptures. This in spite of Jesus enunciation of a specific, righteous principle upon which He always acted: "If it were not so, I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU", (Jn. 14:2; comp. Acts 1:3, 6; etc.). Jesus never uttered a word to discourage His people from expecting a literal fulfillment of this HOPE - both of the Jews and of His apostles.
    7. It even contradicts the song of worship, adoration and praise TO THE LAMB, and before the throne in heaven, on the occasion of Jesus' agreeing to open the seven- sealed book; a word clearly declaring that those exalted to positions of king-priests, through His blood,

would yet "reign ON THE EARTH"! (Rev. 5:8-10).
    For these, and a number of other reasons, the "catastrophe" concept is TOO HARD TO UNDERSTAND! It appears to this writer to be without any solid, biblical support. E.G.


    The Scriptures mention several areas in which there will be a RESTORATION, or restitution, in connection with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, (Acts 3:21). It will be well to bear in mind that the Jews, to whom Peter spoke, understood the terms he used in their relationship to the Year of Jubilee and their usage in the covenants, promises and prophetic utterances of the Old Testament. Note a few things that are to be restored:
    1. "The hearts of the fathers to the children", (Mal. 4:6; Lk. 1:17, 76).
    2. The once-rejected seed of Jacob: to holiness, to covenant relationship and to favor with God, (Isa. 1:25; 4:3-6; 62:11-12; Jer. 24:7; Ezek. 6:60-62; 20:33-38; Rom. 11:25-29).
    3. The firm re-establishment of Israel, in their own land, as "chief" of the millennial nations - never again to be troubled or despised by their enemies, (Isa. 11:10-13; 65:25; Jer. 24:6-7; Ezek. 34:25-31; Isa. 32:16-20).
    4. The Theocratic Kingdom, in visible power and great glory, with its seat at Jerusalem and David's pre-eminent Son as its Supreme

Ruler, (Psa. 89:29, 33-34; Isa. 1:25-26; 9:6-7; 11:1-5; 58:12-14; Jer. 23:5-8; 33:14-17). IN Jeremiah 3:17-18 Jerusalem is called "the THRONE of the Lord!"
    5. The material creation, to a state of harmony, blessedness and fruitfulness (Isa. 11:6-9; 65:17-25), following a pre-millennial RESURRECTION, (Rom. 8:19-23; Hos. 2:18-20).
    6. The nations, in willing and joyful subjection to Him Who is the "root of Jesse", (Isa. 11:10; 49:22-23).
    So blessed is this "good news" of Jesus' future coming, as Restorer-Redeemer, that it ought to be proclaimed to the ends of the earth! In fact, this is exactly what HE HAS COMMANDED! "And this GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM shall be preached in all the world for a

witness unto all nations; and THEN shall the end [consummation of the age] come, (Matt. 24:14). Are YOU proclaiming SUCH A GOSPEL? or, are you perverting the very message our Lord commissioned His church to proclaim? E.G.


    A recent note from Sister Linda Murphey (with sons Kevin and Kerry) asked me to publish a note of appreciation for the liberality of churches and individuals who have contributed to a housing fund for them since the passing of Pastor Ken Murphey, their husband and father. Sister Linda says that she has tried to send a note of appreciation to each contributor, but may have missed someone.
    On July 20, 1991, the Murphey's were able to move into a "PAID FOR" 3-bedroom, 2-bath house, with carport and garage, just two miles from Doniphan, Missouri. The house was purchased for them, at a cost of $24.500.OO, by the contributions of friends and churches, as an expression of their love for Bro. Ken and his ministry, as well as for the family left behind.
    Sister Murphey also states that her SSI Disability has also been approved - enabling her to get some needful assistance for a severe heart problem. Their new address is:
    Here is another example of what can be accomplished when God's people cooperate in loving unity. Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow! E.G.