For the believer in Christ, the war with God is now over. By God’s transforming power, he has switched Kingdoms and, hopefully, has given wholehearted allegiance to Christ’s Lordship over his whole being (1 Peter 3:15a). The transforming work of the cross is both immediate and gradual. The new inner man is the beneficiary of all the monumental spiritual changes necessary to be compatible with heaven.

Now, the believer’s battle with his own flesh, the world system and God’s adversary, the Devil, begins in earnest. On this level, victory is usually not instantaneous but progressive. The mind of the outer man is transformed by the washing of the water of God’s word to increasingly understand and cooperate with the Holy Spirit to effectively do God’s appointed works in His time and in His way (Ephesians 2:10).

Now, the enemy is neither God nor people. The believer is commissioned to be God’s ambassador and reconciler to those who are not yet in Christ. He has been positioned in Christ in heavenly places to operate in His authority and power to bring heaven to earth as His ambassador on earth.

But when this earthly combat mission is over, what is promised to those who love and serve this awesome God? It is worth pondering this hope we have in Him to appropriately respond to God with ever increasing gratitude and committed love. In fact, Paul tells every believer to "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:2). 

Admittedly, it is impossible for the unaided natural mind to grasp the things of the spiritual realm. But understanding some of the glories of creation before Adam’s fall can provide both a greater appreciation of God and insights into our future hope in Christ.

As stated in part #3, the Bible begins by describing creation as God's harmonious masterpiece, reflecting His glorious benevolent nature. All creation (including Adam) was necessarily good because it was created and owned by God.  Consequently, all relationships between God, Adam, Eve and all the animals were completely harmonious, never adversarial, because the Adversary had not yet corrupted mankind’s representative. Man and animals were all vegetarian so there was, as yet, no such thing to fear as "the survival of the fittest" or violence (Genesis 1:29-30).  In fact, fear and anger were unknown.

There was no bad - let alone catastrophic - weather. The jungle growth discovered under the ice caps at the poles testify to world-wide balmy weather suitable for unclothed humans (www.drdino.com).  There was no thunder and lightning or even rain. Instead, streams and rivers watered the earth (Genesis 2:6 and 10). God lovingly anticipated and totally met every physical, emotional and spiritual need. Everything was completely safe, fully satisfying and utterly enjoyable in this absolutely perfect wonderland. It was good!  Utopia!  A taste of heaven!

God delegated to Adam the privilege of authority and power over His magnificent creation.  As chief steward, he named the animals and tended the garden (Genesis 1:26 and 2:20).  Rather than work being drudgery, it was delightfully fulfilling because God, knowing and loving His creation perfectly, designed, called and equipped him to do it.  And, since there as yet was no sin or resulting curse, there was no pain or suffering, no sickness or disease, no aging or death (1 Corinthians 15:21).

Among all these glorious positives there was only one prohibition - just ONE - to test Adam's trust and committed love for God. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil offered nothing Adam and Eve needed for perfect happiness.  In fact, they knew only perfect happiness precisely because they had no experience with what that tree offered - knowing the evil of rejecting God, who was their very reason for existence. Their innocence, maintained by faith in God’s care, provision and direction, was their protection.  

Same For Us

And it is that same gift of faith in God’s loving promise and provision for our full salvation that qualifies us to receive all the amazing blessings of a New Earth and far more yet to come. "‘For no eye has seen nor ear has heard, no mind conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.’" (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Yet Paul goes on: "But God has revealed it to us by His Spirit"... "so that we may understand what God has freely given us."  (1 Corinthians 2:10 and 12b).  Could it be that the inexpressible things that Paul saw and heard during his visit to heaven, he revealed in his writings? (2 Corinthians 12: 3-4)  Could it be the very mysteries he disclosed in Ephesians, for example, are far superior to all the blessings of the Garden listed above?  Could it be that the greatest possible treasure that heaven can offer already belongs to you as a believer?  Could it be that heaven is, above all else, the reality of you being in Christ and of Him being in you?  After all, isn’t being one with the Giver, who is Love Himself, much more important than enjoying all of His wonderful gifts?  Wisdom says "Yes."

As Paul writes in Colossians 2:17, "The reality, however, is found in Christ."  Abiding in Him by faith and by faith in Him, makes Him increasingly real and central to you.  Jesus is now your "wisdom from God - that is, our (your) righteousness, holiness and redemption."  (1 Corinthians 1:30).   Whatever you focus on, you become. What else is needed?  Regularly ask and allow the Holy Spirit to complete in you all that Jesus accomplished for you by His cross, death, burial, resurrection and ascension - His finished work - the Total Truth!  

·          the great hope of your call

·          and all the riches of your inheritance

·          and the greatness of your power in me who believes.

This is the power that raised Christ from the dead and enabled him to reign with You forever.

Glory and honor and wisdom and knowledge and power and riches are yours forevermore. (And ours, too, in Christ.  Hallelujah!)