FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

One question that often gets asked regarding the new earth is, “Will animals be present?”Why not? If they existed be- fore the Fall, they’ll be there in the new paradise.This doesn’t mean we’ll be reunited with pets that have died. However, I do believe we’ll enjoy God’s creatures in a transformed atmo- sphere of safety and playfulness. In the resurrected world, we will also find pleasure and gratification in the inanimate side of creation.With so many beautiful places to see on this doomed planet, just imagine what’s in store when the curse is removed. Many are kept from personally enjoying such sights now because of various re- sponsibilities and restrictions. Such won’t exist in the world to come. Notice that I include the heavens too. Since we’ve been able to go to the moon under sin’s dominion, imagine the new galaxies we’ll explore in the world to come. “What will we be able to accomplish for God’s glory when we have resurrected minds, unlimited resources, complete scientific cooperation, and no more death?” 676 In other words, learning won’t cease with the destruction of the old earth. Rather, it will take on all new dimensions. Puritan theologian Jonathan Edwards said, “The saints will be progressive in knowledge to all eterni- ty.” 687 The height of this fresh comprehension will center upon God’sWord, since the Bible says it will remain forever (Psalm 119:89, Matthew 24:35). “All this sounds great,” one might say, “but I just need the strength to make it through the day.” I understand. Although the happenings written about so far in this book are in motion, they have not yet come to fruition.With that in mind, let’s wrap things up with a story from Jesus about how we should live between now and then.

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