We couldn't help but catch the words of one of the four astronauts as they were "coming home" after their historic trip around the moon. While we don't have his exact words at hand, he virtually, warmly, sincerely, and excitedly told the world how they were anxious to set foot back on the earth -- that we are lucky to be humans, and that earth is our collective home, and it is where we belong, living in harmony with each other.

 

It is now quite impossible to predict the results of the exploration attempts in our solar system. But a text in Acts seems to suggest that we won't actually make much headway in the current plans to travel to other planets. The words are found in Acts 17:26, and they state, "...and He made from one every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation." If we catch the meaning correctly, it strongly implies that mankind BELONGS on earth and will not break its boundaries as far as man's existence is concerned.

 

 

But the astronaut's words also reflect theological truth. "Man is of the earth, earthy."(I Corinthians 15:47) God did not make man to take him to heaven. He made him dwell on the face of the earth once the earth is perfected into a paradise which supports the human race in a splendor which is far greater than imagination has yet conceived. It IS true that God has been making a "New Creation" from some humans whom He intends to CHANGE into spirit beings and to glorify with a nature like His own. He intends for these to be His own personal, intimate family -- with a built-in immortal nature (life within themselves -- John 5:26) such as only He originally had. But THAT is the exception. God didn't make the earth in vain; nor did he make mankind in order to give up on them or their earthly habitation. (Isaiah 45:18) God does not create things in order to dispose of them!

 

It is in harmony with this that Jesus asked the disciples to pray for God's Kingdom to come TO THE EARTH (Matthew 6:10) -- with His will being done HERE as it is in heaven. Why would Jesus pray for something that would never be? Man is for the earth, and earth is for man.

 

Think about it. How often do we hear of descriptions of heaven as a fishing trip, a great golf course, a magnificent garden, a time when Grandma can cook up her goodies to her heart's content, or any other descriptions which are ALL simply transplants of things we love here on earth? Man WANTS to be man -- and to be on an earth without problems, and living without disease, troubles, or death. It's built into us! And that future will be God's gift to the human race -- NOT whisking them off to some heaven ill-suited to their natural desires and natures.

 

The Divine Plan for earth, for humans, and for a "New Creation" made from SOME humans is glorious and rational beyond what most religions have ever taught. The astronaut's innate love for "Mother Earth" is only a momentary glance at what we all feel within to be our collective hope. It is not unlikely that IN ALL RELIGIONS the hope of heaven is due to what they have been taught about as the horrible alternative! The misinformed warning posters of Christianity show this. Have not most of us seen the signs, "Where will YOU spend eternity, heaven or hell?" But the choice is INCORRECT!

 

For those who understand the Christian "call" for a New Creation, the choice is, "Where will YOU spend eternity, heaven or earth?" The vast majority of humanity will soon rejoice that they will live eternally on a perfected earth with a flawless society. The words of Isaiah 14:7 testify to this:

 

The whole earth is at rest and is quiet; They break forth into singing!

 

 

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