In the beginning, God created a world that knew no sin, devastation, or death. But Adam and Eve became the first to sin and with such everything changed. The complete world atmosphere changed—both spiritual and physical. Mankind became separated from God because of sin, e.g.
God called out to Adam and Eve and asked, "Where are you?"(see Genesis 3:8-12). Their sin had broken the spiritual bond they once enjoyed with God and He had to seek them. In an instant, everything changed. Their relationship with God was damaged and the world clock began a count down to the ultimate end of the world as they had once known and enjoyed it.
We have inherited sin and the fall of creation from our forefathers and likewise our spiritual bond with God is broken. But because of his great love towards us, he has gone out of his way to seek us and provide a way back into relationship with himself through the cross.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no-one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
A Holy and just God requires for sin to be punished, but we ourselves cannot pay the cost that sin requires to appease God. In his great love towards sinners, God spared not his own son Jesus to pay our sin debt on the cross and restore our relationship with himself to all who accept his gift of salvation through faith.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son so that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
The Bible tells us this world will one day pass away and a new heaven and a new earth will take their place and become the eternal home to all who come to him by faith:
Revelation 21:1-5
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
As I look around at the world, I can see the result of sin and a fallen world play out in our lives today:
- extremes in weather temperatures and conditions
- volcanic activity all around the world
- world-wide terrorism
- millions displaced and fleeing for their lives as a result of war
- discord amongst major countries (Russia, China, USA)
- earthquakes in diverse places
- murders, rape
- Sodom and Gomorrah repeated on a world-wide scale
- disease, famine and pestilence....and more recently, the Covid pandemic.
We are each and every one of us walking through a period of much darkness, uncertainty and unrest such as the likes of which many of us have never experienced before. BUT THERE IS HOPE. There is light despite the darkness. The Old Testament predicted the coming of a light into the world and the New Testament fulfilled the prophecy in the person of Jesus Christ, e.g.
Isaiah 9:2 - Old testament prophecy
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Matthew 4:16 - New testament fulfilment of that prophecy
The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Jesus was born to bring light to a world darkened by sin and he calls each one of us out of spiritual darkness and into his marvelous light, e.g.
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Q. Are you feeling discouraged or despairing?
Q. Do you feel there is no light at the end of the tunnel?
Jesus is calling: "Where are you?" he asks each and every one of us.
Matthew 11:28
"Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest...."
John 8:12
Jesus said, ‘I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life.’”
