Winter 2008

World History From A Biblical View
Seeley D. Kinne

To better understand the sequels that follow human lines of conduct, we should consider the intention of God in creating man. But notice first the very high estimate God places on the worth of man. Inspiration reads:

“What is man, that You should magnify him? and that You should set Your heart upon him?” Job 7:17

“What is man, that You are mindful of him? and the son of man, that You visit him? Psalm 8:4

It may well be asked, what is the Divine intent of so noble a creation? Why do we find so glorious an outlook to have become so degraded and groveling?

“Though you have lain among the pots, yet shall you be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.” Psalms 68:13

If the Lord’s set valuation of man is so high, none the less glorious is the outlook of Divine design for his future.

In the Scriptures, we read:

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for You have created all things, and for Your pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11

“When the Lord shall build up Zion, He shall appear in His glory.” Psalm 102:16

“Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shined.” Psalm 50:2

These passages show that God is to be magnified, glorified, and honored, by the manifestation of His creating, working power in and through redeemed man. Purchased through the blood of Jesus upon Calvary’s cross, the redeemed have been elevated into a high place of relationship and purpose.

“Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together grows to a holy temple in the Lord: In whom you also are built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-21

“To the intent that now to the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 3:10-11

In Ephesians chapter 3, Paul shows how this mystery, “Christ indwelling the redeemed body of humanity” had been hid from past generations, but is now revealed to him through a dispensation of the grace of God.

The “bringing forth” of this mystery, Ecclesia in perfection, is Christ indwelling a company of redeemed, recreated, Christians who are filled with the Holy Spirit in graces, gifts, and heavenly powers.

Since apostolic times, this true ideal of the Ecclesia has been buried in the drift toward the human. But now, the Lord Himself has risen up to restore, and again bring into operation His Holy Spirit filled and controlled Body.

This Ecclesia is to know and experience the “unsearchable riches of Christ “made known by Rivers of Revelation. Again, we read, “So richly has God lavished upon us His grace, granting us complete insight and understanding of the open secret of His will” (Ephesians 1:8-9a). “He raised us and seated us in the heavenly sphere in Christ Jesus, to display throughout ages to come His surpassing wealth of grace and goodness toward us in Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 2:7).

These are descriptions of “so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him, God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with diverse miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost” (Hebrews 2:3).

What then shall be said of that still higher opportunity of which Paul says, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

This “High Calling” is an attainment far beyond ordinary experiences of salvation.

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12

This speaks of our becoming a full overcomer seated with Christ in His Throne. For us to become the wife of the Lamb is the highest opportunity that could be offered the redeemed.

There is yet another purpose in God’s creation of man. When Satan and “the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation” were cast out of Heaven, there was left a vacancy in the palace of God. To replenish it was a design of God.

God is Omnipotent and Supreme. When Satan started his rebellion, God could have hurled him from Heaven to the lowest hell, or cast him into the Lake of Fire. Instead, He chose a twofold means by which He would bring Satan to his destined end.

In infinite wisdom, God created man and placed him in a probationary environment. Though man would fail, redemption would be provided. This atonement was made in the realm and nature of man. It cannot therefore apply to Satan, or to fallen angels.

Through the passion and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, ample provision has been made for the full restoration of the race of man and the physical world from its present fallen state, to a higher degree of perfection. As part of his higher purpose, this redeemed man is to displace Satan in the heavens.

At the same time, He gave the whole moral universe an opportunity to see an exhibition of the acts and effects of Satan’s rule. This practical display enables all to see and know that satanic operations are detrimental and destructive, everywhere, and always. Thus by a public show, all will see Satan for what he is, a public enemy who is neither worthy nor safe to be at large in the universe.

Throughout the ages, God has undertaken an extensive display of His relationships and dealings with man, as they meet on terms of reconciliation. Through these transactions, activities, and incidents, are seen the many-sided views of moral principles along with the disastrous effects of following the negative, or sin and satanic side.

In the intrinsic nature of all things, the principle of opposites exists. There must be positive and negative, right and wrong, good and evil, holiness and sin, light and darkness, bitter and sweet. The power of choice is essential in moral creatures.

Many sad and dreadful records, left by men of great natural talent, have been indelibly written on the pages of time. So also has been traced in un-erasable letters of gold, and in the hearts of men, the records of great, godly men. All these, contingent upon their relationship to their Creator, have come to either an ignominious, or to a glorious end.

History, as written by man is a story of past earth happenings. History, as written by the Lord is prophetic. It tells what will happen as Divinely planned and purposed.

These purposes may be summed up thus:

• For Divine pleasure, satisfaction, and glory
• To prepare a Bride for His Son
• To replenish God’s Heavenly palace
• To display the greatness of His infinite love, mercy, forbearance, justice, abhorrence and punishment of sin

“Known to God are all His works from the beginning of the world.” Acts 15:18