GOD’S PLAN FOR MAN
Lesson 14

Object of Our Lord’s Return

IN A former study we learned that Jesus was born into the world as a man in order that he might sacrifice his human life for the sins of the people and thus redeem them from death. It was for this purpose that he gave his flesh, his humanity, for the life of the world.—John 6:51

The work of the Lord in the earth since Jesus’ death and resurrection has not been the restoring of the people to health and life on the earth (though this was provided by his death and resurrection) but the selection from mankind of those willing to suffer and die with him, that they might live and reign with him. This company of people is described in the Bible as a “people for his name.”—Acts 15:14

However, the Scriptures assure us that, as a result of the redeeming work of Christ, mankind will be restored to life on the earth. Christ returns to earth to accomplish this great work during what the Bible describes as “times of restitution of all things.” The Bible informs us that the “times of restitution” have been foretold by all God’s holy prophets.—Acts 3:19-21

Isaiah was one of God’s holy prophets, and he foretold a day when the people would not say they were sick. (Isa. 33:24) Isaiah also forecast that blind eyes would be opened, and that deaf ears would be unstopped, and that those redeemed by Jesus—“the ransomed of the Lord”—would return from death. (Isa. 35:5,10) In another forecast of the “times of restitution” Isaiah wrote that God would wipe away the tears of the people and that death would be destroyed.—Isa. 25:8

Jeremiah was another of God’s holy prophets, and he foretold that children who had died would be restored to life, brought back, that is, from “the land of the enemy.”—Jer. 31:15-17

The work of restoring mankind to health and life on the earth will be accomplished through the agencies of Christ’s kingdom. This kingdom is symbolized in the Bible by a mountain, “the mountain of the Lord,” and the Prophet Micah foretold that in this “mountain,” or kingdom of the Lord, the people would learn war no more and that none would make them afraid.—Mic. 4:1-4

In the Old Testament those who have died are likened to prisoners who are held captive. Their awakening from death is described as a release from their captivity. Ezekiel, another of God’s holy prophets, using this terminology, foretold the restoration of the Sodomites, the Samaritans, and the Israelites. (Ezek. 16:53) Using this same language the Prophet Jeremiah foretold the restoration of other wicked people of the past.—Jer. 48:47; 49:39

The Prophet Habakkuk foretold that following the return of the Lord the earth would be filled with a knowledge of the glory of the Lord. (Hab. 2:14) All these blessings will come to the peoples of the earth as a result of our Lord’s return.

STUDENTS’ HELPS

Questions

What was one of the main purposes of Christ’s first advent?  What has been the work of the Lord in the earth since the death and resurrection of Jesus?

What is one of the main purposes of Christ’s return to earth at his second advent?  How does Peter describe this future accomplishment?

Cite some of Isaiah’s prophecies concerning the “times of restitution of all things.”

How do we know that children will be raised from the dead during “the times of restitution”?

What is one of the symbols of Christ’s kingdom?  What assurance is given us in one of Micah’s prophecies in which this symbol is used?

How does the Old Testament sometimes describe the dead, and how is their resurrection promised?

When will the knowledge of the Lord fill the earth?

Reference Material

“The Divine Plan of the Ages,” pages 93-95

Summary of Important Thoughts

Christ does not return to destroy the earth but to restore the people to health and life.