The New World Order

 

     Man needs hope in order to persevere and experience a sound state of mind. As expected, man has looked to different sources in search of all inspiring hope.  Regarding hope, the scriptures are plain regarding both its reality and need.

     "18: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20: Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" (Heb. 6).

     One source of hope, both secularly and religiously is the "New World Order" about which we have been hearing for some time.  The New World Order purports to offer something better and enduring.

     "The term 'new world order' has been used to refer to a new period of history evidencing a dramatic change in world political thought and the balance of power. The first usages of the term surrounded Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points and call for a League of Nations following the devastation of World War I. The phrase was used sparingly at the end of the Second World War when describing the plans for the United Nations and Bretton Woods system, in part because of the negative association the phrase would bring to the failed League of Nations. In retrospect however, many commentators have applied the term retroactively to the order put in place by the WWII victors as a 'new world order.' The most recent, and most widely discussed, application of the phrase came at the end of the Cold War. Presidents Mikhail Gorbachev and George H.W. Bush used the term to try and define the nature of the post Cold War era, and the spirit of great power cooperation that they hoped might materialize….." (Wikipedia Encyclopedia).

     This secular New World Order (some are pushing for the replacement language, "era of globalization") requires the relinquishing of much of separate powers and interests now characteristic of world governments and a putting in place of one world political order.  Some of the first vestiges of this movement involve the removal of borders separating countries, starting with the borders demarcating the United States and Mexico and Canada.  In its initial stage, it will stress a bi-lingual state, Spanish and English.  It promotes the influx of cultures and ideologies and calls for tolerance.  In fact, to seriously prepare the way for this New World Order or Era of Globalization, there must be the effecting of tolerance, at least tolerance on the part of the U. S. toward other cultures and values.  The ultimate goal is oneness, oneness in currency, political goals, and values.  Some social scientists believe that the thrust after this first stage is secured will be to arrive at an empire.  The empire concept will urge and promote multi-cultural status in one general complexion of government.  We are promised peace and the absence of war as all will be one and united.

     While the Christian is taught to obey and respect the powers that be, there are some serious consequences to this perceived Era of Globalization, both economically and religiously (Rom. 13: 1-7, Acts 5: 29).  Since America is the most prosperous country in the world and offers the most religious freedom of all, it is inevitable that there will be compromise and adverse change on the part of the U.S.  The idea of "tolerance" will be and already is prejudiced.  For instance, we are hearing much about how we (America) must be tolerant relative to such world religions as Islam.  Yet, Islam, based on the teaching of the Koran, is the most intolerant.

     Government has never offered the hope to which man aspires.  In fact, history has shown that the more man looks to government, the more he is disappointed and enslaved (Roman Empire).  As we already see in place signs of transition toward an empire state, let us review history and remember that no empire has survived due to its inherent flaws.

     Many religionists have their own version of the New World Order.  One writer wrote:

     "...Jesus was the last king under the Judaic genealogy and also the new king of the new world order.  He promised to come back after he received the kingdom so that he will rule for ever and ever...." (M. Stewart).

     There is the matter of logistics involved in this New World Order promise. 

     Consider the statement by James Melton:

     "God cannot establish His Son in Israel as King of the Jews unless the Jews  are living in Palestine, their promised homeland, so it is God's plan to restore the Jews to Palestine before the Second Coming of Christ."

     This version of the New World Order is the doctrine known as Premillennialism.  This belief system has flourished along with the acceptance and raising popularity of the social gospel.  Premillennialism offers the prospect for man remaining on this earth and depending on his religious status, perhaps holding a high and important government appointment in Jesus' perceived world government and order.  The proponents of this New World Order tell us that Jesus' reign will be so complete that there can be no wars or political uprisings.  It advocates a national conversion of the Jewish race, as a preliminary event and focuses very closely on Mid-east activities.

     Premillennialism has such core doctrines as Jesus failed to establish his Kingdom when he came and that he will succeed when he returns. Notwithstanding, we read of the Kingdom being in existence (Col. 1: 13, 14, Heb. 12: 28).  Jesus himself expressly taught that his Kingdom was not to be of a corporate nature but, rather, essentially spiritual (John 18: 36). This religious New World Order has the saved and lost segregated at the Judgment and some nuances of this theology has long periods of time transpiring involved in the segregation ("tribulation," and "rapture" theories). The scriptures teach that both the lost and saved dead will be resurrected and sentenced the same "day" (John 5: 28, 29). According to Premillennial teaching, the earth will not be destroyed at Jesus' return.  However, the Spirit led Peter taught the total and complete destruction of the earth and all that appertains upon Jesus' arrival in judgment (2 Pet. 3: 10-13). There shall be "new heavens" and a "new earth" (dwelling place), but they will be spiritual and not physical or political (cp. Rev. 21: 1f.).

     A necessary condition for this political reign of Jesus on earth is for the restoration of the Law of Moses and the various ceremonial observations, a thought totally repulsive to every serious Bible student and believer (Zech. 14: 16f.)

     Those who live for the New World Order, whether it is the secular or religious version, are going to be let down and frustrated in their aspirations.  Man's order and creativity will not permanently put in place such a utopic condition and false religious teaching cannot produce its claims.

     I emphatically repeat that hope is needed but it is the hope of heaven of which we write.  Heaven and only heaven constitutes the ultimate utopia. Decay, disappointment, and death are and shall continue to be associated with this physical life (2 Cor. 4: 16, Heb. 9: 27).  However, in the heavenly city these conditions are unknown (Rev. 21, 22).  In closing, consider the teaching of the scriptures:

     "3: And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5: And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6: And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son" (Rev. 21).

     Those who perceive of and offer a secular or spiritually perverted order that has either man or a political Jesus bringing in a New World Order that offers all that man needs to completely satisfy are seriously flawed. Heaven is the "one hope" of the calling of the Christian and it shall not be here on this earth (John 14: 1-4).  (Related reading would be, "Controlling the Borders" and, "The Global Gospel")