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reference to the relationship of Genesis with Revelation. Before doing so we want to
establish that there will be an equivalent period of dissolution at the time of the end, to
that of Gen. 1: 2, before the new heaven and the new earth appear. For this we will
appeal to two portions of Scripture here, although the reader will doubtless be able to
supplement these passages by others with which he is familiar. First a passage from the
O.T. telling us of a future period of dissolution comparable to Gen. 1: 2:
"And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together
as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a
falling fig from the fig-tree. For My sword shall be bathed in heaven . . . . . it is the day
of the Lord's vengeance" (Isa. 34: 4, 5, 8).
We anticipate future studies by drawing attention to the fact that the two words
translated "without form and void" in Gen. 1: 2 occur in verse 11 of this same chapter,
there translated "confusion" and "emptiness". This of itself confirms the thought that
Gen. 1: 2 is to be in some measure repeated in the future.
Secondly, a passage from the N.T.:
"Looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which
the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent
heat. But, according to His promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein
dwelleth righteousness" (II Pet. 3: 12, 13, R.V.).
Again we anticipate future studies by assuming as true, that the work of the six days of
Gen. 1: was the preparation of the earth--so long submerged--for man. These things
being accepted, the pattern of the ages (another term that must be considered in its place)
can be set out somewhat as follows:
CREATION
«--- The present heaven and earth ---»
NEW CREATION
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Gen. 1: 1 |
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The platform of
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Rev. 21: 1
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the Age-Purpose
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Gen. 1: 2
II Pet. 3: 12
Chaos
Chaos
Vengeance
Vengeance
Supplementing this survey we will now present a few of the most evident parallels
between Genesis and the Revelation. The new heaven and the new earth of Rev. 21: 1
answers Gen. 1: 1. The "first" heaven and earth, should read "the former heaven and
earth", as the word is translated in verse four. This refers, not to the primary creation of
the Universe (Gen. 1: 1) but to the present creation, the limited heaven (called the
firmament, yet to be considered) the present earth.
The added statement "no more sea" refers to the great deep of Gen. 1: 2 which, like
death, pain and the curse, are to be "no more" (Rev. 21: 4; 22: 3).