Much of what we hear about a new world order has to do with domination and power. Theories abound ranging from the USA and the UK to the Illuminati and the World Bank, the IMF and the European Union to name a few. Others speak of an Obama New World Order erroneously believing Obama is the Antichrist. The idea of the New World Order, is a rehash of old world news. In other words, there’s nothing really new about man’s quest for world domination. A New World Order, Can We Learn From History?
Adam experienced the first world order, a world in which God ruled from heaven. However, not long thereafter, Adam desired to be as God. Needless to say. It was not a well thought out plan, ending in miserable failure. Following this Abel, killed by Cain, as succeeded by Seth. Through Seth and Cain, two seed lines of mankind were produced. Those of Seth called upon God whereas those of Cain followed a different path.
As they grew into nations, they became divided after the flood. One of the first goals of the nations following the deluge involved a new world order. They all spoke a universal language, thus connecting the entire world by common speech. Temporarily, they achieved a one world government. They set out to build monument to their success that reached to heaven. This could quite easily have led to a one world or state religion or none at depending on the whims of the government.
Apparently God, displeased with what the people proposed and began to do, decided to put some restraint on this quest for world power. He said, “Let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech, and thus scattered men abroad all over the face of the earth. Apparently, a new world order, especially one involving one government and one language was not in keeping with the Divine purpose.
Following this several world leaders have attempted to continue the work of creating a one world government. Their primary tool was domination through war and destruction. From Alexander the Great of Greece, Julius Caesar of Rome, Gengis Khan (Mongolian), Napoleon (France) Adolph Hitler of Germany, to name a few, all left models of devastation, destruction and failure at achieving their desired ends. Seems God loves diversity, not only in the plant and animal kingdoms, but also in the kingdoms of men.
What can be learned from these colossal failures of men to achieve a new world order involving earthly governments? How would Christians like the idea of a New World Order of the Islamic domination? How would Muslims fare under a Zionist “state?” What of the other choices, even for those who worship idols of stone or claim no religion at all? Without diversity it would be a pretty dismal world order.
Eschatology, Christianity and the New World Order
Eschatology which is rooted in national power such as Zionism, Dispsensational Premillennism and others, create this thirst for domination through ignorance. Prophecies in Isaiah 2:2-4 and it’s companion in Micah which speak of God’s reigning in Zion are misinterpreted and applied to a modern-day national state of Israel. Rather, these texts looked forward to the coming of the kingdom of God in the last days of the Jewish age. Yes, the Bible does speak favorably of a new world order, only that it is spiritual and not civil.
God promised to give Christ the nations as an inheritance, Psalms 2:1-9. In other words, the only “one world” government is that of Christ. It is however, not a kingdom of this world, though in this world. David asked this question in prophecy? Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision.
Peter applies the first part of the prophecy to nations of the first century, including Herod, Pontus Pilate, Rome and the Gentiles along with national Israel, all in union against Christ, (Acts 4:25-27). As far as a United Nations, they already had one in the first century. However, it did not last, nor was it successful in defeating the kingdom of God. The second part of the prophecy in Psalms focuses on the end of the age where a transition is made to the “new world order.” Those who follow Christ, rule with him over the nations with a rod of iron.
This again is not civil or military power. The history of nations and their hi-tech wars prove they are short lived and non-permanent. Though we feel today we have some of the most modern technology, that’s only because we are comparing ourselves with nations of the past. At the time, they used battering rams, that was pretty hi-tech stuff for those days. But the future of weaponry makes it look archaic. Likewise, the generations in the future will no doubt make our modern day technology seem primitive.
One fact is certain, men cannot be ruled for long by artillery, force or through the lording of power. They will always discover, invent or find new ways to overcome it. The most effective wars ever fought were those where not a single shot was fired. Men made decisions about not going to war, not dropping bombs or firing missiles, saving hundreds of thousands of lives, property and energy. In other words, the most effective battles are fought internally, in the heart, where men can make decisions that build life versus destroy it.
This is where Christ chose to fight the battles of the world, and he won hands down. This is the new world order. It is the kingdom of God ruling in the hearts of men. “Then the seventh angel sounded; And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!,” (Revelation 11:15). That is God’s world order. The kingdoms of the world in submission to him.
A New World Order, Can We Learn From History?
Nations are virtually powerless against the spiritual forces of good and can be dismantled by one committed spiritual leader. Ancient Israel gained independence from the powerful nation of Egypt through Moses, Ghandi decolonized India without a shot, and Mandela dismantled apartheid in South Africa. Likewise, Christ defeated the nations and all are to submit to his will. In this manner he creates a new world order, (2 Cor. 5:17).
The victory of Christ over the nations extends throughout eternity in the New Heavens and Earth of the New Covenant heavenly city of Jerusalem, not to be identified with Palestine or the State of Israel, (Revelation 22:2-3; Hebrews 12:22-23). “And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it….”And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it,” (Revelation 21:24, 26)
