New Church Life May/June 2017 | Page 25

         evil consequences they always produce. • The well-disposed will need to be willing to resist and reject from their hearts, their homes, their societies and their nations, indulgence in unbridled natural lusts, appetites and their delights, however apparently harmless and appealing they may be. Why? Because of the terrible destruction of human life that they will always bring in the long run. • If the inevitable ills that falsities and evils always bring upon society are to be exposed and ultimately rejected for what they are, people who hunger and thirst after righteousness will need to be willing to relinquish their trust in worldly authorities and eventually seek the Lord in the revelation of His Second Advent, humbly imploring Him for new rational truths to guide them into a new and more heavenly life. When will a third state kind of state arise in this world? Of course, we do not know. But the day of the open establishment of the New Christianity will come! When will a third state kind of state arise in this world? Of course, we do not know. But the day of the open establishment of the New Christianity will come! The promise of the New Jerusalem is unequivocal, just as Nebuchadnezzar’s dream about the five ages was said to be certain, and Daniel’s interpretation of it sure! It is for us, then, not to surrender our hope and trust in the Lord’s promise. Rather, let us instead, personally, and as a church, accept the Lord’s commission: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) The Rev. Willard L. D. Heinrichs is retired and lives with his wife, Vanessa (van Rij), in Longmont, Colorado. During his active ministry he served in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada; as Superintendent of the South African Mission; and as a teacher of Religion in Bryn Athyn College and its Theological School. Contact: [email protected] 205