Other Worlds in God’s Universe

By Present Truth NZ

GOD IS THE CREATOR OF THE WHOLE UNIVERSE

In the beginning, God created His mighty Universe – all the unnumbered worlds of space.

This truth is taught right throughout the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy writings.

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”     Hebrews 11:3

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made THE WORLDS.”     Hebrews 1:1,2

“He is infinite in wisdom, and there is no limit to His power. He controls the heavens with their numberless worlds.”     Sanctified Life 75

“If men could see for a moment beyond the range of finite vision, if they could catch a glimpse of the Eternal, every mouth would be stopped in its boasting. Men living in this little atom of a world are finite; God has unnumbered worlds that are obedient to His laws and are conducted with reference to His glory.”     Counsels to Parents and Teachers 66

“The planets are marshaled in perfect order, obeying the laws which God has established.”     Sanctified Life 76

HEAVENLY COUNCIL MEETINGS WHERE THE SONS OF GOD ARE PRESENT

In the book of Job, we have a record of one of the occasions when the sons of God – the representatives of each of the worlds in God’s Universe – met together in Heaven for a Heavenly Council Meeting. It is recorded that Satan, on this occasion, tried to present himself as the representative of this earth. This was before Jesus had died upon the Cross.

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.”     Job 1:6,7

If Adam had not sinned and fallen from God’s grace, he would have been attending that Council Meeting in Heaven, as one of the many sons of God, and as the representative of this world, instead of Satan, into whose hands he had sold out this world when he sinned in the Garden of Eden.

SONS OF GOD – IN HEAVEN AT THE TIME OF CHRIST’S ASCENSION

“All heaven was waiting to welcome the Saviour to the celestial courts. As He ascended, He led the way, and the multitude of captives set free at His resurrection followed. The heavenly host, with shouts and acclamations of praise and celestial song, attended the joyous train….Then the portals of the city of God are opened wide, and the angelic throng sweep through the gates amid a burst of rapturous music. There is the Throne, and around it the rainbow of promise. There are cherubim and seraphim. The commanders of the angel hosts, the sons of God, the representatives of the unfallen worlds, are assembled. The heavenly council before which Lucifer had accused God and His Son, the representatives of those sinless realms over which Satan had thought to establish his dominion – all are there to welcome the Redeemer. They are eager to celebrate His triumph and to glorify their King…..The voice of God is heard proclaiming that justice is satisfied. Satan is vanquished. Christ’s toiling, struggling ones on earth are ‘accepted in the Beloved.’ Eph. 1:6. Before the heavenly angels and the representatives of unfallen worlds, they are declared justified.”     Desire of Ages 833-835

JESUS PAID THE REDEMPTION PRICE, TO RECLAIM THIS WORLD FROM SATAN

“The world that Satan has claimed and has ruled over with cruel tyranny, the Son of God has, by one vast achievement, encircled in His love and connected again with the Throne of Jehovah. Cherubim and seraphim, and the unnumbered hosts of all the unfallen worlds, sang anthems of praise to God and the Lamb when this triumph was assured. They rejoiced that the way of salvation had been opened to the fallen race and that the earth would be redeemed from the curse of sin. How much more should those rejoice who are the objects of such amazing love!”     Mount of Blessing 104

“Christ was crucified, but in wondrous power and glory He rose from the tomb. He took in His grasp the world over which Satan claimed to preside, and restored the human race to favour with God. And at this glorious completion of His work, songs of triumph echoed and re-echoed through the unfallen worlds. Angel and archangel, cherubim and seraphim, joined in the chorus of victory.”     Youth’s Instructor April 16 1903

GOD’S HOLY NAME IS HALLOWED INHABITANTS OF UNFALLEN WORLDS

“God’s name is hallowed by the angels of heaven, by the inhabitants of unfallen worlds.”     Mount of Blessing 107

PLAN OF REDEMPTION FOR FALLEN MAN AND UNFALLEN WORLDS

” But the plan of redemption had a yet broader and deeper purpose than the salvation of man. It was not for this alone that Christ came to the earth; it was not merely that the inhabitants of this little world might regard the Law of God as it should be regarded; but it was to vindicate the character of God before the universe. To this result of His great sacrifice – its influence upon the intelligences of other worlds, as well as upon man – the Saviour looked forward when just before His crucifixion He said: ‘Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all unto Me.’ John 12:31, 32. The act of Christ in dying for the salvation of man would not only make heaven accessible to men, but before all the universe it would justify God and His Son in their dealing with the rebellion of Satan. It would establish the perpetuity of the Law of God and would reveal the nature and the results of sin.”    Patriarchs and Prophets 68,69

“This work of Christ was to confirm the beings of other worlds in their innocency and loyalty, as well as to save the lost and perishing of this world. He opened a way for the disobedient to return to their allegiance to God, while by the same act He placed a safeguard around those who were already pure [the unfallen worlds], that they might not become polluted. While we rejoice that there are worlds which have never fallen, these worlds render praise and honour and glory to Jesus Christ for the plan of redemption to save the fallen sons of Adam, as well as to confirm themselves in their position and character of purity. The arm that raised the human family from the ruin which Satan has brought upon the race through his temptations, is the arm which has preserved the inhabitants of other worlds from sin. Every world throughout immensity engages the care and support of the Father and the Son; and this care is constantly exercised for fallen humanity. Christ is mediating in behalf of man, and the order of unseen worlds also is preserved by His mediatorial work. Are not these themes of sufficient magnitude and importance to engage our thoughts, and call forth our gratitude and adoration to God?”    Messages to Young People 253,254

JESUS DEMONSTRATED THAT MAN COULD KEEP HIS FATHER’S LAW

” Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are. He redeemed Adam’s disgraceful failure and fall, and was conqueror, thus testifying to all the unfallen worlds and to fallen humanity that man could keep the commandments of God through the divine power granted to him of heaven.”     Selected Messages Book 3 136

“One honoured of all heaven came to this world to stand in human nature at the head of humanity, testifying to the fallen angels and to the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds that through the divine help which has been provided, every one may walk in the path of obedience to God’s commands. The Son of God died for those who had no claim on His love. For us He suffered all that Satan could bring against Him.”     1 Selected Messages 309

“In human nature He maintained the purity of His divine nature. He lived the Law of God, and honoured it in a world of transgression, revealing to the worlds unfallen, to the heavenly universe, to Satan, and to all the fallen sons and daughters of Adam that through His grace humanity can keep the Law of God. He came to impart His own divine nature, His own image, to the repentant, believing soul.”     E.G.W. Manuscript Releases, Vol 8, p 41

SATAN PLANNED TO TAKE ALL THE UNFALLEN WORLDS INTO REBELLION

“God in His wisdom permitted Satan to carry forward his work, until the spirit of disaffection ripened into active revolt. It was necessary for his plans to be fully developed, that their true nature and tendency might be seen by all. Lucifer, as the anointed cherub, had been highly exalted; he was greatly loved by the heavenly beings, and his influence over them was strong. God’s government included not only the inhabitants of heaven, but of all the worlds that He had created; and Satan thought that if he could carry the angels of heaven with him in rebellion, he could carry also the other worlds. He had artfully presented his side of the question, employing sophistry and fraud to secure his objects. His power to deceive was very great, and by disguising himself in a cloak of falsehood he had gained an advantage. Even the loyal angels could not fully discern his character or see to what his work was leading.”    Great Controversy 497

“With intense interest the unfallen worlds had watched to see Jehovah arise, and sweep away the inhabitants of the earth. And if God should do this, Satan was ready to carry out his plan for securing to himself the allegiance of heavenly beings. He had declared that the principles of God’s government make forgiveness impossible. Had the world been destroyed, he would have claimed that his accusations were proved true. He was ready to cast blame upon God, and to spread his rebellion to the worlds above. But instead of destroying the world, God sent His Son to save it.”    Desire of Ages 37

GOD’S WONDERFUL LOVE, AND SATAN’S UNJUSTIFIABLE EVIL PROVEN

“Christ and Barabbas were presented before the multitude. Barabbas was a notable robber and murderer; Christ was the Son of God. Pilate looked upon the two, and thought there would be no hesitation in the choice of Jesus. The marks of nobility, intelligence, and purity were plainly revealed in His countenance, in marked contrast to the coarse features of Barabbas. He asked, ‘Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you?’ (Matt. 27:21). And the hoarse cry of the infuriated mob was heard, calling, ‘Barabbas.’ ‘Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.’ (Matt. 27:22, 23). In this choice the principles of Satan were made manifest; and the hosts of heaven, and all the worlds that God had created, judged that Satan was an accuser of the brethren, a liar, and a murderer. In heaven and among the unfallen worlds the question of Satan’s deceiving power, of his malignant principles, was settled, and the perfect purity and holiness of Christ, who was bearing the test and trial in behalf of fallen man, was forever proved. Through the development of Satan’s character and principles, he was forever uprooted from the affection of the unfallen worlds, and the controversy concerning his claims and the claims of Christ was forever settled in heaven. The righteousness manifested in the character of Christ was forever to be the anchor, the saving hope, of the world. Every soul who chooses Christ can say with faith, ‘The Lord my righteousness.’”    Selected Messages Book 1 348

THE WITNESS OF ALL THE UNIVERSE TO GOD’S AMAZING GRACE

“Christ is the costly sacrifice that has been given for the reconciliation of man. The universe of heaven, the worlds unfallen, the fallen world, and the confederacy of evil cannot say that God could do more for the salvation of man than He has done. Never can His gift be surpassed, never can He display a richer depth of love. Calvary represents His crowning work [of love and grace].”    Our High Calling 13

UNFALLEN WORLDS ARE THE “NINETY AND NINE”

“The Son of God stooped to uplift the fallen. For this He left the sinless worlds on high, the ninety and nine that loved Him, and came to this earth to be ‘wounded for our transgressions’ and ‘bruised for our iniquities.’ Isaiah 53:5. He was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are.”    Acts of the Apostles 472

“Christ, the loved Commander in the heavenly courts, stooped from His high estate, laid aside the glory that He had with the Father, in order to save the one lost world. For this He left the sinless worlds on high, the ninety and nine that loved Him, and came to this earth, to be ‘wounded for our transgressions’ and ‘bruised for our iniquities.’ (Isa. 53:5.) God gave Himself in His Son that He might have the joy of receiving back the sheep that was lost.”    Christ’s Object Lessons 190,191

“Christ might have gone to the pleasant homes of the unfallen worlds, to the pure atmosphere where disloyalty and rebellion had never intruded; and there He would have been received with acclamations of praise and love. But it was a fallen world that needed the Redeemer. ‘I came not to call the righteous,’ said He, ‘but sinners to repentance”    Bible Commentary Vol 5 1088

UNFALLEN WORLDS, AND REDEEMED WITNESS JUDGMENT OF THE WICKED

“The judgment scene will take place in the presence of all the worlds; for in this judgment the government of God will be vindicated, and His Law will stand forth as ‘holy, and just, and good.’”    Bible Commentary Vol 7 986

REDEEMED ARE A WITNESS TO UNFALLEN WORLDS THROUGHOUT ETERNITY

“’The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.’ Matthew 20:28. Christ’s work below is His work above, and our reward for working with Him in this world will be the greater power and wider privilege of working with Him in the world to come. ‘Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.’ Isaiah 43:12. This also we shall be in eternity. For what was the great controversy permitted to continue throughout the ages? Why was it that Satan’s existence was not cut short at the outset of his rebellion? It was that the universe might be convinced of God’s justice in His dealing with evil; that sin might receive eternal condemnation. In the plan of redemption there are heights and depths that eternity itself can never exhaust, marvels into which the angels desire to look. The redeemed only, of all created beings, have in their own experience known the actual conflict with sin; they have wrought with Christ, and, as even the angels could not do, have entered into the fellowship of His sufferings; will they have no testimony as to the science of redemption – nothing that will be of worth to unfallen beings? Even now, ‘unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places’ is ‘made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God.’ And He ‘hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places….that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.’ Ephesians 3:10, R.V.; 2:6, 7.”    Education 308

THE ORIGIN OF SIN IN HEAVEN

“Leaving his place in the immediate presence of the Father, Lucifer went forth to diffuse the spirit of discontent among the angels. He worked with mysterious secrecy, and for a time concealed his real purpose under an appearance of reverence for God. He began to insinuate doubts concerning the laws that governed heavenly beings, intimating that though laws might be necessary for the inhabitants of the worlds, angels, being more exalted, needed no such restraint, for their own wisdom was a sufficient guide. They were not beings that could bring dishonour to God; all their thoughts were holy; it was no more possible for them than for God Himself to err. The exaltation of the Son of God as equal with the Father was represented as an injustice to Lucifer, who, it was claimed, was also entitled to reverence and honour.”    Patriarchs and Prophets 37

WHY GOD DID NOT DESTROY SATAN WHEN HE FIRST SINNED IN HEAVEN

“It was…necessary to demonstrate before the inhabitants of heaven, and of all the worlds, that God’s government is just, His Law perfect. Satan had made it appear that he himself was seeking to promote the good of the universe. The true character of the usurper and his real object must be understood by all. He must have time to manifest himself by his wicked works.”    Patriarchs and Prophets 42

“The inhabitants of Heaven and of other worlds, being unprepared to comprehend the nature or consequences of sin, could not then have seen the justice and mercy of God in the destruction of Satan [when he first rebelled in Heaven]…Evil must be permitted to come to maturity. For the good of the entire universe through ceaseless ages, Satan must more fully develop his principles, that his charges against the divine government might be seen in their true light by all created beings, that the justice and mercy of God and the immutability of His Law might forever be placed beyond all question.”    Great Controversy 498,499

“The rejecters of His mercy reap that which they have sown. God is the fountain of life; and when one chooses the service of sin, he separates from God, and thus cuts himself off from life. He is ‘alienated from the life of God.’ Christ says, ‘All they that hate Me love death.’ Eph. 4:18; Prov. 8:36. God gives them existence for a time that they may develop their character and reveal their principles. This accomplished, they receive the results of their own choice. By a life of rebellion, Satan and all who unite with him place themselves so out of harmony with God that His very presence is to them a consuming fire. The glory of Him who is love will destroy them. At the beginning of the great controversy, the angels did not understand this. Had Satan and his host then been left to reap the full result of their sin, they would have perished; but it would not have been apparent to heavenly beings that this was the inevitable result of sin. A doubt of God’s goodness would have remained in their minds as evil seed, to produce its deadly fruit of sin and woe. But not so when the great controversy shall be ended. Then, the plan of redemption having been completed, the character of God is revealed to all created intelligences. The precepts of His Law are seen to be perfect and immutable. Then sin has made manifest its nature, Satan his character. Then the extermination of sin will vindicate God’s love and establish His honour before a universe of beings who delight to do His will, and in whose heart is His Law. Well, then, might the angels rejoice as they looked upon the Saviour’s Cross; for though they did not then understand all, they knew that the destruction of sin and Satan was forever made certain, that the redemption of man was assured, and that the universe was made eternally secure. Christ Himself fully comprehended the results of the sacrifice made upon Calvary. To all these He looked forward when upon the Cross He cried out, ‘It is finished.’”    Desire of Ages 764

ALL THE UNIVERSE MARVELS AT CHRIST BECOMING FALLEN MAN’S REDEEMER

“Never was the Son of God more beloved by His Father, by the heavenly family, and by the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds, than when He humbled Himself to bear disgrace, humiliation, shame, and abuse. By becoming the sin bearer, He lifted from the human race the curse of sin.”    Bible Commentary Vol 7

” It was the marvel of all the universe that Christ should humble Himself to save fallen man. That He who had passed from star to star, from world to world, superintending all, by His providence supplying the needs of every order of being in His vast creation – that He should consent to leave His glory and take upon Himself human nature, was a mystery which the sinless intelligences of other worlds desired to understand. When Christ came to our world in the form of humanity, all were intensely interested in following Him as He traversed, step by step, the bloodstained path from the manger to Calvary. Heaven marked the insult and mockery that He received, and knew that it was at Satan’s instigation. They marked the work of counteragencies going forward; Satan constantly pressing darkness, sorrow, and suffering upon the race, and Christ counteracting it. They watched the battle between light and darkness as it waxed stronger. And as Christ in His expiring agony upon the Cross cried out, ‘It is finished’ (John 19:30), a shout of triumph rang through every world and through heaven itself.”    Patriarchs andProphets 69,70

WHAT RESTORATION OF THE GARDEN OF EDEN MEANS TO UNFALLEN WORLD’S

“When the tide of iniquity overspread the world, and the wickedness of men determined their destruction by a flood of waters, the hand that had planted Eden withdrew it from the earth. But in the final restitution, when there shall be ‘a new heaven and a new earth’ (Revelation 21:1), it is to be restored more gloriously adorned than at the beginning. Then they that have kept God’s commandments shall breathe in immortal vigour beneath the tree of life; and through unending ages the inhabitants of sinless worlds shall behold, in that garden of delight, a sample of the perfect work of God’s creation, untouched by the curse of sin – a sample of what the whole earth would have become, had man but fulfilled the Creator’s glorious plan.”    Patriarchs and Prophets 62

FALLEN MAN, RESTORED BACK TO EDENIC PERFECTION

“Next to the angelic beings, the human family, formed in ‘the image of God,’ are the noblest of His created works.”    Faith I Live By 29

A VIEW OF OTHER WORLDS – AS GIVEN IN THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY

“The Lord has given me a view of other worlds. Wings were given me, and an angel attended me from the city to a place that was bright and glorious. The grass of the place was living green, and the birds there warbled a sweet song. The inhabitants of the place were of all sizes; they were noble, majestic, and lovely. They bore the express image of Jesus, and their countenances beamed with holy joy, expressive of the freedom and happiness of the place. I asked one of them why they were so much more lovely than those on the earth. The reply was, ‘We have lived in strict obedience to the commandments of God, and have not fallen by disobedience, like those on the earth.’ Then I saw two trees, one looked much like the tree of life in the city. The fruit of both looked beautiful, but of one they could not eat. They had power to eat of both, but were forbidden to eat of one. Then my attending angel said to me, ‘None in this place have tasted of the forbidden tree; but if they should eat, they would fall.’”    Early Writings 39,40

REDEEMED WILL VISIT UNFALLEN WORLDS

“Many seem to have the idea that this world and the heavenly mansions constitute the universe of God. Not so. The redeemed throng will range from world to world, and much of their time will be employed in searching out the mysteries of redemption. And throughout the whole stretch of eternity, this subject will be continually opening to their minds. The privileges of those who overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony are beyond comprehension.”    Bible Commentary Vol 7 990

THIS WORLD INSIGNIFIGANT COMPARED TO MILLIONS OF OTHER WORLDS

“As John meditated upon the glory of God displayed in His works, he was overwhelmed with the greatness and majesty of the Creator. Should all the inhabitants of this little world refuse obedience to God, He would not be left without glory. He could sweep every mortal from the face of the earth in a moment, and create a new race to people it and glorify His name. God is not dependent on man for honour. He could marshal the starry hosts of heaven, the millions of worlds above, to raise a song of honour and praise and glory to their Creator. ‘The heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Lord: Thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints. For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about Him”    Sanctified Life 76,77

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CROSS TO ALL THE UNFALLEN WORLDS

” The significance of the death of Christ will be seen by saints and angels. Fallen men could not have a home in the paradise of God without the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Shall we not then exalt the Cross of Christ? The angels ascribe honour and glory to Christ, for even they are not secure except by looking to the sufferings of the Son of God. It is through the efficacy of the Cross that the angels of heaven are guarded from apostasy. Without the Cross they would be no more secure against evil than were the angels before the fall of Satan….The plan of salvation, making manifest the justice and love of God, provides an eternal safeguard against defection in unfallen worlds, as well as among those who shall be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.”    Bible Commentary Vol. 5 1132

” The Cross speaks to the hosts of heaven, to worlds unfallen, and to the fallen world, the value which God has placed upon men, and of His great love wherewith He has loved us. It testifies to the world, to angels, and to men, the immutability of the divine Law. The death of God’s only begotten Son upon the Cross in the sinner’s behalf is the unanswerable argument as to the changeless character of the Law of Jehovah.”    Review and Herald May 23 1899

“One honoured of all Heaven came to this world to stand in human nature at the head of humanity, testifying to the fallen angels and to the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds that through the divine help which has been provided, every one may walk in the path of obedience to God’s commands. The Son of God died for those who had no claim on His love. For us He suffered all that Satan could bring against Him.”    Selected Messages Book 1 309

“The Cross of Christ will be the science and the song of the redeemed through all eternity. In Christ glorified they will behold Christ crucified. Never will it be forgotten that He whose power created and upheld the unnumbered worlds through the vast realms of space, the Beloved of God, the Majesty of heaven, He whom cherub and shining seraph delighted to adore – humbled Himself to uplift fallen man; that He bore the guilt and shame of sin, and the hiding of His Father’s face, till the woes of a lost world broke His heart and crushed out His life on Calvary’s cross. That the Maker of all worlds, the Arbiter of all destinies, should lay aside His glory and humiliate Himself from love to man will ever excite the wonder and adoration of the universe.”    Great Controversy 651

WHOLE UNIVERSE INTERESTED IN GOD’S SAINTS HERE ON EARTH

“Let the members of every family bear in mind that they are closely allied to heaven. The Lord has a special interest in the families of His children here below. Angels offer the smoke of the fragrant incense for the praying saints. Then in every family let prayer ascend to heaven both in the morning and at the cool sunset hour, in our behalf presenting before God the Saviour’s merits. Morning and evening the heavenly universe take notice of every praying household.”    Child Guidance 519

OUR WORLD IS A LESSONBOOK TO ALL THE UNIVERSE

“Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God’s wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which ‘angels desire to look,’ and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the Cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love.”    Desire of Ages 19,20

EARTH IS THE ALIEN PROVINCE

Though corruption and defiance might be seen in every part of the alien province, a way for its recovery was provided. At the very crisis, when Satan seemed about to triumph, the Son of God came with the embassage of divine grace.  {DA 37.2}

Further reading: http://sabbathsermons.com/2013/02/07/saturn-seven-moons-and-tall-majestic-beings/