OTHER WORLDS IN GOD'S UNIVERSE

Present Truth NZ

GOD IS THE CREATOR OF THE WHOLE UNIVERSE

"In the beginning God created the heaven [Hebrew - SHAMAYIM - plural : i.e.
"heavens"] and the earth." Genesis 1:1 - King James Version

This text, then, should really read as follows: "In the beginning God created the
heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

This is how it appears in the New King James Version, the New American Standard
Version, the New International Version, and the Revised Standard Version.

Today’s English Version renders this verse in a very interesting way, as follows.

"IN THE BEGINNING, WHEN GOD CREATED THE UNIVERSE." Genesis 1:1

THE UNIVERSE OF GOD

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.

SON'S 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}