THE ETERNAL ORDER
By Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Ph.D., Th.M. and Andy Woods, J.D, PH.D., TH.M.
The study of “the eternal order” is a subset of eschatology, or the doctrine of the end times. Drs. Arnold Fruchtenbaum and Andy Woods concur with the following view: A chronological approach to the book of Revelation reveals that God’s kingdom program extends beyond the thousand-year earthly reign of the Messiah. Following the Messianic kingdom is the eternal order, also called “the eternal state.” In this article, Dr. Fruchtenbaum provides a concise introduction to this doctrine, while Dr. Woods addresses the question of whether the eternal order will involve a simple renovation of the existing world or an entirely new creation from nothing.
The Eternal Order
In II Peter 3:7, 10, 12, and 13, Peter speaks of the dissolution of the old heavens and earth to be replaced by the new heavens and earth.
According to the promises of the Davidic Covenant (II Sam. 7:11b-17; I Chron. 17:10-15), there will be an eternal dynasty, an eternal kingdom, and an eternal throne. The eternal existence of the dynasty is guaranteed by the fact that it culminates in an eternal person: Yeshua the Messiah. However, the eternal existence of the throne and kingdom must also be ensured. According to Revelation 20:3, the millennial form of God’s kingdom will end after one thousand years. In the sense of God’s rule, however, it will continue into the eternal order.
