A new world for a new united humanity … God is working on it! And everyone can be part of it. Here is how the Chief Apostle explained it.
“But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider conducted a divine service in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on 22 June 2025 based on this Bible text from Isaiah 65: 18.
Old world vs. new world
When it comes to God’s creation, the first thing that comes to mind is the act of creation of the earth and the world. God’s power and glory is tangible here. But with the fall of Adam and Eve, creation was shattered. Sin not only damaged “the relationship between God and humankind”, the Chief Apostle explained, but also “the relationship between humans”. The harmony that had existed before fell apart at the seams.
In order to restore this harmony, God began a new work after the fall of the first humans: the work of salvation. He wants to repair what has been shattered by evil. God is working on a new world, the Chief Apostle said: “He wants to create this Jerusalem that is an image for the people of God, for the church of Christ.”
Conditions for the new world and creation
In order to restore harmony between Him and human beings and among human beings, God creates things in us and for us, the Chief Apostle said.
Baptism and sealing. Through the sacraments of baptism and sealing, God has created in your soul a new creation that already exists, the Chief Apostle pointed out. This makes a perfect relationship with God possible, access to His kingdom, and eternal life in heaven with God.
Love. Force, punishment, and threats are not methods used by God. Sure, He could use His power, but “He works in a completely different way”. He motivates us by loving us, the Chief Apostle said. “The only power and strength He uses is love.”
Discipleship. God does not spare us the problems and sufferings of our time, but He always creates a way out. God gives us the freedom to choose. Our salvation depends on our own will. If we are determined to follow Christ and become like Him, no one can hinder our own salvation, the Chief Apostle said. “Follow this path and you will be saved,” he emphasised.
A new beginning. As humans, we are imperfect and cannot help but sin. “God always creates an opportunity for us to make a fresh start. He grants us forgiveness of our sins.”
Goal. “God wants me to become like Christ.” Through grace, God will make those human beings perfect who are sincere and steadfast until the end. He has prepared a place for you and for me in His kingdom. This is not a dream or a wish, but a reality.
The path to the new creation
God is in the process of building New Jerusalem and wants to create a new people: “They will live in harmony with God and in harmony with one another.”
Unity. “God calls people from all nations, from all walks of life.” Whether young or old, good, bad, rich, poor, educated, or uneducated, God gathers them all into one people. Nothing is perfect yet, but the unity is already visible, the Chief Apostle said. What unites is much stronger than what divides.
Reconciliation. However, since some things are still imperfect there are also problems and conflicts in the congregation and church. God doesn’t spare us conflicts, the Chief Apostle said. But He “always creates a possibility to resolve the conflicts and overcome the differences”. All we must do is be humble and wise enough to follow the way He indicates.
Blessing. God’s mission for His people is: “You must become a blessing for all people.” That means: “Look outside and learn to love all people,” Chief Apostle Schneider called out. And, he added, we must contribute to their redemption.
Solidarity. Together, we can achieve great things, because we complement one another. Just like the image of the body of Christ. The function of each part is different, but each one is needed. We cannot do without one another.
Divine reality. God’s perfect people may not yet be visible today, but in His eyes New Jerusalem already exists. The Chief Apostle explained, “We cannot see it because we are bound by time. We cannot comprehend it with our mind.” For God there is no time and therefore He describes a reality that He can already see.
Photos: Dedy Febriyono
