Many people believe that human ingenuity will find the solution to the environmental crisis we face. It is only fair that the one who started the problem should provide a solution for it. In addition, a society that reconciles with the environment becomes healthier and wealthier. Caring for nature is an inalienable responsibility of humanity, but ultimately, God himself has promised to redeem creation from its suffering.

On one hand, we live on an Earth under a curse because of Adam and Eve’s sin; on the other, on a planet that is under a covenant, a pact for life made by God Himself. The Bible recounts that after the world was destroyed by the waters of the flood, according to Genesis 6 to 8, God made a covenant for the conservation of life with humanity and all of nature (Genesis 9). Therefore, our survival in this world does not depend on us but on God’s promises. 

The Old Testament writers believed that the implementation of God’s kingdom on Earth would bring a new natural order. For them, when the Messiah manifested Himself, nature would be reconciled with humanity. See the beautiful words of the prophet Isaiah: 

“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:6-9). 

According to God’s plan, when Jesus died on the cross, He guaranteed the salvation of both humanity and nature. However, this will only be fulfilled at the time of His second coming. On that occasion, 

both human beings and creation will finally be redeemed and restored to the state of eternal happiness described in Genesis 1 and 2. Humanity will not be saved outside of creation, but as a part of the redeemed nature itself. About this, the Apostle Paul wrote: 

“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:19-23). 

Paul explains that nature patiently awaits the redemption of the children of God, because this will also include its own salvation. He teaches that creation suffers because of our transgressions. Therefore, when Christ comes a second time, He will come to free both humanity and creation from suffering. 

We should look to the past to remember that we have an ecological mission, and to the future, to have the hope that all creation will be redeemed. This hope should motivate us to work for environmental protection. 

When Jesus returns, humanity will be divided into two groups. One will be made up of the condemned who receive the following sentence: “The time has come…to destroy those who destroy the earth” (Revelation 11:18). The other group, in turn, awaits the following promise: “in keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).

In which group will you be?

Biblical Tips to Save the Planet (Part 1) 

A WINDOW OF HOPE IN TIME 

The climax of the creation account is not the emergence of human beings, but the festive celebration of the Sabbath. God’s creative work did not end on the sixth day of that week, but on the seventh, when the Lord rested (Genesis 2:1-3). Only when human beings participate in this Sabbath rest do they understand the meaning of creation and truly prepare for the final redemption. This rest is so important that it was included in God’s moral law (Exodus 20:8-11). The Lord’s Day is not a common holiday but a moral duty.

Furthermore, this day is a gift for both humanity and creation. If society were to observe this day, the planet would rest. Imagine a day when factories stopped, transportation remained in their garages, and commerce closed. Families would have time to spend together and to stroll amidst nature.

The Sabbath, therefore, would be Earth Day, a day for the planet, celebrated every week.

Biblical Tips to Save the Planet (Part 2) 

THE DIET THAT SAVES THE PLANET 

The Dutch government seeks to encourage a more sustainable diet for the country, gradually increasing the proportion of plant-based proteins on citizens’ plates. This dietary shift is in response to the fact that livestock farming is one of the biggest contributors to serious environmental problems, such as methane gas production from ruminant animals. Furthermore, deforestation and burning to prepare pastures threaten bio-diversity, while the extensive use of water for raising livestock has a major impact on nature.

This proposal for a diet based on plant-based foods is not simply an ecological solution; it is deeply rooted in biblical principles. From the very beginning, God provided a blueprint for human health and our relationship with the Earth. He said: ” give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground-everything that has the breath of life in it-l give every green plant for food” (Genesis 1:29, 30).

This original divine plan presents a plant-based diet for both humans and animals. This reveals a beautiful system where God’s provision for all life comes from the Earth itself. The psalmist reinforces this idea, stating that God “makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate-bringing forth food from the earth” (Psalm 104:14).

Therefore, embracing a diet that favors plant-based foods is a way to align our lives with God’s original design. It is a choice that honors His creation, promotes the well-being of the planet, and fulfills our role as faithful stewards.