Chapter 5: How the 10 Commandments Will Transform All Mankind

“For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3).

Scores of prophecies describe the peace, beauty, safety and happiness the world will experience during the Millennium. As described earlier, Christ and His saints will build a completely new world culture, one that will first be instituted within the restored nation of Israel. Israel will learn to model that culture and its blessings, and from there it will spread throughout the world.

But what will create this transformation? What will underlie the world’s becoming a peaceful utopia? The simple answer: perfect government and perfect law. All nations around the globe will learn God’s law and begin to be transformed by it!

That doesn’t mean all people will immediately become perfect simply because they will live under perfect government and law. Humans will still have their imperfect nature, will still sin and will still need to repent. It will take time for people to internalize these laws and learn to obey them in the spirit and the letter. But as they do, their lives—and society as a whole—will be changed in incredible ways.

In this chapter we’ll focus on how obeying each of God’s 10 Commandments will impact people’s lives and transform the world.

God didn’t institute the 10 Commandments to be just a legal code. He designed them to define a way of life that can be summarized in one word: Love.

God clearly states that “love is the fulfillment”—intent and purpose—“of the law” (Romans 13:10; see also Galatians 5:14; James 2:8). The first four commandments teach us how to love God; the last six, how to love people. God’s laws are spiritual—meaning they are designed to spiritually transform anyone who obeys them (Romans 7:14).

Consider how the principle of love, if applied, would completely transform our world. Paul described love this way: “Love does no harm to a neighbor” (Romans 13:10). Instead of doing harm, love shows genuine, outgoing concern for others’ well-being. If society was based on this principle, and if it became the socially accepted norm, virtually all suffering could be eradicated.

The problem is, most people today aren’t driven by God’s law of love. In fact, we have an inherent hostility to it (Romans 8:7). But that will begin to change under Christ’s rule.

God’s law will be taught to the world

After Christ returns and establishes His government, He will begin transforming humans by teaching the principles that truly cause righteousness—the 10 Commandments (Psalm 119:172).

First, Israel will learn how to live God’s law, then, eventually, the entire world will learn. “For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3).

Notice how it will occur: “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths’” (Isaiah 2:2-3).

Zechariah 8:22 adds, “Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.”

Jesus Christ and the glorified children of God will lead this totally new global education system rooted in the laws of God. “Yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner anymore, but your eyes shall see your teachers. Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:20-21).

But how will these 10 laws change the world?

Let’s examine God’s 10 Commandments to see how each will contribute to this transformation.

“You shall have no other gods before Me”

The First Commandment teaches that God alone is to be worshipped, with nothing elevated above Him or put beside Him as equal.

As the people learn about the true God, they will abandon their false gods and beliefs and come to properly worship Him alone. All the world’s religious deities will be exposed for what they are—miserable man-made inventions.

But it’s hard to unlearn falsehoods. It will take time to reject what one once believed. Of course, the fact that Christ will be present should speed the process!

People will come to see that, as God said through Isaiah, “I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me” (Isaiah 45:5), and then “every knee shall bow” to God (verse 23).

King David also prophesied of this time: “All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You” (Psalm 22:27).

Zephaniah described the worldwide worship of God: “The LORD will be awesome to them . . . people shall worship Him, each one from his place, indeed all the shores of the nations” (Zephaniah 2:11).

Another amazing prophecy even describes Israel’s former enemies, Assyria and Egypt, uniting with Israel in worshipping the true God (Isaiah 19:23-25).

Applying this commandment will be a major contribution to the establishment of world peace. Our history is filled with violence between competing religions—Sunni vs. Shia, Protestants vs. Catholics, Catholics vs. Muslims, Hindus vs. Muslims, etc. But under God, religion will divide no one because all will worship the same God and practice the same faith.

Imagine a world where all people are united in worship, where former enemies become brethren. Religious tensions will gradually fade as peoples who previously hated one another because of their faiths abandon their old beliefs and unite in worshipping the true God.

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image”

The Second Commandment teaches us not to use physical objects to worship God. Visiting temples, cathedrals, churches and shrines today quickly shows how so many religions flagrantly break this commandment. This includes using statues, icons and pictures attempting to portray God the Father or Jesus Christ.

Zechariah revealed that Christ will deal with idolatry. “‘It shall be in that day,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘that I will cut off the names of the idols from the land, and they shall no longer be remembered. I will also cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to depart from the land’” (Zechariah 13:2).

His awesome power and presence “will reduce to nothing all the gods of the earth” (Zephaniah 2:11).

Christ will immediately begin in Israel by removing the end-time beast and false prophet and the idolatrous abominations they set up in Jerusalem (Matthew 24:15; Revelation 19:20). The Israelites brought back from their scattered places will also abandon their idolatrous ways (Hosea 14:8).

People will finally be taught the futility and foolishness of idolatry. “The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day, but the idols He shall utterly abolish” (Isaiah 2:17-18).

Why does God abhor people venerating images and statues to supposedly worship Him? Because they actually redirect our focus off of Him and onto man-made images that falsely portray Him (Deuteronomy 4:15-19; Jeremiah 10:3-14). Any attempt to portray God through a man-made object diminishes His greatness. In the Millennium, such phony substitutions will be swept away, and misleading concepts of God (or gods or saints) will not be taught.

Not only does the Second Commandment apply to graven images, but also to other idols we can place ahead of God: money, possessions, fame, power, status, sex, addictions and self.

Eventually, people will worship the true God exactly as He commanded— “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). All will be taught the futility of all forms of false religion and anything else that turns their focus away from the true God. Only He “will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).

Imagine a world with no idols or images of false gods, where all people are taught to place nothing between them and the true God, and to exalt God as supreme!

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain”

The Third Commandment teaches us not to misuse God’s name. Today we constantly hear God’s name—and, therefore, God Himself—disrespected, insulted and abused in expletives and euphemisms or by people calling themselves by His name but living in ways that dishonor Him.

The spiritual intent of this law isn’t just to show what not to say, but to teach that we are to praise God by using His name respectfully and reverently! Jesus taught us to hallow (treat as holy, venerate) God’s name in prayer (Matthew 6:9).

Isaiah prophesied how eventually people will come to use their words to praise and honor God’s name:

“And in that day you will say: ‘Praise the LORD, call upon His name; declare His deeds among the peoples, make mention that His name is exalted’” (Isaiah 12:4).

People will “call on” God’s name—and He will answer them (Zechariah 13:9). God’s name alone will be exalted (Psalm 148:13).

Zephaniah also recorded a thought-provoking prophecy about God’s plan for speech in the Millennium:

“For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, that they all may call on the name of the LORD, to serve Him with one accord” (Zephaniah 3:9).

Since the earliest civilizations, humans have weaponized language for destructive purposes. In Genesis 11, we read the tower of Babel account when “the whole earth had one language and one speech” (verse 1). But their linguistic unity allowed them to unite in defiance against God (verses 4-6). In order to stop this, God confused their languages and scattered the people throughout the world.

Apart from God, humans used linguistic unity for accelerating evil and destruction, but under Christ, humanity will use linguistic unity for achieving incredibly positive things.

Zephaniah’s prophecy isn’t clear whether one language will replace all others or be spoken in addition to people’s native tongues. But what is clear is that this language will be pure and will assist people in calling on God’s name.

Consider the kinds of words that would be missing from a pure, godly language. One would hear nothing vulgar or rooted in ancient pagan worship. Names associated with old false gods will fade from use as new generations will be born and grow up never hearing or speaking them (Hosea 2:17). Instead, language will facilitate positive, pure and uplifting speech.

Imagine a world where people turn to God and learn to use their words to praise and exalt Him, to build up others and to speak truth and kindness. Imagine people from all around the world praying and singing hymns of praise to God in a pure language!

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy”

The Fourth Commandment teaches us to remember, honor and keep holy the Sabbath, established and blessed at creation on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). God specifically tells us to remember it, yet ironically, it seems to be the most forgotten and neglected of all God’s commandments.

But the Sabbath won’t be neglected in the Millennium! Isaiah prophesied, “‘From one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me,’ says the LORD” (Isaiah 66:23).

Under Christ’s rule, the whole world will enjoy the benefits and blessings of Sabbath-keeping. First, the restored nation of Israel will have to relearn what they abandoned—how to keep God’s Sabbath properly. The restored Levitical priests will diligently teach this (Ezekiel 44:2-24). As with other matters of godly obedience, when Israel begins to observe the Sabbath and reap its benefits, other nations will see and follow its example.

In time, people around the world will assemble every Sabbath to worship and learn from God’s Word.

Is it possible that individuals from Bible times will visit different areas and speak? Imagine Abraham, Joseph, Jeremiah and others speaking at different locations, telling of their lives and lessons to be learned from their experiences. Imagine hearing a sermon about the Exodus from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea—delivered by Moses himself!

No one knows exactly how this will work, but imagining the possibilities is exhilarating.

Prophecies also speak of people observing other special days—God’s annual Sabbaths and festivals listed in Leviticus 23. Zechariah shows that they, too, will be restored to importance in the Millennium:

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” (Zechariah 14:16).

The Feast of Tabernacles is one of the “feasts of the LORD” (Leviticus 23:2, 33-41). It lasts for seven days and is a time of great rejoicing (verse 40). Under Christ’s rule, the entire world eventually will celebrate and observe the Feast of Tabernacles together! Yes, some nations will initially resist celebrating these days (Zechariah 14:17-19), but eventually all will come to rejoice together in the Feast.

And not just the Feast of Tabernacles, but all of God’s annual festivals. These are not “Jewish” feasts—they are God’s! He calls them “My feasts,” “the feasts of the LORD” and “My Sabbaths” (Leviticus 23:2; Exodus 31:13).

It’s also fascinating to contemplate the logistics of millions or billions of people assembling together to celebrate God’s feasts. We know nations will send representatives to Jerusalem on these feasts, but logic says that they will need local gatherings as well. The joyful brotherhood the entire world will experience by unitedly worshipping God every year on these special feasts will be incredible to witness.

Imagine everyone on earth stopping work every week and gathering peacefully with family for a day of rest, then assembling with others to worship God on His Sabbath! And the same thing will occur on an even larger scale on God’s annual festivals when His plan of salvation will be celebrated!

“Honor your father and your mother”

The Fifth Commandment was designed by God to maintain and protect the family. The family unit, the basic building block of any stable society, should provide all people with love, stability, care and a solid foundation on which to build their lives.

Under Christ’s rule, this commandment will serve as a central building block in the restoration of families and society.

The Millennium’s first generation—those who survive the Great Tribulation—will have peaceful conditions in which to “build houses and inhabit them” (Isaiah 65:21). And “they shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble; for they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them” (verse 23). The many children who are born will be blessed with long, healthy lives for obeying this commandment (verse 20; compare Ephesians 6:2-3).

Having loving, stable families and a godly education will lead to a wonderful result: “Great shall be the peace of your children” (Isaiah 54:13). Parents will learn to be good examples to their children of living in harmony and building a home together.

Many who suffer mental health issues—depression, anxiety, substance abuse, etc.—were abused as children, often by a parent. Having healthy families led by mothers and fathers living by God’s law will create a world with radically better mental health.

Society’s entire culture, top to bottom, will be transformed to be safe for children. Once God’s laws permeate society, no longer will crime and kidnapping be the concern they are now. Instead of parents worriedly guarding their children from dangers, they will send them to play safely in the streets free from concern (Zechariah 8:5).

No longer will parents or children need to fear predators (human or animal). Instead, the happy laughs and shouts of playing children will fill neighborhoods. Some of their most joyous play, in fact, will be with formerly dangerous animals. (See “The Nature of Animals Will Be Changed,” at the end of this chapter, about the amazing prophecy of Isaiah 11:6-8.)

Imagine a world where families are balanced, loving and strong, where children grow up with the best foundation possible. The effects of such families will reverberate across generations, as stable, godly children grow into stable, godly adults—and, in turn, build stable, godly families. This dynamic will be one of the greatest causes of the peace and security the world will enjoy.

“You shall not murder”

The Sixth Commandment not only instructs us to value and preserve human life, it teaches that we are not even to hate others (1 John 3:15). Its intent is to teach us to love one another (Matthew 5:43-44).

Today hatred causes so much of the world’s pain—wars, crime, broken relationships, violence and prejudice. Hatred is a main reason we have always lacked peace, and why we won’t have peace until a fundamental change occurs in human hearts.

Consider the consequences of obeying this commandment on the national level. When people begin to trust that they can live in safety and that national aggression is the way of the past and no longer allowed, one of their first actions will be dismantling militaries and weapons of warfare:

“They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4).

In modern terms, this means the weapons of warfare—guns, ammunition, missiles, explosives, tanks—will be disassembled and their raw materials converted into implements for agricultural production. Weaponry designed to kill will be converted into devices to sustain life! Military training centers will close and be repurposed.

Most people have never experienced that kind of culture. It’s impossible to know how many have died in wars throughout human history, but an estimated 108 million-plus died in 20th-century wars alone.

Of course, war’s impact goes far deeper. It robs society of the potential of the young men and women who die for their country, lowers birth rates, increases the number of widows and orphans, destroys infrastructure and agriculture, brings famine and results in long-term post-traumatic stress.

What effect will ending warfare and violence have on people? Micah prophesied, “But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the LORDof hosts has spoken” (Micah 4:4). People will live in peace and safety—free from the terrors of war, crime and violence.

This will apply to even the most vulnerable members of our society— unborn children. Abortion, a violation of the Sixth Commandment, will become a relic of the past.

Under Christ, no one will fear harm because everyone, living by the Sixth Commandment, will value and protect human life. Instead of hating others because of their race or ethnicity or appearance or language, people will learn to love, appreciate and value others. People will learn to not even “think evil in your heart against your neighbor” (Zechariah 8:17).

Imagine a world where all forms of violence—from nations waging war on other nations to children bullying others—will not be tolerated because the dominant feature of the world’s culture under Christ’s rule will be godly love and concern!

“You shall not commit adultery”

The Seventh Commandment prohibits adultery, but its principles extend much further to all forms of sexual infidelity. This commandment is meant to govern all aspects of human sexuality by protecting the sanctity of the God-ordained institution of marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). God designed marriage as a type of His loving and faithful family (Ephesians 5:22-33), in which we can produce “godly offspring” (Malachi 2:15).

Yet His gift of marriage has been under attack for many years, mostly due to the beguiling idea of sexual freedom. Truth is, that idea has caused untold suffering and cultural instability, as so many problems plaguing people today stem from breakdowns in the family structure.

Millions of children grow up in single-parent households due to either being born out of wedlock or having their parents divorce. Divorce dumps many negative pressures on children, including increased psychological problems, depression, anxiety and decreased academic performance. Studies also show that 70 percent of those in the prison system come from broken families. These are only a few of the many damaging consequences.

But under Christ’s rule, marriage will be treasured and safeguarded. The truth of Hebrews 13:4 will form the basis of a new cultural view of sex and marriage: “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Teaching people how to have a happy marriage will be a priority.

Sex will occur within the safety of the sacred marriage covenant, not only strengthening the marital bonds, but leading to generations of secure and emotionally nourished children.

Instead of millions of children being born into ill-equipped and unprepared home environments, from their beginning, they will be in stable, nuclear families with a father and a mother who eagerly awaited their arrival.

As godliness increases, problems such as sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, abortion and rape will no longer be the problems they are today. Sex will no longer be used to peddle pornography or illicit products or as forms of selfish entertainment.

Imagine a world where marriage is nurtured and protected, and sex is enjoyed only within the marital bond. Marriages will be strong, and children will be raised within the safety of the God-ordained family unit.

“You shall not steal”

The Eighth Commandment prohibits all forms of theft. Its core spiritual intent is to promote giving, a word that summarizes God’s way of life.

Stealing has always been one of humanity’s biggest evils. We spend vast amounts of money annually on many forms of theft prevention—locks, building security systems, cyber and information security software, fraud prevention and detection products, policing, etc.

On a larger scale, nations build militaries to protect their own territory—or to take it from another country. History’s deadliest war—World War II—essentially started due to Hitler’s taking other nations’ land. Many wars have this basic sin as their cause—taking something that isn’t one’s own (James 4:1).

But under Christ’s rule, stealing will become an increasingly rare vestige of the past. People living in “secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places” (Isaiah 32:18) won’t fear thieves. People will respect others’ property because of learning to love their neighbor as themselves (Matthew 22:39).

Consider the economic impact of ending theft. Since companies won’t need to invest millions in security systems, their costs will decrease significantly, leading to lower prices.

It will transform workplace relationships. Employers will no longer need to use surveillance to see if their employees are stealing, nor will employees need to worry that their employer will cheat them. Pickpockets, robbers and thieves, kidnappers and human traffickers—no one given to such sins will be allowed to practice these evil ways.

As people internalize the Eighth Commandment, Ephesians 4:28 will characterize the world’s culture: “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.”

Most of the world today practices another unnoticed form of theft by neglecting to tithe. The Bible labels not tithing as a form of stealing from God Himself (Malachi 3:8).

In the Millennium, people will learn to tithe to God—which will be one of the causes of the abundant physical blessings the earth will eventually enjoy (verse 10).

Imagine living in a world without locks on doors or bars on windows, without need of passwords or security systems. With the anxiety and fear of theft gone, and the focus on giving to others, just imagine how people will live more relaxed and peaceful lives.

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor”

The Ninth Commandment instructs us not to lie. Its spiritual intent is that we learn to be completely honest in everything we say and in how we live.

Lying has always permeated the world. Politicians lie to get elected. Advertisers lie to sell products. Governments issue propaganda to deceive their citizens. It seems everybody lies!

Often it’s to cover up sins or to make someone appear better than he or she is in reality. Sometimes it’s to hurt others and damage their reputation. People even tell “white lies” thinking it will benefit others. Religions lie to their adherents, usually unintentionally, by preaching false doctrines.

God listed lying among the seven things He hates (Proverbs 6:16-19), and no liar will be allowed in His family (Revelation 21:8; 22:14-15). One of the reasons He hates lying is because it engenders a culture of mistrust and cynicism. It’s a major reason many relationships, including marriages, are destroyed.

Referring to the standards of the Millennium, Zechariah prophesied, “These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace” (Zechariah 8:16).

Truth will eventually characterize the speech of all people—starting with Israel: “The remnant of Israel shall do no unrighteousness and speak no lies, nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth” (Zephaniah 3:13).

Christ will require honesty from all levels of society (Ezekiel 45:9-12). Honesty will transform business transactions. No longer will anyone have to worry about being lied to and defrauded by those in supervisory roles or those trying to sell inferior products to them. Lengthy, complex contracts, and the lawyers required to defend them, will no longer be necessary. People will no longer swear to assure they are speaking truth. Instead, they will simply give their word (Matthew 5:33-37). As cynicism and wariness about the claims of others disappear, a culture of trust will develop.

Imagine a world where true and honest words are spoken, transforming the culture and strengthening human relationships. Trust—a key element for strong relationships—can only be built when people consistently speak truthfully and honestly.

“You shall not covet”

The 10th Commandment deals directly with our thoughts and intentions. It shows that God is not concerned just about our outward actions, but also about our hearts. Coveting—yearning and lusting for something that’s not ours—is at the root of nearly all other sins.

Consider all the negative impacts of coveting in our world. Sexual immorality comes from covetous lust. People engage in casual sex, watch pornography and cheat on their spouses because of coveting.

Theft is the ultimate consequence of coveting someone else’s property (Joshua 7:21). Lying often comes from coveting the approval of others. Many people reject God’s Sabbath because they covet the profits of working on Saturday. Coveting can lead us to idolize things we desire (Colossians 3:5).

Coveting often drives the world’s economic and political systems, and it causes wealth to be accumulated by the few. And, on the national level, wars occur because countries covet land, resources and power.

Applying this law will totally change the world’s culture of covetousness to one of contentment. People will learn, as Paul said he learned, “in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11).

Coveting wealth—and all the evils that come from the lust for money (1 Timothy 6:9-10)—will no longer drive any nation’s economy. People will learn to work hard and enjoy the fruits of their labors, but not in a system that creates vast income disparities and tensions between regular workers and greedy business owners, nor in a system that allows the unmotivated to live off the labor of others. The teaching and enforcement of the 10th Commandment will fashion an economy that works for the benefit of everyone—and one in which everyone benefits from his or her work.

Many other societal problems will disappear as people learn to be content with what they have and rely on God for what they don’t (Hebrews 13:5). They will discover that contentment brings happiness (1 Timothy 6:6).

Imagine a world not driven by greed and materialism, where people work for what they have and are content with the blessings God gives them. Instead of coveting, people will desire to give and share. This change alone will transform people’s hearts and minds—and transform society into a safer and happier place to live.

A new heart and mind

We’ve explored how the 10 Commandments alone, when taught and practiced throughout the world, will bring about monumental changes. Space doesn’t permit examining how all the other aspects of God’s law will further change society. We hope you will continue thinking about the many other positive effects that will result from following God’s way.

But it won’t be God’s law alone that will cause this transformation. The 10 Commandments, by themselves, cannot change the human heart. Ancient Israel had God’s law yet constantly sinned and suffered. The problem wasn’t with the law, but with the people (Hebrews 8:8).

So another element is necessary to truly change the human heart, one God explained through the prophets Ezekiel and Jeremiah:

The missing dimension is a New Covenant relationship with God and the help of His Holy Spirit. It’s only through receiving the Holy Spirit that one can have God’s laws written on his or her heart and mind. It’s that spiritual mind that helps us, from the core of our being, to internalize and live by the 10 Commandments. In order to enter a New Covenant relationship with God, one has to repent of his or her sins, be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit.

Those who have done this, who have entered into a New Covenant relationship with God, are writing His laws on their hearts and in their minds. But that group of people has always been a very tiny minority. The vast majority of the world is spiritually blinded (John 12:40; Romans 11:7; 2 Corinthians 4:4), and a person cannot develop a spiritual relationship with God until that veil of blindness is removed (2 Corinthians 3:14).

But the good news is that after Christ returns, He will begin removing that blindness from all people!

As we learned in chapter 4, He will begin with Israel. They will respond and enter into a New Covenant relationship with Him (Ezekiel 36:26-27) and then model for the entire world what a truly converted nation is like.

Isaiah wrote about the removing of this veil of deception: “And He will destroy on this mountain the surface of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations” (Isaiah 25:7).

Spiritual deception will fade, as all nations are drawn to God the Father through Jesus Christ. As individuals respond to God’s calling, they will receive His Holy Spirit and have the 10 Commandments written on their hearts and minds. Their lives will be “transformed by the renewing” of their minds, and they will obey God’s law from the heart (Romans 6:17; 12:2).

The teaching of God’s law, combined with the working of His Spirit to convert the hearts of humans, is what will transform this world from a place where sin and suffering are universal to a wonderful world characterized by righteousness and peace!

Isaiah wrote two inspiring prophecies that have become iconic images of millennial peace—the nature of wild animals being changed. These prophecies teach wonderful lessons about the Millennium.

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them . . . The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den” (Isaiah 11:6, 8).

Here we see three carnivorous animals (wolf, leopard and lion) dwelling peacefully with three herbivores (lamb, goat and calf), as well as venomous snakes posing no danger to humans.

Of course, this doesn’t occur in the wild today! Carnivores eat animal flesh out of necessity, for survival. Their digestive systems are designed for meat; their sharp teeth are designed for ripping and tearing the flesh they need for food. Herbivores are designed quite differently to digest plants— from the shape of their flat, grinding teeth, to the bacteria and enzymes their systems produce for breaking down plant matter, to their longer intestinal tracts for nutrient absorption.

Animals like wolves, leopards and lions eat meat because that is their nature. Humans have tried to tame wild carnivores, with limited success, but they still must be handled with caution, as their inherent aggressive nature can reappear at any time—especially when they feel threatened.

According to Dr. Marc Bekoff, a former professor of biology and ecology at the University of Colorado: “When you’ve got these hard- wired behavior patterns, like predatory behavior, or hunting, or maternal behavior, or anti-predatory behavior—it doesn’t take much to trip them. And I myself . . . was almost killed by a mountain lion and almost killed by a wolf because I did something unbeknownst to me that triggered something really hard-wired in their brain. The animal does what the animal does” (“‘They’re Natural Born Killers’: Wild Animals in Captivity Inherently Dangerous,” ABC News, April 13, 2009).

Isaiah’s prophecy shows us that what man cannot do, God can. After Christ returns, He will transform the nature and anatomy of wild predators. Formerly dangerous and deadly beasts will become docile and playful animals, posing no harm to anyone. This will actually be a restoration of how life was in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:19; Acts 3:21).

Isaiah 65:25 shows that carnivores’ digestive systems will be changed, allowing them to be nourished by peaceful means: “‘The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,’ says the LORD.”

Imagine a world where all animals are tame and safe! Imagine children rolling around in the grass playing with a lion or a bear, the same way they might play today with a house dog. Imagine a little baby giggling as a cobra slithers around the child—tickling its skin, but doing absolutely no harm. This vision will be reality in the world to come!

But changing the nature of animals teaches us another important truth: peace can only come when a miraculous change of nature occurs. Just as wildlife will live peaceably only when the nature of predatory animals is changed, humanity will live peaceably only when the nature of human beings is changed!

The greatest dangers we face today are not from wildlife, but from our fellow man. Why? Because human nature is carnal and resists God’s law of love (Romans 8:7). Carnal human nature can only be tamed by the miraculous change of mind that comes by God’s Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5; 8:6). When the nature of men and women is transformed by God’s Spirit writing His laws on their hearts and minds, humans, too, will finally have peace!