How long would it take to undo an ideal society?

Question
We were discussing this question on a forum. How long would it take if, while there was still sin in the world, it presently had no wars, was completely healthy, no poverty, etc. for it became the mess it is today?
Answer
The situation you describe could never exist in this world or the next.

Before the fall of mankind in Adam, the world was perfect. There wasn’t war, poverty, sickness, etc. And unlike us today, Adam had absolutely no sin. And yet he ruined it all in a single second of time by his willful disobedience towards God and his law. What followed is what we live in today where sins of evil thoughts, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander, etc. (Eph. 4:31; cf. Rom. 3:14; Col. 3:8; 1 Pet. 2:1; 1 Tim. 1:9-10, etc.) persist. This results in selfishness and wars, poverty, and sicknesses, etc.

Your question suggests there can be a utopia or an ideal world. Because of the Fall, such a thing is impossible and therefore the question is based on a false premise. So, a question of how long a perfect situation would last in a sinful world makes for interesting forum discussions, but there is no meaningful answer.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t say this about such a question. The Bible teaches us that we shouldn’t devote ourselves to myths that promote endless speculations (1 Tim. 1:4; 4:7; 2 Tim. 2:23; 4:4; Tit. 3:9, etc.). While forums may be wonderful places to learn about God, we need to be cautious not to entertain all questions.

Answer by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr.

Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).