The concept of "The Subjection of the World to Come" is rooted in the eschatological promises found within the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews. This theme explores the future dominion and order under the reign of Christ, where the present world, marred by sin and rebellion, will be transformed and subjected to divine authority.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for this topic is found in Hebrews 2:5-8 : "For it is not to angels that He has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. But somewhere it is testified in these words: 'What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor and placed everything under his feet.' When God subjected all things to him, He left nothing outside of his control. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him."

This passage highlights the future subjection of the world to Christ, emphasizing that it is not angels, but humanity, through Christ, that will have dominion. The citation from Psalm 8 underscores the dignity and authority bestowed upon humanity, fulfilled ultimately in Jesus Christ.

Christ's Authority and Reign

The subjection of the world to come is intrinsically linked to the authority of Christ. In Matthew 28:18 , Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This authority is not only present but will be fully realized in the eschaton, when Christ's reign is visibly established over all creation.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 , where he describes the end times: "Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For 'God has put everything under His feet.' But when it says that everything has been put under Him, it is clear that this does not include the One who put everything under Him. And when all things have been subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will be made subject to Him who put all things under Him, so that God may be all in all."

The Role of Believers

Believers are called to anticipate and participate in this future reality. Romans 8:19-21 speaks of creation's eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God, indicating that the subjection of the world to come involves the glorification and participation of believers in Christ's reign: "The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."

Implications for the Present

While the full subjection of the world is a future event, it has present implications for how believers live. The knowledge of Christ's ultimate authority and the coming subjection of all things under His rule provides hope and motivation for holy living, evangelism, and perseverance in faith. Believers are called to live as citizens of this coming kingdom, embodying its values and proclaiming its message.

In summary, the subjection of the world to come is a profound biblical theme that encapsulates the future hope of creation's restoration under the lordship of Christ. It affirms the ultimate victory of God's kingdom and the participation of believers in this divine order.