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An Overview of God’s Revealed Plan and Hidden Purpose in the Ages
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Click here for a panoramic view of this chart
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Section 1
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Section 2
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Section 3
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Section 4
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Section 5
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Click on the text anywhere in the diagram below to read the supporting text.
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Section 1
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Before the Foundation of the World
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John 1:1, 17:5; 2 Timothy 1:9
“Before the foundation of the world” is where we find Christ who is the source of the believer’s eternal
position (1 Tim 2:5). Christ was there securing the way of salvation with his blood (1 Pet 1:18-20; John 17:24). It is now
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Here is an audio lesson from the Sunday Lesson archives that teaches why God hid some truths before the foundation of the world. This is from the Apr 2001 archives. It has a handout as well.
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revealed that we were chosen in Him at that time. Everything since or from the foundation of the world pertains to Israel and their calling.
Today, we have a separate calling and inheritance that was hidden in God before the foundation of the world. This body of truth Paul calls “The Mystery”
was given to be revealed after the close of Acts and is what is being brought to our attention in the “but now” in Col. 1:25-26 and “before the foundation of the world” in Eph 1:3-14.
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The Trinity - The Godhead - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit
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(I John 5:7) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
(Gen 1:26) And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (notice the plural reference to the Godhead).
The Godhead knew what was going to happen and made provisions to reconcile a fallen mankind. The first step was to establish the Blood of Christ as the means to forgiveness for sin. Christ was to be
the focal point for redemption as well as the destruction of Satan.
(Heb 9:22) And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
(1 Peter 1:18-21) Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by
him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
(Rom 5:6-12) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man
some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from
wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
(Heb 13:20) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
(I John 3:8) He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he
might destroy the works of the devil.
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The Godhead Prepares a Revealed Plan and a Hidden Purpose
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Whether one considers "Christ" in the revealed plan of God or in His hidden purpose, He -- and He alone - - arrests the attention like no other person or subject to be found in
all of the scripture. Even in the secular world, among friends or foes, in the highest circles and in the lowest levels of humanity, He is. In the affirmative, in the negative, and the neutral or
whatever - - He just is!
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Here is an audio lesson from the Sunday Lesson archives that teaches why God hid some truths before the foundation of the world. This is from the Apr 2001 archives. It has a handout as well.
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There are two major divisions derived from God's spoken word that were prepared by the Godhead before the foundation of the world, the revealed plan
and the hidden purpose. One body of truth referred to as “the Revealed Plan” was known from or since the foundation of the world because it was the subject
matter of scripture from Genesis 1:1 on. The other body of truth was hushed up and kept hidden in God not to be revealed until the appropriate time.
"Through faith we understand that the ages were framed - (marked off, prepared) by a fiat of God, so that the things (ages
and dispensations) as they appear were not evolved one from the other." (Heb. 11:3 - FREE TRANSLATION). Some
Christians believe that the mystery and the mystery of Christ are synonymous. Others believe that the mystery of Christ is relative, but not the mystery, per se.
Eph. 3:1-5: (1.) "...I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ, for you Gentiles (2.) "...assuming you have
heard of the dispensation (stewardship) of the grace of God given me for you," (3.) "...How that by
revelation He made known unto me the mystery (God's sacred secret ) as I previously wrote afore in
few words...," (i.e., Ephesians Chapters 1 - 2), (4.) "...whereby when ye read you may realize and understand my knowledge in the mystery (secret) of Christ, (5.) which in other generations was not
made known to the sons of men, as is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets in spirit."
A key for understanding this difficult distinction is "as is now revealed," (vs. 5). This phrase about the mystery of Christ speaks of some knowledge which is now revealed in the mystery concerning the
mystery of Christ which was unknown in former generations, TO WIT:
1. The mystery (secret) will of God (Eph. l:9-10). [Remember, the secret things of God belong to Him (Deut. 29:29a)].
2. The headship of Christ in relationship to a corporate body, wherein all are equal - no nation or person has any advantage (Eph. 1:22, 23; Col. 3:11).
3. The mystery given to complete the whole canon of scripture (Col. 1:25, 26), etc.
The Mystery of Christ" in the Revealed Plan of God.
Context: Since or from the foundation (overthrow) of the world.
The mystery (secret) of Christ revealed in the seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15). "Now to Abraham and his seed were the
promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Christ (Gal. 3:16). Obviously, this is the proof text, and its fulfillment.
The progressive revelation about the "seed" proceeds throughout the Old Testament, and is well demonstrated in Satan's
wiles, as he seeks to destroy the seed. The trail of this old serpent is well marked, and his attempts are legend. However, the crowning truths in the secret of Christ are twofold:
1. The ministry of reconciliation seen during the Acts period, (II Cor. 5:19-21 with
Rom. 16:25, 26) whereby the nations are brought in to share with Israel in all of the promises of God (Rom. 9:4). Please
bear in mind, it is with Israel not through Israel, since our Lord chose to bring the Gentiles into blessing in order to provoke Israel to jealousy (Rom. 11:11).
2. Even though #1 appears to be harsh, in His unsearchable (untraceable) judgment of grace, He has made a way whereby all Israel shall be saved. (Rom. 11:26 - 33).
"The Mystery" in the Hidden Purpose (Eph. 1:4, 3:9; and Col. 1:25,26)
Context: Before the foundation (overthrow) of the world (Eph. 1:4).
1. Prior to the mystery: "...Salvation is of (out of) the Jew" (John 4:22 Rom 15:8). Now: "...among the
Gentiles..." (Col. 1:27) . In other words, Israel was the channel of blessing...now, the Gentile is the
channel of blessing. [Remember also that Israel was administered on a national basis, now the Gentiles are on an individual basis.]
2. "The mystery" completes the canon of scripture (Col. 1:25 and 26).
3. Christ is all and in all. Hence, we are complete in Christ. There is no other need: no material temple, no priestcraft, no ritual, nor ordinance (Col. 2:6-23; 3:1-4, 11).
4. A new calling: far above all principalities and powers, the place where Christ is now seated (Eph. 1:20-23; 2:6; Eph. 4:1).
5. God's ultimate will and purpose are now revealed (Eph. 1:9-12; Phil. 2:9-13; Col. 1:12-14, 19-22).
6. The mystery of God-Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:2, 3). NOTE: This must be acknowledged!
7. All saints are equal - no respect of person or nation. (Col. 3:11; Eph. 4:23-25). [Compare with passages in "pre
-mystery" books (i.e. those written during the Acts period): Rom. 2:29; 3:1-2; Rom. 11:29; I Cor. 7:17-20; and Gal. 3:26-29.]
8. God's new creation, new man, free man, made from previously distinct Gentiles and Jews. (Eph. 2:8-10, 14-15; 3:6 4:13).
9. A prize attainable: the out of-resurrection - a crown of righteousness (Phil. 3:10-21; 11 Tim.4:6-8)..
10. The future assured upon the heavens (i.e., the far-above heavens). (Eph. 1:3-4; 20-21; 2:6-7). [The out-resurrection
does not seem to be assured (Phil. 3:10-12) unless pursued as did the Apostle Paul (Phil.3:14,17) and hoped for - as in II Tim. 4:6-8.]
11. Jesus, the lowly one, now exalted and given the Name above every name (Christ Jesus) (Phil. 2:9-11). ["JESUS" means
"save." In Psa. 118:14, 15, 21, and other Old Testament places, "salvation" is Hebrew word, "Yashuah" = JESUS (from root: "Yasha," save.]
12. Christ the Creator - the fulness of the Godhead, bodily, the head of the Church (Col. 1:16-19; Eph. 1:20-23; 2:6), etc.
No question about it, Christ is relevant! [Having learned these grand truths, what should be the driving desire in this age for
the Christian? We should be striving to make all believers understand (see) the truth of this sacred secret now revealed, and the hope it contains (Eph. 2:6, Phil. 2:6-11).
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Lucifer - The Anointed Cherub - God’s Highest ranked Angel
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God created Lucifer as the highest angel in God’s angelic kingdom. Lucifer was the anointed cherub (Ezekiel 28:14; Isaiah 14:12,13). Lucifer’s Reign as the
anointed cherub that covereth was God’s most high priest in the mountain of God ( Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:13-17). Lucifer was the highest ranking angel that God created until he sinned and became Satan. Lucifer and the other angles were created some time before the foundation of the world (Job 38:1-7) Here are the
titles and ranks of other Angels found in scripture:
Seraphim - Isa. 6:1-7, Psa.24:1, 72:19; Exod. 3:6; Job 4:18, 15:15; I Kings 19:13
Cherubim - Ezek. 1:5-18, 10:12, Gen. 3:24
Archangels - Jude 9 (Michael, Gabriel)
Angels - over 300 times in bible
Sons of God - Gen 6:1,2; Job 38:7; Dan. 3:25-28
Sons of the Mighty - Ps. 29:1, 89:6,7, 103:20; Isa. 13:3; Joel 3:11 Ps. 103:20; Ps.104:4; Dan. 9:21; Heb. 1:7.
Watchers/Keepers - Dan. 4:13-17; Isa. 62:6
Holy Ones - Zech. 14:5; Matt. 25:31; Isa 6:1-3; Dan. 8:13
Princes - Dan. 10:13,20,21; 12:1; John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11, Eph. 2:2
Thrones - Col. 1:16,Rev. 4:2-11
Dominions - Col. 1:16
Powers - Col. 1:16
Principalities - Col. 1:16; Eph. 1:21; Col. 2:10; Eph. 6:12
The number of Angels created is not exactly known however, the Bible gives us a few hints in Dan. 7:10 and Rev. 5:11.
What is the strength of an Angel? Here is one example in 2 Kings 19:20,21,35. What should our relationship be to Angels? Please read Col 2:18; Col 2:8-10; Eph 6:10-12; Eph 1:17-21; I Tim 2:5
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Lucifer rebells and becomes Satan - Begins The Trail of the Serpent
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God did not create Satan. God created Lucifer, the highest angel in God’s angelic kingdom. Lucifer was the anointed cherub (Ezekiel 28:14; Isaiah
14:12,13). Lucifer then of his own free will wanted to be God and receive worship as God. Through his pride and vanity, he fell and became Satan. This
event caused a catastropic event to the Original earth to throw it into a state of chaos.
Tradition paints Satan with horns and a pitch fork but this is not accurate. God created Lucifer with extreme beauty and Lucifer did not lose that beauty when he fell... hence
his ability to be percieved as an angel of light... the deciever of mankind. Even though he fell, his power is still great as the Archangel Michael suggests in Jude 1:9. With Satan’s part
in the Garden of Eden, it began the trail of the serpent in the affairs of mankind. Satan’s goal is to be God. Consequently his activities are to keep people from knowing Christ as their
personal savior or if that battle was lost, to keep people from knowing Christ better. Satan’s destruction is foretold by God in the Garden of Eden when he promised the seed of the woman would
crush the serpents head (Genesis 3:14-15). This then set forth an attack by Satan on the seed of the woman.
Other titles for fallen Lucifer, now Satan: Satan, meaning - the Adversary, Devil - the slanderer, Apollyon - the destroyer, Beelzebub - the prince of demons, Belial
- the low, abject one, The Wicked One, The God of This World, The Prince of Darkness, The Dragon, The Tormentor, The Accuser, The Deceiver, The Liar, the Murderer, He that hath the power of death,
Abaddon, The Enemy, The Prince of this World, The Tempter.
There are a number of Fallen Angels that rebelled with him: Rev. 12:4,9. These angels along with Satan will be imprisoned in the lake of
fire for eternal torment.
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The Original Earth
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Genesis 1:1 - "The world that then was" 2 Peter 3:5,6. The Original Earth was the Primal Creation, Pre
-Adamic, A perfect "kosmos" (meaning "Order") Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 45:18; Ezekiel 28:12-15a; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16,17
This was the dispensation of Lucifer (who through his own pride became Satan).
Lucifer was the anointed cherub (Ezekiel 28:14; Isaiah 14:12,13). The Original Earth is that creation of past ages to which all "fossils" and "other remains" belong. The old
earth was inhabited but with a Pre-Adamic race (Isaiah 45:18)
All the counsels and purposes of God have Christ for their center, their subject, and their object. Not only "by (out of) Him were (the) all things created", but by (in) Him
(the) all things consist (meaning to stand or be upright)." Colossians 1:16,17. From
this it follows that no created being, heavenly or earthly, can possibly stand (consist) apart from Christ. Please observe how He "upholds all things by the Word of His power" Hebrews 1:3
The purposes of God which included a Hidden Plan were hidden in God "from before the foundation
(overthrow) of the World (kosmos)." John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:20. (Note on Ephesians 1:4 -
translated "foundation" but meaning "casting down" or "overthrow") (Note on Hebrews 1:10 - translated "foundation" and it means "foundation")
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The Chaotic Earth - Genesis 1:2
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The Earth became (was) a chaos (disorder) Genesis 1:2a; Jeremiah 4:23-26; Ezekiel 28:15b-17a
The earth was not created "without form and void" (a chaos) as Genesis 1:2a might seem to suggest. You see the little word "was" is but a translation from the hebrew verb
"hayeth" which indicates a previous existence and a change having taken place. Note also that this same verb is translated "became" in Genesis 2:7, etc. Morever, Isaiah
45:18 declares that God created the earth not "in vain". The "in vain" is the hebrew word "tohu", the very same word which is translated "without form and
void" in Genesis 1:2a.
In other words, the earth was not created "a chaos", but rather became such after the awful judgement of God (Jeremiah 4:23-26). Obviously, this "chaos" could have extended over
millions of years since the scriptures are silent on the subject. In any case, God's original creation was perfect and orderly and not chaos (Isaiah 45:18).
Satan's rebellion and the judgements of Genesis 1:2 and Jeremiah 4:23-26 are relative, the causes and effects as set forth in Isaiah 14 and Ezekial 28 go to make up the complete picture. The "I wills" of Isaiah and the "Pride, Wisdom and Beauty" of Ezekial leave little or no room to doubt as to the cause of wrath. You see, Lucifer desired to usurp the place of God. Likewise, these same passages also fortell his future destruction.
Satan's boast "I Will" (Isaiah 14:13,14). The perfect earth "became without form and void" Jeremiah 4:23-26; Isaiah 24:1;34:1;45:18. The main point to remember is
that Satan, though blessed with so many untold powers and dignities, could not stand (consist) apart from Christ.
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The Restored Earth
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The Present Earth - Genesis 1:3-2:7. "The Heavens and the Earth which are Now" 2 Peter 3:7. The Restored Creation - Adamic - A Perfect "Kosmos" (order) Genesis
1:25-27. The earth's reconstruction and God's blessing of the work called "good". A paradise for the Adamic race. Genesis 1:28-2:25. "The Spirit of God
moved".
The careful reading of these scriptures will demonstrate the renewal and reconstruction of the things made in the heavens and the earth. Only in verses 21 and 27 of chapter 1 does the word
"created" appear, and then only with reference to physical life. Observe the expressions "created" and "made" in Genesis 2:3. Without laboring the point, these
two words contrast the distinctions between the things created from nothing and the things made from something. The perfection and blessedness of that paradise needs no further comment since
the language is forthright and leaves nothing to be desired.
The counsel of God unfolds a "Revealed Plan" that was from or since the foundation (overthrow) of the world (kosmos)". Psalms 78:2; Matthew 13:35, 25:34; Luke 11:50, Hebrews 4:3, 9:6; Revelation 13:8, 17:8
The seven days of the restoration week - Genesis 1:3-31
Day 1 - Cosmic Light
Day 2 - Firmament Formed
Day 3 - Dry Land, Vegetation
Day 4 - Solar Light
Day 5 - Fish and Fowl
Day 6 - Land Animals, Adamic Man
Day 7 - The Sabbath
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The Underworld
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(Matthew 25:41,46) Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: And these shall go away
into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
(I John 3:8) He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested,
that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Here we learn why God prepared a place of everlasting punishment - for the devil and his angels. It was not created for fallen man as we know that God desires all men to be saved and come to the
knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Man chooses to go their on his own free will by rejecting Christ.
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