REVIEW - AND RESPONSIBILITY

As we have seen in our studies of both nature and revelation, we have a wise, intelligent, almighty and righteous Creator. The Bible is the revelation of His character and plan for man. Through it we have learned that while evil has been permitted, it is for a very good purpose and for a limited time. The darkness and suffering on this earth will soon be replaced with His glory and overflowing blessings.

Through the Ages of time, God's great Plan has progressed silently but grandly forward. Mankind's 6,000 years of experience with sin and suffering will prove to be a great advantage when as individuals they will be placed on trial for life. In the 1,000-year Judgment Day, mankind's Judge will be the very one who died for us all (Hebrews 2:9). Jesus' faithful followers, exalted to glory with Christ, will administrate the Kingdom with him (1 Corinthians 6:2). On earth, the Ancient Worthies will be his human representatives (Isaiah 1:26; Psalm 45:16). By this means “all the nations of the earth” will be blessed, as God promised Abraham (Genesis 22:18, Galatians 3:29, Zechariah 8:13).

Mankind Returns to God on a “Highway”
Instead of a Narrow Way, a grand “Highway of Holiness” will be open for the entire world. All the stumbling stones and pitfalls will be gone. “No lion [Satan] shall be there, nor any ravenous beast [selfish government] shall go up thereon” (Isaiah 35:8, 9; 62:1-3). Some will make fast progress, others slow progress— depending on what character they had previously sown. “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10).

The Day of Judgment does not begin until the Ruler of the world has come again. A trial cannot proceed until the judge (Jesus) is on the bench and the court (the Bride class) is in session. During that Day, “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9). Then “the books” of the Bible will be “opened” and the world will be judged from its principles and standards (Revelation 20:11-12). Everyone who is now “dead” in Adam will have the opportunity to have their names written in the “book of life.” Those who live righteously then will be judged worthy of everlasting life in a perfect society—for all the ages of joy to come.

Knowledge of God’s Plan Gives Comfort
Meanwhile, when the consecrated children of God today see what is happening in the world, we find comfort in the knowledge of God’s character, promises and Plan. We can “look up” and rejoice because we know our deliverance is near—which then means deliverance for the world (Luke 21:28). We also look away from earthly cares and personal weaknesses and claim the merit of Jesus ransom price to cover our imperfections. With knowledge of God’s promises, we claim them while seeking to develop Christian character and strive for the prize of divine nature. As Peter expressed it:
"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:2-4).

In seeking the knowledge of God and His Plan, our sincerity is tested. Will we find time to search the Scriptures to prove for ourselves the wonderful Plan of God? Are we willing to give up our own theories and ideas and study the Bible without prejudice? In our pursuit of Truth, are we committed to give all to our Heavenly Father? Are we willing, if necessary, to sacrifice friendships and other ties? (Luke 18:28-30) During the present “Harvest” period of the Gospel Age, we have come to the “hour of temptation” — of testing (Matthew 13:39; Revelation 3:10). How will we respond?

Our love for God's Plan should give us determination and energy to share this precious Truth with those of faith who may receive it. We do not expect the world to appreciate it (1 John 3:1). They will think us “fools” (1 Corinthians 4:10; 3:18). But, like the noble “Bereans” of Paul's day, let us receive the truth “with all readiness of mind” and then search “the Scriptures daily,” to understand their testimony (Acts 17:11). If we appreciate the value of the Truth, God's loving Plan will then become the all-absorbing theme of our lives.

God’s Plan Harmonious and Complete
God's Divine Plan is complete and harmonious with itself in every part! Beyond human invention, it reveals the wisdom, justice, love and power of our marvelous God. No reasonable question about it need go unanswered. Others may suppose their creeds or traditions to be an unexplainable “mystery”—but not so with the Truth, revealed to the saints in the Scriptures.

Some ministers who recognize various errors in the creeds of men ignore the issues and resort to preaching a “Social Gospel.” Sadly, others discard parts of the Bible itself. False doctrines hide the Truth and even cast a shadow over the character of God. Errors also hinder the sanctification of the heart (John 17:17). Therefore, all the more, let us be careful to appreciate God's Plan of the Ages in all its beauty and clarity, and cast aside the false doctrines so common.

Truth, as it is disclosed, becomes “meat in due season” for all the Lord's people (Matthew 24:45). “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18). Other studies elaborate in more detail on various branches of the one Plan of God. The matchless harmony of the Bible is awe-inspiring!

However, understanding brings responsibility. The light of Truth must be either received and acted upon—or rejected. Further, we are constrained “to give light to them that sit in darkness” (Luke 1:79)—especially intended for all the “Household of Faith” (Galatians 6:10). As faithful stewards, we must “lift up a standard” pointing to the wonderful outcome of God’s grand Plan of the Ages.

 

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