The Divine Plan of the Ages
Chapter 11 Answers

1. Describe the "broad road." Who is on it? What does it lead to? How long has it been traveled and can one escape the broad road? (pages 205-207)

The broad road is a wide road and has a wide gate and is easy for fallen man to travel. The world of mankind not under the blood of Christ travel this road. It leads to destruction. It has been traveled for almost six thousand years. Yes, one can escape the broad road by taking the narrow road by following the light, which is Jesus Christ.

2. Describe the "narrow way" and what it leads to. (page 207)

The narrow way has a narrow gate and is strait, or difficult. The narrow way leads to life -- immortality.

3. Who is the fountain of life and what proceeds from the divine immortal fountain? (pages 207-208)

Jehovah, the divine being, is the fountain of life. All living things proceed from the divine immortal fountain.

4. What is one of the strongest proofs that man is not immortal? (page 209)

One of the strongest proofs that man is not immortal is that he has not an exhaustless supply of life in himself. Men die.

5. What was the result of man's sin and why was he removed from the paradise in which he was placed? (pages 209,210)

The result of man's sin is depriving him the right to life -- the death penalty. Mankind was removed from paradise because he could eat freely and may have eaten from the trees of life which sustained life perfectly.

6. What will happen to all who have gone down into their graves, and why? (page 210)

Because of Jesus' sacrifice, offering himself as a sin-offering, all that are in their graves shall come forth. There shall be a restitution of all things; first an opportunity or offer of restitution to all, and ultimately the attainment of human perfection by all who will obey the Redeemer.

7. Who originally possessed immortality and who during the Gospel Age has been invited to receive the divine nature? (pages 210,211)

God originally possessed immortality. Jesus received divine nature after his resurrection. The same offer is made to the church if faithful.

8. What is the only way to life now opened and what way do the masses of mankind prefer? (pages 211,212)

The narrow way through Jesus Christ. The masses of mankind prefer the broad road leading to destruction.

9. Why might the "narrow way that leads unto life" be called a way of death? (page 212)

Because one must sacrifice human nature unto death. Jesus Christ took the narrow way sacrificing his own life.

10. Is it possible for one who has been begotten of the spirit to die? Please explain. (page 213)

Yes, it is possible. Paul explains this by saying after we have been begotten of the spirit through the truth, if we live after the flesh, we shall die (lose our life.)

11. Describe the experiences of those who try to walk a middle road and what their reward will be. (pages 213, 214)

They try to keep the favor of God and the favor of the world, forgetting the friendship of the world is enmity with God. By walking the middle road, their reward will be they lose the prize of immortality, but they may be purified by the fire of affliction that the spirit may be saved and if rightly exercised, they will receive a spiritual resurrection like unto angels and serve God.

12. Why is this narrow way so steep and rugged and how only can we successfully complete the course? (pages 214, 215)

There is a separating principle to sanctify and refine a peculiar people to be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. By coming boldly to the throne of grace, here we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us to climb this steep and rugged way.

13. What way will be opened in the next age? What will it lead to and how is it different from the narrow way? (pages 215, 216)

The highway of holiness. It will lead to a new order of things such as personal purification and restoration to the image of God as enjoyed by Adam before sin entered the world -- perfect humanity.

It is termed a highway, a public roadway, not like the narrow way, which is steep, rugged, difficult, but a way specially prepared for any travel -- especially arranged for the convenience and comfort of the travelers, who will be aided every step of the way by the administration of Christ's new government.

14. Since Jesus died a ransom for all and desires all to come to a knowledge of the truth, why didn't he at once open up the highway for all? (pages 216,217)

The present narrow way is for the trial and selection of the body of Christ, which, when exalted with Christ, will open the highway of holiness for man's blessing.

15. What are the "lions," "ravenous beasts," and "stumbling stones" that will be removed from the highway? (pages 217,218)

Lions are things that stand in the way of those who would like to give up sinful ways. Ravenous beasts are organizations that advance selfishness, self-interest, at the expense of the public good. Stumbling stones are the ignorance and superstition that will be removed.

16. When and how were the three ways opened and to what do they lead? (page 218)

The broad road began when Adam sinned and leads to destruction.

The narrow way began with the precious blood of Jesus, continuing through the Gospel Age. It leads to the divine nature.

The highway of holiness is to be opened in the future. It is for those redeemed from destruction on the broad road.