The Divine Plan of the Ages
Chapter 13 Answers

1. In the beginning, who was given dominion over the human race and what form of government was originally designed by God? (pages 245,246)

The dominion of earth was placed in the hands of the human race as represented in the first man Adam, who was perfect, and therefore fully qualified to be the lord, ruler or king of earth. No man is given dominion or authority over fellowmen, but the whole race is given dominion over the earth.

The original design of the Creator for earth's government was a Republic in form, a government in which each individual would share; in which every man would be a sovereign, amply qualified in every particular to exercise the duties of this office for both his own and the general good.

2. Upon what one contingency did the everlasting continuance of the first dominion depend and how was this first dominion over earth overthrown? (pages 246,247)

This divinely-conferred rulership be always exercised in harmony with the Supreme Ruler of the universe, whose one law, briefly stated, is Love.

Man's disobedience to the Supreme Ruler forfeited not only his life, but also all his rights and privileges as God's representative ruler of earth. He was thenceforth a rebel, dethroned and condemned to death.

3. How and by whom was the forfeited inheritance redeemed and when will it be restored? Will the reign of Messiah on earth be everlasting? Please explain. (pages 247,248)

Our Lord's death redeemed or purchased not only man, but also all his original inheritance, including the dominion of earth. In due time, and shortly, he will take possession of his purchase. He will restore man's dominion and original blessings when man is capable of exercising them in harmony with the will of God. The reign of Messiah will not be everlasting. It will continue only until he will have put down all rebellion and insubordination and restored the fallen race to the original perfection, when they will be fully capable of rightly exercising the dominion of earth as originally designed. When thus restored, it will again be the Kingdom of God on earth, under man.

4. Under what two forms of government was the typical kingdom of God established during the Jewish Age? When and why was this kingdom overthrown and for how long? (pages 248,249)

God organized the people of Israel as his kingdom, under Moses and the Judges -- a sort of Republic -- but it was typical only. And the more despotic rule afterward established, especially under David and Solomon, was in some respects typical of the kingdom promised, when Messiah should reign.

When the people of Israel transgressed against the Lord, he chastised them repeatedly, until finally he took away their kingdom entirely. In the days of Zedekiah, the last who reigned of the line of David, the scepter of royal power was removed. There the typical kingdom of God was overthrown.

5. During which time period will the Gentile governments rule and why has God permitted these evil governments to reign? Can man establish a perfect government? Please explain. (pages 249-251)

After the removal of God's kingdom in the days of Zedekiah, the world was without any government of which God could approve. The Gentile governments God recognized indirectly, in that he publicly declares his decree that during the interregnum the control of Jerusalem and the world should be exercised by Gentile governments. This interregnum, or intervening period of time between the removal of God's scepter and government and the restoration of the same in greater power and glory in Christ, is Scripturally termed "The Times of the Gentiles."

Man can't establish a perfect government because of his own weaknesses in his fallen, depraved condition. These weaknesses, which of themselves would thwart human efforts to produce a perfect government, have also been taken advantage of by Satan. Satan has led man captive at his will.

6. Name the two phases of the kingdom of earth. What has been man's experiences for the past centuries and what is he hoping for? (page 251)

The spiritual phase is invisible, and the human phase is visible -- the visible earthly kingdoms measurably under the control of a spiritual prince, Satan. The fallen, blinded, groaning creation has for centuries plodded along its weary way, defeated at every step, even its best endeavors proving fruitless, yet ever hoping that the golden age dreamed of by its philosophers was at hand.

7. Have God's faithful children been left in darkness respecting the reign of darkness now and the better government in due time? Has Jehovah allowed man to rule, or is he defying God's will by ruling over the earth? (pages 251,252)

No. God has given us, through his prophets, several grand panoramic views of the kingdoms of this world, each time showing, for our encouragement, their overthrow by Messiah.

Man is ruling by God's permission, shown by God's message to Nebuchadnezzar, wherein God gives permission to rule until the time for setting up of Christ's kingdom.

8. What was the dream of Nebuchadnezzar and its divine interpretation through the prophet Daniel? See Daniel 2:31-45. (pages 252-255)

Four universal empires were symbolized: Babylon was the head of gold; Medo-Persia was the breast of silver; Greece, was the belly of brass; and Rome was the iron legs and clay-mixed feet.

9. Explain the symbolic interpretation of the "stone cut out of the mountain without hands." How might the stone be considered while it's being cut out of the mountain and how does this apply to the church? (page 255)

It represents the true Church, the Kingdom of God. During the Gospel age, this stone kingdom is being formed, cut out, carved and shaped for its future position and greatness. When complete, when entirely cut out, it will smite and destroy the kingdoms of this world.

While being cut out, it might be called an embryo mountain, in view of its future destiny; so, too, the Church could be, and sometimes is, called the Kingdom of God. In fact, however, the stone does not become the mountain until it has smitten the image; and so the Church, in the full sense, will become the Kingdom to fill the whole earth when the day of the Lord will be over, and when it will be established.

10. What New Testament Scriptures corroborate this interpretation of the stone smiting the nations? (pages 255,256)

Rev. 3:21; 2:26, 27.

11. Compare how the world views the empires of the earth in contrast with the stone class, the church. What will the smiting of the image by the stone accomplish for the world of mankind? (pages 256,257)

The world views the empires to be an exhibition of human glory, grandeur, and power. The stone class has been esteemed by the world as of no value. It has been despised and rejected of men. They see no beauty in it that they should desire it. The world loves, admires, praises and defends the rulers and governments represented in this great image, though it has been continually disappointed, deceived, wounded and oppressed by them.

It will accomplish the liberating of the oppressed and the blessing of all.

12. Describe the four universal empires from the standpoint of God, especially the fourth beast and the little horn. Why is "the devil" an appropriate name for the fourth beast and is this beast still in existence today? (pages 257-259)

They were shown as four great and ravenous wild beasts, inglorious and beastly. The fourth was so ferocious and hideous that none of the beasts of earth could be compared with it.

Devil is an appropriate name because Rome has been the most devilish of all earthly governments. Even in its change from Rome Pagan to Rome Papal, it illustrated one of Satan's chief characteristics; for he also transforms himself to appear as an angel of light, as Rome transformed itself from heathenism and claimed to be Christian. The Roman Empire in its horns or division still exists. It began to be consumed when Napoleon took the Pope prisoner to France, but it is not yet slain.

13. What is the difference between the destruction of the fourth beast and its three predecessors? Describe the fifth universal empire which will take its place. (pages 260,261)

The three predecessors successively had their dominion taken from them, but their lives as nations did not cease immediately. The fourth beasts will lose dominion and life at once and go into utter destruction; and with it the others will pass away also. The fifth empire will be the Kingdom of God, under Christ, who will reign until he shall have put down all authority and power in conflict with the will and law of Jehovah.

14. As we view these beastly governments from the Lord's standpoint, what should our hearts long for? Is the fifth universal empire in existence today? When and how will it be established in power? (pages 261,262)

Our hearts long for the end of Gentile governments and joyfully look forward to that blessed time when the overcomers of the present age will be enthroned with their Head to rule, bless and restore the groaning creation.

Each of these governments represented in the image and by the beasts existed before it came into power as the universal empire. So, too, with the true Kingdom of God: it has long existed separate from the world, not attempting rulership, but awaiting its time -- the time appointed by God. And, like the others, it must receive its appointment and must come into authority or be set up before it can exercise its power in the smiting and slaying of the beast or kingdom preceding it. We must expect God's Kingdom to be inaugurated before the fall of the kingdoms of this world, and that its power and smiting will bring their overthrow.

15. Why is the character of the earthly governments beastly and what has been the object of all governments organized under men? (pages 262-264)

The object of all governments ever organized among men has been to promote justice and the well-being of all the people.

The dark deeds of base tyrants, who gained positions of power in the governments of the world, did not represent the laws and institutions of those governments, but in usurping authority and turning it to base ends, they gave to those governments their beastly character. The governments were beastly because of the exaltation to power of a majority of unrighteous rulers, through the intrigues and deceptions of Satan, operating through man's weaknesses and depraved tastes and ideas.

16. What has been the natural result of the increase of knowledge amongst men? To what will this awakening lead? What should be our attitude toward the governments of this world? (pages 265,267)

It awakens a feeling of self-respect among men, and a realization of their natural and inalienable rights, which they will not long permit to be ignored or despised; rather, they will go to an opposite extreme. A more general and widespread dissatisfaction will finally express itself in a world-wide revolution, in the overthrow of all law and order; that anarchy and distress upon all classes will be the result.

We should not interfere with the earthly rulers in any way, but submit to these powers, obey the laws and respect those in authority because of their office. We are to be law-abiding, though separate from the governments of this world.

17. On what should the church of God give its entire attention? What resulted when the church began to dabble in politics shortly after the death of the Apostles? (Pages 267,268)

To preaching the Kingdom of God and to the advancement of the interests of that Kingdom according to the plan laid down in the Scriptures.

The result was Papacy was developed and in time became the mistress and queen of nations.

18. What have the kingdoms of Europe claimed and why hasn't God approved these claims? What serious injury has resulted by this improper recognition of these earthly kingdoms. (pages 268-270)

They claim to be Christian kingdoms and announce that sovereigns reign by the grace of God; i.e, through appointment of either Papacy or some of the Protestant sects. God hasn't approved because, deceived by the church nominal, these nations are sailing under false colors, claiming to be what they are not. Their only title is in God's limited grant, until he come whose right the dominion is.

A serious injury is that the attention of the children of God has thereby been attracted away from the promised heavenly kingdom; and they have been led to an improper recognition of an intimacy with earthly kingdoms.

19. From the divine standpoint, how should the best and worst of earthly governments be regarded? Since man has a false sense of duty toward these so-called "Christian nations," to what side are many Christians being forced? (page 270)

As kingdoms of this world, whose lease of power from God is now about expired, that they may give place to their ordained successor, the Fifth Universal Empire. They feel bound to champion the present falling kingdoms of so-called Christendom, whose time is fast expiring; and thus their sympathies are often forced to the side of oppression, rather than to the side of right and freedom -- to the side of the kingdoms of this world, and the prince of this world, rather than to the side of the coming true Kingdom of Christ.

20. What is mankind's attitude towards Christendom as people rapidly awaken? How might the great time of trouble be averted and what is the Lord's exhortation to the world through the word of the Psalmist? (pages 270,271)

The tendency with many is to conclude that Christianity itself is an imposition without foundation and that, leagued with civil rulers, its aim is merely to hold in check the liberties of the masses.

It would be averted if they would apply their hearts to understand the work and plan of the Lord. "Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings; be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son lest he be angry and ye perish in the way; for his wrath may soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him." Psa. 2:1-6,10-12.

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