The Divine Plan of the Ages
Chapter 4 Answers

1. Why do many in their ignorance now misjudge the great Jehovah's character and work? (page 65)

Many in their ignorance misjudge God by his unfinished work. They still see the evil in the world but do not understand it has been permitted for man's discipline and ultimate good. When evil is removed, God's finished work will be revealed in all its wisdom and glory.

2. However mysterious or haphazard God's dealings may appear, what does His word declare respecting the definiteness of his purposes? See Isaiah 14:24-27; 46:9-11. (pages 65-66)

God tells us that he has a definitely fixed purpose and that all his purposes shall be accomplished. Those who believe this testimony must acknowledge that his original and unalterable plan has been, and still is, progressing systematically to completion.

3. Inquiring of our Father's word, what do we learn regarding the periods of time into which God's plan is divided? (page 66)

The plan of God, with reference to man, spans three great periods of time, sometimes referred to as three epochs, three dispensations or three worlds. These time periods begin with man's creation and reach into the infinite future. These three great epochs represent three distinct manifestations of divine providence.

4. Name and list the distinctive features of the three great epochs. See 1 Pet. 3:6,7,13; Galatians 1:4; Isaiah 45:17. (page 67)

The first great epoch, or world, is called the world that was (2 Pet. 3:6) and covers a period of time from the creation of Adam to the flood. This epoch, or world, was under the ministration of angels (Gen. 6:1-4; Heb. 2:5; Jude 6-7; 2 Pet.2:4) and was a failure.

The second great epoch, or world, from the flood to the establishment of the kingdom of God, is called the Present Evil World because it is under the limited control of Satan, "the prince of this world." Gal. 1:4; 2 Pet. 3:7; Jn. 12:31; 14:30; 16:11. It too has been a failure.

The third epoch, or world, is called the world to come, and it is to be a world without end. It is under divine administration and will be the kingdom of God.

5. Why is the second dispensation called an "evil world" and the third one a "world wherein dwelleth righteousness"? What will make the future dispensation so different from the present one? See Malachi 3:15: Psalms 72:7; 37:9; Isaiah 1:19. (page 67)

The second dispensation is called an evil world, not because there is nothing good in it, but because in it evil is permitted to predominate. The wicked are allowed to prosper in their evil ways, and it is easier to prosper by being unrighteous than it is by being righteous.

The third or future dispensation is called the World to Come, wherein dwelleth righteousness, not because there will be no evil in it, but because evil will not predominate. Evil will not rule or be allowed to prosper, but the righteous shall prosper and the evildoer will be cut off.

The reason these dispensations will be so opposite is that Satan rules the present and God, through Jesus Christ, rules the world to come.

6. Quote scriptures that show that Christ's Kingdom cannot now control the earth. (page 68)

Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world." Jn. 18:36 "For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak." Heb. 2:5 Jesus taught his disciples to pray, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," Matt. 6:9-10, indicating God's will is not done in earth until his kingdom comes -- in the world to come.

"Darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people." Isaiah 60:2

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Eph. 6:12

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." Eph. 2:2

See also Rev. 11:15; Mark 3:22-27; Rev. 20:2.

7. Does the "end of the world" signify the destruction of the physical earth? How are the terms "heavens and earth" used in the scriptures? When and how did the first heavens and earth come to an end? When and under what conditions will the present heavens and earth pass away? (page 69)

The end of the world does not signify the destruction of the physical earth but that order or arrangement of government and society, having served their purpose, ended. In scripture, heavens symbolize the higher or spiritual controlling powers, and the earth symbolizes human government and social arrangements. The first heaven and earth (world) ended in a flood. The present earth or world, human society as now organized under Satan's control, must (symbolically) melt and be dissolved in the begging of the day of the Lord (Mal 4:5) which shall burn as an oven. It will be replaced by a new heaven and earth under Christ's control.

8. What did Paul mean when he said he was caught away to the third heavens? What were doubtless the things which he saw but was not permitted to reveal? See 2 Cor. 12:2-4; Rev. 21:1. (page 70)

The third heaven is part of the third dispensation of the world to come. Paul was carried down the stream of time and shown in a vision the end of the present evil world, Satan bound, Christ reigning, and the new heaven and the new earth established, for the former heaven and earth were passed away.

9. Name the ages into which this present dispensation and the world to come are subdivided. Why are these ages called what they are called? When did each age begin and end? (page 70-73)

Each age is a step in the plan of God for the overflow of evil and the establishment of his kingdom. God dealt differently with the world of mankind in each age -- the name given the age gives us a clue as to how and who God deals with during that age.

World that now is subdivided thus:

Patriarchal age - from the flood to the death of Jacob. God dealt with individuals: Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. These only found favor with God during the Patriarchal age. Jewish age - from the death of Jacob until the death of Christ. Jacob's descendants, the twelve tribes of Israel, were recognized as God's peculiar people and through typical sacrifices were typically a holy nation.

Gospel age - from the death of Christ until the 1000-year reign of Christ or the Millennial age. God deals with those who by faith accept Christ Jesus as their redeemer and Lord, following in his footsteps. 10. What does Millennium signify and what great work will take place during this age? See Rev. 20:4; Acts 3:19-21; Rev. 21:4. (page 73)

Millennium signifies a thousand years. During the Millennial reign of Christ, there will be a restitution of all things lost by the fall of Adam, and before its close, all tears shall have been wiped away.

11. What is the chief characteristic of the Divine Plan and what is the object of the various ages? (page 73)

God's plan is a progressive one, gradually unfolding from age to age, upward and onward to the grand consummation of the original design of the Divine Architect.

12. Give an illustration showing why Jehovah's works appear like confusion and failure to the uninstructed mind. (page 74)

The uninstructed mind sees God's plan like a child sees a piece of intricate machinery. He sees only parts moving about and doesn't see the way they work together in harmony to work good results.

13. What must be remembered with respect to these various ages if we rightly divide the word of truth? (page 74)

Each age has their own peculiarities and objectives, and in no one of them can the entire plan be seen, but in all of them, even as a link is not a chain, but several links united form a chain. We obtain correct ideas of the whole plan by noting the distinctive features of each part.

14. What is a very common error with respect to God's kingdom being established and now ruling in the earth? (page 75)

It is a mistake to think God's kingdom is established and ruling now in the earth. One only has to look and see the oppression, injustice and deceit to know that Satan must yet be displaced and these kingdoms now under his control must become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Anointed.