The Divine Plan of the Ages
Chapter 6 Answers

1. Our Lord intended for his disciples to understand that he would come again. List some of the ideas that Christians have concerning the return of our Lord. Also list the reasons why these ideas are not in harmony with the scriptures. (p. 89,90,91)

Some think he referred to the descent of the holy spirit at Pentecost, yet Revelation was written after Pentecost (about 60 years) and speaks of his return as future. Some think Christ comes a little bit each time a sinner is converted, when the world is converted he will have fully come. Yet Rev. 1:7 says all kindred of the earth will wail because of his return -- showing the earth will not be converted or love his appearing.

2. What view does the scriptures support concerning our Lord's return and what is the great work of Christ and his church at the time of his return? (p. 91, par. 1)

Christ comes before the conversion of the world and reigns for the purpose of converting and blessing the world.

3. Name one of the texts relied upon by those who claim that the Lord will not come until after the Millennium. Explain why this text does not support their claim. (p. 91, par. 2)

Mt. 24:14 "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." This doesn't say anything about how the witness will be received. in fact, the witness has gone out to every language of earth in the printing of Bibles and the world is not converted.

4. What is the main object of the Gospel Age? What other scripture is used by post-millennialists to support their view? What is the proper understanding of this verse? (p. 92, par. 1,2)

Acts 15:14 tells us that the main object of the Gospel Age is to take out a people for Christ's name -- the Church. Post- Millennialists use Psa. 110:1 to support their view. But "right hand" in this text does not refer to a fixed location, but to power, authority and rulership. This text does not conflict with but supports Phil 3:21 in which we are told Jesus will "subdue all things unto himself."

5. List the purpose of both the first and second advent. Explain how the restoration and blessing of the world could have taken place following the first advent. (p. 93, par. 1,2)

The specific work of the first advent was to redeem (through death) mankind. The work of the second advent is to restore mankind. The time between is for the selection of the Church. The restoration and blessing could have started after the first advent after the ransom was paid by Jesus, but God provided that there should be a bride for Christ.

6. What is the object of the long period of time between the first and second advent? When would the first advent have occurred if God did not plan the selection of the Church? (p. 94, par. 1,2) (Luke 12:32; Rom. 8:17)

It is for the trial and selection of the Church, which is the body of Christ. Had God not purposed the selection of the Church, the first advent would have taken place at the time of the second advent. For God has planned six thousand years for the permission of evil and a restitution of all during the seventh thousand.

7. Is God attempting to convert the world now? Explain your answer in harmony with the scriptures. (Acts 3:19-21; Rev. 11:8; Mat. 24:24; Isa. 55:11; Gen. 28:14; Gal. 3:16,29) (p. 94, par. 3; p. 95, par. 1,2)

God has not been trying to convert the world for the past 6000 years because we are assured God's purposes will be accomplished and that his word shall not return to him void, but will accomplish his will. The fact the world is not converted and the knowledge of the Lord has not filled the earth is proof God is not attempting to convert the world.

8. Define both election and free grace. Explain when these two doctrines are applicable (i.e. past. present and future) (2 Pet. 1:10: Acts 15:14-18; 1 Tim. 2:4-6; Rev. 22:17; Acts 3:19-21) (page 96)

Election is a selection according to fitness and adaptability to the end God has in view, during a period appointed for that purpose. Free grace teaches God's grace or favor in Christ is ever free; it is unmerited. The passages that speak of election apply to the present and past ages, while those which teach free grace are fully applicable to the next age.

9. How was the doctrine of election illustrated by God's dealing with Abraham and the nation of Israel? How has election operated during the Gospel Age? (Gal. 3:29; Amos 3:2; Mat. 10:5; Eph. 1:4; Acts 15:14-18) (page 97)

God elected Abraham as the channel through which the promised seed would come -- the blesser of all the families of the earth. Israel was elected from among all nations to typically illustrate how the great work of blessing all the families of the earth should be accomplished. This nation alone was recognized until Christ came and the Gospel Age began in which an election takes place in that some parts of the world are more favored with the gospel than others. Only a small portion of the world are enlightened or blessed to a great degree by the gospel of Christ.

10. What is the mission of the Church during this age (Gospel Age)? What is her mission in the future? (p. 98, par. 1,2)

The mission of the Gospel Age Church is to make herself ready as a chaste virgin for the coming bridegroom, Jesus. When she is ready, she will go into the marriage and then the glorious work of restitution will begin. The future mission of the church will be to invite and help the world of mankind to take of the water of life freely and partake of free grace in fullest measure as provided in our father's plan.

11. Do the scriptures hold forth any hope of Millennial blessings for those who are in their graves? (p. 99, par 1)

As surely as Jesus died for all, all must have the blessings and opportunities which he purchased with his own precious blood. It is because of God's plan for their release that those in the tomb are called "prisoners of hope." Zech. 9:12

12. How many estimated billions have lived on the earth since Adam's creation? What is the fate of the majority of these who have died without faith? How do Atheists, Calvinists and Armenians reply? (p. 99, par. 2,3; p. 100, par. 1)

An estimated 143 billion have lived since Adam. The fate of the majority of these who died without faith according to Atheists is they are eternally dead and will never live again. Calvinism says they were not elected to be saved -- God predestinated them to be lost -- to go to hell eternally. Armenianism says God will excuse many of them on account of ignorance if they did the best they knew how, even though they never heard of Jesus.

13. Which view is held by the majority of Christians? What do the scriptures say? Can one be saved by ignorance? What is the only door of hope for the condemned race? (p. 100, par. 2; p. 101)

The majority of Christians agree with the Armenian view that good people will be saved through ignorance. But the scriptures teach that the only ground of salvation is faith in Christ as our Redeemer and Lord. None can be saved by ignorance of or by following their conscience as there are none righteous (Rom. 3:10) and none can be made righteous without the robe of Christ's righteousness. The only door open for the condemned race is the only name under heaven whereby men must be saved.

14. What is the belief of many Christians with respect to the salvation of ignorant children and heathen? Do they act in accordance with their professed belief? (p. 102, par. 1,2)

Many Christians insist God will not condemn the ignorant even though the Bible doesn't teach this. But they continue to send missionaries to convert the very heathen they claim will be saved in their ignorance, but after they hear the gospel, they become responsible to that knowledge and only a few then believe and are saved.

15. What is the only door of hope through which the condemned race may enter into eternal life? What scriptural assurance do we have that the present condition of the dead is not their full reward? (p. 102, par. 3; p. 103, par. 1,2)

The only door of hope is through faith in the precious blood of Christ. Mt. 16:27 teaches that the full and complete reward of every man is not given until Christ comes. 2 Pet. 2:9 says, "The Lord knoweth how to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished," so whatever may be their present condition, it is not their final reward.

16. Will any be lost from a lack of knowledge? What texts prove that Christ's sacrifice will be efficacious for every man? (p. 103, par. 3; p. 104)

None will be lost through a lack of knowledge, because God has made provision that all might hear in order to believe. It is because Jesus tasted death for every man (Heb. 2:9) that Jesus' sacrifice will be efficacious to "all people" (Lk. 2:10).

17. Does death end all probation? Since God is love, what is the reasonable, beautiful and scriptural plan of God for the salvation of the world? (1 Tim. 2:4-6; 1 Cor. 15:22, 45) (p. 105, 106, par. 1)

Death does not end all probation for Jesus gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. The due time for the world of mankind will be future when all will have an opportunity to believe and be blessed.

18. How many salvations do we see in God's plan? What scriptures can you use to support this truth? (p. 106, par. 2; p. 107, par. 1,2)

There are two salvations, the spiritual, which the Church will partake of, and the earthly salvation, which the world of mankind will partake of. Scriptures that support this thought of two salvations are: 1 Pet. 4:10; Lk. 2:10,11; Mt. 1:21. Following not listed in paragraphs: 1 Jn. 2:2; Jn. 12:47; Rom. 8:22,23; Gal. 3:8,16,29; Heb. 11:8-13,39-40; Gen. 22:17,18; Isa. 11:6-9; 49:8

19. What must be removed before the Gospel becomes Good News to all people? When will this be removed? Cite scriptures to support these truths. (p. 107, par. 3; p. 108, p. 109, par. 1)

Since the vast majority of the race is in the tomb and have not heard the good news, they must be brought forth from the grave in order to testify to them the good tidings of a savior. The condition of death must be removed. The blindness that has come upon Israel in order that the Bride of Christ might be selected must also be removed. Rom. 11:2, 25-36

20. Will there be other nations besides Israel who will receive future blessings? And if these nations have not received full opportunity for salvation in the past, what does future restoration to them imply? (p. 109, par. 2,3; p. 110, par. 1,2)

It must be remembered that Israel was a typical people and many of the promises made to them generally have a wider application to the whole world of mankind which that nation typified. God also names other nations beside Israel and promises their restoration; i.e., Sodom. And since they were destroyed long before Jesus died and gave the ransom price, their salvation or restoration must be future.

21. How can we understand the dealings of a God of love with those nations which he commanded Israel to "destroy utterly" (Ezek. 16:48-63)?

In due time they too will be awakened from death and brought to a knowledge of the truth and blessed with all the families of the earth. As it was, they were used as examples of how God will destroy evildoers.

22. What is meant by the captivity of Sodom and Samaria and Israel (Ezek. 16)? What must a "return to their former estate" signify? How do we know that the Lord is not speaking ironically to Israel in this prophecy as some contend? (p. 112, par. 2,3)

The captivity in death -- and Christ, comes to open the doors of the grave and set the captives free. A return to their former estate is the restitution of life promised in the resurrection. The Lord is not speaking ironically because he promises to bring back and restore both Israel and her sisters -- Sodom and Samaria.

23. What is the Apostle Paul's corroborative testimony on this matter (Rom. 11:26-29)? What mistake concerning God's Plan and promises has been made by both Jews and Christians? (p. 113, par. 2,3)

The nation of Israel is loved of God for the fathers' sake -- those faithful prophets of the nation. In due time all Israel will be saved. The mistake made by Christians is they thought the promises were for them alone. But they are to all people.

24. Have the doctrines of Calvinism and Armenianism distorted the truth? List the commendable features of Calvinism and two essential qualities that are lacking. (p. 114)

Yes, they have. Calvinism, with its distorted doctrine of election and denial of free grace, recognizes God's wisdom and power but not his justice and love. Armenianism denies the doctrine of election and fails to see the fulness of free grace. They recognize God's justice and love but not his wisdom and power.

25. What does Armenianism teach? What must be the natural effect of this view concerning the divine character? (p. 115; p. 116, par. 1)

It teaches that God intended good for man but Satan tempted the first pair and every since God has been trying to recover man from the power of Satan. This view elevates Satan's power while implying God lacks wisdom, power and the ability to carry out His plans.

26. Seeing that so many of the glorious features of God's plan for man's salvation lie in the future, what should be the attitude of every true Christian? (p. 116, par. 3)

Since the second advent of our Lord Jesus is the first step in the plan for the world's salvation, we should earnestly long for that time.