Chapter II
The Birth of a Plan
Where were you when I laid the
foundations of the earth?
Job 38:4
One characteristic of mankind that distinguishes him from all other beings on earth is his ability to plan. Planning requires a vision of the future. But this future is not one that simply comes about by chance; it is one that comes by design. Planning is a process that defines what something will look like tomorrow, or next week, next month, next year, the next decade, or even the next century. As a result of this blend of vision and planning, mankind has profoundly affected his world – often for the better and regrettably, sometimes for the worse.
A prominent American educator once observed that “success is twenty percent skill and eighty percent strategy.” The point he was making is that thoughtful planning is absolutely essential to success and human achievement. Without it, man is left with nothing but randomness and chance. However, with a well conceived plan, he has been able to build architectural wonders, explore the heavens, and manufacture vehicles that have revolutionized travel.
Man’s capacity to envision his future has also led to great discoveries in science and technology. He has harnessed the atom, built satellites, designed computers, and created exotic communications systems. But it doesn’t end with tangible products. Man has also planned entire industries as well as the businesses to make them flourish. Even great nations have been built from the visions of men.
Today there is an endless array of plans and planners. There are financial planners, career planners, as well as business planners and forecasters. People plan weddings, plan families, plan for retirement, and even plan vacations. Sports teams have game plans, military experts have battle plans, and teachers have lesson plans. Our world has developed an endless array of blueprints, schematics, and story boards all designed to convey a picture of the future. And although man’s plans may sometimes fail, it is no less noble to plan. As a matter of fact, planning is very God-like.
A Godly Vision
The scriptures reveal that the Great Creator and Sustainer of the universe is also a Great Planner. One does not have to look far for evidence of this quality in Him. Consider the universe and the great order it reflects. Everything in it works with uncanny precision and accuracy. Planets maintain orbits and rotate in ways that defy chance. Tides ebb and flow with a rhythm so clear that one can almost hear them speak. Throughout the physical realm there is a symbiotic relationship that worshipfully cries out to a Master Architect. Everything in it works and declares that its Maker is real.
The apostle Paul once wrote that the physical domain of which mankind is a tenant reveals another dimension in which God Almighty resides. Notice what he writes to the church at Rome.
For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead: so that they are without excuse: (Ro. 1:20)
Here Paul is stating that the material realm stands as incontrovertible proof that there is a wonderful Designer who has fashioned the world we live in and the universe we can see. Clearly, the Great God of heaven is a Being of extraordinary talents, not the least of which is His capacity to plan and to build
However, the Bible also reveals that God has planned out and created more than a massive physical dimension of which we are a part. The scriptures also declare that He is engaged in a magnificent spiritual creation in which mankind is at the very center. As was mentioned earlier, God made man for a specific purpose—one that involves being born into the very Family of his Maker, as literal sons and daughters. As members of that Family, man will possess not only the character, but the very composition and form of his Creator. In short, man will be just like God (1 Jn. 3:2).
This Destiny was the central theme of the gospel preached by Jesus and the apostles during the first century. Furthermore, it is a message that continues to be proclaimed by His servants to this very day. As difficult as it is to imagine, God is working out in man the crowning achievement of His creative power, and He is totally committed to its end.
Model of a Double Helix which carries
a unique genetic code for every human being
A Labor of Love
The idea of God Almighty literally recreating Himself reflects a wisdom that is so distant from that possessed by man. For this reason man has rejected the idea that God would ever consider such a future for those whom He has created. This is because human nature cannot grasp the enormity of God’s love. After all, what man would ever consent to having his innocent son be executed in order to spare the guilty from being put to death? But that is exactly what God did when He gave His Son to atone for the sins of all mankind (Jn. 3:16, Heb. 2:9). This kind of love defines God’s very nature (1Jn. 4:8) and it is what drives His purpose for those He formed in His own image.
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, “I am the Almighty GOD; walk before Me, and be you perfect. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. Neither shall your name any more be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made you. And I will make you exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come out of you...” And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your seed after you in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto you, and to your seed after you. And I will give unto you, and to your seed after you, the land wherein you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” (Gen. 17:1-8)
Human Nature vs God's Love
Human nature, however, rejects such an attitude. It feels compelled to protect itself from all who would do it potential harm. For the most part, man is prepared to fight to the death to protect what he possesses. When it comes to his power and authority, it is no different. Man is seldom willing to surrender what he cherishes.
Because of this self-centered nature, man is driven to defend his position and status. One only has to look at the tyrannical governments that fill the earth to see this attitude played out every day. Who really believes such “leaders” are genuinely committed to serving their people?
Oh, to be sure, man does have the capacity to do good. But this goodness is almost always measured. For the most part it is calculated and driven by self-interest. In short, man will rarely give something without getting something in return.
God, on the other hand, desires to share the infinite power and virtue He possesses with all who will yield to His way. To this end, the Bible reveals that God has planned a future for mankind that involves positions of immense power and authority. Consider just a few examples: The book of Daniel indicates that the saints will one day possess God’s Kingdom and rule over it forever (Dan. 7:18). The apostle Paul spoke of a crown of righteousness that God's people will receive at the return of Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 4:8). Additionally, the book of Revelation declares that God’s people will sit on “thrones” (Rev. 20:4) and serve as “kings” and “priests” (Rev. 5:10). At that time they will govern the entire earth. But this is just the beginning.
The Crown of England
A symbol of Authority
The book of Hebrews reveals that God’s people will one day rule over all that exists. Imagine that! Man will rule over everything. Drawing on the words of a psalm written by King David (Psa. 8:3-6), the author of Hebrews reveals a profound promise regarding man’s future responsibilities in God’s Kingdom. Consider the power of his words.
But one in a certain place testified saying, What is man, that you are mindful of him? Or the son of man, that you visit him? Thou made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor, and did set him over the works of your hands: You have put all things in subjection under his feet. For that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. (Heb. 2:6-8)
The scriptures reveal that man has the distinction of having been given dominion over all the earth (Gen. 1:26). But in Hebrews (just cited) God is revealing that man’s ultimate Destiny extends far beyond that. God has promised that those born into His spiritual Family will have dominion over “all things.” This would include things not yet seen (verse 8).
Now imagine what God has created that man has not yet seen. For example: what about the spirit world? God made it (Psa. 104:4). It certainly is a work of His hands. That being the case, will man have dominion over the great angelic beings that serve at the pleasure of the Creator of heaven and earth? He will if you believe the words recorded by the apostle Paul in his first epistle to the church at Corinth. There, Paul states that man will sit in judgement over the angelic kingdom (1Cor. 6:3).
Born to Rule
At this point it is important to understand that God gave man dominion over the earth (Gen. 1:26) for a specific reason. He did so because mankind was created to lead and to govern – and that is exactly what he will do in God’s Kingdom. Those born into the Family of God Almighty will serve as Kings and Priests as well as Judges, ensuring that righteousness and justice fill the entire universe.
These are not simply petty positions with glorified titles. God is not trying to placate His Family nor is He using hyperbole when revealing the great Destiny that awaits those who will be born into His Kingdom. These positions are real and their importance is equally real. Throughout the pages of the Bible, God has declared that an everlasting Kingdom is coming that will be ruled by a Family of Kings.
A Plan Is Born
Because of God’s infinite wisdom and love, He has not only purposed in His heart to expand His Royal Family, but He has also created a Plan to ensure this desire is realized. However, when considering the enormity of this Plan for mankind, a question emerges – one that has to be answered.
When did God plan to recreate Himself?
In other words, when did this idea first come into
His heart and His thoughts?
The answer to this question is of paramount importance--for by understanding when the Master Architect fashioned His Plan for mankind, the scope of that Plan will become abundantly clear. Regrettably, most “believers” have never grasped this critical piece of one of life’s great puzzle. So let’s ask ourselves: when did God first plan to expand His family?
A Popular View
One of the more popular views embraced by sincere Bible believing Christians regarding this question is that God did not consider creating man until after the fall of the great archangel Lucifer. This thinking is driven by the belief that after creating the angelic realm, God made the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1:1) as a potential home for them (the angels). Once this was done, He placed a community of angelic beings on earth under the direct supervision of Lucifer. The assumption here is that God placed these great spirits on earth to oversee the completion of the planet as well as to establish the Government of God on the earth and ultimately assume permanent residence here. However, at some later point, Lucifer became embittered toward God and waged a great war against Him.
Plan"B"
Those who embrace this idea contend that it wasn’t until after Lucifer’s attempted “coup” that God decided to exercise a “contingency plan.” In it He would create man, essentially making the human family “Plan B.”
But is it possible that man was always “Plan A” and that there never was a “Plan B”? Is it possible that long before the existence of the physical universe, God determined in His heart to create a Family consisting of beings that would be just like Him?
Those who believe that the creation of man was some type of back-up in case the initial plan didn’t work should consider this: God’s plans don’t fail! Nor does He ever abandon them!
The Perfect Planner
At this point, it is important to understand something about the infinite God of the Bible. The scriptures reveal that God’s ability to plan and to carry out His plans is something that sets Him apart from every being in existence. The great prophet Isaiah once wrote that God’s power extends far beyond simply creating the material universe. God also has power over the very destiny of this creation. At one point, Isaiah actually quotes God Himself regarding His absolute SOVEREIGNTY over the future and His ability to accomplish what He sets out to do.
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (Isa. 46:9-10)
Here God is stating that He is steadfast and resolute in completing what He has begun. Now ask yourself: do these words sound like the utterance of someone who needs a backup plan? The point here is that if God planned the earth to be the permanent domain of the angelic realm, you can bet that’s who would be living here. The Great Creator and Sustainer of the universe wasn’t the slightest bit tentative when He spoke through Isaiah. Here are His exact words: “My council SHALL STAND and I will do ALL my pleasure.”
However, if God didn’t create the physical universe for the angelic realm, who did He create it for? Why did this Great Master Architect create the heavens and the earth? Furthermore, when did He first consider doing such a thing?
Before the Worlds Began
The Bible reveals that God’s Plan for mankind was in existence before the heavens and earth were created – even before the existence of physical matter. That Plan included: 1) creating man out of that which is corruptible, 2) teaching him those things that would build spiritual virtue and ultimately perfect righteous character, then 3) creating a path by which man could receive eternal life and enter into God’s spiritual Kingdom. That path would be through the sacrifice of the One who would become Jesus Christ. Furthermore, God’s Word declares that all of this planning took place before the universe came into existence.
When writing his epistle to the evangelist Titus, the apostle Paul expressed a remarkable truth, and in doing so provided insight into the mind of God at work before the universe was created. Notice what Paul says in the introduction to this letter.
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began... (Ti. 1:1-2)
Notice that Paul declared that God promised eternal life “before the world began.” In order to do this He must have planned to extend this great gift prior to building the vastness of the heavens and the earth. But to whom did God extend this promise? Certainly it wasn’t to the angelic realm. They were created immortal. They are a part of a spirit world which is incorruptible. That world is not subject to death. This being the case, to whom did the Great God promise eternal life? After all, if God made such a promise, He had to have someone in mind to be its recipient.
A Promise of Life
The Bible reveals that God’s promise of eternal life was given to man, even before man existed. This is because God knew He was going to create the human family. He also knew He was going to make them temporal beings, subject to death.
Unlike the angels, man is fully mortal and to him death is a matter of "when" not "if." The Bible says, “It is appointed unto all men once to die” (Heb. 9:27). No matter how great or small a man is, death is inevitable. The book of Ecclesiastes says it this way:
For that which befalls the sons of men, befalls beasts; even one thing befalls them: as the one dies, so dies the other; yea they have all one breath; so that man has no preeminence above a beast. All go to one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. (Eccl. 3:19)
Clearly death is a formidable part of the human experience. For all intents and purposes, it renders man impotent. When he dies, everything stops. He cannot think. He cannot act. He cannot feel. In short, when one dies he is gone. James, the brother of Jesus expressed it this way.
For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. (Jas. 4:14)
As a mortal being man’s days are limited. When contemplating his own temporal existence, King David of Israel expressed the following.
Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreath; and mine age is as nothing before thee... (Psa. 39:4-5)
Today the vast majority of professing Christians are convinced that the saved don’t really die. They contend that the departed “believer” lives on in heaven enjoying a better existence. But this is not true. Jesus Himself said, “No man has ascended into heaven but He that came down from heaven...” (Jn. 3:13). That should pretty much rule out the entire human population.
Even the great champions of the Bible eventually died and have returned to the earth, not heaven. When speaking of King David, the apostle Peter once said, “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this very day” (Acts 2:29). Peter then went on to say, “David is not ascended into the heavens” (verse 34).
Furthermore, in the eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews great heros of faith such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Enoch, and Moses are all identified as “dead.” When speaking of these men the author says, “These all died having not [yet} received the promise” (Heb. 11:13). As was mentioned earlier, that promise was, and is, eternal life (Ti. 1:2).
The Great Enemy
The Bible calls death the “great enemy.” It robs man of the opportunity to create, to share, to hope and even to love. When speaking of the dead, the Psalmist wrote, “His breath goes forth, he returns to the earth, and in that day his thoughts perish” (Psa. 146:4). Later, Solomon, the great king of Israel, confirmed these words.
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing neither have they any more reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. (Eccl. 9:5)
When describing the overwhelming power death has over the human family, the Bible says, “His sons come to honor him but he knows it not” (Job 14:16). In other words, those who have died are totally unaware of anything. It is true that man can delay death at times, but he cannot escape it forever. Death is inevitable.
The Soul is NOT Immortal
The idea that man has an immortal soul and therefore is still conscious upon the death of the body was never taught by Jesus or His apostles. However, such thinking was an integral part of pagan religions at that time. This fact is supported by very credible works of scholarship such as the Jewish Encyclopedia. Notice what it says about the origin of the doctrine regarding the “immortality of the soul.”
The belief that the soul continues its existence after the dissolution of the body is speculation nowhere taught expressly in the scripture. The belief in the immortality of the soul came to the Jews from contact with Greek thought and chiefly through the philosophy of Plato, its principal exponent, who was led to it through Orphic and Eleusinian mysteries in which Babylonian and Egyptian views were strangely blended. (Jewish Encyclopedia, “Immortality of the Soul,” Vol. VI, pp. 564, 566)
Down through the ages, pagan religions have embraced an endless array of deities, as well as a “you can take it with you” view of the afterlife. Under this view, the soul lives on in perpetuity. To them it is immortal; it cannot be destroyed.
It is astonishing that the vast majority of well intended “believers” embrace many of these godless practices and beliefs--but embrace them they do. Virtually every leader in the Protestant world today believes the soul is immortal. Furthermore, they are convinced that this belief has been accepted by all the great champions of the faith throughout time. However, this is simply not true. This error in thinking is borne out in the words of author Frank Eakin in his book The Religion and Culture of Israel.
Because of Greek influences on western culture, man is generally understood to be composed of either body and soul, or body, soul, and spirit. This bisection or trisection is totally incompatible with Judaeo-Christian tradition which accepts neither a body-soul dichotomy nor a body, soul, spirit trichotomy: man does not have a soul, he is a soul... Man is a psychosomatic (or psycho physical) whole, an entity who cannot be divided. (The Religion and Culture of Israel, pp. 92-93)
Despite any assertions to the contrary, man is very mortal. He can and will die. Furthermore, when he does, the only thing that will bring him back to life is the fulfilled promise of an infinite God.
A Great Promise
The Bible proclaims that for the true believer, the day of death is greater than the day of birth (Phil. 1:21). But why is this so? Why should anyone actually look forward to something so seemingly final? The answer to this question is profound indeed. The day of ones death is greater because of a wonderful promise God made before the foundations of the world—a promise of eternal life which only an Eternal God can give. That promise was bequeathed before the foundations of the world to those whom God would one day create in His own image. The apostle John declared this truth in his first epistle.
And this is the promise that He has promised us, even eternal life. (1Jn. 2:25)
Here John says that the promise of eternal life was given by God to His human family. In order for this to be true, the Great Creator had to know about that family before the world began--and that is exactly what the scriptures declare. However, God’s word goes even further when revealing His Vision for man and the steps He is going to take to ensure it is accomplished.Here John says that the promise of eternal life was given by God to His human family. In order for this to be true, the Great Creator had to know about that family before the world began--and that is exactly what the scriptures declare. However, God’s word goes even further when revealing His Vision for man and the steps He is going to take to ensure it is accomplished.
The Bible declares that God not only promised eternal life before the foundations of the world, but that He also provided a way for man to enter into that life. That entrance would be through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, as amazing as this is to comprehend, God actually planned out this incredible act of selflessness--and once again, He did so before the universe was ever created. This truth was revealed by one of the premier figures of the New Testament.
A Great Hope
The apostle Peter was one of Jesus’ closest friends on earth. He knew the Messiah as few did. Most certainly, Peter had conversations with Him that revealed profound insights into what God the Father was doing through the human experience. These conversations, as well as his personal relationship with the Savior of the world, would help shape his life as a leader in the New Testament Church.
Peter was a man of intense passions. He did not hide his feelings. His life, as revealed in the gospels, shows a man who wanted to take the world by storm. He was probably a bit impatient--and on more than one occasion Peter even dared to rebuke Jesus Himself, although his chastising of the Son of God was somewhat misplaced.
The gospels reveal that one thing Peter could not come to grips with was that Jesus would have to die. Even during the Savior’s arrest near the garden of Gethsemanae, he was prepared to fight in defense of his Lord (Jn. 18:10).
Peter’s view of Jesus’ crucifixion changed radically as an apostle who would later lead the early New Testament Church. This change would be reflected in the words he would write. In his first epistle, this man would make a profound statement regarding the enormity of Jesus’ death and how that death fit into a great Master Plan. Notice his words.
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you... (1Pe. 1:19-20)
Here Peter is saying that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was foreordained before the foundations of the world. These words are powerful indeed. For if they are true, then the death of God’s only begotten Son was imagined by Him before the physical creation was begun. Imagine how serious this Plan must have been to God the Father.
The Expositors Bible Commentary offers a very interesting observation about Peter’s words relating to when God planned to offer up His Son as a ransom for mankind. It examines the word “foreordained” and offers an understanding that harmonizes perfectly with the scriptures.
The Greek word for “foreordained” is poregnosmenou, and is often translated “known before.” The meaning, however, must be more than “foresight.” For why would Peter at this point make the obvious statement that God knew before about Jesus and His death? The word connotes purpose and has been translated as “predestined before the foundation of the world.” The redemption was in the plan of God before Creation occurred. In other words, the salvation in Christ was purposed from eternity and is now made plain. (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 12 p. 225)
It is hard to fathom the depth of a Plan so dedicated to success that God the Father would commit His most priceless resource to ensure its achievement. But that is exactly what He did. At some point in the vastness of eternity, the Greatest Being in existence consciously planned to offer the unblemished life of His own Son in order that man could be spared the effects of sin (1Jn. 3:4). This was done because of an extraordinary Vision the Father has for mankind and the Plan He has crafted to ensure its success. And if anyone ever had doubts about how serious God is about achieving success, consider what He put up as collateral.
The apostle Paul also expressed the level of commitment God had to His Vision of bringing mankind into His divine Family. In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul said it this way.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will... (Eph. 1:3-5)
Think about these words in the context of those spoken by the prophet Isaiah.
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure. (Isa. 46:9-10)
God’s pleasure is that His Plan of building a Family reflecting His perfect, righteous character will come to pass. To this end, He fashioned a strategy that included the ultimate sacrifice. But this is only part of the Plan.
God’s word says that although the death of His son would reconcile man back to Him, it would not give man salvation (Ro. 5:10). This being the case, how is man going to enter into an incorruptible state? What must happen in order for him to be “born” into the Family of God? This question was pondered during the days of the patriarchs thousands of years ago. The answer is timeless.
Shall the Dead Live Again?
Some 4000 years ago, a man whom God called “perfect,” advanced a question that has been pondered by almost every person facing death. The man’s name was Job and his question is recorded in the fourteenth chapter of a book that bears his name. Job asked, “If a man dies, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14). This question, although simple in form, cuts through all the complexities in life. It has been a source of wonder to mankind for millennia. In short, it is asking: Is there something beyond what we can see in this existence, and how can we know it is real? To truly comprehend this great mystery, we must understand who God is.
Arlington National Cemetery
The Bible reveals that the Great God of heaven is a God of life. Furthermore, He has promised that the time is coming when life will fill the entire universe and even the memory of death will evaporate.
From Corruption to Incorruption
The apostle Paul spoke of the transition man will go through when entering into God’s great spiritual Kingdom. This event will facilitate the change His children will experience as they move from a physical state to one that is spiritual. Paul characterized this transition as a “mystery revealed.”
Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Cor. 15:50-57)
The Power of the Resurrection
The Bible speaks prolifically concerning the power of death--but it also speaks of a great victory over that power. That victory will come through a resurrection which was promised by God from the very beginning. Jesus Christ believed in that promise, and He knew that he would be the Architect of that victory. When speaking to the religious leaders of His day, Jesus said the following.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. (Jn. 5:25)
Jesus had power over the grave, and His own life demonstrated that fact. Consider just one example. During the final weeks of His life, Jesus was summoned to Bethany to the home of his dear friend Lazarus, who had died just a few days before. When comforting Lazarus’ sister Martha, Jesus said, “Your brother shall live again.” Martha responded, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus then offered words of extraordinary consolation and hope. Jesus told Martha and he tells all mankind, “I am the resurrection and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (Jn. 11:25).
Here the Savior of the world declares that He has power over death itself. Earlier when describing His own impending death Jesus said, “I lay my life down and I take it up again” (Jn. 10:17). Furthermore, His resurrection stands as incontrovertible evidence of God’s power over the grave and what it pictures. The Great God of heaven truly is a God of LIFE.
Although many may not believe it, the promise of a resurrection is real. Fashioned by a real God. Proclaimed by real servants. And made possible by a real Savior. The time is coming when all that are in the graves shall hear His voice. He shall call and they shall answer. But there is even more to this great story.
The Bible reveals that God’s great love and authority over his creation is even considerate of those who do not know Him. Think of the billions who never heard of the God of the Bible. Or the billions who never understood when they did hear. Most religions consign such people to a horrible fate. But the God of hope has a promise for them. They, too, shall live again.
A Second Resurrection
In the twentieth chapter of the book of Revelation the apostle John describes the Destiny of the true believer, but he also offers words of consolation to those who do not know God. Notice what John writes.
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. (Rev. 20:4-5)
The scriptures declare that at the conclusion of the millennium, there will be a second resurrection, in which the billions of people who never truly knew about God or His Plan will be given an opportunity to know Him and his great law. It is then that they will understand a loving Father’s hope and be given a chance to be a part of His incorruptible Kingdom and to chose life. This second resurrection will be discussed in greater detail in Chapter XI.
An End to Death
Today we live in a corruptible world – a world filled with suffering and death. But God’s Word exhorts His children to take heart, for the day is coming when death will be no more and life will fill the entire universe (Rev. 21:4). When writing to the Church at Corinth, the apostle Paul said, “the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” (1Cor. 15:25). Imagine a Kingdom where there is no death. A Kingdom where life is everywhere. A Kingdom where nature itself is incorruptible.
What will it be like when this change comes? What will it be like when God’s children become incorruptible? It will be a time that will behold the crowning achievement of the Master Architect. It is the fulfillment of a creation that is as magnificent as its Creator. It will reflect Who God is and what man shall be. Furthermore, God imagined it all before the first molecule came into existence.
It is hard to imagine such a Destiny because man is so weak, so flawed, so blemished, so corruptible, so finite. What right does he have to the infinite?
The infinite is a Gift, given by an infinite God in order that man might enter into Life. That entrance is through a resurrection – a point at which God’s children will move from corruption to INCORRUPTION. From weakness to POWER. From dishonor to GLORY (1Cor. 15:42-44).
The promise of a resurrection is indelibly etched throughout the pages of the Bible. That promise reflects God’s great wisdom and love. It also reflects His hope and desire for all mankind. A desire that will see mankind as citizens in an infinite Kingdom. A Kingdom of infinite possibilities. Of music yet to be heard. Of colors yet to be discovered. Of dreams yet to be imagined. It is a Kingdom of Life where death has no power. And it is God’s good pleasure to give that Kingdom (Lk. 12:32).
A Final Thought
The Bible reveals that God has envisioned an extraordinary Destiny for mankind. That Destiny is that man will one day be born into His Family as literal sons and daughters. The scriptures also reveal that God envisioned this Destiny before the physical realm was created – even before the existence of matter. In order for this remarkable Destiny to be realized, God also knew that a Savior would have to make the ultimate Sacrifice. This, too, was integrated into God’s great Plan, the most well conceived Plan in history.
The next step would be to reveal this Vision and the Plan that would bring it about. But how would this Vision be revealed? And when would this great Plan be shared? And who would God first entrust with the knowledge of this magnificent Destiny? Read on...