The Divine Plan covers three time periods, encompassing the entire journey of sin and death, from the creation of humanity to the ultimate achievement of human perfection. Within these three periods, all of human history and biblical prophecy find their places, and understanding them is crucial for effective cooperation with God.
The first period is referred to by Peter as “the world that was.” It lasted from Creation until the Flood, which marked the end of the first world. During this time, God’s beautiful creation was tainted by sin, leading to the decline of humanity, until it appeared that all flesh had corrupted its ways on earth. The second world, described by the Apostle Paul as “this present evil world,” spans from the Flood to the Second Coming of Christ and the establishment of His Kingdom on earth. Evil dominates this world, and it is as certain to be destroyed as the first one was. Human selfishness and violence will bring an end to this current order, paving the way for God to initiate a new beginning.
This second world is divided into three time spans according to Scripture. The first span, from the Flood to the Exodus, was characterized by God’s interactions with a line of faithful men, the patriarchs, with Abraham being the most notable. At the Exodus, Abraham’s descendants through Isaac were formed into a nation, Israel, and from that point until the Crucifixion, the second span endured, during which God worked with that one nation, preparing them for their future role as world missionaries in the Kingdom. The third span followed, from the First Advent to the Second Advent, where God reaches out to all nations to gather a spiritually minded people to unite with Christ in the spiritual aspect of the Kingdom of God.
This “present evil world” will end in a significant time of trouble, “such as was not since there was a nation.” During this trouble, Jesus Christ will return, take His power, and the third world will begin.
The third world is referred to by Peter as one “wherein dwelleth righteousness.” It represents the Golden Age of poets, a time when evil will be limited, people will be taught to live righteously, the dead will be restored, and death will cease to exist. The result will be that all who are redeemed for God will receive everlasting life on a restored and perfect earth, while the unrepentant wicked will face eternal destruction. Thus, God’s Plan will reach a glorious conclusion, and “all that hath breath shall praise the Lord.”
See Eph. 3:9-11; 2 Pet. 3:6-7, 13; 2 Pet. 2:5; Gen. 6:7-8; Gal. 1:4; 2 Tim. 4:10; Titus 2:12; Exod. 6:3; Josh. 24:3; Exod. 19:5; Amos 3:2; Isa. 49: 6; Acts 15: 14-18 : 1 Pet. 2:9; Dan. 12:1; Matt. 24:21, 22, 29, 30; Matt. 19. 28; Isa. 25:6-9; Psa. 150:6.