God's Eternal Plan: A Historical Perspective
A Bible study exploring God's unfolding plan throughout history.
1. God's Unfolding Plan
1.1 God's Sovereignty in History
Verses: Daniel 2:21; Isaiah 46:9-10
- God's sovereignty extends over all of history, guiding events according to His purpose.
- Prophecies reveal God's predetermined plan, unfolding in specific times and places.
1.2 The Old Testament as Prophecy
Verses: Luke 24:44; Hebrews 10:1
- The Old Testament foreshadows the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom.
- Understanding the Old Testament provides context for interpreting the New Testament.
2. The Revelation of God in Jesus
2.1 The Centrality of Jesus Christ
Verses: John 1:14; Galatians 4:4
- The incarnation of Jesus Christ is the central event in human history.
- Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and inaugurated the Kingdom of God.
2.2 The Fullness of God in Christ
Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 14:9
- Jesus is the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
- All the attributes and power of God are manifested in Jesus.
3. The Church Age
3.1 The Church's Historical Development
Verses: Acts 2:1-4; Acts 1:8
- The early church experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to spread the gospel.
- The book of Acts records the historical expansion of the church and the establishment of Christian communities.
3.2 Essential Ordinances
Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 10:44-46
- Water baptism in Jesus' name is essential for obedience and identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
- Receiving the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, is the promise for all believers.
4. The Consummation of All Things
4.1 The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Verses: Revelation 20:11-15; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
- Prophecies concerning the end times reveal God's plan for the culmination of history.
- The return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment are future events that will fulfill God's purpose.
4.2 The Eternal Kingdom
Verses: Revelation 21:1-4; 2 Peter 3:13
- The establishment of a new heaven and a new earth signifies the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.
- Believers will dwell in God's presence forever, experiencing eternal life and fellowship.