01A.01. God's Plan for Human History

1. God’s Plan for Human History God created the material universe (Genesis 1:1). Therefore God controls the universe (Psalms 33:6-9).

God created time (Hebrews 1:1-2; cf. Acts 17:26; Psalms 74:16-17). Therefore God controls time (Psalms 75:2).

God is omniscient (Psalms 139:11-4). Therefore God knew everything in advance (Isaiah 46:10).

God is not reacting to the evil of this world (Psalms 33:10-11). Rather, God has planned every detail of history for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28-30; cf. Isaiah 25:1; Ephesians 1:11).

God desires the salvation of all of His creatures (Acts 17:27; John 3:16; Ephesians 3:11; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; John 12:47 b). But God will be justified and vindicated over all who choose evil rather than good (Romans 3:4). "History" is the working out of the plan of God wherein His creatures demonstrate and confirm the fundamental choice they make for or against Jesus Christ (compare 1 Peter 1:2 with Exodus 9:16). Thus in all things, God is "in control" (Ephesians 2:1-10). But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations. Psalms 33:11 NIV