Church Matters: Retrieving the Great Tradition

Append i x

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Appendix 11 From Before to Beyond Time The Plan of God and Human History Adapted from Suzanne de Dietrich. God’s Unfolding Purpose . Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1976.

I. Before Time (Eternity Past)

1 Cor. 2.7 – But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory (cf. Titus 1.2).

A. The Eternal Triune God B. God’s Eternal Purpose C. The Mystery of Iniquity D. The Principalities and Powers

II. Beginning of Time (Creation and Fall)

Gen. 1.1 – In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

A. Creative Word B. Humanity C. Fall D. Reign of Death and First Signs of Grace

III. Unfolding of Time (God’s Plan Revealed through Israel)

Gal. 3.8 – And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed” (cf. Rom. 9.4-5). A. Promise (Patriarchs) B. Exodus and Covenant at Sinai C. Promised Land D. The City, the Temple, and the Throne (Prophet, Priest, and King) E. Exile F. Remnant