What is God’s plan for us?

“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:3-6 

The above scriptures tell us the wonderful plan that God has for all his children on earth and in heaven. We are told that God wants everyone who ever lived to be saved and come to an understanding of the truth. 

Even though Adam sinned and plunged the entire human race into death, God in his infinite wisdom, love and mercy, provided a Redeemer in the person of his Son, Jesus. 

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9 

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22

“When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Romans 5:10), who is “the mediator between God and men” (1 Timothy 2:5). 

Christ as mediator effects our reconciliation to God. Jesus’ death and resurrection provided a ransom for Adam and all his progeny, some now, who are following Jesus and sacrificing their wills, and some later. 

Those who are sacrificing now have been called by God and look forward to a heavenly reward mentioned in John 13:33-36; 14:1-4; and 17:24. 

Although there is definitely a heavenly destination, it is only for a select few, who, if faithful, will have a change of nature from human to spiritual (Romans 6:5; 2 Corinthians 5:1-2; Revelation 3:20-21). 

However, the vast majority of mankind will be awakened on earth to a period of judgment, or decision, in which they will have an opportunity [“the testimony given at its proper time”] to willingly follow God’s laws of righteousness and perfect their characters. (See Isaiah 35 and 65:17-25) 

At this time the earth will be filled with the knowledge and glory of the Lord (Habakkuk 2:14). 

“Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder.” Zephaniah 3:9 

Finally, at the end of the judgment period, those who have written righteousness in their hearts will be reconciled to God and attain everlasting life. 

“Then God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4

To learn more about God’s plan for mankind listen go, “Are Jesus’ Ransom and Our Salvation the Same?”