God’s Plan
Definition:
God’s plan refers to His sovereign, purposeful design for all of creation—from the beginning of time through eternity. It includes the creation of the universe, the formation of humanity in His image, the allowance of free will, the entrance of sin, and the redemptive work of Christ to form a people who reflect His love.
Biblical Basis:
- Ephesians 1:11 — “…according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.”
- Romans 8:28–29 — “…called according to his purpose… to be conformed to the image of his Son.”
- Isaiah 46:10 — “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.”
Theological Significance:
God’s plan is not reactive—it’s redemptive. It was established before the foundation of the world, not after humanity fell. God’s intent was always to create beings capable of agape love, and the journey toward that goal—though it includes suffering and sin—is part of His formation process, not a detour. Understanding God’s plan gives us confidence in the face of chaos and a framework for discipleship.
How We Use It in DiscipleLife:
We refer to “God’s plan” as the big-picture story behind everything we’re exploring. It’s why the essays don’t start with sin—they start with purpose. The plan isn’t just about saving souls; it’s about forming eternal beings who reflect the love of the Creator. That’s the heartbeat of this expedition.
Related Terms:
[Purpose], [Created], [Image of God], [Agape], [Redemption], [Sovereignty]