God's Plan of the Ages By Gerry Watts

In Scripture there are many ‘beginnings’ but only one absolute beginning, where the definite article The is used. In Revelation 3:14 it says that Christ Himself, as God's Son, is ‘The beginning of the creation of God’ or ‘God's Creative Original.’ He is The Beginning and The Consummation, The A and The Z (Gr. Alpha and Omega) (Revelation 21:6; 22:13). He is the ‘Firstborn of every creature,’ that is, in the eastern figure of the firstborn, as the Son he holds all the rights of creation. This is not saying that Christ was originally born, but it is stating that He is before ALL (Colossians 1:15 and 17). To say that Christ was ‘born’ in the very beginning or ‘created’ goes beyond the written Word. But He is The Beginning of ALL THINGS.

Then through the unique Channel of His Son, God created the whole of the universe, visible and invisible. All is through and for the Son, Who is the visible Image of the invisible God, and who is one with the Father (Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:3; John 14:9; 2 Corinthians 4:4; John 1:1-3).

…and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through Whom all is, and we through Him.

(1 Corinthians 8:6)

(For further study on the relationship of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, see the articles entitled The Sacred Golden Calf and The Spiritual Rock).

The Eonian Times

There are 3 scriptures that clearly reveal that there was a 'time' before the eons began.

Before eonian times (2 Timothy 1:9 and Titus 1:2)

Before the eons (1 Corinthians 2:7)

Then we are clearly told that the eons were planned and made in Christ; He is the Beginning of Time that is, of the ages or the eonian times (Hebrews 1:1-2 and Ephesians 3:11).

This brings us to the beginning of the ages and the creation of the universe, the invisible as well as the visible. It seems evident that a spiritual world was created first, along with myriads of spirit beings (who are commonly referred to as 'angels,' although the Greek word just means 'messenger'). The Adversary, known as Satan, was created at this time. (It is not the purpose of this study to look at the Adversary and the spirit beings in detail. That is covered in the article The Spirit Beings and Spiritual Warfare).

In Job 38: 4-7, it says that ‘the sons of God shouted for joy’ at the birth of the universe. In the context of the book of Job, this is clearly describing the spiritual world rejoicing at the creation of the material world. It is this event that is being declared in Genesis 1:1,

In beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

This would‘ve been the equivalent event of what scientists term ‘The Big Bang,’ the very birth of the universe. A little planet called Earth within this huge expanse was to be the centre of the universe for God's plan to unfold, where He would place humanity. Some believe that this was the beginning of the First Age. We are given very little detail concerning that First Age. The most we are told concerns its end. Faith believes what God has revealed, not what He hasn't revealed. Anything else is speculation.

How long this alleged First Age of the universe lasted we are not told. But it is evident that some kind of catastrophic event occurred which brought it to an end. There are many scriptures that tell us of the spiritual kingdom of darkness, which is ruled by the Adversary, who is in active rebellion against the kingdom of God (Ephesians 2:2; 6:12; Romans 8:38).

The original rebellion, which birthed this kingdom of darkness, was most probably the cause of this catastrophic event, known as the Disruption, which affected the whole universe.

What follows concerning the details of this Disruption and the first two ages is just one possible interpretation of the beginnings of the universe. See Appendage – The Disruption below for further details on the two primary interpretations of this ancient event. See also the section entitled The Heavens and the Earth via the Antechamber.

The Disruption

According to Isaiah 45:18, God did not create the earth to be a chaos or vacant. He created it to be inhabited. Yet in Genesis 1:2 we are told that the earth became (or was - see Appendage – The Disruption below) a chaos and vacant, and was covered in darkness and deluged with water. In Hebrew, this is describing a great cataclysm that completely disrupted the world of that First Age. In fact, there are other scriptures that confirm this. It's just a matter of putting the right pieces in the right place to complete the puzzle!

There are three scriptures that mention certain things as being before the disruption. They are John 17:24; 1 Peter 1:20 and Ephesians 1:4. There are some others that talk of from the disruption, e.g. Matthew 13:35 and Revelation 13:8. Most translations incorrectly read creation or foundation instead of disruption. The Greek word is ‘katabole’ which means ‘to cast down’ and in all its occurrences it clearly means a disruption of some kind or another.

But we have some more pieces to add to the picture, which can be found in 2 Peter 3:5-6. It reads,

...there were heavens of old, and an earth cohering out of water and through water, by the word of God; through which the then world, being deluged with water, perished.

This appears to be describing the Disruption that closed the First Age. Peter had already spoken of the flood of Noah's day earlier in this same letter (2:5), but the language here appears to be different. But it is possible that Peter is referring to the Deluge of Noah’s day, as well as an earlier Flood. Also, on close examination, it is evident that the Scriptures reveal three Heavens and Earths in the Eonian Times, as follows.

Peter, in the quote above, is describing the cataclysm that ended the ‘heavens of old’ and the ‘then world…which perished’ (1); In verse 7 he mentions ‘the heavens and earth which are now’ (2); And Paul talks of ‘the third heaven’ (2 Corinthians 12:2) which is clearly the future heaven - and paradise earth - of the New Heavens and Earth (3), which Peter also mentions in his letter (2 Peter 3:10-13; also Revelation 21:1).

We are not given much detail concerning this ancient Disruption, but from a close examination of the six day renewing of our earth and its solar system in Genesis 1:3 - 2:3, we can get quite an idea of what state the earth was in. It was shrouded in darkness and without an atmosphere. It was engulfed in water, of which a greater part was most probably ice. It was without life and without any order, that is, vacant and in chaos. Even the sun as we know it had not burst into life.

Also the following scriptures appear to be describing something of the Disruption and the subsequent renewal (Jeremiah 4:23-24; Job 9:4-10; Psalm 104:2-9). It is interesting to note that Jeremiah 4:23 is the only other place in Scripture, besides Genesis 1:2, where it mentions the same two Hebrew words together, Tohu and Bohu meaning ‘chaos and vacant.’

Second Age

How long the effects of the Disruption lasted we are not told. But in Genesis 1:3 - 2:7, we have the account of the re-fashioning and renewing of the earth and the solar system for the habitation of soul life, of which humanity would be the pinnacle, being created in the image of the Creator. The Hebrew word for ‘create,’ as in something new, is only used in v 21 and 27. This implies that soul life, that is, creatures who have sensation through blood, consisted of something new from the Creator, in that their form and spirit were unique. (The correct Scriptural meaning of Body, Soul and Spirit is covered in the article Is There Really a Hell?).

So with the creation of humanity, the Second Age began. It began in perfection and innocence, but due to the entrance of death, and the subsequent increase in wickedness and departure from the truth as humanity continued to multiply over the earth in succeeding centuries, like the First Age, it also ended with a cataclysm - the world-wide Flood of Noah's time. Peter refers to the ancient world of the Second Age, which closed catastrophically with the Deluge at the time of Noah, in 2 Peter 2:5.

This Second Age is covered in Genesis 2:8 to 7:24.

How long this Second Age lasted we are not specifically told. Evidently it was many thousands of years.

When the biblical genealogies of early humanity in Genesis 5 and 11 are understood correctly, it would realistically allow for the creation of Adam occurring up to 17,000 years ago from the present time. The earliest date that can be chronologically calculated in Scripture, with a high degree of accuracy, takes us back to Abraham's birth, in the mid-20th century BC. The first 11 chapters of Genesis, leading up to the time of Abraham, could realistically cover anything from 2000 to 12,000 years. (For further information and study on biblical genealogies, see Appendix: Biblical Genealogies and also my Chronology Notes).

Third Age

After the Flood, Noah and his family are the only humans who are present at the beginning of the Third Age, which is described in Galatians 1:4 as the present evil age. It is also called the current age in 1 Timothy 6:17, 2 Timothy 4:10 and Titus 2:12. There are many other scriptures throughout the New Testament that refer to this present age as this age. The conclusion of this age is spoken of by Christ in Matthew 13:39, 40 and 49; and 28:20; and by his disciples in 24:3.

Therefore the majority of the Bible from Genesis 8 onwards covers this present Third Age, which is very near its end! The remaining prophetic scriptures, particularly in the book of Revelation, are prophecies concerning the coming eons which Paul mentions in Ephesians 2:7. (The previous two eons are being alluded to in Ephesians 3:9 and Colossians 1:26 - ...concealed from the eons...).

This present Age has already lasted at least 6000 years, though it is evident that we are very near its conclusion. Much of Biblical prophecy is concerned with the many events that will transpire at the end of this Third Age. (For further study on prophecy and end time events, see the section The Great Prophetic Plan Revealed).

"As in the days of Noah, so shall it be at the coming of the Son of Mankind."

(Matthew 24:37-39).

Due to the increase of evil and departure from the truth, this Age will end with many world-wide disruptions, resulting in another cataclysm, although this time it will be by fire and not water, at the return of the Messiah in the Day of the Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 6:12-17; 8:7-12; 16:17-19).

The Fourth and Fifth Ages of the New Creation

The future Ages will begin with the actual bodily presence of Christ Jesus Himself, who will return as He promised to fully manifest the long awaited Kingdom of God on the earth. The New Creation is also described as a singular Age due to its glory, as follows: the coming age (Mark 10:30 and Luke 18:30), the future age (Hebrews 6:5), and that age (Luke 20:35).

This future Age is also known as ‘the Kingdom Age’ for obvious reasons, and it is called the times of restoration in Acts 3:21, the era of refreshing in Acts 3:19, and the regeneration of the world in Matthew 11:24.

This Age will terminate the present heavens and earth and it will usher in the awesome White Throne Judgment, when all of humanity shall be resurrected and will appear before Christ as the Adjudicator of the universe (Revelation 20:11-15; Acts 10:42; Romans 2:16; 2 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude:6).

Evidently, this Judgment Day will last for quite some time!

2 Peter 3:7 says

Yet the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word (of God), are stored with fire, being kept for the day of the judging and destruction of irreverent men.

Following on from this, verses 10-13 describe the atomic combustion that will bring about the New Creation, the Third Heavens and Earth. The present heavens and earth will be destroyed by fire, and not water, and it will give way to a New Universe.

It is also worth mentioning at this point that Scripture speaks of three figurative Days, that is, 3 specific periods of time (not including Judgment Day mentioned above). They are

Man's Day (1 Corinthians 4:3). This era is referring to the rule of all human governments since the Flood, which, at its end, will ultimately reveal man's inability to rule himself correctly.

The Lord's Day (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3; Joel 3:14-16; Revelation 1:10). There are many scriptures that speak of the Day of the Lord Jesus (NT) or Day of Yahweh (OT). The ultimate Day of the Lord is when God directly intervenes in the world's affairs, and the Messiah comes to fully manifest the Kingdom of the heavens on earth, showing humanity how to rule with justice and righteousness, as the perfect human God-King. (The Judgment Day is part of the Lord's Day.)

The Day of God (2 Peter 3:12). This is when God will tabernacle with humanity in the New Creation, where righteousness shall dwell, that is, the Spirit and rule of God will be greatly manifested throughout the earth. Ultimately, it is another description for the Lord's Day.

The Third Heavens and Earth is synonymous with the New Creation, intimated throughout Scripture. The present corrupt, primitive creation will be made new, along with a New Humanity (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; Revelation 21:1 and 5; 2 Peter 3:13; 2 Corinthians 12:2; 5:17; Ephesians 4:22-24; Galatians 6:15; Romans 8:19-22). Believers in the Body of Christ ecclesia are already part of the New Creation, in spirit, by faith. We have already been figuratively transported into that future glorious Age (Colossians 1:13).

The fullest description that we have of this Age is in Revelation 21:1-22:5. There will be perfection in the New Jerusalem, the Kingdom of God, but outside in the New Earth, there is still the need for subjection for the rest of humanity who are experiencing the justice of the Second Death. Nevertheless, God shall be dwelling with all humanity, as Christ subjects the universe to God. For further study of the Second Death, the Lake of Fire, and the destiny of all God’s creatures, see the article Is there Really a Hell?

This final glorious Age is called the eon of the eons in Ephesians 3:21, and the eon of the eon in Hebrews 1:8 (commonly mistranslated as ‘forever and ever’ - see The Concordant Version article). This is because it is the Age to end all of the ages! The last two eons are called the eons of the eons (Romans 16:27; Galatians 1:5; Philippians 4:20 and 1 Timothy 1:17 and many others). When compared to the previous evil ages, the last two ages are nearer the completion of God's purpose for all creation - that He may be ALL IN ALL or everything to everyone.

In Revelation 22:5 it says that Christ and His servants shall reign for the eons of the eons, that is, for the final two ages - and that begins even now! But most translations read 'forever and ever', which causes a problem!

In 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, Paul takes us to the very end of the ages - The Consummation - after revealing the order of the resurrection of ALL humanity. He states that Christ must be reigning (and by implication, His servants also) until He places ALL His enemies under His feet - the last enemy being Death itself. Then He will give up the kingdom to His Father, so that God may be ALL IN ALL. Even the Son becomes subjected to the Father, to complete God's eonian purpose. So Christ doesn't reign forever and ever! He hands over a perfected kingdom to His God and Father when He has subjected all.

But according to most translations, some scriptures (including Revelation 22:5 and Revelation 11:15) state that Christ and His servants shall ‘reign forever and ever!’ This proves the folly of inconsistent translation. We will of course reign for the eons of the eons until the Consummation, when God's purpose will be complete - but not forever and ever. And needless to say, God’s kingdom shall endure ‘forever.’

This final Age will probably last for many thousands of years, but we are not specifically told, although in Deuteronomy 7:9 and 1 Chronicles 16:15-18, God promises that His covenant with Israel would last for a thousand generations! There is much debate as to what constitutes a generation, and biblically speaking, it would appear to be 40 years, but even if we take 20 years as the minimum for a generation, the conclusion is 20,000 years! Of course, the thousand generations is no doubt figurative, but time will tell!

All the previous Ages have ended with some kind of cataclysmic judgment, but such is not the case with the final Eon. This Age shall close with the vivification of the remainder of humanity who are held by the Second Death, and it shall result in the complete reconciliation of ALL creatures in the heavens and on the earth to God, as Father of ALL. This will be a glorious consummation - a triumph deserving of the Creator of the universe, and His Son, who gave Himself for ALL.

So eventually God's plan and purpose for the Ages will be complete, when the events of 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 will be realised. What lies beyond it, only God knows. But whatever it may be, it will be something so wonderful and exciting, far beyond our wildest dreams! The true desire of everyone's heart will be fulfilled – ‘forever.’

But let us backtrack for a minute and take a look at the Administrations.

The Administrations

What are the Administrations, and how many are there? Well, just like the administration of human governments that are characterised by different laws and their eras, God is administering humanity through various time periods that have certain characteristics. If these Administrations are not understood correctly, it leads to much confusion as to what we are to believe and how God is operating at any given time in history.

For example, are we under the Law of Moses now or the Law of the Messiah or the teaching of the 12 Apostles or the teaching of the Apostle Paul? They are all distinct when each is taken as a whole. It is clear that the whole Bible is not directly and literally applicable for today, otherwise we would all be sacrificing animals in Jerusalem and stoning people for immorality! This is why there are so many different viewpoints within Christendom! We need to take Paul's advice in 2 Timothy 2:15,

Endeavour to present yourself to God, qualified, an unashamed worker, correctly partitioning (or cutting) the word of truth

This means that teachers should recognise and observe the time divisions and sub-divisions in Scripture, that is, the Ages and especially the Administrations; as well as discerning between soul and spirit, the soulish and the spiritual (Hebrews 4:12).

Paul's Ministry

Paul stated that he, along with his fellow workers in the evangel, were deputies of Christ, and administrators of God’s secrets (1 Corinthians 4:1). He also reveals that he had been given a new administration from God, which was in faith, that is, in contrast to Law and religious rituals or anything of the flesh (1 Corinthians 9:17; 1 Timothy 1:4). This administration of God had previously been a secret (that is, it had not been revealed at all elsewhere) but it was now revealed through Paul's ministry and evangel. It is characterised by grace, and is therefore a Secret Administration of Grace (see Ephesians 3:1-12; Colossians 1:24-27). For further study see the article The Evangel of God and its Secrets.

In Ephesians 1:10, Paul describes the final administration of the New Creation as the administration of the complement of the eras (often translated as the dispensation of the fullness of times), that is, it is the administration that will complete all the previous eras, and will fulfill God's purpose of the eons - to head up the universe in Christ.

These two administrations mentioned above, that of Grace and that of Fullness or Glory, are the only ones that are specifically mentioned in Scripture. The remaining ones only become clear as the whole revelation of God's plan is seen throughout Scripture.

The Meaning of Administration

The Greek word for administration is ‘oikonomia’ which literally means Home – Law. This is basically describing the rules of a household. Ideally, a father, along with the mother, should nurture and teach his children to become mature - from babes to full adulthood - providing them with gifts and responsibilities. This is how God is dealing with humanity as a whole from its birth to its maturity. He is also dealing with the nation of Israel, and individual believers, in the same way - it's all circles within circles. Therefore the majority of Scripture is addressing humanity, through Israel, in immaturity. Only the New Testament, especially Paul's writings, brings full maturity (1 Corinthians 13:8-12; Ephesians 4:11-13; Colossians 1:28).

The word dispensation (Greek diakonia, that is, to dispense, as in the giving of something, or to render service) is often associated with the Administrations, but an administration is distinct from a dispensation. The two concepts may be related to one another, but they are two different Greek words with two different meanings.

It also needs to be made clear that in the following list of the Administrations, the details within each of the Scripture references are not necessarily in chronological order, because Scripture doesn't always record the details of events in the order in which they actually occurred. Each administration is named by its principal characteristic. In each economy or administration, God dispenses gifts to those who respond faithfully to His word, and He also requires obedience to certain conditions of the stewardship. Inevitably, humanity fails each administration, bringing necessary judgment at the close of each one, except the last. This pattern seems very familiar! But at the same time God also provides gracious deliverance before a new administration begins.

As already stated, it needs to be emphasised that, historically speaking, one administration does not necessarily follow immediately on from the previous one. Sometimes there is a pause in time before another begins. Also some elements of an administration, particularly the earlier ones, continue on into the others. For example, the Administration of Conscience still continues, but with new characteristics and responsibilities added. So does the Administrations of Government, Promise and the Spirit. In fact, all of them still continue apart from the Law and the Incarnation, yet even these continue in some measure, in spirit, through Christ, Who fulfills the Law and the Prophets, and is with us by His spirit.

We cannot be dogmatic about the administrations, and it can't be emphasised enough, that this is only a guide to assist us in understanding God's Word as it relates to history and His plan. The number of the administrations can vary depending on your viewpoint. For example, A. E. Knoch and the Concordant Publishing Concern, who I was influenced by for many years, teaches that there are 12 administrations. I will just be listing the foundational ones here that clearly exist in Scripture.

(Some talk of an Administration of Innocence before Adam and Eve 'fell' but I'm beginning from after they sinned, when the curse or disruption took place.)

1. The Administration of Conscience (or the Ancient Patriarchs)

2. The Administration of Government

This was from after the Flood to the Great Tower of Shinar (or Babel) (Genesis 8:15 - 11:9). Genesis 9:1-17 gives details of the Noahic Covenant, which included the official establishing of capital punishment under human government.

3. The Administration of Promise (or the Patriarchs of Israel)

This was from the time of Abraham to the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai (Genesis 11:27 - Exodus 18:27). Paul speaks clearly about the era of Promise (and the subsequent era of Law) in his letters to the Romans and the Galatians (Romans 4 & Galatians 3-4).

4. The Administration of Law

This was from the giving of the Law by Moses to the First Coming of Christ (Exodus 19:1 - the 4 Accounts of Christ, the Gospels). The book of Hebrews, besides much of the NT, establishes the fact that the Old Covenant administration of Law has ended due to it's fulfillment in Christ.

5. The Administration of the Incarnation (or Christ's First Coming)

This was from the birth of Christ to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (The Gospels and Acts 1-2). This was a distinct and unique era, particularly the three and a half years of Christ’s public ministry. During this time, the Administration of Law was drawing to a close while the people of Israel were being prepared, and were given an opportunity, to receive their King. This was very much an era of transition.

6. The Administration of Grace (or the New Covenant; or Spirit; or the Gospel)

This began at the coming of God's Holy Spirit at the Feast of Pentecost in 33 AD and will continue until Christ's return in the Day of the Lord at the end of this age (Acts 2 - Revelation). This era has to do with the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel concerning the pouring out of the Spirit in preparation for the arrival of the kingdom, manifesting healings, miracles and signs among the people. This shall occur again towards the end of this present age. These are the early and latter rains.

During this time, God is calling out individuals to become part of the Body of Christ Ecclesia or Church, while sending out the message of the Conciliation to the world through the Gospel. The early part of this administration from 33-70 AD (mostly covered in the book of Acts) was an era of transition moving from the Old Covenant of the Law to the grace of the New Covenant; from natural Israel to spiritual Israel.

7. The Administration of Fullness (or Glory)

This is the final 'administration of the complement of the eras' spoken of by Paul (Ephesians 1:10; Revelation 21-22). It is the era of the manifestation of the kingdom of God in all its fullness and glory. It will begin after the White Throne Judgment Day, at the beginning of the New Creation, and will last until the Consummation, when death shall be abolished and all will be reconciled to God as Father, that He may be All in All (Revelation 21:1 - 22:5; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28).

This will also be an administration of Righteousness and Justice, and will begin with the events of the Day of the Lord and the great Judgment Day. For all unbelievers and religious hypocrites, it will also be an administration of Wrath.

Seven Administrations speaks of the completion and fullness of God's age-abiding Plan and Purpose.

(For further study on the significance of numbers in Scripture, see Appendix - Scripture Numerics below).

NB To the ancient Hebrews, and the disciples of Messiah Jesus, the basic details of the present age and the age to come, the New Creation (i.e. the fundamental subjects of prophecy), were basically understood by them. Even Jesus had revealed that there would be a period, after his resurrection and return to the Father, when the apostles and the Bride/Body Ecclesia would proclaim the evangel of the kingdom to the other nations before His return. These were the Secrets of the Kingdom that He revealed in parables (Matthew 13:1 - 52; 21:33 - 22:14).

This era will ultimately lead to the conclusion of this age and the Day of the Lord (Matthew 24:1 - 25:46; 28:16 – 20). But the evangel of Paul, and its secrets concerning the present administration of Grace and the Body of Christ, were not a part of the previous revelation. Only a minority understood his ministry then, and this has continued to be the case up to the present time. These secrets have been the source of much confusion through the centuries.

Paul's ministry has to be viewed as a unique evangel. His teaching complements the rest, but is distinct. Only Paul reveals the full truth of the destiny and function of the Body of Christ, which has a celestial calling to reign with Christ in the ages to come, and this is based solely on pure grace, apart from any works of law or any form of religious ritual.

Paul revealed much more than the other apostles in his message to the nations, and his letters contain a progressive revelation of new truth (or secrets) that were primarily, but not solely, for the nations. His calling and evangel were unique, and his teachings contain things that not even Peter and the other apostles were given to proclaim. This does not mean that Peter, John and the others of the Circumcision didn't understand Paul's teaching, or that none of it applied to them as well, only that it wasn't for them to proclaim it. They were set apart for the Circumcision believers, while Paul was set apart for the nations (Galatians 2:8-10).

Peter says that Paul had written to the dispersed Jewish believers in Asia Minor (the letter to the Galatians was probably the one) and Peter admits that Paul's letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which the unlearned and unstable are twisting, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:15-16). The Circumcision apostles were not among these unlearned ones, so they therefore understood most of what Paul was talking about, if not all of it.

Nevertheless, Paul reveals things that are only found in his letters, and these revelations were given to him through personal appearances of Christ. These secrets and his additional details of prophecy, along with specific instructions for believers of the nations, were an extension of what Jesus and the Twelve had previously revealed, and was not something separate from them. The primary secret that Paul revealed was the Administration of Grace (Ephesians 3:2), which would occur during Israel's national rejection and partial blindness, in which God is calling out a people from all nations to complement the remnant of Israel chosen by grace to rule with Christ in the future ages (Romans 11). This 'Body of Christ' is a Firstfruit of the ultimate destiny of ALL humanity, the ecclesia of the Firstborn (James 1:18; Romans 8:23; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 14:4).

Many believers realise that there is something different in Paul's letters, but they cling to much of the traditional teachings of men, which pulls a veil over their eyes. But for anyone who seeks the truth, the glory of Paul's God-given ministry will shine through. For further study see the articles The Evangel of God and its Secrets and The Destiny of the Israel of God. For further study of the Ages, see How Many Ages Are There?

An Appendage: The Disruption

There are two primary interpretations concerning the events of creation, and the relationship of the Disruption to the first two Ages. One of these interpretations has already been addressed above, which I used to adhere to. Here is a brief explanation of the other, which I believe is more accurate.

The phrase the disruption of the world is literally ‘the down-casting of the world system (Gr. kosmos),’ that is, a foundational change in the order of things on this earth. Now this evidently occurred at the close of the First Age, as shown earlier in this study, due to the spiritual rebellion that formed the kingdom of darkness. But there was clearly another disruption of the world at the beginning of the Second Age, at the very beginning of humanity's existence on this planet, which is more relevant for us now as humans.[1]

If the following passages of Scripture are closely observed in their relevant contexts, particularly as they concern humanity in Adam, it will be found that the primary application of the disruption of the world is describing the entrance of sin and death into the world, after Adam's transgression. This event caused a major change in the constitution of humanity, the animals, and of the whole earth, of which we are still suffering the consequences today.

Before the disruption refers to that which was well before the ‘fall’ of humanity at its beginning. This includes: God's love for Christ (John 17:24); the choosing (or election) of the Body of Christ ecclesia (Ephesians 1:4); and God's foreknowledge of Christ's sacrifice for sin (1 Peter 1:20).

From the disruption refers to that which was from the entrance of sin and death through Adam, particularly concerning God's plan of redemption for dying humanity and the cursed earth through the Messiah and His kingdom. See Matthew 13:35; 25:34; Luke 11:50; Hebrews 4:3; 9:26; Christ's sacrifice is typified in the slaying of an innocent animal to clothe Adam and his wife - Revelation 13:8 (also Genesis 3:21) and 17:8 which concerns the Scroll of Life. This was from the Disruption.

The writer also wishes to make clear that some of the details and events contained in this study, concerning the creation of the universe and the fashioning of the earth, and particularly the subject of the First Age, are not supposed to be dogmatic, as the information God has given us on these subjects is very scant. There are other possible interpretations concerning the order of events of the First Age and the beginning of the Second Age.

For example, in the Hebrew, Genesis 1:2 can also read ‘Now the earth was a chaos and empty’ (instead of became), which could just be describing the original creative process of the earth in more detail. It is possible that Peter was referring to this process in 2 Peter 3:5-6, quoted earlier in this study, followed by the description of the Deluge of Noah's time that closed the Second Age – …the then world which perished. This would mean that the First Heaven and Earth, the heavens of old, the ancient world, existed from its original creation at the close of the First Age, until the Deluge of Noah's time.[2] [3]

So there are at least two possible interpretations of these ancient events, after considering the limited supply of Scriptural evidence. But what is apparent is that the First Age was primarily concerned with the Spirit World, during which time God created the material universe, and then fashioned the earth for the habitation of humanity.

Appendage Footnotes:

[1] The phrase 'the disruption of the world' is usually mistranslated in most versions as 'the creation (or foundation) of the world,' but the Greek words ktisis (creation), themelios (foundation) and katabole (disruption) are not interchangeable. The Concordant Version is one of the few translations (maybe the only one) that correctly translates katabole as disruption. It is my present conviction that 'the Disruption of the world' is referring to that great event when, as a result of Adam's sin and disobedience, the whole earth was cursed by the judgment of God causing death, evil and sin to dominate all that God had originally created. This Disruption would've caused a major change to all living creatures, probably causing a change in the original DNA code of each creature-kind, as well as a major change in the earth itself. Of course, it is also true to say that there was another later Disruption of the ancient world - the great worldwide Deluge of Noah's time. This cataclysm caused even more changes to the earth, altering the whole topography of the earth - possibly the shifting of the continents, the formation of the deep ocean basins, the formation of new mountain ranges, and the beginning of the Ice Age. Be that as it may, 'the Disruption of the world' is clearly referring to that which occurred in the very beginning in relation to Sin and Death.

[2] The view or interpretation that is presented in the above article God's Plan of the Ages is commonly known as the ‘Gap Theory’ and the ‘Pre-Adamite Earth’ theory, which I held for many years, but in recent months, after much research and study, I am strongly persuaded that the other, more sound, way of interpreting the Scriptures in relation to this controversial subject (i.e. no Gap between Genesis 1:1-2) is more acceptable and reasonable. Some of my writings, though, still have remnants of these theories within them as a means of showing another 'possible' interpretation of ancient events, though, as I have said, I am now convinced that the Gap Theory is incorrect. This Theory, also known as the ‘Ruin-Reconstruction’ theory, is largely based on semantics and reading things into the Biblical text that just aren’t there.

Firstly, many who hold to the Gap theory make a marked distinction between the Hebrew words bara (Create) and asah (Make) but on closer examination, this doesn’t hold up. For example, Isaiah 45:18 uses the words created, fashioned, made and formed to describe the original creation of the earth and its atmosphere (the heavens, including stellar space), when God purposed to fill the earth with creatures rather than leave it empty and uninhabited. These words are all describing the same thing – the original creation and formation of the earth and its heavens in the six days of Genesis 1.

Nehemiah 9:6 is another case in point. It states that Yahweh made the heavens, the earth and all that is on it, the seas, and all living creatures - and also the highest heavens (Lit. ‘the heaven of heavens’; i.e. the spirit world, figured in the celestials or stellar space) and their starry host. No one would argue the point that this is describing the original creation of the universe - when God made all things. There are numerous cases in Scripture where God is called both Creator and Maker of all things. These words are two sides of the same coin.

Secondly, the Hebrew word hayetah (root hayah) translated as ‘was’ or ‘became’ in Genesis 1:2 is describing the existence or ‘coming to be’ of the earth. When God first brought the earth into being it existed as a chaotic (formless) planet that was empty (Hebrew Tohu and Bohu) and void of life. It was in darkness and covered in water (i.e. the abyss). That is to say, when God first created the earth-mass, He then created water to cover or 'flood' the whole earth. This is the state that the earth is in when we are first introduced to the creative process in Genesis 1. The Apostle Peter confirms this in 2 Peter 3:5. Then God begins to fashion, make and create the earth to be habitable for man and animals in six earth-rotation days.

Also, there isn't any clear Biblical evidence that tells us anything whatsoever about a Pre-Adamite earth. It is only a speculative theory that tries to harmonize the incorrect theories and interpretations of modern science, in relation to the supposed age of the earth and the universe, to accord with Scripture. Neither are we told how long the creative process of the universe took, apart from the ‘six days.’ It is evident from the miracles that Jesus did that God does not need any specific length of time to create or multiply matter. He could do it in a millisecond or less if He so wishes. He certainly did not need millions of years!

It is also evident from Job 38:4-7 that the spirit beings (i.e. the angels; Heb. ‘sons of God’) were in existence before the earth was created, for they shouted for joy when God created the earth, but for how long before, we are not told. I believe that the First Age existed before the earth was created, as stated in the above study, but I would say that it was primarily a spiritual Age, that is, it involved the spirit world rather than the material world. According to Colossians 1:15-17, Paul is saying that the Beginning of creation began with the invisible things in heaven, as well as the earth. It would appear as though that is the only thing we can be certain about from the words of Scripture. In relation to the events of creation, we must remember, as Job said, that “God performs wonders that cannot be fathomed..” (Job 9:10). Praise God for His power and wonders and wisdom!

On a scientific note, in relation to the Flood, as far as I'm aware, the Geologic Column and fossil record show creatures destroyed by a worldwide catastrophe (the Flood of Noah's day), and other smaller ones. Now although Scripture tells us that the earth was engulfed in water in Genesis 1:2 (see also 2 Peter 3:5) while in its original ‘clay mass’ before the Potter formed it, this ‘flood’ or ‘disruption,’(sometimes called 'Lucifer's' Flood) evidently has nothing to do with the fossils themselves, for nowhere are we told that any living creatures existed on the earth before the Fifth Day of Creation. Also, the Apostle Paul makes it very clear in Romans 5:12-14 that Death began on this earth when Adam sinned, and not before. Therefore, this ‘catastrophe’ in the fossil record must be the Flood of Noah's day, and not the 'Flood' or 'disruption' mentioned at the beginning of creation.

For further information on the six day creation in Genesis 1 & 2, see The Heavens and the Earth: A Look at Genesis 1 in the Heavens and Earth Section.

[3] "...there were heavens of old, and an earth cohering out of water and through water, by the word of God; through which the then world, being deluged with water, perished." (2 Peter 3:5-6 CV)

"For if God...spares not the ancient world...bringing a deluge on the world of the irreverent..." (2 Peter 2:5 CV)

Appendix - Scripture Numerics

Numbers are used very specifically throughout the Bible, and are for the most part very significant. Many numbers, particularly the digits 1 - 9, have symbolic meanings. These can be determined by a study of Scripture and nature. After all, God is the Creator and is therefore the great Mathematician and Physicist. Humanity only discovers what already exists! And remember: even numbers and geometric signs that Satan uses for his wicked purposes (such as 666 or the pentagram) ultimately belong to God. The Adversary is just a thief and a trickster, and has stolen these things from God, so to speak. There is a pure meaning in everything when viewed through the eyes of the Spirit.

Below is a brief description of the main numbers and their figurative meanings.

Number One - This speaks of Unity e.g. One God, One purpose etc.

Number Two - This speaks of Union e.g. two people becoming one in marriage; two eyes and ears etc. Two also reflects the relationship between the Father and the Son. We are made in the Image of God and the human body is dominated by pairs that complement one another - two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, two arms, two hands, two thumbs, two legs, two feet, two kidneys, two lungs, etc, etc. Even the one heart is divided into two main chambers for pumping the blood in and out. Two is also the sign of witness - for every matter is to be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses (Matthew 18:16; Deuteronomy 19:15)

Number Three - This speaks of the Deity i.e. the revelation of God. E.g. Father, Son and Holy Spirit (though God is not a trinity as it is commonly expressed); Body, Soul and Spirit; there are 3 primary colours; there are 3 primary feasts of Yahweh; there are 3 forms of Matter - solid, gaseous and liquid; we view things in 3-D, etc. Three is also the number of testimony and witness, along with the number two.

Number Four - This speaks of the World i.e. universal. E.g. the 4 winds or points of the compass; the 4 seasons; the 4 Elements - Earth, Wind, Fire and Water; the 4 faces of the Cherubim in Ezekiel, etc.

Number Five - This speaks of Grace i.e. God's unmerited blessing and provision. E.g. Jesus fed 5000 men with 5 loaves; there are 5 books of Moses (the Pentateuch); there are 5 senses; there are 5 digits on each hand and foot, there are 5 eons in the eonian times, etc.

Number Six - This speaks of Humanity e.g. humanity was created on the sixth day; His labour was to be for 6 days; Israel was to sow the land for 6 years; The dimensions of Nebuchadnezzar's image in Daniel 3: 1 was 60 x 6 cubits; Goliath was 6 cubits and a span; the number 666 is the number of man imitating God; there are 6 colours in the visible spectrum that a human can see, the rainbow being given as a reminder of the Flood and God's covenant with humanity, etc. Humanity is created in the Image of God.

Number Seven - This speaks of Spiritual Completion. Seven is the most frequently used number in Scripture. E.g. the 7 day week, with the 7^th day being the Sabbath; At Jericho Israel marched around the city 7 times, led by 7 priests with 7 trumpets; the land was not to be sown in the 7^th year; the 7 branched candlestick in the Tabernacle (Menorah); there were 7 feasts of Yahweh; the book of Revelation is full of 7's; there are 7 notes in the musical scale; there are 7 Administrations of God; etc, etc.

Number Eight - This speaks of New Order e.g. the 8^th day begins a new week; Jesus rose on the 8^th day - the feast of Firstfruits; the ritual of circumcision was to be on the 8^th day from birth; Noah and his family consisted of 8 people; David was the 8^th son of Jesse; apparently in ancient Greek, the name Jesus is also 888, etc.

Number Nine - This speaks of Adjudication i.e. God's final word or judgment. E.g. nine is the last digit; there were 19 kings of Judah and Israel then judgment; Jesus cried out from the cross at the 9^th hour. The number 9 has amazing mathematical properties - if you multiply any figure by 9, and then break the answer down to its minimum, adding up the digits, you will have 9 (45782 x 9 = 4+1+2+0+3+8 = 1+8 = 9). God's judgment is inescapable, His word is final.

Number Ten - This speaks of God's Perfection or Fullness through Worldly Rule e.g. decimal number system used for commerce; the 10 Commandments given by God to Israel; the 10 toes of the Image and the 10 horns of the beast in Daniel, and also Revelation; 10 plagues of Egypt, 10 times the Israelites were judged by God for testing Him in the desert en route to the Promised Land, etc. Ten is double grace (2x5).

Number Twelve - This speaks of Heavenly Rule or Kingdom Administration e.g. there are 12 tribes of Israel. Most occurrences of the number 12 are symbolising Israel as God's elect nation who will rule the earth as the kingdom of the heavens; there were 12 wells of water at Elim; Jesus healed a 12 year old girl and a woman who had been sick for 12 years; Jesus chose 12 Apostles; He also refers to 12 legions of celestial messengers who could help Him; there are 12 divisions of the celestials (the Zodiac); there are 12 months in the year, etc.

Number Forty - This speaks of Probation i.e. times of trial and testing. E.g. it rained 40 days and 40 nights at the Flood; Moses spent 40 years in Egypt, 40 years living in the desert and 40 years with Israel in the wilderness; the spies took 40 days spying out the land of Canaan; King Saul, David and Solomon each reigned for 40 years; Goliath challenged Israel for 40 days; Elijah fasted 40 days and 40 nights; Jesus was tested for 40 days in the desert, etc.

For further reading on Scripture numerics and related subjects, which will be of great interest to students of the Word, I recommend Number in Scripture by E.W.Bullinger; Times of the Signs by George T. Curle and a number of books by Bonnie Gaunt, particularly Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid: Window on the Universe and Beginnings: the Sacred Design.

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