I. God's Purpose in Creation
1. The earth to be inhabited and dominion restored.
For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD;
Isaiah 45:18
2. Man given dominion over the earth.
The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
Psalm 115:16
3. Man created for the glory of God, and for companionship with God.
Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Isaiah 43:7
II. God's Purpose Delayed by Sin
4. Mankind now all under sin.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:23
5. Salvation provided by God through Christ.
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Colossians 1:27
6. Lost dominion restored through Jesus.
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross,
by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say,
whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Colossians 1:20
III. God Seeks a People
7. Salvation freely offered to all.
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.
And let him that heareth say, Come.
And let him that is athirst come.
And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17
8. Sinners justified by Christ's death, saved by His life.
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:21
9. The redeemed, God's chosen, peculiar people.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;
that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1 Peter 2:9
IV. God's Purpose Realized
10. Union between God and man effected.
And cried with a loud voice, saying,
Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
Revelation 7:10
11. They to be His people, He to be their God.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them,
and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Revelation 21:3