The key to understanding God’s ultimate plan for His human creation is to recognize that the Scriptures teach that there are two distinct salvations for mankind – a Heavenly and an Earthly.

Heavenly Salvation Scriptures

• “First resurrection…shall be priests of God and ” Revelation 20:6
• “We shall be like him.” 1 John 3:2
• “Partakers of the heavenly calling.” Hebrews 3:1
• “Saints shall judge the world.” 1 Corinthians 6:2
• “We shall bear the image of the ” 1 Corinthians 15:49
• “Partakers of the divine nature.” 2 Peter 1:4

Earthly Salvation Scriptures

• “Earth abideth forever.” Ecclesiastes 1:4
• “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on ” Matthew 6:10
• “When judgments are in the earth,…world will learn righteousness.” Isaiah 26:9
• “Let the whole earth be filled with His ” Psalm 72:19
• “He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.” Ephesians 1:10
• “Earth hath he given to children of men.” Psalm 115:16
• “Earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord.” Isaiah 11:9
• “Every knee should bow, of things in heaven and which are on earth.” Philippians 2:10
• “His flesh shall become fresher than a child’s.” Job 33:22-25

The past two thousand years since Jesus’ death have been for the purpose of selecting and developing a Heavenly class. This elect class is comprised of those who in this present life dedicate themselves to live a life of total commitment to serve our God supremely. If faithful, they will be raised to “glory, honor, and im- mortality,” in Heaven above, as “joint-heirs” with Christ (Romans 2:7, Revelation 3:21, Romans 8:17).

Our Lord refers to these faithful ones as a “Little Flock,” that is, relatively few in number (Luke 12:32). Note how Revelation 20:6 refers to the position and purpose of this saintly class. “They shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with him a thou- sand years.” Who will they be reigning over as priests and kings? They will serve as priests and kings to instruct, bless, and govern all the rest of mankind in the earthly phase of God’s Kingdom.

The saints ruling with Jesus will comprise the “new heavens” that 2 Peter 3:13 refers to. This Heavenly class will replace the present “heavens” of Satan’s spiritual rulership. Together with Christ, this Heavenly class will be the spiritual instructors who will bless mankind that will be dwelling in the righteous conditions of the new earthly society.

It is to this earthly kingdom that all the remainder of mankind — good and bad — will be raised during the 1,000 year Millennial Kingdom of God. As each one is raised from the dead, they will be guided and instructed in the laws of God. They will have every opportunity to reform from their sins and develop a righteous character in the image of God. At the end of the 1,000 years they will each be given a final test of obedience.

By that time, all mankind will have experienced the great contrast between the consequences of disobedience in the present life, and the blessings of obedience in the 1,000 year Kingdom. The old adage that “experience is the best teacher” will be proved to be true. The contrast of experience with evil — then with good — will enable most of mankind to pass their indi- vidual test and go on to live forever in perfect happiness. The Bible describes this work as “restitution” to man’s former estate of perfection. (Acts 3:19, 21)

There will be a few, however, even after every possible help is given, who will refuse to develop love in their hearts for God and their fellow man. At the end of the 1,000 years, in a “little season” (Revelation 20:3), they will each be given a final, individual, test of obedience which will expose any rebellious hearts. Because they would not be able to function in a perfect just and loving society, they will be mercifully removed in what the Bible calls “second death” (Revelation 20:14) with no hope of a future resurrection.

Thus, the Plan God adopted for His human creation will result in most all of mankind loving and obeying their Creator for all eternity, not because they had no choice, but because it will be the desire of their hearts. The Apostle Paul beautifully describes man’s attitude of heart when he says that, “God will be everything to everyone” (1 Corinthians 15:28 RSV).

Then will be fulfilled the words of Philippians 2:10, 11. “At the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth,…and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (NAS).