Timeline

The timeline, also known as the Chart of the Ages, is a handy chart that provides a quick overview of God’s plan as revealed in the Bible. It can be as simple or intricate as you prefer. Below are examples of chart designs that incorporate various biblical concepts along with an overview of the plan of God. Each section of the chart is linked to an article, further exploration each section.

Standard Timeline

Here we have one of the most straightforward timelines; but, with its simplicity comes great clarity from the scriptures. We begin with Creation, the genesis of everything. Here we see God set the world in order, revealing His desire for His creation: a home and a family.

The next main event taking place is the Flood. This shows God’s judgement on the world at that time when they rejected Him and turned to violence. Following the flood, the great patriarch Abraham is introduced. The man whose faith became the golden standard, earning him promises from God to inherit the world (Romans 4.13) and for his seed to be a blessing to everyone (Genesis 12).

Next we see Moses, the deliver of Israel from Egypt, the lawgiver, the humble. He ushered in the law age to guide the nation of Israel in their worship for God. All the while he tells of a future law giver who will come later out from amongst them (Deuteronomy 18.18).

The nation of Israel eventually requests God for a human king. Second and greatest of the kings of Israel being David; who, with his heart after Gods, also received a covenant from God for one of his descendants to rule Israel forever on his throne (2 Samuel 7). This anointed descendant to come is what the prophets repeatedly tell Israel about, encouraging them to not lose site of their worship of God.

This leads us to the center of Gods plan: Jesus the Messiah! The man that was pure and obedient to his God, receiving the anointment by his Father, becoming the fulfillment of the promises given to Abraham, Moses, and David. Through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, God gave Jesus the place of authority at His right hand in heaven. Jesus currently serves as our mediator while in heaven. But he will return enacting the 1st resurrection, where all the dead in Christ will be raised to immortal and incorruptible life. They will rule with him for a thousand years (Millennium) starting the Kingdom of God on earth (Revelation 20.4-6). At this time Satan is bound for the entire thousand year period (Revelation 20.2,3).

We are told at the end of that thousand year period, a Little Season will occur when Satan is released to tempt the nations (the mortals who survive Jesus’ return) once more. Satan will succeed and tempt the mortals to rebel against Jesus and the saints (Revelation 20.7-9). At their rebellion fire from Heaven will destroy the armies, ushering in the 2nd Resurrection where all the wicked from beginning of time and the righteous mortals who died during the millennium will be raised; some to everlasting life others to everlasting condemnation (Daniel 12.2). This is the Great White Throne Judgment with Jesus as judge. The righteous will then all fully be given the earth, while the wicked will be consumed in the fire and turned to ash (Revelation 20.11-15, Malachi 4.1-3).

At the completion of the judgement there is a new heavens and a new earth, just as there was after the flood. This is when God Himself will come down from heaven bringing with Him the Holy City New Jerusalem to the earth. Beginning the Eternal Age, a time when all the righteous, immortal and incorruptible, will live with our God on earth forever (Revelation 21)!