Evening School of the Bible

The Renovation of the Earth for Humans

The creation of Adam and biological life occurred in 4004 B.C. This marks the beginning of the fourth age. In this age, God’s image is understood as a garment of light, and His likeness refers to rationality (Genesis 1:26). During this time, God also established the measurement of time (Genesis 1:14).

The fall of man is recorded in Genesis 3:1–7. Adam and Eve resided in the Garden of Eden for approximately 100 years, as inferred from Genesis 5:3. Adam lived until 3074 B.C. The fifth age reveals that God is faithful, demonstrated through His omnipresence in contrast to man’s sin nature.

The Noahic Flood took place in 2348 B.C. During this catastrophic event, the dinosaurs were destroyed due to the demonic perversion of animal life (Genesis 6:12). The Nephalim—offspring of humans and demons—were also destroyed (Genesis 6:4). This marked the end of the first World System (2 Peter 3:5–7). The sixth age emphasizes God's mercy, faithfulness, kindness, and omnipotence.

In 2247 B.C., the Tower of Babel incident occurred. Human language was divided as recorded in Genesis 11:1–9, and the continents were separated, as noted in Genesis 10:25. Following this division, Shem’s descendants populated Asia, Ham’s descendants settled in Africa, and Japheth’s descendants inhabited Europe.

In 1921 B.C., God made a covenant of promise with Abraham. This ushered in the seventh age, which highlights that God is sovereign and immutable. Abraham and his descendants were promised land as described in Genesis 15:18–21. Later, Joseph and the nation of Israel lived in Egypt (Genesis 41:46; 45:6), from which they departed during the Exodus in 1491 B.C.

The Law was given in 1491 B.C., beginning the eighth age, known as the Legal Age. In this period, God’s opposition to legalism is made clear, showing His indifference to any independent human efforts to please Him (Romans 12:2). This event occurred 430 years after the first covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:13–14; Exodus 12:40–41) and did not annul the original promise (Galatians 3:17).

The dispensation of Grace began in A.D. 33, initiating the ninth age, which is referred to as the Malignantly Evil Age. In this age, God’s positive attributes are revealed through the contrast of Satan’s evil works (Galatians 1:4; 1 Corinthians 2:8).

The Church experienced various historical periods beginning with the Apostolic Period (A.D. 33–96). Following this were the Church of Ephesus (A.D. 96–170), the Church of Smyrna (A.D. 170–312), the Church of Pergamos (A.D. 312–606), and the Church of Thyatira, representing Catholicism (A.D. 606–1520). Next came the Church of Sardis, representing the Reformed/Covenant movement (A.D. 1520–1730), followed by the Church of Philadelphia (A.D. 1750–1905), and finally the Church of Laodicea, representing the modern-day Protestant era (A.D. 1905–present).