The question of God’s plan is one of the most foundational questions in all of scripture. Does God really have a plan? If so, when did it begin, what does it include, and how does it relate to our lives today?
The Bible—and additional scripture—offers a remarkably consistent and expansive picture of God’s plan. When these verses are pieced together, we not only see what the plan is, but also why it exists. In this first part, we’ll focus on establishing that God does, in fact, have a plan and explore the core elements that make it possible.
How We Can Know That God Truly Has a Plan
Scripture repeatedly teaches that meaningful action requires preparation and forethought. Jesus Himself used this principle to explain discipleship.
In Luke 14:28–33, Jesus compares following Him to building a tower or going to war—both require sitting down first to count the cost. The message is clear: important endeavors are never accidental. They are planned.
If human beings plan before building or defending, how much more would God plan the creation of the world, the purpose of life, and the role of Jesus Christ? Creation, mortality, and redemption are not random events—they are evidence of deliberate design.
Job 38:4–7 reinforces this idea by reminding us that God laid the foundations of the earth with intention and purpose. The imagery points to order, structure, and forethought—not chaos.
God’s Plan Existed Before the Earth Was Created
The Book of Abraham provides powerful insight into God’s plan before mortality began. In Abraham 3:22–28, Abraham is shown a vision of intelligences organized before the world existed.
Among these spirits were “the noble and great ones,” and Abraham learns that he himself was chosen before he was born. This reveals that God’s plan did not begin at birth—it began long before life on earth.
In this same vision, God explains the purpose of creating the earth: it would be a place where His children could be tested, exercise agency, and progress. This plan included multiple stages, or “estates,” each with eternal consequences.
The Choice of a Savior Was Part of the Plan
Another critical moment in this pre-mortal plan was the selection of a Savior. Abraham’s vision describes two who volunteered to fulfill God’s plan.
One, Jehovah, offered to carry out the plan as designed. The other, Lucifer, proposed an alternative that removed agency. God chose Jehovah and rejected Lucifer’s proposal.
This choice established a central truth: God values agency. Freedom to choose is essential to His plan, even though it comes with risk and opposition.
The Most Important Commandments in God’s Plan
When asked which commandment was greatest, Jesus summarized the entire law in two principles:
- Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind
- Love your neighbor as yourself
According to Jesus, “on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:36–40). These commandments are not just rules—they define the heart of God’s plan.
God’s Laws Are About Transformation, Not Just Rules
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that righteousness goes deeper than outward behavior. He explained that sin begins in the heart, not just in actions.
When Jesus says, “Be ye therefore perfect,” the Greek meaning points to being complete or fully developed. God’s plan is not about instant perfection, but about lifelong—and eternal—growth.
The Core Structure of God’s Plan
When viewed from a broad perspective, God’s plan consists of three essential elements:
- The Creation
- The Fall
- The Atonement
The earth had to be created. Humanity had to experience opposition and choice. And redemption had to be made possible through Jesus Christ. Remove any one of these elements, and the plan cannot function.
Why the Fall Was Necessary
While the Fall is often viewed negatively, scripture teaches that it was a necessary step. Without it, there would be no opposition, no growth, and no ability to choose.
Second Nephi 2 explains that Adam and Eve’s choice introduced mortality, agency, and the opportunity for joy. Without the Fall, humanity would remain in a state of innocence—without progress or purpose.
The Atonement Makes the Plan Complete
The Fall alone would be tragic, but the Atonement transforms it into a pathway for growth. Through Jesus Christ, humanity can overcome sin, death, and imperfection.
Because of Christ, we are free to choose righteousness, repent, and become complete over time. God’s plan does not ignore human weakness—it accounts for it and provides a way forward.
Looking Ahead to Part 2
This first part establishes the foundation: God has a plan, it existed before the world was created, and it centers on agency, growth, and redemption through Jesus Christ.
In Part 2, we’ll continue exploring how this plan applies personally—what it means for daily life, discipleship, and eternal progression.
God’s plan is not only real—it is purposeful, loving, and designed to lead His children to joy.
