The term "Divine Economy" refers to the orderly and purposeful arrangement of God's plan and actions in the world, particularly concerning salvation history. It encompasses God's creation, providence, and redemption, highlighting His sovereignty, wisdom, and love in orchestrating the universe and human history according to His divine will.

Creation and Providence

The Divine Economy begins with creation, where God, in His infinite wisdom, brought the universe into existence. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This act of creation is foundational to understanding God's sovereign rule over all things. The Divine Economy is further expressed through God's providence, His ongoing involvement in sustaining and governing creation. Colossians 1:17 affirms, "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together," indicating that God's sustaining power is integral to the continued existence and order of the universe.

The Fall and Promise of Redemption

The Divine Economy also addresses the problem of sin and the fall of humanity. In Genesis 3, the disobedience of Adam and Eve introduces sin into the world, disrupting the harmony of creation. However, God's plan includes a promise of redemption. Genesis 3:15 contains the protoevangelium, the first gospel promise: "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel." This promise sets the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan throughout history.

Covenants and the Law

Throughout the Old Testament, the Divine Economy is revealed through covenants, which are agreements between God and His people. These covenants, such as those with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, progressively reveal God's plan for salvation. In Genesis 12:2-3 , God promises Abraham, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." The Mosaic Law, given at Sinai, further outlines God's expectations for His people, serving as a tutor to lead them to Christ (Galatians 3:24).

The Incarnation and Redemption

The climax of the Divine Economy is the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who enters human history to accomplish redemption. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfills the promises of the Old Testament and inaugurates the new covenant. Ephesians 1:7-10 explains, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ."

The Church and the Holy Spirit

The Divine Economy continues through the work of the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the Church. The Holy Spirit empowers believers, guiding them into all truth (John 16:13) and equipping them for service. The Church, as the body of Christ, is the instrument through which God's redemptive purposes are carried out in the world. Ephesians 3:10-11 states, "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Eschatological Fulfillment

The Divine Economy will reach its consummation in the eschatological fulfillment of God's plan. Revelation 21:1-4 describes the new heaven and new earth, where God will dwell with His people, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. This ultimate restoration reflects the completion of God's redemptive work, bringing creation back into perfect harmony with His will.