See also Catechism 1-25.
This question sets the scene for the whole story of God’s plan to reveal himself to us. The answers given here will serve as an introduction to all the articles on the Creed. Question 1 will be examined from nine different angles. Only some are done at the moment (the ones whose titles are underlined) and the others will be done as time permits.
Q 1. What is God’s plan for man?
God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. In the fullness of time, God the Father sent his Son as the Redeemer and Savior of mankind, fallen into sin, thus calling all into his Church and, through the work of the Holy Spirit, making them adopted children and heirs of his eternal happiness. (Quote from the Compendium)
1.1 An Earthly Paradise
And God saw all that he had made and indeed it was very good!
1.2 A Plan of Salvation
If God is in charge, what went wrong? Why do we need to be rescued?
1.3 A Child of God
The happiness and simplicity of children are meant to give us a clue to God’s plan.
1.4 A Personal Plan
God has a whole universe to worry about. And billions of people. Does he care about me?
1.5 A Cooperative Plan
Does God expect me to just fill in the squares on a fixed divine plan? Or can I get a little creative?
1.6 A Lost Sheep
What if I get lost? Will God come and find me? And will he be mad?
1.7 Contingency Plans
It sure looks like God’s plan has run off the rails somewhere. Does God have any contingency plans?
1.8 Through the Valley of Death
I like the sound of the earthly paradise and the heavenly feast. But what’s with the valley of death?
1.9 A Heavenly Feast
Is heaven really just clouds, angels and harps? And what is the Resurrection?