In October 1963 the Universal House of Justice announced
that the Cause of God entered “a new epoch, the third of the Formative Age.”
“Beloved friends, the Cause of God, guarded and nurtured
since its inception by God's Messengers, by the Centre of His Covenant and by
His Sign on earth, now enters a new epoch, the third of the Formative Age. It
must now grow rapidly in size, increase its spiritual cohesion and executive ability,
develop its institutions and extend its influence into all strata of society.
We, its members, must, by constant study of the life- giving Word, and by
dedicated service, deepen in spiritual understanding and show to the world a
mature, responsible, fundamentally assured and happy way of life, far removed
from the passions, prejudices and distractions of present day society. Relying
upon God alone, we can promote His Cause and establish His Kingdom on earth.
Only thus can we prove our love for Those Who brought this new day into being.
Only thus can we prove the truth of Their Divine Mission and demonstrate how
valid was Their Sacrifice.” (The Universal House of Justice, October 1963, ‘The
Universal House of Justice, Messages 1963-1986’)
