In the formula course, the restoration of humanity can be divided into two periods. The first three-and-a-half-year period is the time for the restoration of humanity and finding three spiritual children.

As everybody knows, originally man reaches perfection after passing smoothly through the growth period. However, since fallen man fell at the top of the growth stage, they must be restored to that level. All people are to reach the top of the growth stage. So, when we talk about the three-and-a-half-year course, it refers to the time before receiving the Blessing. We call this "the path of restoration". In the early days of the church only those members who had completed all the conditions of the formula course could receive the blessing.

The second period of witnessing is another three-and-a-half years after the Blessing, and only through this can perfection be achieved. We call this period after the Blessing, "the path of the Principle."

I will elaborate in detail on the important differences concerning this. Before receiving the Blessing, we have to walk the seven years of the formula course. Ordinarily, everybody needs at least three years of a life of faith and three spiritual children. However, in recent years True Father has also given the Blessing to those who have worked in the church for only two or three years.

According to the Principle, 14 years are required to be able to receive the blessing through paying indemnity for these conditions; but it has been reduced to 7 years. Father wants to give the Blessing earlier and permit us to complete the course after the blessing. The most important thing that we have to understand is that we have been greatly blessed and benefited. In this historical moment, we are not worthy of receiving such great benefits. Accordingly, we have to take to heart the understanding that for the sake of the formula course, we in reality need a seven-year period.