Christ: The Fulfillment of God's Redemptive Plan

Devotional

Day 1: Christ Is Our Substitute

From the very beginning, humanity’s relationship with God was marked by both privilege and failure. Adam, created in God’s image, disobeyed and brought sin and death into the world, making all of us subject to the curse of sin. Yet, in Christ, God provided the perfect substitute—one who obeyed where Adam failed. Through Jesus’ obedience and His sacrificial death, the penalty for our sin was paid, and His righteousness is credited to us. This means we can now stand before a holy God, not in fear of judgment, but in the confidence of Christ’s finished work on our behalf. Christ’s substitution is the foundation of our hope and the mystery revealed from the very first pages of Scripture. [41:31]

Genesis 2:17 (ESV)
"But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

Romans 5:12, 15 (ESV)
"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned... But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many."

Reflection: What is one specific sin or failure from your past that you still carry guilt or shame over? Can you bring it to Christ today, trusting that He has already taken your place and paid the penalty for it completely?

Day 2: Christ Provides a Door of Salvation

In the days of Noah, evil filled the earth, and God’s judgment came in the form of a flood. Yet, God provided a way of escape—a door into the ark, through which Noah and his family were saved. This door points directly to Christ, who declared, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved.” Just as Noah entered the ark and was kept safe from God’s wrath, so too are we invited to enter into Christ for salvation. This is not a casual or flippant decision; it is a life-altering commitment that changes everything. The things of this world become as nothing compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and being found in Him. [43:33]

Genesis 6:18 (ESV)
"But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you."

John 10:9 (ESV)
"I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are still standing outside the “door,” hesitant to fully enter into Christ’s salvation and lordship? What would it look like to step through that door today?

Day 3: Christ Is Our Eternal Blessing

God’s promise to Abraham was that through his seed, all the nations of the earth would be blessed. This everlasting covenant was not just for Abraham’s physical descendants, but for all who would come to Christ, the true Seed. Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise, bringing blessing, purpose, and eternal hope to all who trust in Him. Life in Christ is not about using God for our own gain, but about being transformed and living for His glory. The blessing of Christ is eternal, reaching far beyond this brief life and into the joy of worshiping Him forever. [44:50]

Genesis 17:7 (ESV)
"And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you."

Galatians 3:16 (ESV)
"Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, 'And to offsprings,' referring to many, but referring to one, 'And to your offspring,' who is Christ."

Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to treat your relationship with Christ as a means to your own ends, rather than as the greatest blessing and purpose of your life? How can you reorient your heart today to seek Him above all else?

Day 4: Christ Is Our Fulfillment

The law given through Moses revealed humanity’s inability to achieve righteousness on our own. It was never meant to be a ladder to climb, but a mirror to show our need for a Savior. Christ came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it perfectly on our behalf. Now, we rest in His finished work, no longer striving to earn God’s favor through legalistic efforts, but living in loving obedience out of gratitude for what He has done. Christ is our peace, our righteousness, and our rest—He is our fulfillment. [46:48]

Exodus 19:20 (ESV)
"The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up."

John 1:17 (ESV)
"For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Are you relying on your own efforts or religious routines to feel right with God, or are you resting in Christ’s fulfillment of the law? What is one way you can shift from striving to resting in Him today?

Day 5: Christ Is Our King

God’s promise to David was that one of his descendants would sit on the throne forever. This was ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the eternal King who now rules and reigns over all. Even in the midst of suffering, loss, or uncertainty, we are called not to lose heart, for nothing happens outside of His sovereign control. Christ is King—He is Lord of our hearts and lives, and He works all things for the good of those who love Him. Our hope is secure, not because of our circumstances, but because our King is on the throne, now and forever. [50:40]

2 Samuel 7:16 (ESV)
"And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever."

Revelation 22:16 (ESV)
"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."

Reflection: Where are you tempted to lose heart or doubt Christ’s kingship in your life? How can you surrender that area to His sovereign rule and trust Him as your King today?

Sermon Summary

Today, we explored the grand, unfolding story of God’s single plan of redemption, progressively revealed through the covenants and promises made throughout Scripture. From Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, each covenant was a step in God’s gradual unveiling of the mystery—Christ Himself. What was once hidden from previous generations is now made clear: both Jews and Gentiles are invited to become fellow heirs, members of one body, and partakers in the promises in Christ Jesus. This is not a mystery in the sense of a riddle to be solved, but rather a divine secret, now revealed, that centers on Christ as the fulfillment of all God’s promises.

We traced how Adam’s failure and the curse of death pointed forward to Christ as our substitute, the One who would bear the penalty of sin on our behalf. In Noah, we saw the ark as a type of Christ—the door of salvation through which we escape God’s wrath. Abraham’s covenant revealed that through his seed, Christ, all nations would be blessed, showing the global scope of God’s redemptive plan. Moses and the giving of the law highlighted our inability to achieve righteousness on our own, pointing us to Christ who perfectly fulfilled the law and offers us grace and truth. David’s promise of an eternal throne found its fulfillment in Christ, the eternal King who reigns forever.

Each of these covenants, while significant in their own right, are not ends in themselves but signposts pointing to Christ. The mystery, once veiled, is now fully revealed in Him. The new covenant, mediated by Christ’s own blood, offers mercy instead of vengeance, life instead of death, and eternal fellowship with God. This truth calls us to boldness in the face of opposition, to rest in Christ’s finished work, and to submit to Him as King. The futility of self-reliance and man-made religion is exposed in the light of Christ’s sufficiency. The call is clear: repent, believe, and enter through the door—Christ Himself—into the fullness of God’s promises.

Key Takeaways

1. Christ as Our Substitute: From Adam’s failure, we learn that all have sinned and are under the penalty of death. Yet, Christ stands as our substitute, bearing the wrath of God in our place. This is not merely a theological concept but a deeply personal reality—every sin, whether great or small, is covered by Christ’s sacrifice, freeing us from condemnation and inviting us into God’s presence. [41:31]
2. The Door of Salvation: The story of Noah and the ark is more than a tale of survival; it is a vivid picture of Christ as the only door to salvation. Just as Noah and his family entered the ark to escape judgment, so too must we enter through Christ to be saved. This entrance is not casual or flippant—it demands a radical reorientation of life, leaving behind the world’s values for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. [42:38]
3. Eternal Blessing in Christ: Abraham’s covenant points us to the eternal blessing found in Christ, the promised seed. This blessing is not about personal gain or self-fulfillment, but about being united with Christ and living for His glory. Our lives are no longer our own; every aspect—our speech, work, relationships—finds its purpose in Christ, and our hope stretches beyond this fleeting life to eternal worship at His throne. [44:13]
4. Fulfillment of the Law: The law given through Moses exposes our inability to achieve righteousness by our own efforts. Christ fulfills the law perfectly, freeing us from legalism and the burden of self-justification. Our obedience now flows from love and gratitude, not obligation, as we rest in Christ’s finished work and walk in the freedom and peace He provides. [46:48]
5. Christ the Eternal King: The promise to David of an everlasting throne is realized in Christ, who reigns sovereign over all. Even in suffering, loss, or persecution, we are not to lose heart, for nothing escapes the rule of our King. God works all things for the good of those who love Him, and even the darkest moments are woven into His glorious plan, assuring us that Christ is King now and forever. [50:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction to the Mystery in Ephesians
[03:30] - The Mystery Revealed: Jews and Gentiles United
[06:00] - God’s Promises and Progressive Revelation
[09:45] - The Need for Boldness Amidst Adversaries
[12:07] - Paul, Timothy, and Suffering for the Gospel
[15:59] - Christ Revealed in Adam: The Creation Covenant
[18:30] - Christ Revealed in Noah: The Door of Salvation
[21:43] - Christ Revealed in Abraham: The Eternal Blessing
[27:50] - Christ Revealed in Moses: Fulfillment of the Law
[32:25] - Christ Revealed in David: The Eternal King
[35:57] - Christ’s Kingship and the New Covenant
[38:02] - The Better Covenant: Mercy Over Vengeance
[39:42] - Five Take-Home Truths: Christ in Every Covenant
[46:48] - Christ as Fulfillment and Our Rest
[50:40] - Christ’s Sovereignty in Suffering and the Call to Repentance

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 3:4-6 (ESV) — > When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Romans 5:12, 15 (ESV) — > Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned... But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.

John 10:9 (ESV) — > I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 3:4-6, what is the “mystery” that Paul says has now been revealed?
In Romans 5:12 and 5:15, what is the connection between Adam’s sin and Christ’s gift?
In John 10:9, what does Jesus mean when He calls Himself “the door”?
The sermon described how each covenant (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David) points to Christ. Can you recall one way the sermon said Christ is revealed in each of these? ([39:42])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God chose to reveal His plan of redemption gradually through different covenants instead of all at once? How does this affect our understanding of the Bible as one story? ([06:00])
The sermon said the “mystery” is not a riddle to be solved, but a secret now revealed in Christ. What does this mean for how we approach the Old Testament? ([39:42])
The sermon emphasized that entering through “the door” (Christ) is not casual or flippant, but requires a radical reorientation of life. What might this look like in practice? ([42:38])
How does seeing Christ as the fulfillment of the law (Moses) change the way we think about obedience and legalism? ([46:48])

Application Questions

The sermon said Christ is our substitute, bearing the penalty for every sin—big or small. Is there a sin or area of guilt in your life that you struggle to believe is truly covered by Christ’s sacrifice? How can you remind yourself of this truth this week? ([41:31])
Entering through the “door” of Christ means leaving behind the world’s values. What is one value or habit from the world that you feel called to leave behind in order to follow Jesus more fully? ([42:38])
The blessing promised to Abraham is not about personal gain, but about being united with Christ and living for His glory. In what area of your life do you find it hardest to live for Christ’s glory instead of your own? What is one step you can take to surrender that area? ([44:13])
The law exposes our inability to achieve righteousness on our own. Are there ways you still try to “earn” God’s favor or approval? How can you practice resting in Christ’s finished work this week? ([46:48])
The sermon said Christ is the eternal King who reigns even in suffering and loss. Is there a situation in your life right now where it’s hard to trust that Christ is King? How can you remind yourself of His sovereignty in that area? ([50:40])
The futility of self-reliance and man-made religion was exposed in the light of Christ’s sufficiency. Are there “man-made” rules or self-reliant attitudes you need to let go of? What would it look like to depend more on Christ? ([39:42])
The call is to repent, believe, and enter through Christ into the fullness of God’s promises. If you have already done this, how can you encourage someone else to take this step? If you haven’t, what is holding you back? ([39:42])

Sermon Clips

Jewish opposition was very serious. And Paul was in jail because of revealing this mystery. Paul was imprisoned because of clarifying Christ and Christ alone. The Jews hated that. And they leveraged Rome and all of their authority against Paul. And Jesus, by the way. And then as well now, Timothy, as a young man, faces this very same opposition. And might I say, you too face this very same opposition. [00:14:46] (31 seconds) #FacingOpposition

You can talk about anything you want normally. But as soon as you clarify Christ and Christ alone, then that is where the rubber meets the road. That is when the sheep are separated from the goats. That's when right and wrong is divided and clarified. Which the Word of God does that. And so, Paul needed boldness continually. Timothy needed not to be timid, but also bold continually. And we do too. [00:15:17] (27 seconds) #CourageInChrist

How did Noah and his family get in the ark? They entered in through the door. This is a clear promise to Jesus because Jesus said, I am the door. In John chapter 10, verse 9, Jesus said, I am the door. And if anyone enters through me, he will be saved. So Christ is revealed in and through the story of Noah, mystery revealed. And so now it's getting a little bit clearer. [00:21:24] (36 seconds) #JesusTheDoor

As you look at the law for how it was given, it was not intended for them to make all of these awful minute laws, sub -laws to try and fulfill their own righteousness and live up to these things, but to see that they need a Savior. And so we need to understand that Moses represents the law, but grace and truth. Grace, the grace of salvation, the truth of salvation in Christ, comes through Christ. [00:30:43] (26 seconds) #LawPointsToGrace

So Christ is revealed through Moses. Mystery revealed even further. God is progressively revealing this mystery of Christ. Adam points to Christ. Noah points to Christ. Abraham points to Christ. And now Moses does too. And so Israel, where they were imperfect, Christ was perfect. And Christ perfectly fulfilled this law. And so God promised and provided one, that being Jesus, to fulfill the law while we could not fulfill it ourselves. [00:32:33] (33 seconds) #ChristThePerfectLaw

This is a better covenant because Christ is pleading mercy. And he's offering an agreement here for us that if we would repent and believe in him, then we will not have to suffer eternal punishment in hell forever. The new covenant, again, merits its own stand -alone sermon. But if you want to be in Christ, if you want to be a new covenant, recreated being with a new heart, then see what the Bible is saying. In that this one plan of God, building up in Christ to display Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life, it's all about him. It's all about the glory of Christ. [00:39:05] (51 seconds) #NewCovenantHope

The reason why I speak is because of Christ. And I want to lift up and glorify Christ. The reason why I live is because Christ died for me to live in him. The reason why I work is to glorify Christ. The reason why I love my wife and children and lead them in the word of God is because Christ. And so now, not only do you see that he is this eternal blessing and it goes beyond our life here and you now start to comprehend eternity and eternal blessing. One of these days, we're going to be able to be at the throne, worshiping him eternally. This life is but a mist and it's soon going to pass. Don't focus all of your energy and your worries about mist. Seriously. This life is about Christ. [00:44:50] (64 seconds) #LifeForChrist

There are afflictions, there are sufferings, it's promised to Christians but Christ is king there's nothing that happens outside of God's sovereign control God really does work all things for our good, for those who love God and for his glory, he really does. [00:50:14] (19 seconds) #SovereignKing

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