God's Sovereign Plan of Redemption Through Christ

 

Summary

In our exploration of the biblical doctrines, we have reached a pivotal point in understanding the nature of God, humanity, and the world. We began with the realization that while we have an innate sense of God, it is insufficient to truly know Him without the revelation provided in the Bible, which we believe to be the infallible Word of God. This revelation shows us that God has graciously revealed Himself to us, and we have examined His creation, particularly focusing on humanity. We saw that God created man perfect, in His own image, and placed him in a state of communion with Him. However, the fall of man through Adam's disobedience led to a state of sin and separation from God.

Despite this fall, there is hope. Before expelling man from the Garden of Eden, God gave a promise of redemption, a theme central to the entire Bible. This redemption is entirely of God, not a result of man's efforts to seek God, but of God's initiative to reconcile us to Himself. It is a plan of grace, conceived before the foundation of the world, involving the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in a divine council. The Father originates the plan, the Son executes it, and the Holy Spirit applies it.

This plan is perfect and definite, with every detail known to God from the beginning. It is not contingent on human actions but is a demonstration of God's sovereignty and grace. The certainty of its consummation is assured, as God's plan will be fulfilled despite appearances to the contrary. This redemption plan encompasses not only humanity but all of creation, culminating in a new heaven and earth.

Central to this plan is Jesus Christ, through whom all things are reconciled. There is no salvation apart from Him, as both the Old and New Testaments testify to His role in God's redemptive work. This plan has been revealed to humanity through various covenants, demonstrating God's grace and kindness in making His purposes known to us.

Key Takeaways:

- The Necessity of Divine Revelation: Our innate sense of God is insufficient for true knowledge of Him. We must rely on the Bible, the infallible Word of God, to understand His nature and His plan for humanity. This revelation is a gracious act of God, inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. [01:21]

- The Fall and Hope of Redemption: Humanity's fall through Adam's disobedience resulted in sin and separation from God. Yet, even in the midst of this fall, God provided a promise of redemption, a theme central to the Bible, offering hope and restoration through His divine plan. [05:14]

- Redemption as God's Initiative: The biblical doctrine of redemption emphasizes that it is entirely of God, not a result of human effort. It is God's initiative to reconcile us to Himself, demonstrating His love and grace towards us despite our rebellion and sin. [12:39]

- The Perfect and Definite Plan: God's plan of redemption is perfect and definite, conceived before the foundation of the world. It is not contingent on human actions but is a demonstration of God's sovereignty and grace, ensuring its fulfillment according to His divine purpose. [28:16]

- Christ-Centered Redemption: Jesus Christ is central to God's plan of redemption. There is no salvation apart from Him, as both the Old and New Testaments testify to His role in reconciling all things to God. This underscores the unity of the biblical message and the necessity of Christ for salvation. [39:15]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction and Context
- [01:02] - The Necessity of Divine Revelation
- [01:55] - God's Revelation and Creation
- [02:46] - The Fall of Man
- [03:54] - The Hope of Redemption
- [06:06] - The Doctrine of Redemption
- [08:02] - Redemption as God's Initiative
- [11:52] - The Covenant of Works
- [14:18] - The Role of Christ in Redemption
- [17:13] - The Eternal Plan of Redemption
- [19:39] - The Trinity's Role in Redemption
- [23:26] - The Necessity of the Incarnation
- [28:16] - The Perfect and Definite Plan
- [33:11] - The Certainty of Consummation
- [37:21] - Christ-Centered Redemption
- [40:58] - Revelation Through Covenants
- [42:25] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 3:15 - "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."
2. Ephesians 1:4-10 - "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Genesis 3:15 reveal about God's promise of redemption immediately after the fall of man? How does this promise provide hope? [05:14]
2. According to Ephesians 1:4-10, when was God's plan of redemption conceived, and what does this tell us about His sovereignty? [17:13]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Trinity in the plan of redemption? [19:39]
4. What is the significance of Jesus Christ in the plan of redemption as discussed in the sermon? [39:15]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the promise in Genesis 3:15 shape our understanding of God's grace and initiative in redemption? [05:14]
2. In what ways does Ephesians 1:4-10 emphasize the certainty and perfection of God's plan? How does this impact our faith? [28:16]
3. How does the sermon explain the necessity of divine revelation for understanding God's nature and plan? Why is this important for believers today? [01:21]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between human actions and God's sovereign plan? How should this influence our daily lives? [28:16]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt separated from God. How does the promise of redemption in Genesis 3:15 offer you hope and restoration? [05:14]
2. Considering that God's plan was conceived before the foundation of the world, how can this assurance of His sovereignty bring peace to your current life circumstances? [17:13]
3. How can you rely more on the Bible as the infallible Word of God to deepen your relationship with Him? What steps can you take this week to engage more with Scripture? [01:21]
4. In what ways can you acknowledge and celebrate the role of the Trinity in your personal faith journey? How can this understanding enhance your worship and prayer life? [19:39]
5. Jesus Christ is central to God's plan of redemption. How can you make Christ more central in your daily decisions and interactions with others? [39:15]
6. How does understanding that redemption is entirely of God change your perspective on grace and your own efforts in seeking God? [12:39]
7. What practical steps can you take to align your life with God's perfect and definite plan, trusting in His timing and purpose? [28:16]

Devotional

Day 1: The Necessity of Divine Revelation
Our innate sense of God, while present, is not enough to truly know Him. The Bible, as the infallible Word of God, is essential for understanding His nature and His plan for humanity. This divine revelation is a gracious act of God, inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. It is through Scripture that we learn about God's character, His love, and His intentions for us. Without this revelation, our understanding of God would be limited and incomplete. The Bible serves as a guide, providing clarity and insight into the mysteries of faith and the divine. [01:21]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you prioritize time in your daily routine to engage with the Bible and seek a deeper understanding of God's revelation?


Day 2: The Fall and Hope of Redemption
Humanity's fall through Adam's disobedience resulted in sin and separation from God. This event marked a significant turning point in the relationship between God and humanity. However, even in the midst of this fall, God provided a promise of redemption, offering hope and restoration through His divine plan. This promise is central to the Bible, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to reconcile humanity to Himself. Despite the brokenness caused by sin, God's plan for redemption assures us that restoration is possible and that His love and grace are ever-present. [05:14]

"For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous." (Romans 5:19, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you embrace the hope of redemption in your life today, especially in areas where you feel separated from God?


Day 3: Redemption as God's Initiative
The biblical doctrine of redemption emphasizes that it is entirely of God, not a result of human effort. It is God's initiative to reconcile us to Himself, demonstrating His love and grace towards us despite our rebellion and sin. This divine initiative underscores the depth of God's love and the lengths He is willing to go to restore our relationship with Him. Redemption is not something we can earn or achieve on our own; it is a gift freely given by God, inviting us to accept His grace and live in the freedom it provides. [12:39]

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: How can you respond to God's initiative of redemption in your life, acknowledging His grace and love in your daily actions and decisions?


Day 4: The Perfect and Definite Plan
God's plan of redemption is perfect and definite, conceived before the foundation of the world. It is not contingent on human actions but is a demonstration of God's sovereignty and grace, ensuring its fulfillment according to His divine purpose. This plan encompasses all of creation, culminating in a new heaven and earth. The certainty of its consummation is assured, as God's plan will be fulfilled despite appearances to the contrary. This assurance provides us with hope and confidence, knowing that God's purposes will prevail. [28:16]

"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." (Ephesians 1:11, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to align your life with God's perfect and definite plan, trusting in His sovereignty and grace?


Day 5: Christ-Centered Redemption
Jesus Christ is central to God's plan of redemption. There is no salvation apart from Him, as both the Old and New Testaments testify to His role in reconciling all things to God. This underscores the unity of the biblical message and the necessity of Christ for salvation. Through Christ, we are offered a new life, free from the bondage of sin and death. His sacrifice and resurrection are the foundation of our faith, providing the means for us to be reconciled with God and to experience the fullness of His love and grace. [39:15]

"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you make Christ the center of your life today, allowing His redemptive work to transform your thoughts, actions, and relationships?

Quotes



We have within us a sense of God and yet that is not enough in and of itself to bring us to a knowledge of God and we came to the conclusion that if we really are to know anything truly about God or ourselves or our world we must of necessity come to this book which we say is the word of God inspired of God and by God and which is the infallible word of God. [00:01:00]

Despite the fall, there is hope. Before expelling man from the Garden of Eden, God gave a promise of redemption, a theme central to the entire Bible. This redemption is entirely of God, not a result of man's efforts to seek God, but of God's initiative to reconcile us to Himself. It is a plan of grace, conceived before the foundation of the world, involving the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in a divine council. [00:04:30]

Redemption is entirely of God. That's the first statement and what we have in the Bible is the record, the account of God's activity in the Redemption of men. Now that of course is something that you find at once way back there in the third chapter of Genesis the moment men had fallen and found himself in this pitiable condition and when he seemed to be absolutely without hope the Hope was given by something that God did. [00:08:38]

The biblical doctrine of redemption emphasizes that it is entirely of God, not a result of human effort. It is God's initiative to reconcile us to Himself, demonstrating His love and grace towards us despite our rebellion and sin. God is Not only not unwilling to receive us it is he who goes out of his way to seek us. [00:12:39]

The next point that is made very clear about this doctrine of redemption in the Bible is that it was all planned before the foundation of the world. Now this is most important again I would refer you to that section which we read together in the first chapter of Paul's epistle to the Ephesians. Redemption is not an afterthought. [00:17:13]

The three persons of the Blessed Trinity take part in this plan in this purpose in this great scheme and act of redemption. There can be no question at all from the scriptures that a council took place between the three persons of the Blessed Trinity with respect to men the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. [00:19:39]

This plan and scheme of redemption is a definite plan it is a perfect plan and it was all perfect I say again before the very foundation of the world itself there is nothing accidental about this plan there is nothing at all contingent about it but as God had worked it out and mapped it out in eternity so it has been put into operation in this world of time and amongst us men. [00:28:16]

The certainty of its consummation is assured, as God's plan will be fulfilled despite appearances to the contrary. This redemption plan encompasses not only humanity but all of creation, culminating in a new heaven and earth. Central to this plan is Jesus Christ, through whom all things are reconciled. [00:33:11]

This great Plan of Redemption always centers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Here it is Paul tells us that his purpose is to do all things in Christ both which are in heaven and which are on earth and he repeats himself even in him. I shall have occasion again to go on emphasizing that and repeating it. [00:37:21]

There is no salvation apart from Him, as both the Old and New Testaments testify to His role in reconciling all things to God. This underscores the unity of the biblical message and the necessity of Christ for salvation. The Saints of the Old Testament are saved in Christ as much as you and I are. [00:39:15]

The Old Testament and the New Testament are concerned about the same person and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. What is the Old Testament? It is the preparation, the promise, the prophecy of his coming. But why back in Genesis 3 you've got the whole thing put so plainly and clearly who is the seed of the woman that is going to brew crush and Bruise the Serpent's head it is none other than the Son of God. [00:40:58]

This purpose of God in Redemption has been revealed to Mankind in various covenants that God in his infinite grace and kindness has been pleased to reveal to us. Now I don't enter onto that tonight I hope to go on to consider this question of these covenants next Friday evening but God in his infinite grace and kindness and condescension has not only determined thus upon this plan and scheme of redemption. [00:42:25]

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Transcript
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