Jesus: The Center of God's Redemptive Plan

Summary

From the very beginning, God’s plan for humanity has centered on Jesus, the Lamb of God, who was slain from the foundation of the world. Through Adam’s disobedience, sin and death entered the world, but through Jesus—the last Adam—righteousness and eternal life are made available to all who believe. God created us in His own image, designed to flourish in His presence, yet humanity’s separation from God has led to brokenness and confusion. The story of redemption unfolds through the covenants God made with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and ultimately, through the new covenant in Christ’s blood.

Throughout history, God has demonstrated that life is in the blood, and that only a perfect sacrifice could restore what was lost. From the first animal slain to cover Adam and Eve, to Abel’s offering, to the Passover lamb in Egypt, and the annual sacrifices under the law, each pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice—Jesus. On the cross, Jesus fulfilled every requirement, offering Himself as the spotless Lamb. His blood speaks a better word than Abel’s, not crying out for vengeance, but for forgiveness and restoration.

Jesus’ resurrection broke the power of death and reclaimed dominion for humanity. Now, all creation waits in eager anticipation for the children of God to step into their true identity and purpose. We are called to be a royal priesthood, a people set apart to declare God’s praises and partner with Him in the restoration of all things. Our words and actions create environments—either of life or of death, of blessing or of complaint. As we walk in the grace and kindness of God, we become agents of His kingdom, inviting others into the environment for which they were created: the presence of God.

The call is to live not by the old covenant of law and performance, but by the new covenant of grace, rooted in Christ’s finished work. Forgiveness, kindness, and gratitude are not just virtues, but powerful forces that shape our lives and the world around us. As we embrace our identity as God’s children, we are invited to return to “Eden”—to daily fellowship with God, to joy, peace, and the restoration of all creation.

Key Takeaways

- Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the center of God’s eternal plan. From creation to the cross, every covenant and sacrifice pointed to Jesus as the only one worthy to redeem humanity. His sacrifice was not an afterthought, but the fulfillment of God’s purpose from the foundation of the world. [07:10]

- We were created to flourish in God’s presence, but sin distorts our environment. Just as fish thrive in water and plants in soil, we were made to live in the environment of God’s presence. When we live outside of that, confusion and brokenness result, but restoration comes as we return to Him. [08:31]

- The blood of Jesus speaks forgiveness, not vengeance. While Abel’s blood cried out for justice, Jesus’ blood cries out for mercy and reconciliation. This better word frees us from cycles of anger, unforgiveness, and retribution, inviting us to extend the same grace we have received. [43:36]

- Our words and attitudes shape the environment around us. Complaining and anger create atmospheres where negativity multiplies, while gratitude and kindness open the way for blessing and restoration. The power of life and death is in the tongue, and as God’s people, we are called to speak words that bring life. [48:24]

- Living in the new covenant means walking in grace, not performance. Salvation is not about our ability to keep the law, but about receiving the finished work of Christ. As we embrace our identity as God’s beloved children, we are empowered to reflect His kindness, forgiveness, and love to the world, drawing others into His kingdom. [45:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - Worship and Invitation of the Holy Spirit
[01:14] - Revelation: The Worthy Lamb
[02:27] - Heavenly Worship and Creation’s Praise
[03:56] - The Slain Lamb and the Scroll
[05:09] - The Song of Redemption
[07:10] - Jesus: God’s Plan from the Beginning
[08:31] - Created for God’s Presence
[10:36] - The Fall and the First Sacrifice
[13:08] - Cain and Abel: The Power of Blood
[15:44] - The Spread of Sin and Noah’s Ark
[18:17] - The Covenant with Noah
[19:36] - Abraham: The Father of Faith
[21:44] - The Sacrifice of Isaac
[25:03] - Jesus, the Fulfillment of the Promise
[26:28] - The Passover and Deliverance from Egypt
[29:04] - Daniel’s Prophecy and the Coming Messiah
[33:02] - Jesus: The Express Image of the Father
[35:42] - The Last Supper and the New Covenant
[36:53] - The Crucifixion: It Is Finished
[38:17] - The New Covenant and Our Identity
[41:32] - Creation Awaits Restoration
[43:36] - The Blood That Speaks a Better Word
[45:36] - Living in Grace and Kindness
[48:24] - The Power of Gratitude and Words
[49:37] - Returning to Eden: Daily Fellowship
[50:15] - The Dangers of Anger and the Call to Forgiveness
[51:29] - Family, Discipleship, and the Kingdom Life

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

1. Romans 5:12, 17-19
_“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned… For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”_

2. Hebrews 12:24
_“To Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”_

3. 1 Peter 2:9-10
_“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”_

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Romans 5, what was the result of Adam’s disobedience, and what is the result of Jesus’ obedience?
(see [40:18])

2. In Hebrews 12:24, what is the difference between the blood of Abel and the blood of Jesus?
(see [43:36])

3. What does 1 Peter 2 say about the identity and purpose of believers?
(see [39:36])

4. The sermon described how God created humans to flourish in His presence, just as fish flourish in water. What happens when people live outside of the environment for which they were created?
(see [08:31])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does the blood of Jesus “speak a better word” than the blood of Abel, and how does this change the way believers relate to God and others?
(see [43:36])

2. The sermon says that our words and attitudes create environments of life or death. What does it mean for our words to have this kind of power?
(see [48:24])

3. What does it look like to live as a “royal priesthood” and “chosen people” in everyday life?
(see [39:36])

4. The sermon contrasts living by the old covenant of law and performance with living by the new covenant of grace. How might someone fall into the trap of performance, and what does it look like to walk in grace instead?
(see [45:36])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says that Jesus’ blood speaks forgiveness, not vengeance. Is there someone in your life you are struggling to forgive? What would it look like to let Jesus’ “better word” shape your response to them this week?
(see [43:36])

2. Think about the “environment” you create with your words and attitudes at home, work, or church. Are you more likely to complain or to express gratitude? What is one practical step you can take this week to speak words of life instead of negativity?
(see [48:24])

3. The message calls us to live in the presence of God, like returning to “Eden.” What is one way you can intentionally spend time in God’s presence this week?
(see [49:37])

4. The sermon says that kindness and forgiveness are not just virtues, but powerful forces that shape our lives and the world. Can you share a time when someone’s kindness or forgiveness changed your environment or perspective? How can you offer that to someone else this week?
(see [46:24])

5. The idea of being a “royal priesthood” means representing God to others and declaring His praises. Who in your life needs to hear about God’s goodness? What is one way you can share or show God’s love to them?
(see [39:36])

6. The sermon warns about the dangers of anger and unforgiveness, saying they create an environment for “terrible things to happen.” Are there patterns of anger or bitterness in your life that you want to surrender to God? What support or accountability do you need to move forward?
(see [50:15])

7. The message says that living by grace means reflecting God’s kindness, forgiveness, and love. What is one area of your life where you tend to rely on your own performance instead of God’s grace? How can you remind yourself this week that your identity is rooted in Christ’s finished work?
(see [45:36])

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Devotional

Day 1: Worthy is the Lamb—Jesus, the Sacrificial Lamb of God
In the heavenly vision of Revelation, all creation worships Jesus, the Lamb who was slain, declaring Him worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. This scene reveals that Jesus alone is able to open the scroll and fulfill God’s redemptive plan because He gave His life and shed His blood to purchase people from every tribe, language, and nation. The worship in heaven centers on the worthiness of Jesus, whose sacrifice brings us into a new covenant and makes us a kingdom and priests to serve our God. As we join in this worship, we are reminded that our prayers are precious incense before God, and our lives are meant to reflect the praise and honor due to the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. [05:50]

Revelation 5:6-14 (ESV)
6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”
11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice,
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”
13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Reflection: When you consider the worthiness of Jesus, what is one specific way you can offer Him worship and gratitude today, either in prayer, song, or action?


Day 2: The Divine Exchange—Jesus’ Blood Speaks a Better Word
The blood of Jesus accomplishes what the blood of Abel could not: it speaks forgiveness instead of vengeance, mercy instead of judgment. While Abel’s blood cried out for justice after he was slain by his brother, Jesus’ blood cries out, “Father, forgive them,” offering reconciliation and freedom from sin’s captivity. Through the new covenant, Jesus’ sacrifice removes our sins completely, not just covering them for a time, and invites us to walk boldly into God’s presence as His beloved children. This better word transforms our hearts, enabling us to extend forgiveness to others and to live as agents of God’s mercy in a world still longing for redemption. [43:36]

Hebrews 12:24 (ESV)
24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today, releasing them as Jesus has released you? What would it look like to let Jesus’ “better word” shape your response?


Day 3: Created for God’s Presence—Living in Our True Environment
Humanity was created in the very environment of God’s presence, made in His image and likeness to flourish in relationship with Him. Just as fish thrive in water and plants in soil, we are only truly alive when we dwell in the presence of God. The brokenness and confusion in the world stem from living outside of this intended environment, forgetting who we are and why we were made. God’s desire is to restore us to Eden—to a place of daily fellowship, joy, and purpose—where we walk with Him, hear His voice, and reflect His love and kindness to others. [09:15]

Genesis 1:26-27 (ESV)
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

Reflection: What is one intentional way you can create space today to enjoy God’s presence and remember that you were made for fellowship with Him?


Day 4: The Power of Our Words—Creating an Environment of Life
The words we speak have the power to shape the environment around us, either bringing life and blessing or fostering negativity and strife. Just as God created the world by His word, we are called to proclaim His goodness, speak words of kindness, and declare His love. Complaining and anger create an atmosphere where sin and trouble multiply, but gratitude and praise open the door for more of God’s blessings. As agents of God’s kingdom, our words can lead others to experience His kindness and draw them into the freedom and joy He offers. [48:24]

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Reflection: Think about your conversations today—how can you intentionally use your words to encourage, bless, or bring life to someone around you?


Day 5: Walking in Forgiveness and Kindness—Agents of God’s Kingdom
Forgiveness is a gift that sets us free from captivity and allows us to reflect the heart of God to the world. When we hold onto anger or unforgiveness, it creates an environment of unrest and pain, but when we release others as Jesus has released us, we become conduits of His love and restoration. Our homes, relationships, and communities are transformed as we choose to speak words of love, kindness, and grace, leading others to encounter the kindness of God that leads to repentance and new life. [47:02]

Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV)
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Reflection: Who is one person you can show unexpected kindness or forgiveness to today, reflecting the mercy you have received from God?

Quotes