The Character Of God And The Plan Of Redemption God did not ordain that sin should develop in His creation but He foresaw, from all eternity past, its development in Lucifer’s mind, its spread to other angels and ultimately to humans on planet earth. From all eternity past, God the Father and His Son, through their eternal Spirit of love had agreed on the plan of redemption. This was put into effect the minute Adam disobeyed and “sold out” our entire world to Satan’s government. From the instant Adam sinned, our entire planet was separated from God’s perfect life-giving government of love and righteousness but the Son of God immediately stood in the gap which sin had made. God’s grace enabled corporate humanity to survive by holding in check the forces of evil while sustaining existence and life on the rebellious planet. Because the Son of God had made His commitment from all eternity past and then actually stood in the gap of separation after Adam’s fall, He is described as the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world! (Rev.13:8). At last when the fullness of time had come the eternal Son of God entered our time, our nature and our world as a human being; the Second Person of the Godhead had become incarnate, the Son of God became the Son of man. “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:” 2 Tim. 1:9, 10. “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:” 1Cor. 2:7. “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,” Romans 16:25. Between the fall of mankind in Adam and the incarnation of the Son of God, the human race was given the Old Testament system of animal sacrifices which was eventually systematized into the ceremonies and services of the earthly sanctuary or earthly temple. Each time the sinner killed a lamb, or other animal, he was to be taught the terrible truth that it is sin which causes death. And more importantly, he was to be taught the amazing, the fantastic, the incredibly good news that the Son of God would come to earth to be killed by our sins in order to redeem or buy back all that was sold out by Adam’s one act of disobedience! “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.” Romans 5:18. Satan understood, to some extent, the meaning of the sacrificial sanctuary services and he worked diligently to pervert the Jewish understanding of the significance of those services. He succeeded to a considerable extent in causing the people to picture God as a cruel tyrant who delighted in the death of countless animals. And so the Jews saw the sacrifices as necessary to appease God’s wrath and earn His favour rather than seeing them as promises of love which pointed forward to God’s love-gift of His only begotten Son to save the lost race of Adam. Going back now into eternity past we see that the Son of God pledged Himself in covenant with His Father to be the Substitute and Surety, the Second Adam, the Saviour for the whole world. And just as God had foreseen lost humanity in the first Adam He foresaw redeemed humanity in the Second Adam, Jesus Christ! “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:... According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Ephesians 1:3, 4-6. **First, The Bad News** In order to better appreciate God’s amazing plan of redemption we need to understand, a little better than we usually do, the extent of what we lost in the fall of Adam. Before the Fall, Adam possessed sinless, unfallen human flesh i.e sinless physical human nature, which was most conducive to submissive obedience. He also possessed a sinless, innocent, unfallen human character, which would have grown into sinless maturity by obedience to God. The Holy Spirit of the Father and Son indwelt the spirit of Adam’s mind and all his thoughts were governed by and filled with God’s self-sacrificing Agapé love. The world was perfect. There was no sin, no decay, and no death. In fact, before sin entered our world, nothing could have gone wrong because God’s perfect Government of Glory was in full and absolute control of our world and our universe. The Extent Of Sin’s Damage To Man When Adam sinned, he expelled the agapé love of God in the Holy Spirit from his mind and lost his innocent character. His human body was separated from God’s government and subsequently his flesh became fallen, sinful flesh, no longer conducive to submissive obedience. Adam was, in fact, Representative Man. He represented the whole race. The whole race was in him when he sinned and his choice to sin was representative choice. Adam’s one act of disobedience “wrote off” human character and human nature. He sold out the entire race and the entire planet to Satan’s government of sin. At that moment when Adam disobeyed God, corporate humanity disobeyed in him and all was lost. Adam’s human nature before the fall was physically perfect, structurally and functionally unfallen. Adam’s brain functions, the biochemistry of the thinking process and his mental faculties were also perfect. After the fall, human nature also developed physical infirmities. No longer did the physical human nature function with the unfallen perfection as before the entrance of sin. The mental faculties also became weakened. But the most damaging of the infirmities of the flesh which developed progressively after the fall was its moral infirmity. What do we mean by moral infirmity? We mean that the fallen physical human nature, far from being conducive to submissive obedience, became antagonistic to submissive obedience. The fallen flesh would exert a pull on the mind, a pull away from God’s love and righteousness. Satan recognized the extent of the stranglehold he had on the race. He exulted that he had seduced Adam to sin in sinless nature and he thought that now that Adam’s nature was fallen he would forever hold the human race in his grasp. But what Satan did not bargain for was the extent to which God’s unselfish love would go to rescue man! What Would Be Required To Redeem Man Since the sin problem could only be overcome by love and right, rather than by power and might, God faced a massive problem. The sin problem would be the severest test His government would have to face. If it were a matter of force or power it would have been an easy and very quick work for God to overcome Satan’s government, as easy and quick as speaking the word since God does everything by His word. But it is a matter of right not might! God’s government would have to overcome all the cruelty, all the hatred, all the force, all the lies and deception that Satan’s government could produce. And God’s government would have to overcome not by force but by the power of love and righteousness! The question that therefore naturally arose in the minds of the on-looking universe was: Could God’s harmless love be victorious over Satan’s violent and cruel selfishness? The principles of God’s government would be put to the severest test by the sin problem. The challenge was infinitely immense! God could not shrink from it. He would meet it through the incarnation, earthly life, death, resurrection and heavenly ministration of His Son! In order to destroy the works of the devil without force, the Son of God, Eternal Wisdom, (Proverbs 8) would have to apply God’s righteousness by His love to whatever extent sin had produced its damage. Because sin separated man from God, the Son of God would have to suffer the death which the ultimate separation from God causes. And because the law of sin and death became entrenched in fallen human flesh the Son of God would have to take on our fallen flesh and conquer the law of sin and death resident in such flesh. In order to buy back or redeem Adam’s lost race, the Son of God would have to live a sinless life in our fallen sinful flesh and die the equivalent of the death, which Adam would have died, if there were no plan of redemption. The Son of God would have to go to the lowest depths to apply righteousness by love in order to reconcile humanity to God. Such was the magnitude of the problem that laid outstretched before Him before He left Heaven to come to earth in His first Advent. The Fullness Of Time “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Galatians 4:4,5. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:” Galatians 3:13. Some four thousand years after the fall, when sin’s damage to fallen human nature was at a critically high level, the Son of God became incarnate. He was made of a woman and made under the law, the meaning of which Paul gives in 2Cor. 5:21. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2Cor. 5:21. Though He never committed a sin in His life, yet by taking on our fallen heredity He therefore and thereby took on our condemnation. The “Word” Became Flesh “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:1, 14. The Son of God is called the WORD, (Greek: Logos) in John 1:1. In Proverbs chapter 8 He is called the WISDOM of God. The eternal Wisdom of God, the WORD, the “logos,” the eternal Son of God became flesh. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” Philippians 2:5-7. In Philippians 2:5-7 Paul explains that Christ Jesus, who was in the form and nature of God, humbled Himself and took upon Himself the form and nature of man. Similarly in Hebrews chapter One Paul explains that the Son of God in Heaven was higher than any angel because He, (like His Father), was God in nature from eternity, whereas the angels are created beings. Then in Hebrews chapter 2 Paul proceeds to explain that the Son of God took on human nature in order to save mankind from sin. He who was God in nature, became man. The Word was made flesh. What Kind Of Flesh? The question may be asked: What kind of human nature, what kind of flesh did the Son of God take upon himself when He became man? This question is critically important. The answer is so clearly stated in the Bible that no one needs to be mistaken. The following texts clearly prove that the Son of God took upon Himself our sinful flesh, overcame that flesh and lived a sinless life in perfect obedience to the WILL OF GOD. “Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;” Romans 1:3. “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:” Romans 8:3. “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” Hebrews 2:14-18. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14. “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” 1Tim. 3:16. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” 1John 4:1-3. Let us carefully examine the first three texts: (i) Romans 1:3 “Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was made of the seed of David according to the flesh.” This text clearly teaches that the kind of human flesh Jesus had was the same kind as that of the seed of David and was made of the seed of David. Such flesh obviously was not the same flesh, which Adam had before his fall. The flesh of the seed of David was sinful fallen flesh. (ii) Romans 8:3 “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” The Greek word translated likeness in this text is the same word used in Philippians 2:7 it really means SAME or actual. What Paul is saying in Romans 8:3,4 is that Jesus came in the same weak sinful flesh which we have but He overcame that flesh for us so that, by faith in Him, we too may live righteous lives in spite of our sinful flesh! (iii) Hebrews 2:14 “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” This text plainly teaches that Jesus partook of the same flesh and blood as those He came to save, that is, sinful flesh. Verse 16 emphasizes the fact that He took on Himself not the nature of angels but the nature of Abraham’s seed. The nature of Abraham’s seed was certainly not the nature of unfallen Adam, it was sinful, fallen flesh! Some people equate sinful flesh with sinful character. This is a terrible mistake. We commit sin when we allow the flesh to control the mind. Jesus never gave in to the flesh. He lived a sinless character in our sinful flesh and it is because of this blessed fact that we glory in the tremendous victory of Jesus Christ. He Was Tempted In All Points As We Are Tempted The Apostle Paul wrote down an amazing truth in Hebrews 4:15. “For we have not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Jesus Christ was tempted in all points just like us. But in order to be tempted in all points like us, HE HAD TO BE MADE IN ALL THINGS LIKE US! “Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Hebrews 2:17. By putting the two texts together (Hebrews 4:15 and Hebrews 2:17 we can understand clearly Paul’s argument. He is saying that in order for Jesus to qualify as a merciful high priest He had to be tempted in all points just like we are. But in order for Him to be tempted in all points like us, He had to be made in all things like us THEREFORE HE HAD TO TAKE UPON HIMSELF OUR SINFUL FLESH WHICH IS ONE OF OUR MAIN SOURCES OF TEMPTATION! It is crucially important to understand that Christ could not have been tempted in all points like us if He had not taken on our sinful flesh! Yes friend, Jesus was tempted in all points like you are. He fully understands the trials and temptations of the fallen flesh, the enticing attractions of the sinful world and the direct attacks of Satan. In our weak, sinful flesh, Jesus endured every enticing temptation to sin which we have to face. Therefore He knows how to sympathize with us and how to help us. As a matter of fact He was tempted beyond the point of human endurance. In the Garden of Gethsemane and in His trial and crucifixion, He was tortured and abused while at the same time He was bearing the sins and guilt of the entire world! Throughout His entire life and especially in His last 24 hours He was tempted not only to break God’s commandments but also to save Himself, to defend Himself, to retaliate against His enemies, to give up in the great struggle against sin. But He overcame each and every temptation. Dear reader, it is because of His victory that we too can overcome. He overcame the sinful flesh in order that we too may be able to overcome the sinful flesh. Read Hebrews 2:14-18 again and thank God for the wonderful gift of victory given to us in Christ! Read also Hebrews 12:1-3. Since Jesus was tempted in all points like us, and since He felt all the enticements of the sinful flesh and moreover since He overcame and lived a spotlessly sinless life, THEN WE HAVE THE ASSURANCE OF VICTORY BY FAITH IN HIM. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1Corinthians 10:13. But the question may be asked: How did Jesus overcome the flesh, the world and the devil? Jesus Overcame By Faith In, And Absolute Surrender To, His Father. Many people believe that Jesus overcame by depending on His own strength. Many feel that He overcame because His human flesh was superior to ours. We have seen clearly from the Bible that He had the same weak sinful flesh we have. The Bible also makes it clear that Jesus did not employ His own Divinity in the fight against sin. Jesus Christ overcame not by depending on His own Godhood, but by absolute surrender to His Father in full faith. Consider carefully these texts where Jesus explains that He trusted and depended completely upon His Father to do the works of righteousness through Him. “I can of my own self do nothing; as I hear I judge; and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5:30. “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me.” John 6:38. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” John 5:19. “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works.” John 14:10. “For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” Romans 15:3. “And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39. When Jesus Christ was on earth in human nature He depended not on himself but upon His Heavenly Father. He entrusted His entire life to the Heavenly Father who by the Holy Spirit performed the works of righteousness through the Son. Jesus had to pray and cry out to the Father to keep him from falling under the attacks of the enemy. Paul makes this clear in Hebrews 5:7-9. “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” Hebrews 5:7-9. The righteousness of Christ then, was righteousness by faith in God, and not by self-effort. By faith in God He surrendered all to His Father who produced the good works of righteousness in and through Him. The faith of Jesus is therefore the victorious faith of absolute surrender to God, of absolute trust in God, of absolute dependence on God, of absolute belief in God’s word to be the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. The faith of Jesus is the faith of victory over sin, over the flesh, over the world and over Satan. The faith of Jesus produces complete obedience to the will of God, to the Ten Commandments of God. The faith of Jesus allows God to fully reproduce His character through the believer in Christ! God’s final generation of living believers will keep the commandments of God because they will have the faith of Jesus, Revelation 14:12. Remember, righteousness is not produced by our self-effort to do right. True, saving righteousness is the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN CHRIST and is received as a free gift by the believing sinner. The gift of righteousness transforms the believer’s character making him obedient to the will of God. The secret, then, of how to obtain righteousness is clearly revealed by the faith of Jesus, it is the SURRENDER OF SELF to God in full faith receiving His forgiveness, His love and His righteousness as free gifts in Christ by the Holy Spirit. “... And this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith.” 1John 5:4.
Posted on: Sun, 19 Jan 2014 18:23:57 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015