Lorenzo Palon

"God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord." - Ephesians 3:10-11 (NLT)

God’s eternal redemptive plan is indeed revealed in the Old Testament. Throughout the Old Testament, there are numerous prophecies, symbols, and foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. These prophecies and symbols point to the ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ is revealed as the Savior who fulfills the promises and covenants made in the Old Testament.

The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding God’s redemptive plan, and its teachings are essential for gaining a comprehensive understanding of God’s work throughout history (cf. Genesis 3:15; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Micah 7:18-19; Isaiah 53:5-6; Psalm 130:7-8). I must admit it’s difficult to see for the people who lived in the Old Testament to realize this, and I think it was somewhat hard even for the people of the New Testament. It’s funny; we learn from the book of Acts that the Greek-speaking Jews were the first to catch this Great Commission Christianity. It said, “they went everywhere preaching the word (except the Apostles as they stayed in Jerusalem somewhere)”.

As we look backwards, we can see the plan of God so much more clearly. We stand in an understanding what the people of the Bible longed to understand and experience. We understand more about the redemptive plan of God than did Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah. We understand more about the plan of God than any Old Testament person. We even understand more about the plan of God than the early apostles, and that’s a staggering statement once we think about that.

Indeed, there is an eternal plan, and the first place to really come home to me is Genesis 3:15, because Genesis 3:15 is a promise to humanity, those made in the image and likeness of God. It is not a promise to Israel, because there is no Israel until the call of Abraham in chapter 12. In Luke 22:22, and we’re talking in context that it’s the Lord’s Supper, but this little phrase, “For indeed, the Son of Man is going as it has been determined;…” – of course the last little phrase has to do with Judas, but this is saying that there was a plan even about Jesus being betrayed.

Furthermore, if we look at the early sermons of the apostles in the book of Acts. We often call this the ‘kerygma’ from the Greek word to proclaim; what did the early church leaders preach? What did Peter, Stephen, and Paul preach? What was the focus of their message? These are inspired apostles, and in Acts 2:23, we find the first in a series of sermons, “this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death’.

Now if you would look at the second sermon of the early church done by Peter in Acts 3:18, “But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled”.

Lastly, and I think this a powerful one – in Acts 4:27-29, it says “For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence,”.

It is truly amazing to consider that God not only has a plan but also foreknowledge of individuals. In Revelation 13:8, it is mentioned that your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. However, there is often disagreement among Christians regarding how to reconcile predestination and foreknowledge with the concept of “whosoever will” in terms of human responsibility and decision-making.

The truth is that there is a divine decision that must be coupled with human decision in God’s plan. Even when things don’t go as we planned and we are filled with confusion and doubt, you should always remember that the hairs of your head are numbered, as mentioned in Luke 12:7. Nothing happens by chance to God’s children.

In the midst of life’s problems, we are not called to complain, but rather, as redeemed children of God, let us rise above life’s challenges and be a beacon of hope, peace, and love in this fallen world. Let us embrace our purpose and actively work towards fulfilling it, so that others may see the light of God shining through us and be drawn to His grace and mercy. Let our lives be a testimony to the transformative power of God, and may we never lose sight of the calling to reflect His love in all circumstances.

Ways we can authentically affirm and demonstrate God’s redemptive plan in a modern context:

1. Social Justice and Compassion: The redemptive plan of God calls us to advocate for justice and show compassion towards those in need. This involves standing against societal injustices, supporting marginalized communities, and working towards equality and fairness for all individuals.
2. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Embracing God’s redemptive plan means extending forgiveness towards those who have wronged us and seeking reconciliation in our relationships. By fostering an environment of forgiveness and reconciliation, we embody the transformative power of God’s love in our interactions with others.
3. Community Outreach and Service: Engaging in community outreach and service reflects God’s redemptive plan by demonstrating love and care for our neighbors. This can involve volunteering at local organizations, participating in outreach programs, and supporting initiatives that uplift the community.
4. Healing and Restoration Ministries: Embracing God’s redemptive plan entails participating in ministries focused on emotional, mental, and physical healing. This can include supporting individuals in recovery, participating in counseling and mentorship programs, and promoting holistic restoration for those facing hardships.
5. Promotion of Spiritual Growth and Discipleship: Actively participating in spiritual growth and discipleship initiatives aligns with God’s redemptive plan. This can involve mentoring others in their faith, engaging in thoughtful discussions about the scriptures, and fostering a community of believers dedicated to growing in their relationship with God.
6. Advocacy for Human Dignity and Worth: Upholding the dignity and worth of every individual reflects the essence of God’s redemptive plan. This advocacy includes standing against dehumanization, promoting respect for all persons, and actively working to ensure that every individual is valued and treated with dignity.

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Suggested supplemental readings:

• “Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament” by Christopher J.H. Wright: This book delves into the Old Testament and its significance in understanding the redemptive plan of God, providing valuable insights into how the Old Testament prophecies and symbols point to the fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
• “The New Testament and the People of God” by N.T. Wright: N.T. Wright’s work offers a scholarly exploration of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, shedding light on how the early church leaders and apostles interpreted and preached the redemptive plan of God in their sermons.
• “Chosen by God” by R.C. Sproul: This book addresses the theological concept of predestination and foreknowledge, offering a balanced perspective on the divine decision and human responsibility within God’s redemptive plan. It provides valuable insights for those seeking to understand the tension between God’s sovereignty and human choice.
• “Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission” by David J. Bosch: This theological work offers a comprehensive exploration of the mission of the church in light of God’s redemptive plan. It provides a broader context for understanding our purpose as redeemed children of God and the transformative power of reflecting His love in the world.