God’s Eternal Redemptive Plan
According to the Great Commission (cf. Mt 28:18-20; Lk 24:46-47; Acts 1:8). God has an eternal plan for the redemption of all mankind (e.g., Gen 3:15; 12:3; Ex 19:5-6; Jn 1:29; 3:16; 4:42; 12:47; Rom 5:18; 1Tim 2:4; 4:10; Titus 2:11; 3:4; Heb 2:9; 2Pet 3:9; 1Jn 2:2; 4:14), all those created in His image and likeness (cf. Gen 1:26-27). The two covenants are united in Christ (cf. Gal 3:28-29; Col 3:11). Jesus is the mystery of God, hidden but now revealed (cf. Eph 2:11-3:13)! The NT gospel is the key to Scripture.
The focus of Genesis 1-2 is God creating a place where He and His highest creation, mankind, can fellowship (cf. Gen 1:26,27; 3:8). Physical creation is a stage for this interpersonal divine agenda.
- St. Augustine explained it as a divine-shaped hole in every person that can be filled only by God Himself.
- C. S. Lewis called this planet “the touched planet,” (i.e., prepared by God for humans).
The Old Testament has many hints of this divine agenda.
- Genesis 3:15 is the first promise that God will not leave mankind in the terrible mess of sin and rebellion. It does not refer to Israel because there is no Israel, or covenant people, until the call of Abraham in Genesis 12.
- Genesis 12:1-3 is God’s initial call and revelation to Abraham which will become the covenant people, Israel. But even in this initial call, God had an eye to the whole world. Notice Gen 12:3!
- In Exodus 20 (Deuteronomy 5) God gave His law to Moses to guide His special people. Notice that in Exodus 19:5-6, God reveals to Moses the unique relationship Israel will have. But also notice that they were chosen, like Abraham, to bless the world (cf. Ex 19:5, “for all the earth is Mine”). Israel was to be a mechanism for the nations to know God and be attracted to Him. Tragically they failed (cf. Ezek 36:22-36).
- In the Psalms — 22:27-28; 66:4; 86:9 (Rev 15:4)
- Through the prophets God continued to reveal His universal redemptive plans.
- Isaiah — 2:2-4; 12:4-5; 25:6-9; 42:6,10-12; 45:22; 49:5-6; 51:4-5; 56:6-8; 60:1-3; 66:18,23
- Jeremiah — 3:17; 4:2; 16:19
- Micah — 4:1-3
- Malachi — 1:11
- Jonah may be the most “missionary” book of the OT. God’s love for Gentiles is obvious (i.e., the sailors and the Ninevites)!
- The Great Commission — Mt 28:18-20; Lke 24:46-47; Acts 1:8
- God has an eternal plan (i.e., predestined) — Lk 22:22; Acts 2:23; 3:18; 4:28; 13:29
- God wants all humans to be saved — Jn 1:29; 3:16; 4:42; 12:47; Acts 10:34-35; 1Tim 2:4-6; 4:10; Titus 2:11; 3:4; Heb 2:9; 2Pet 3:9; 1Jn 2:2; 4:14
- Christ unites the OT and NT — Gal 3:28-29; Eph 2:11-3:13; Col 3:11. All human barriers and distinctions are removed in Christ. Jesus is the “mystery of God,” once hidden but now clearly revealed (Eph 2:11-3:13).
This universal emphasis is facilitated by the emergence of the “new covenant” (cf. Jer 31:31-34; described in Ezek 36:22-36), (see Covenant) which focuses on the mercy of God, not the performance of fallen humans (see The Fall Of Mankind). Believing mankind is given is a “new heart,” a “new mind,” and a “new spirit.” Obedience is crucial but it is an internal motivation, not an external law only (cf. Rom 3:21-31; see Keep).
The NT clearly reinforces the universal redemptive plan in several ways.
The NT focuses on Jesus, not Israel. The gospel, not a nationality or geographical region, is central. Israel was the first revelation (cf. Mt 5:17-19) but Jesus is the ultimate, final revelation (cf. Mt 5:21-48; Jn 1:14-18; 14:8-11; Heb 1:1-3).
