God Had It All Figured Out <> 1 Peter 1:20-21

God Had It All Figured Out   1 Peter 1:20-21      

(Continuing the study of 1 Peter.)

Before the world was even created, God had it all figured out. He knew Adam and Eve would sin, setting into motion the sinful nature we all contend with every single day. And the worst consequence of that sin was that Mankind was then separated from Father God, without the power to be reconciled. 

Therefore, as part of God’s cosmic plan, He designed the one way that Mankind could be restored back to Himself. 

Internet Photo by Matt Pitt

The Apostle Peter pointed this truth out to the First Century church members, and to us as well. Speaking of Jesus, he said, “He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God” (1 Peter 1:20-21).

It’s important for us to understand that God is omniscient—He is all knowing. He knows the end before the beginning in every situation. He knew we would need a Savior and that His Son, Jesus, was the only legal and worthy candidate to fill that position for us. Even though we are each created in His image, we’re still not equal to God nor to His Son. As Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 16:6).

As Peter explained, in the times in which they were living, this One who had been foretold was manifest—or revealed—in the flesh to the world. Jesus had come and had fulfilled His mission to bear the burden for the sins of Mankind. 

The writer of Hebrews gave a beautiful description of the incarnation of Jesus and His accomplishment for our benefit. “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” (Hebrews 1:1-3).

Looking back again at verse 21, Peter explained that through Jesus, we have the opportunity to believe in and receive God’s redemption plan. God, who raised Jesus from the dead, gave Him glory. Now our faith and hope can rest in God through Jesus and we can be rescued from the debt requirement of our sins. --- Thank You, God!

We must understand, though, that this is not automatic. Jesus paid the debt which we owed. It is a free gift from God and Jesus. But we must receive the gift in order to activate it in our individual lives. It’s like someone reaches out to hand you a gift—but if you don’t believe it and receive it, you don’t get the gift. 

Imagine that Father God wants to give you a brand-new sports car. There sits the car—in your favorite color. God has the key in His hand and reaches it toward you. If you don’t reach out and take the key, the car does you no good—even though it has been provided for you. Instead you turn and walk away and say, “I don’t believe that key is for the car.” You have turned down the car your Father already had prepared for you and thus you never get to have and enjoy it.

But conversely, let’s say you look at God and see that He’s handing you the key. You believe Him, that that key is for the shiny new sports car. With joy and gratitude, you take the key and drive away in your wonderful new car.

Jesus is the key. The car is eternal life. 

If you have never believed in and received Jesus into your heart, I hope you will do that right this minute. Our Heavenly Father is reaching out with the key, His Son, Jesus. 

You can simply pray this prayer, (no matter where you are and you can do it silently if you need to): Father, I believe that Jesus really is who the Bible says He is and that He is the key to my salvation. I receive Him into my heart right now. Thank you, Father, for loving me so much. Thank You, God, for Jesus.

 

If you have just prayed that prayer, may God richly bless you and lead you to others who sincerely follow Jesus and to a good Bible teaching church. Get a Bible and start by reading the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, starting with John). Learn about Jesus. Pray to God every day. You can tell Him anything. Listen for Him to respond.

©Copyright 2018 Connie Wohlford