God's Plan of Salvation

God didn't abandoned people to continue in sin for their utmost destruction. He planned to make them return to Him for redemption from sin and salvation of their souls. Ephesians 2:4-5 - God who is rich in mercy, ...even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved). The followings are discussed: Salvation Promised; Salvation Foretold, and Salvation provided.

Salvation Promised: God wanted all people to be saved despite their sinful condition and the curse for unfaithfulness. He made the plan for salvation at the time of 'fall' of Adam and Eve. He gave the picture of the tension that would continue to exist between the seed of the Serpent and Eve until the final victory (Genesis 3:15,21; 1 Peter 1:3). God's provision for Adam and covering of his shame foreshadow redemptive work of the coming Messiah. 'Strike the heel' refers to Christ's crucifixion, death and resurrection from the dead to provide salvation for all while 'Crush the head' indicates the mortal blow Satan will suffer at the final judgement.

God had revealed quite a lot concerning the Messiah. That the Messiah would bring justice and deliverance and meet needs of people at no cost (Isaiah 51:4-11). God doesn't want anybody to be left out of His saving grace for justice and mercy.

Salvation Foretold: Isaiah further declared God's invitation to all people to receive life at no cost. God would meet physical and spiritual needs of those who have faith and honour Him as the loving and caring God (Isaiah: 55:1-7). His invitation covers all we need to live victoriously on earth and earn eternal life. Our response should involve turning from sin and walking with Him by faith and in obedience.

God's plan for salvation in the new covenant would be different from the old covenant. Jeremiah revealed that it would not be a list of outward regulations. The new covenant would rather bring a change of heart (Jeremiah 31:31-34). It would bring about a relationship with God that is not be based on the law. Holy Spirit will transform the heart and enable a Christian to live by the word of God. It's only through Christ that people can have a new heart and come to right relationship with God. The new covenant seeks that the word of God is written in our hearts for righteous living and healthy relationship with others. It provides complete forgiveness for sin and enables believers to share God's message of salvation.

Salvation Provided: God is abundance in mercy and love that He wants a sinner to forsake his sinful way and come back to him. He wants those who are dead spiritually to be raised, and share Christ glory (Ephesians 2:4-7). Those who identify with Christ's death and resurrection and live by his Spirit will receive the grace of God for salvation. Those who have received the grace should bring others to God.

Lives are renewed in Christ through the power of Holy Spirit. Therefore those who are saved and living as children of God should guard their lives against sinful behaviours. Salvation in Christ should lead to cleansing of the heart from sin and spiritual renewal for a transformed living (Titus 3:3-7). Our salvation is secure in Christ through the power of Holy Spirit. Lesson texts: Genesis 3:12, 21; Isaiah 51:4-11; 55:1-7; Titus 3:3-7