Gods Eternal Plan to Redeem Man A Bible

God's Eternal Plan to Redeem Man A Bible Study [Outline by Bob Myhan] 1

Introduction Ø Many people are “at sea without a compass” when it comes to the study of God’s word simply because they do not have a firm grasp of what it is all about. 2

Introduction Ø To understand any part of God’s word, you must have an understanding of the whole, but to comprehend the whole you must mentally grasp the parts. 3

Introduction Ø It is somewhat of a paradox, but so are many of the principles of the kingdom. For example: ü “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 10: 39). 4

Introduction Ø In this study of God’s eternal plan to redeem man, we hope to give you a spiritual “compass” to guide you through your personal study of the various portions of God’s word. 5

Part I. Before the Beginning A. God existed. 1. “I am that I am” (Ex. 3: 13 -14), indicates self-existence. One who is self-existent is necessarily eternal. 2. Isaiah tells us that God “inhabits eternity” (Isa. 57: 15). Ø He has always existed. Ø He had no beginning. 6

Part I. Before the Beginning A. God existed. 1. “I am that I am” (Ex. 3: 13 -14), indicates self-existence. One who is self-existent is necessarily eternal. 2. Isaiah tells us that God “inhabits eternity” (Isa. 57: 15). 3. God is spirit (John 4: 24). Ø Something or someone must have always existed (“ex nihilo, nihil fit”). 7

Part I. Before the Beginning A. God existed. 1. “I am that I am” (Ex. 3: 13 -14), indicates self-existence. One who is self-existent is necessarily eternal. 2. Isaiah tells us that God “inhabits eternity” (Isa. 57: 15). 3. God is spirit (John 4: 24). Ø Scientists tell us that matter has not always existed. 8

Part I. Before the Beginning A. God existed. 1. “I am that I am” (Ex. 3: 13 -14), indicates self-existence. One who is self-existent is necessarily eternal. 2. Isaiah tells us that God “inhabits eternity” (Isa. 57: 15). 3. God is spirit (John 4: 24). Ø Therefore, God must have always existed. 9

Part I. Before the Beginning A. God existed. B. God existed in three persons. 1. The Hebrew word for God in Gen. 1: 1 is plural but it takes a singular verb. a. But Moses said, “The Lord our God is one Lord” (Deut. 6: 4). b. “One” can denote unity (Gen. 2: 24). c. Thus, the Godhead is a unity - plural persons in a single state. 10

Part I. Before the Beginning A. God existed. B. God existed in three persons. 1. The Hebrew word for God in Gen. 1: 1 is plural but it takes a singular verb. 2. The Word of God existed in the beginning and is God (John 1: 1 -2, 14 -17; 17: 1 -5). 3. The Spirit of God existed in the beginning and is God (Gen. 1: 2; 14: 26; 15: 26; Acts 5: 3 -4). 11

Part I. Before the Beginning A. God existed. B. God existed in three persons. C. God had an eternal purpose (Eph. 3: 11). 1. His very nature is purposeful (Isa. 46: 8 -11; Jer. 4: 28; Eph. 1: 11). 2. His eternal purpose is to give eternal life (John 10: 10, 27 -28; Titus 1: 1 -2). 3. This is not mere eternal existence, but eternal fellowship with Him (Mt. 25: 31 -46). 12

Part II. In the Beginning A. God had unlimited power. 1. Power: “ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something” 2. Various kinds of power; physical, mental, political, legal, moral. Type of power used depends on result desired. 3. Unlimited power: “all the power necessary to accomplish His eternal purpose. ” 13

Part II. In the Beginning A. God had unlimited power. B. Creative power was exerted. 1. God brought something out of nothing (Heb. 3: 4; 11: 3). 2. He brought order out of chaos—He formed and filled what was initially “without form and void” (Gen. 1: 2 -25). * 14

Part II. In the Beginning A. God had unlimited power. B. Creative power was exerted. 1. God brought something out of nothing (Heb. 3: 4; 11: 3). 2. He brought order out of chaos—He formed and filled what was initially “without form and void” (Gen. 1: 2 -25). * * God could have created it complete, but chose not to do so, probably to demonstrate the range of His controlling power (see Mark 8: 2225). 15

Part II. In the Beginning A. God had unlimited power. B. Creative power was exerted. 1. God brought something out of nothing (Heb. 3: 4; 11: 3). 2. He brought order out of chaos—He formed and filled what was initially “without form and void” (Gen. 1: 2 -25). 3. He breathed life into a non-living form (Gen. 1: 20, 24; 2: 7). 16

Part II. In the Beginning A. God had unlimited power. B. Creative power was exerted. C. Procreative power was bestowed. * * Physical procreation prefigures spiritual procreation (Luke 8: 11; Rom. 1: 16). 17

Part II. In the Beginning A. God had unlimited power. B. Creative power was exerted. C. Procreative power was bestowed. 1. The procreative power of unconscious life (Gen. 1: 11 -12) 2. The procreative power of conscious life (Gen. 1: 21 -22) 3. The procreative power of self-conscious, personal life (Gen. 1: 28) 18

Part III. The Fall of Man A. The tri-directional responsibility of man (Mark 12: 28 -31; Titus 2: 1112) 1. Inward—live soberly 2. Outward—live righteously 3. Upward—live godly 19

Part III. The Fall of Man A. The tri-directional responsibility of man B. The fall of man (Gen. 3: 1 -13) 1. A change in affection—from love of God to love of knowledge (Gen. 3: 1 -5) 2. A change in volition—from obedience to disobedience (Gen. 3: 6) 3. A change in relation—from friend of God to enemy of God (Gen. 3: 7 -13) 20

Part III. The Fall of Man A. The tri-directional responsibility of man B. The fall of man C. God’s plan to reconcile man (Gen. 3: 14 -15) 1. The seed of the serpent (John 8: 44) 2. The seed of the woman (Gal. 4: 4) 3. The bruising of the heel and the head Ø Heel: Jesus' death (Luke 22: 3 -6; Acts 2: 22 -28) Ø Head: Satan's defeat (1 John 3: 8) 21

Part IV. The Wickedness of Man A. Cain and his descendants 1. Cain and Abel (Gen. 4: 1 -8; Heb. 11: 4; 1 John 3: 11 -12) 2. Cain’s punishment (Gen. 4: 9 -15) 3. The wickedness of Cain’s descendants (Gen. 4: 16 -24) 22

Part IV. The Wickedness of Man A. Cain and his descendants B. The worldwide flood 1. The exceeding wickedness of man (Gen. 6: 1 -5) 2. God’s decision to destroy man (Gen. 6: 6 -8) 3. The salvation of Noah and family (Gen. 6: 9 -22; Heb. 11: 7; 1 Peter 3: 18 -20; 2 Peter 2: 4 -11) 23

Part IV. The Wickedness of Man A. Cain and his descendants B. The worldwide flood C. The descendants of Noah 1. The dispersion (Gen. 10: 1 -32) 2. The confusion of tongues (Gen. 11: 1 -9) * 3. Man’s further degradation (Rom. 1: 18 -32) * Although mentioned later, this event probably preceded the “dispersion. ” 24

Part V. God’s Promises to Abram A. To make of him a great nation (Gen. 12: 1 -2) 1. A nation with a large population (Gen. 17: 1 -7) 2. A nation with a sizeable territory (Gen. 15: 12 -21; 17: 8; Josh. 21: 43 -45) 3. A righteous nation (Gen. 18: 17 -19; Ex. 19: 4 -6; Prov. 14: 34) 25

Part V. God’s Promises to Abram A. To make of him a great nation B. To bless him and make his name great (Gen. 12: 2) 1. To bless him physically (Gen. 25: 7) 2. To bless him materially (Gen. 13: 1 -2) 3. To bless him spiritually, thus making his name great (Gen. 15: 6; 18: 16 -19; Rom. 4: 1 -8) 26

Part V. God’s Promises to Abram A. To make of him a great nation B. To bless him and make his name great C. To bless all families of the earth in him—that is, in his Seed (Gen. 12: 3; Gal. 3: 7 -9, 23 -29) 1. To bless them individually 2. To bless them spiritually 3. To bless them conditionally 27

Part VI. The Faith of Abraham A. “He believed [had faith in] God” (Gen. 15: 6). 1. Knowledge: What is learned through experience & reason Experience & reason told him Sarah would never have a son. 2. Faith: What is learned from reliable testimony - God eventually told him Sarah would have a son. 3. Opinion: Position held in the absence of hard evidence Reliable testimony is hard evidence; thus, faith is not opinion. 28

Part VI. The Faith of Abraham A. “He believed [had faith in] God. ” B. “Faith wrought with his works” (James 2: 22 a). 1. He left home, family & religion because of his faith (Acts 7: 2, 3; Heb. 11: 8; Josh. 24: 1, 2). 2. He sojourned in the land of promise because of his faith (Heb. 11: 9 -10). 3. He offered up the son of promise because of his faith (Heb. 11: 17 -19). 29

Part VI. The Faith of Abraham A. “He believed [had faith in] God. ” B. “Faith wrought with his works. ” C. “By works was faith made perfect” (James 2: 22 b). 1. There is dead faith (James 2: 14 -20, 26). 2. There is little or weak faith (Matt. 14: 25 -31; Rom. 4: 19). 3. And there is great or perfect faith - “to the saving of the soul” (Matt. 8: 5 -10; 15: 28; Heb. 10: 26 -39; James 2: 21 -23). 30

Part VI. The Faith of Abraham A. “He believed [had faith in] God. ” B. “Faith wrought with his works. ” C. “By works was faith made perfect. ” Ø We, too, must have the faith of Abraham (Rom. 4: 1 -12). 31

Part VII. Isaac & Jacob A. God’s promise to Isaac 1. The seed of promise (Gen. 17: 15 -21; 21: 1 -12) 2. Death & burial of Abraham (Gen. 25: 1 -10) 3. Isaac given the blessing (Gen. 25: 11; 26: 1 -5) 32

Part VII. Isaac & Jacob A. God’s promise to Isaac B. The birthright & the blessing 1. The birth of Jacob & Esau (Gen. 25: 19 -26) 2. Esau despises his birthright (Gen. 25: 27 -34) 3. Jacob given the greater blessing (Gen. 27: 1 -29) 33

Part VII. Isaac & Jacob A. God’s promise to Isaac B. The birthright & the blessing C. God’s promise to Jacob 1. Jacob’s dream (Gen. 28: 10 -22) 2. Jacob’s name changed to Israel (Gen. 32: 24 -28) 3. Jacob’s blessing at Bethel (Gen. 35: 1 -15) 34

Part VIII. Formation of A Nation A. The people were providentially preserved through Joseph. 1. He was sold into slavery (Gen. 37: 3 -36; Acts 7: 9). 2. He rose to power (Gen. 39 -41; Acts 7: 9 -10). 3. He brought his family to Egypt (Gen. 42 -46; Acts 7: 11 -15). 35

Part VIII. Formation of A Nation A. The people were providentially preserved through Joseph. B. The law was given through Moses. 1. The forty-years of Moses’ preservation (Ex. 2: 1 -15; Acts 7: 17 -29; Heb. 11: 23 -27) 2. The forty-years of Moses’ preparation (Acts 7: 30 -35; Ex. 2: 1625; 3: 1 -22; 4: 1 -31) 3. The forty-years of Moses’ participation (Acts 7: 36 -44; Ex. 5 -40; Num. & Deut. ) 36

Part VIII. Formation of A Nation A. The people were providentially preserved through Joseph. B. The law was given through Moses. C. The land was entered, conquered and divided under Joshua. 1. The land entered (Josh. 3: 1 -17; 4: 19 -24). 2. The land conquered (Josh. 5 -12). 3. The land divided (Josh. 13 -22; Acts 13: 17 -19). 37

Part IX. The Old Testament A. Its exclusivity 1. The Old Testament - God's covenant with Israel - was His promise, or undertaking, to make them “a special treasure” (Ex. 19: 1 -6). Ø This was a conditional covenant—they were to keep it by meeting its conditions. 38

Part IX. The Old Testament A. Its exclusivity 1. The Old Testament - God's covenant with Israel - was His promise, or undertaking, to make them “a special treasure” (Ex. 19: 1 -6). 2. This covenant had not been made with their ancestors or any other nation (Deut. 5: 1 -3). 3. The Ten Commandments formed the basis of this covenant (Deut. 5: 4 -21). 39

Part IX. The Old Testament A. Its exclusivity B. Its purposes 1. To reveal and magnify sin (Rom. 7: 7 -13) 2. To separate Jews from Gentiles (Eph. 2: 11 -12) 3. To bring the Jews to Christ (Gal. 3: 19 -24) 40

Part IX. The Old Testament A. Its exclusivity B. Its purposes C. Its weaknesses 1. Those who failed to keep it were cursed (Gal. 3: 10 -12). 2. It could not free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8: 1 -3; Gal. 3: 21). 3. It could not make worshippers perfect (Heb. 10: 1 -4). 41

Part X. The Aaronic Priesthood A. The tabernacle & its furnishings (Ex. 26) * 1. The outer court: brazen altar, laver (Ex. 27; 30: 17 -21) 2. The holy place: table of showbread, lamp stand, and altar of incense (Ex. 25: 23 -40; 30: 1 -6; 40: 22 -27) 3. The most holy place - Holy of holies: ark of the covenant (Ex. 25: 10 -22) * These were figures of the true tabernacle and its furnishings (Heb. 8: 1 -5; 9: 1 -10). 42

Part X. The Aaronic Priesthood A. The tabernacle & its furnishings B. The priests & the sacrificial system (Lev. ) * 1. Priestly regulations (Lev. 21: 1 -24; 22: 1 -16) 2. Priestly duties (Lev. 8 & 9) 3. Sacrifices (Lev. 22: 17 -33) * These were figures of the New Testament priesthood of believers and their spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2: 5, 9; Heb. 13: 15, 16; Rom. 12: 1; 2 Cor. 8: 5). 43

Part X. The Aaronic Priesthood A. The tabernacle & its furnishings B. The priests & the sacrificial system C. The high priest & the Day of Atonement * 1. Identification (Num. 17; 20: 23 -28) 2. Special garments (Ex. 28: 1 -39) 3. Special functions (Ex. 30: 7 -10; Lev. 16; 23: 26 -32; Heb. 9: 1 -7) * These were figures of the high priesthood of Jesus Christ and His perfect sacrifice for sin (Heb. 8: 6; 9: 11 -28; 10: 1 -18). 44

Part XI. The United Kingdom A. King Saul: A man’s man (1 Sam. 9: 1, 2) 1. Humble beginning (1 Sam. 9: 15 -27; 10: 1, 17 -24) 2. Pride raises its ugly head (1 Sam. 13: 6 -14) 3. The end of a dynasty (1 Sam. 15: 1 -23) 45

Part XI. The United Kingdom A. King Saul: A man’s man B. King David: A man after God’s own heart (Acts 13: 21 -22) 1. Sin (2 Sam. 11: 1 -27) 2. Remorse (2 Sam. 12: 1 -14; Psalm 51) 3. Blessings & promises (1 Sam. 17: 31 -51; 18: 6 -7; 2 Sam. 7: 1 -13) 46

Part XI. The United Kingdom A. King Saul: A man’s man B. King David: A man after God’s own heart C. King Solomon: A wise and foolish man 1. His wisdom (1 Kings 3: 5 -9, 16 -28; 4: 29 -34) 2. His foolishness (1 Kings 3: 1 -4; 11: 1 -8) 3. His Accomplishments - 3 books of wisdom, 3, 000 proverbs & 1, 005 songs (1 Kings 4: 32), & his splendor was legendary (Matt. 6: 28 -29). 47

Part XII. The Divided Kingdom A. Rehoboam & Jeroboam - ca. 931 BC 1. Solomon’s idolatry & death (1 Kings 11: 9 -13, 41 -43) 2. God’s promise to Jeroboam (1 Kings 11: 28 -38) 3. Rehoboam’s error (1 Kings 12: 1 -24) 48

Part XII. The Divided Kingdom A. Rehoboam & Jeroboam - ca. 931 BC B. The decline & fall of Israel - ca. 722 BC 1. Jeroboam’s “preventive measures” (1 Kings 12: 25 -33) 2. Israel’s kings (1 Kings 16: 29 -33; 22: 51 -53; 2 Kings 3: 13) 3. The end of God’s longsuffering (2 Kings 17: 1 -8) 49

Part XII. The Divided Kingdom A. Rehoboam & Jeroboam - ca. 931 BC B. The decline & fall of Israel - ca. 722 BC C. The decline & fall of Judah - ca. 586 BC 1. Judah’s kings - Some good, some bad 2. Judah’s treatment of prophets (Matt. 21: 33 -41) 3. The end of God’s longsuffering (2 Chron. 36: 1 -21) Ø See Isa. 45 & 46; Jer. 29: 10; 2 Chron. 36: 22 for their return to the promised land. 50

Part XIII. The Messianic Kingdom A. In prediction 1. It was to come in the days of the Roman Empire (Dan. 2: 2445). 2. It was to come in Jerusalem (Isa. 2: 1 -4). 3. It was to come with power (Joel 2: 28 -32). 51

Part XIII. The Messianic Kingdom A. In prediction B. In preparation (Luke 16: 16) 1. John & Jesus (Matt. 3: 1 -2; 4: 12 -17; Mark 9: 1) 2. The limited commission (Matt. 10: 1 -7; Luke 10: 1 -11) 3. The facts of the gospel (1 Cor. 15: 1 -8) 52

Part XIII. The Messianic Kingdom A. In prediction B. In preparation (Luke 16: 16) C. In perfection 1. It came in the days of the Roman Empire (Luke 2: 1; 3: 1; Acts 11: 27 -28) 2. It came in Jerusalem (Acts 1: 12 -26) 3. It came with power (Acts 1: 6 -8; 2: 1 -4) 53

Part XIV. The Fullness of Times A. “God sent forth His Son” (Gal. 4: 4) 1. Declared at His baptism (Matt. 3: 13 -17). 2. Declared at His transfiguration (Luke 9: 28 -36). 3. Demonstrated by the resurrection (Rom. 1: 4). 54

Part XIV. The Fullness of Times A. “God sent forth His Son” B. “Made of a woman” (Gal. 4: 4) 1. Her seed (Gen. 3: 14 -15) 2. Son of God (Isa. 7: 14 -17; 9: 6, 7) 3. Son of Man (Matt. 1: 18 -25; 8: 20) 55

Part XIV. The Fullness of Times A. “God sent forth His Son” B. “Made of a woman” C. “Made under the law” (Gal. 4: 4) 1. The seed of Abraham (Gen. 12: 3; Gal. 3: 16) 2. From the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49: 8 -10; Heb. 7: 14) 3. The Son of David (Jer. 23: 5, 6; Luke 3: 23 -33) 56

Part XV. The New Testament (1) A. Was foretold in the Old Testament (Jer. 31: 31 -34). 1. Law to be written on minds & hearts (Ps. 1). 2. None shall teach neighbor & brother to know God. The knowledge of God precedes one's entrance into the Messianic kingdom. 3. No more remembrance of sins. - The Jews, by contrast, were reminded of their sins every year (Heb. 10: 1 -4). 57

Part XV. The New Testament (1) A. Was foretold in the Old Testament. B. Was necessary to fulfill God’s eternal purpose. 1. To free man from the curse of the law (Gal. 3: 1 -14) 2. To free man from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8: 1 -3) 3. To make worshippers perfect (Heb. 10: 5 -10) 58

Part XV. The New Testament (1) A. Was foretold in the Old Testament. B. Was necessary to fulfill God’s eternal purpose. C. Was dedicated by the blood of Jesus Christ. 1. Jesus is High Priest & Mediator (Heb. 8: 6 -13). 2. A better covenant requires better sacrifices (Heb. 9: 11 -28). 3. Jesus offered Himself once for all (Heb. 10: 11 -22). 59

Part XVI. The New Testament (2) A. The Great Commission (Acts 1: 1 -3) 1. Matthew’s Account (28: 16 -20) 2. Mark’s Account (16: 14 -16) 3. Luke’s Account (24: 44 -48) 60

Part XVI. The New Testament (2) A. The Great Commission B. The first gospel sermon 1. Facts of the gospel (Acts 2: 22 -24) 2. OT Prophecy (Ps. 16: 8 -11; 132: 11; 2 Sam. 7: 12 -16; Ps. 110: 1; Matt. 22: 41 -46) 3. Implication of the facts & prophecies (Acts 2: 36) 61

Part XVI. The New Testament (2) A. The Great Commission B. The first gospel sermon C. The conditions of salvation 1. To the Jew first (Acts 2: 37 -38) 2. To the Samaritans (Acts 8: 4 -13) 3. To the Gentiles (Acts 10: 1 -48; 11: 1 -18) 62

Part XVII. The New Testament (3) A. Religious authority (Heb. 1: 1 -2; 2: 2 -4; Matt. 10: 40; John 12: 48; Col. 3: 17) 1. Commands (Matt. 8: 5 -13; 28: 18) 2. Approved examples (1 Cor. 4: 16; 11: 1; Phil. 3: 17; 4: 9) 3. Divine implications (Matt. 22: 23 -34; Acts 15: 1 -31) 63

Part XVII. The New Testament (3) A. Religious authority B. The New Testament church - universal 1. Foundation (1 Cor. 3: 5 -11; Matt. 16: 18) 2. Composition (1 Cor. 3: 12; 1 Peter 2: 4 -5) 3. Destination (1 Peter 1: 3 -5) 64

Part XVII. The New Testament (3) A. Religious authority B. The New Testament church - universal C. The New Testament church - local 1. Organization (Acts 14: 23; Phil. 1: 1; Titus 1: 5 -9; 1 Tim. 3: 1 -13) 2. Work (2 Cor. 11: 8, 9; Eph. 4: 11, 12; Acts 6: 1 -2) 3. Worship (Acts 2: 42; Eph. 5: 19; 1 Cor. 16: 2) 65

Part XVIII. Salvation (1) A. Salvation is by God’s grace. - Not merely undeserved favor, but the opposite of what is deserved (Rom. 6: 23). 1. The need for God’s grace is universal (Rom. 5: 6 -14) 2. The extension of God’s grace is universal (Rom. 5: 15 -21; 1 Tim. 2: 1 -4; Titus 2: 11) 3. The condition of God’s grace is obedient faith (Rom. 1: 5; 5: 1 -2; Eph. 2: 1 -9) 66

Part XVIII. Salvation (1) A. Salvation is by God’s grace. B. Salvation is through - on the condition of - faith. 1. Believing that God exists & that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11: 6) 2. Believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (John 20: 30 -31) 3. Trusting in Jesus enough to obey Him (John 3: 16; Prov. 3: 5; Heb. 5: 8 -9) 67

Part XVIII. Salvation (1) A. Salvation is by God’s grace. B. Salvation is through - on the condition of - faith. C. Repentance - “determination to forsake the sins of the past and to avoid sin in the future” 1. The universal need for repentance (Acts 17: 30, 31) 2. The basis of repentance (2 Cor. 7: 8 -10) 3. The results of repentance (2 Cor. 7: 11; 1 Thess. 1: 2 -10; 1 Cor. 6: 9 -11) 68

Part XIX. Salvation (2) A. Confession 1. Confession of Christ by an alien sinner (Matt. 16: 16; Rom. 10: 9 -10; 1 Tim. 6: 12) 2. Confession of Christ by a child of God (Matt. 10: 32, 33; John 12: 42 -43; 1 John 2: 21 -23; 4: 1 -3, 15) 3. Confession of sin by a child of God (James 5: 16; 1 John 1: 8 -10) 69

Part XIX. Salvation (2) A. Confession B. Water baptism 1. Action is immersion (Rom. 6: 3 -4; Col. 2: 11 -12). 2. Proper subjects are penitent believers (Mark 16: 16; Acts 2: 38; 8: 35 -37). 3. Purpose is to obtain forgiveness or remission of sins (1 Cor. 6: 9 -11; Acts 18: 8; Eph. 5: 26; Acts 19: 1 -5; Col. 2: 11 -13; Acts 2: 38; 22: 16) 70

Part XIX. Salvation (2) A. Confession B. Water baptism C. Faithful living (Rev. 2: 10; Matt. 22: 37 -39; Titus 2: 11 -12). Responsibility is tri-directional: 1. Inward—living soberly or seriously 2. Outward—living righteously, loving your neighbor as yourself 3. Upward—living godly, loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength of will 71

Conclusion Ø Thus God, in what we might call “eternity past, ” wanting children in what we might call “eternity future, ” decided to create a race of beings who would have the power of self-determination and who could and would separate themselves from him through their own defiance of His infinite and sovereign will. 72

Conclusion Ø He also simultaneously determined to save that race of beings from their said defiance and the separation that it would cause. 73

Conclusion Ø Because He wanted in heaven only those who would choose to be there, He designed the plan of redemption in such a way that only those who truly wanted to be with Him eternally would meet the conditions of whatever covenant they happened to live under. 74

Conclusion Ø The church - in the universal sense - is the culmination - on earth of His eternal purpose (Eph. 3: 8 -11). Ø The nation of Israel was simply part of His plan to bring the church into existence. Ø Israelites are no longer His chosen people. Ø Under the New Testament His chosen people are Christians. 75

Conclusion Ø And only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, have repented of their sins, confessed their faith before men, have been baptized into Christ, and are living faithful lives are Christians. 76