[ Special Lesson 51] God’s Redemptive Plan!

by ichthus

This lesson covered God’s plan for redemption, which began after Adam and Eve’s sin allowed Satan to corrupt the world with sin, death, pain, etc. For thousands of years, God promised through prophecies that He would send His son Jesus as the Messiah. The lesson went over prophecies foretelling Jesus’ virgin birth, suffering, death for sin, and resurrection.

Jesus’ first coming accomplished bearing sin and defeating death. However, his second coming is still necessary to bring full salvation by capturing Satan, establishing God’s kingdom on earth (Mount Zion/New Jerusalem), and allowing God’s dwelling to be with humanity again free from sin, death, and suffering.

The lesson emphasized the importance of the prophecies being fulfilled exactly as foretold, proving the divine inspiration of Scripture. It encouraged believers to appreciate Jesus’ role more deeply and to eagerly await and prepare for his second coming to restore all things.

 

Study Guide SCJ Bible Study

Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.

While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.

The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.

Figurative meanings:

Emmanuel = God with us. Emmanual is just a figurative representation. Emmanuel is a parable, another way to express a parable is through a title. His title was God with us. His name is Savior.

This is how God works. God comes and gives a prophecy about what he intends to do. He speaks that prophecy in parable-like language, so that Satan, who is ruling the world, will not send forces to destroy God’s plan.

 

Redemption of sin had to occur before salvation could be possible. Sin had to be atoned for by the blood of one who was perfect. This removed Satan’s shield, making him vulnerable for the final defeat, which will happen in Revelation.

Jesus promised Revelation to bring salvation and a new word, as mentioned in James 1:21.

Hebrews 9:26-29

First Coming: Bear Sin

Second Coming: Bring Salvation!

God’s intention over this 6,000-year era is to establish Mount Zion as a fulfillment of prophecy. At this sacred place, 144,000 individuals will gather, along with a great multitude. God will appoint someone to seal those who are yet to arrive. The purpose behind this is to prepare a dwelling place not just for the Lamb but also for others.

The figurative language represents deeper spiritual truths. The 144,000 and the great multitude symbolize those who will flee from false hopes and lies to embrace the true Word.

Revelation 14:2  says “Coming down, out of heaven.” The holy city, new Jerusalem, heaven in the spiritual world, is coming down.

Review with the Evangelist

Memorization

Hebrews 1:7

In speaking of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.”

Yeast of Heaven

Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, which one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.

 

Our Hope: Let’s understand why the world is the way it is and God’s plan to restore what was lost!

 



God’s Plan for Redemption!

This is undoubtedly one of the most significant days for believers because the very foundation of our faith revolves around this day. Can we have a few volunteers share their thoughts on the exciting events that occurred today or discuss why this day holds such importance to them?

 

The reason I asked this question is that it’s always beneficial to reflect on the events that have transpired before us, as many individuals have endured great suffering, especially Christ, so that we may have the words we possess today. This will be part of our discussion today.

 

By doing so, we can maintain a sense of gratitude for what we have and where we are.

God’s plan of redemption has been unfolding for over 6,000 years. We’ll explore this plan today.

Our hope. Let’s understand why the world is in its current state and God’s plan to restore what was lost.

Previous Lesson Review

Review

In the previous lesson, we learned about the living creatures and the winds. The four living creatures represent the four archangels of heaven, implying that God has four high-ranking angels who are commanders in His army. When they say, “come,” events unfold, and there are other angels under their command, referred to as “eyes,” as mentioned in Revelation 5:6. These four living creatures, or archangels, also command the winds.

 

We discovered that the winds have two meanings. The winds symbolize other angels and the judgment they bring. Spiritually, when winds are blowing, judgment is taking place.

 

When the winds are halted, judgment has been paused for a time to allow something special to occur. As stated in Revelation 7, the winds are stopped so that sealing can take place.

 

However, we also know that in Revelation 7, the winds begin to blow again because it is prophesied that a great tribulation will also occur. This is also significant. Are we prepared for the impending great tribulation, or has it already begun?

 

These are questions we need to ask ourselves at this time. When winds are blowing, judgment is taking place. When winds stop, judgment is paused.

 

But why is there a need for judgment in the first place? What has been happening that has led us to a point where all these events must occur? Let’s go back in time to when these things happened so that we can understand God’s plan for redemption.

 

Before we do that, however, let’s read an essential passage because we often wonder, “What is God’s will for my life? What does God intend to happen for me?” Let’s turn to the book of Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prospert you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 is so important because we realize that God has a plan for all of us. And God’s plan, to summarize it all, is for us to prosper. Not for us to be hurt, but for us to be able to prosper. Why? But the real question is, how will this apply to someone?

 

What did it say here? In verse 12, for us to have a future and hope. So for us to prosper, to have hope, to have a future. Why? And how is this possible? Then you will call upon me, come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me, and you will find me when you seek me with all of your heart. So these things will take place for us if we seek God with all of our heart, meaning total and undivided attention and devotion. When we seek God with all of our heart, then God’s plan can take place for us.

 

God’s plan cannot really take place for someone who does not seek him, who is not interested in him or what he is doing because that person is not living in the way that God requires that person to live, following him, seeking him. 

 

But I wanted to look at another passage here, some things that I’ve heard that are on our mind as we continue through the class and thoughts that I even had as we’ve been studying. It seems like things are happening quickly, almost like we are caught off guard and we’re playing catch-up, learning the open word at this time, and we’re only able to learn a little bit at a time each class.

 

And so the more we learn, we’re like, “What’s going on? Things seem to be happening already like that.” I know what that feeling is like because I had it too. But I want us to know that God is never late, and that God called you now on purpose, and that this was the perfect time for you to come and hear this word as part of God’s plan for your life to give you hope and a future. Let’s read about this. Let’s turn to 2nd Peter.

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

God is not slow in the way some understand slowness. We often have to wait for what God has intended, for God’s promises, and often a very long time. For most of our lives, we have been waiting to truly understand God, to truly understand God’s Spirit, to truly understand the Word.

 

However, now is the time that God had specifically prepared for you. So, take advantage of this time that God is giving you. You have set aside three plus days per week, two hours at a time, to truly understand God’s Word well.

 

Use that time wisely. Make the most of every opportunity, because now is the time that God intended for you to learn the open Word, understand His plan, and comprehend what is going on in our current era. You are not late.

 

You are not behind. You are right on time, because God is right on time.

Can we trust that God planned this time for us?

So, let’s discuss the content for today.



1. Beginning: God’s Dwelling

In the beginning, to comprehend the state of the world today, we must explore where God’s dwelling resided. The book of Genesis, chapter three, provides insight into this.

Genesis 3:8

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

In the beginning, where was God’s dwelling? God’s dwelling was actually in the garden. This makes a lot of sense when you think about it logically. God is our father. Like a parent, if things are going well and everything is okay, a parent would not live apart from their children. The children would live with them, so the parent can be with them, nurture them, and take care of them. Would God create us and then leave if things were okay? Of course not. God was here, dwelling among His creation. But something happened.

 

God gave instructions to Adam and Eve. He primarily gave instructions to Adam before Eve came into the picture. He told Adam, “Do not eat from this tree. You may eat from these trees in the garden, but of this tree in the middle of the garden, you may not eat” (Genesis 2:17). Then, He instructed Adam to name the plants and animals in the garden and tend to it, as it was his kingdom to reign and rule over, to take care of.

 

However, we know that Satan doesn’t like God doing things without interfering in some way or form. Satan interfered and caused the deception of Adam and Eve, a story we’ve heard many times. Satan was in the garden, and he encouraged the serpent to entice Eve to consider the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He did this by figuratively snaking into her mind.

 

Here’s how he did it: He didn’t say, “God does not exist. Do not believe in Him. Be an atheist.” That wouldn’t have worked because they could see God walking in the cool of the day. That would be a foolish thing to say. Instead, he said, “What did God tell you? Oh, He said that to you? Well, guess what? This is actually what God really meant.”

 

So, he took God’s word and twisted it a little, but not completely. The fruit still looked good enough to eat. If the fruit had become steak or a cockroach, they wouldn’t have eaten it. But the fruit remained looking just about right enough to eat.

 

What we should understand from this is that God gave the command to Adam. So, Adam’s job was to teach Eve and make sure she fully understood, without any doubt, what God had asked them to do. But the reason why Satan went for Eve was because she wasn’t the one who heard the command directly. And so, she had a little bit of doubt.

 

She thought the fruit was good to eat, and then she gave it to Adam. So, really, Adam had failed at his job. His job was to teach her and make sure she understood well. Blame is all around, right? I’ve heard this story many times explained, with blame placed here and there. They both failed at their job. What should Eve have done? Ask Adam, “Is this true what the serpent is saying?” or “God, is this true what the serpent is saying?” And that would have been the end of it.

 

But Satan enticed them with their own personal desires to be a little bit like God. That might have seemed interesting. So, we really need to consider the way Satan works. He’s very sly. He’s not going to come to a believer of God and tell that person, “God does not exist.” That would not work. That would be a bullet that would bounce right off a believer. But the goal is to make them believe in God differently than God wants them to believe. That’s Satan’s greatest trick.

 

So, when this took place, right? We know that God told them in Genesis 2:17 not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for if they did, they would surely die. But we see that in Genesis 3:6, they do, in fact, eat from that tree.

 

Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. When this happened, the world that was once perfect, that God had created, has now become corrupt. So, let’s see God’s heart because of the way this world continued to devolve after they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Genesis 6:5-6

5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.

The Lord was grieved, correct? Many perceive God as impenetrable, but the text represents God experiencing pain. 

 

God was deeply grieved by what transpired with His creation, as He witnessed His creation descending further into sin, with sin increasing generation after generation.

 

It worsened progressively, akin to having your child taken and abused, subsequently becoming a villain. Imagine witnessing your child’s transformation into villainy.

Such a scenario would deeply trouble any parent. The unimaginable pain would be profound. Thus, God decided to make a decree.

Genesis 6:3

Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.”

My spirit will not remain with.

Where it says the word “contend” in your Bible, in verse 3, there should be a small footnote, “My spirit will not remain.”

Does everyone else see that footnote as well at the bottom of your Bible?

 

 “My spirit will not remain.” Meaning that God’s spirit left this place that He created.

 

So, when God’s spirit left, what then happened to us?

If you were to describe God in a number of ways, what would you say about Him?

When you think about God, what are some things that come to mind?

 

All-powerful. How does John 1:1-4 describe Him?  The Word.

God is holy, sovereign, just, the truth, the light. God is life. God is love.

God is all-knowing, omniscient, omnipresent.

 

God is many things. But one of the things that it also says in John 1:1-4 is that in Him was life.

 

And that life was the light of men. God is the source of life, as the creator of all things. What happens when life leaves, and death enters?

 

How long was Adam supposed to live when God said, “Let us make man in our own image?”

 

120 years.  Adam was before that life limit.

That’s how long we live now, though, right? Well, not all of us. Not many people live that long.

 

But let’s think about it. “Let us make man in our own image.” Can God die?

Can the angels die? 

 

Then why intentionally make beings in your image that can die? That doesn’t make sense.

 

Death is not God’s original intention. In fact, God doesn’t like death at all. Numbers 19 describes how a person should cleanse themselves if they touch a dead body.

 

In fact, they have to cleanse themselves twice in the same week before they can join the rest of the congregation if they touch a dead body. God does not like death. God is a God of life.

 

So, when God’s spirit left, death entered the world.

 



2. Satan’s Corruption

What are the consequences of death entering the world? Satan’s corruption.

 

If you’re thinking, was Adam really supposed to live forever? Well, in Genesis 5, we see how long he lived – 930 years. Have you ever seen someone who lived 930 years? No.

 

His immediate descendants also lived for quite a few hundred years. However, with every generation, you started to see a downward trend in their lifespans. And now, no one is living anywhere near God’s life limit of 120 years.

 

Very few people even get to see 100 years. We’re about 70 to 80 if we have strength. So, as sin was increasing, our lifespans decreased. There was an inverse correlation for those math geeks out there. 

 

As sin went up, lifespans went down. And sin has been continuously increasing up to our time now.

 

6,000 years later, sin is pretty bad in our world today, right? Really awful. So, let’s talk about this now.

 

What Satan likes to do is take what is God’s and corrupt it, right? That’s what Satan loves to do.

 

Let’s fill it in with what exists today in our world.

 

Sin has entered the world and is now a thing we have to contend with. Death has entered the world and is now a thing we have to contend with. Mourning has entered the world and is now a thing that we have to contend with. Some of us have had to mourn recently. Crime has entered the world and is now a thing we have to contend with. Pain has entered the world and is now a thing we have to contend with. And many other things like war, plagues, sickness, famines, all of these things have entered the world.

 

So, if you think about it, do we really live in the world that God created? Not anymore. We live in the world that Satan corrupted.

 

Some might say, “Instructor, I don’t know if I can believe in God because babies get cancer. Why would God allow that to happen?”

Others might say, “Instructor, I don’t know if I can believe in God because my parent died of breast cancer.”

 

Or, “Instructor, I don’t know if I can believe in God because all these horrible things happen. Why would God allow these things to take place?” Who here has heard that sentiment or has struggled with that same sentiment themselves?

 

It’s hard. But because we don’t really look at Satan, we look straight at God and blame him for our own folly. Hmm.

So, if this is the state of the world, do we think that God is just okay with it? Like this is the way God intended? Certainly not.

 

Let’s dive a little bit deeper into this too. Let’s go to the book of Luke.

Luke 4:5-7

5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.”

Satan, the tempter, is speaking here as Jesus is fasting for 40 days and 40 nights before beginning his ministry. Satan takes Jesus up to a high hill and begins to whisper sweet nothings into his ear. It’s quite interesting what Satan says here. He said, “All of these things, the splendor of the world, I will give to you.”

 

Did you catch the small but critical detail in what he said? In verse 6, Satan said something fascinating: “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.”

 

Interesting. Who gave the world to Satan? Who gave it to him? Adam did. Why? Because Adam went away from God’s Word and followed Satan’s word instead. He gave him the world.

 

God told Adam to take care of the plants and animals, giving them names. The world we live in was his inheritance. But the moment they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they handed the keys over to Satan, essentially giving him the world.

 

So Satan is speaking to Jesus here in a position of ownership. I can give you my phone because it is my phone. I own the device. How could Satan offer Jesus the world if he does not own it? Tell me, class.

 

We know Satan is a liar. Adam and Eve didn’t willingly give it to him, like saying, “I think it would be better in your hands.” No, he deceived and tricked them. But by receiving the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they gave the world to him.

 

And what has he been doing for the last 6,000 years? War, famine, plagues, deceiving people, sexual immorality, idols. He’s been going after God’s creation and doing a pretty bang-up job of making all of our lives miserable. And he does so in a way where instead of us turning the blame to where it really belongs, we look up and blame God, and we walk away from him.

 

How many people, due to the questions asked earlier like “God, how can you allow this,” have walked away from God? How many people do you know in your lives who have done the same thing? Mission accomplished for Satan – make their lives so awful, they willingly walk away from God. Many people have gone through that exact thing. Really sad.

 

Let’s see another passage about this.

1 John 5:19

We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

The entire world is under the control of the evil one. If this has been the case for a long time, does it mean that God has been idle, doing nothing? To those who don’t understand the word, it may seem that way.

 

However, for those who know the word, we understand that God has been at work and has not given up on us. Glory to God.

Let’s shift our focus and discuss God’s plan of redemption.

Yes, let’s strike the devil, and what’s the most powerful blow we can deliver against him?

Precisely. With the word. Just like Jesus confronted him in the desert, for right after this, Jesus said, “Away from me,” after speaking the word to him.

 

So, the best weapon against the devil is, and always has been, the word. The spirit and the word are intertwined. When you strike the devil with the word, you are striking him with God’s spirit.

 

This is how we fight. Now, let’s examine how God intends to remedy this situation, for it is not God’s plan for things to continue as they are today. However, God’s plan must unfold over many years, many generations, and it takes numerous people over thousands of years to play an important role in God’s plan.

 

Every person we’ve read about in the Bible was a part of God’s plan of redemption. From the smallest person, like Ruth and her influence on the king, very small, or Esther, to the biggest person, Christ. All of those people had an essential role to play.

 

But today, we’re focusing on Christ. We’re focusing on Christ because Christ’s job was extremely important. So, let’s understand Christ.



3. God’s Plan for Redemption at First Coming

1. Promising His son

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Therefore, the Lord God will give you a sign. The virgin will be with child. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Emmanuel.

 

Emmanuel, which figuratively represents God with us. Okay. A very interesting word that was spoken by God through the prophet Isaiah.

 

And how many years passed between Isaiah’s prophecy and its fulfillment? Can you answer this question for me? How many years elapsed between these words and their coming to pass?

 

700 years passed.

 

So for 700 years, people were reading the words of Isaiah and thinking, “Okay, a virgin will give birth to a son, and his name will be Emmanuel.” But during all that time, was it possible to know who the son would be and who the virgin would be? People could probably guess.

 

Most likely, she will be a woman from this place, and maybe the son will be like this. A virgin giving birth to a son? Is that even possible? Right? People would ask themselves these questions for many years.

 

And maybe there were some accounts that this had already taken place before the 700 years were up. A woman from the town had claimed this. Maybe this was the fulfillment of this passage.

 

But then it fizzled out. It didn’t turn into anything. But when it really happened, and it did happen for real, we know about it.

 

The moment you were reading this passage, you knew instantly who the virgin would be. You knew instantly who the virgin is. You knew instantly who the child is.

 

Why were we able to know these things so clearly, with no question in our mind? The prophecy had already been fulfilled. To us, it’s more like history than a prophecy, a historical event that had already taken place.

 

And as we’ve been talking about in the course, this is how God works. God comes and gives a prophecy about what he intends to do. He speaks that prophecy in parable-like language, so that Satan, who is ruling the world, will not send forces to destroy God’s plan.

 

Because how many times did Satan interrupt God’s plan when it was taking place? As often as he could. “Oh, Moses was born?”

 

How did the Pharaoh kill all the recently born males in Israel? Moses barely escaped with his life in the basket in the river. The moment Christ was born, the same tactic, the same spirit at work.

 

King Herod, kill all the recently born males. “I don’t want to lose my kingship.”

 

This is why God spoke in parables, so that his plan could take place, so that Satan couldn’t stop it.

Because he has a lot of power to do such a thing. It’s why God told the people, “Do not intermarry. Because if you do, they will turn your hearts away from me.”

And there were a lot more of them than God’s people. God’s people have always been outnumbered, always outnumbered by those who do not belong to God. 

 

So when God’s words are fulfilled, for example, in Matthew 1:18-23, regarding Isaiah 7:14, “The virgin with son to name Emmanuel,” let’s read about how this was fulfilled and why we believe in Christ as that son.

Matthew 1: 18-23

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

So, what do we observe here? Ah, the prophecy is now fulfilled.

 

And now we have the details, like a testimony.

 

Who? Mary and Jesus.

Where? Bethlehem.

Why? Because it was prophesied.

How? In a manger.

 

We have the details of the prophecy being explained, and now it’s history to us.

 

But did you notice Jesus’ name? Did Jesus end up being called Emmanuel? Can someone explain that to me?

 

Why wasn’t Jesus called Emmanuel as prophesied?

 

Because Emmanuel is just a figurative representation.

 

Who here is thinking of it as a parable as well?

 

Emmanuel is a parable. Of course! Of course, it’s a parable, meaning God with us.

Another way to express a parable is through a title, role, or duty, like that. His title was God with us. His name is Savior.

 

Does that make sense? Right? The prophecy couldn’t have said, “We’ll give birth to a son, and his name would be Jesus,” because then Satan would attack every Jesus coming forward like that.

Emmanuel is a parable, a title. God with us.

 

Which Jesus certainly was. Amen? Are we seeing that connection here?

 

So, God’s plan had been in play for how long? Thousands of years, because he started talking about Jesus all the way back in the time of Moses. So God’s plan has been at work all this time.

It’s just been at work. All right, Moses, you had a pretty big role to play. “I need you to write the first five books of the Bible.

My people need to know what happened to us, why the world is this way, and they also need to have my law. Ready? Okay.

Get out a pen and paper. Get out a tablet and some chisel. We’re getting to work.”

Right? So God would work with Moses. And then after Moses, Joshua.

“Joshua, Moses did a great job. We’re now at this point.

 

Lead my people into the promised land. And when you get to a place called Jericho, blow seven trumpets over seven days while you walk around it so it can collapse. Okay, Lord, whatever you say.”

 

Right? Every person had a plan, a role to play, so that people could get where they needed to go, so that God’s plan could take place, so that the place where his son needed to be born could be prepared. Everyone was part of God’s plan.

 

Let’s see another important prophecy. So we looked at Jesus’s birth. We’re now going to look at his death.

 

The name Jesus means Savior, or he saves. So please note that. Matthew 1:21.



2. Elimination of Sin

Let’s examine the next passage about Jesus, who was born, lived, and ultimately accomplished the elimination of sin at the end of his life. We will read the entire chapter of Isaiah 53. Pay close attention to every detail within this chapter, as it holds significant meaning.

Isaiah 53

Who has believed our message

    and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,

    and like a root out of dry ground.

He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,

    nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

3 He was despised and rejected by mankind,

    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.

Like one from whom people hide their faces

    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

4 Surely he took up our pain

    and bore our suffering,

yet we considered him punished by God,

    stricken by him, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,

    he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on him,

    and by his wounds we are healed.

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

    each of us has turned to our own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

    the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,

    yet he did not open his mouth;

he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,

    and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

    so he did not open his mouth.

8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.

    Yet who of his generation protested?

For he was cut off from the land of the living;

    for the transgression of my people he was punished.

9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,

    and with the rich in his death,

though he had done no violence,

    nor was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,

    and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin,

he will see his offspring and prolong his days,

    and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.

11 After he has suffered,

    he will see the light of life and be satisfied;

by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,

    and he will bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,

    and he will divide the spoils with the strong,

because he poured out his life unto death,

    and was numbered with the transgressors.

For he bore the sin of many,

    and made intercession for the transgressors.

For 700 years, these words had been in Israel before they were fulfilled, and people still could not see it. 700 years.

 

It was as if you were present at the first coming when reading these words. When someone says the Bible is written by men, I cannot comprehend it. How? Impossible.

 

It was prophesied that he would bear our sin, and he did.

 

Everything in his life was directed towards fulfilling these words. He knew what had to come, what he would have to go through.

 

He even petitioned if it was possible to take this cup from him, and that was not possible, for it had already been written. And he knew it because he understood how hard it would be. And I hope you are paying attention to the details.

 

Stricken by God? Man, he had nothing in his appearance to attract us to him? He grew up like a tender shoot, with no beauty or majesty?

 

Right? How is Jesus often depicted in the movies? Handsome and tall, striding through the streets.

 

That’s not what he looked like. It was easy to pass by Jesus and not think a second thought. But we know that God does not consider appearance as important.

 

The heart matters much more, and so does the Word. God wanted to eliminate all other variables for someone to listen to Jesus other than the Word. So, all of these details here, as we were paying attention, were all fulfilled.

 

He bore the cross, he bore our sin, he took on our iniquities, he died, and then he received the light of life.

 

700 years passed from when those words were recorded until they were fulfilled. Although we know the story quite well, we don’t have time to read about the fulfillment.

 

Matthew 27:45-46 talks about the burial or the crucifixion of Christ. 

 

Do you remember when Jesus said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

 

Well, when I first learned about that as an early believer, I questioned why Jesus would question God like that. Who else had that thought before? Was Jesus truly questioning God, though?

 

No, he was not. Jesus was doing something special when he uttered those words. Jesus was quoting a popular Psalm.

 

The first line of Psalm 22 is, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani,” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” If people were paying close attention at Jesus’s crucifixion, they would have thought, “Hey, that’s the start of Psalm 22.”

 

“Wait a minute. They’re casting lots for his clothing. Wait a minute. They’re giving him wine vinegar to drink. Wait a minute.” They would see things around them being fulfilled.

 

Jesus was saying, “I’m on the cross, but things are being fulfilled. It’s like him saying, “Row, row, row your boat.” You’ll finish the rest of the song in your head.

 

The Psalms were sung at that time. They were songs to people. So when Jesus said, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani,” the rest of Psalm 22 would have gone through their heads, and they were seeing things being fulfilled right before their very eyes.

 

Do you want to see an example? Should we see an example? This lesson is going to be so long.

 

Oh my goodness. Let’s turn to Psalm 22 and see some examples that were fulfilled at that time.

 

Psalm 22:1 says, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus was quoting this.

 

And then, as we continue through the chapter, verse 7 says, “All who see me mock me. They hurl insults, shaking their heads.” Psalm 22 is even older than the book of Isaiah, by the way.

 

Verse 9-10: “From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.”

 

Psalm 22:18: “They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.” A thousand years, a thousand years. And it was being fulfilled at Jesus’s crucifixion.

 

If you don’t have a deeper appreciation for Jesus after today, man, what is going on? Right? These things were taking place, and Jesus was calling their attention to passages they knew already so they could recognize who he was.

 

If they still had doubt, Jesus was trying to end their doubt while on the cross. Whoa. Okay.

 

So let’s go to John 19. Let’s see how Jesus concludes his work. We haven’t even gotten to the second coming yet, which we will get to.

John 19:28-30

28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

It is finished. What was finished?

 

The fulfillment of the prophecy.

 

All of the words concerning me are finished. It is done.

Jesus’s entire life and ministry were fulfilling prophecy, his whole life. And he knew it. So he was always on a mission.

 

“Hey, disciples, go get a donkey for me. And when you bring it to me, I know it’s a strange request, but it has to happen. According to Zechariah 9:9, everything had to be fulfilled.”

 

Every request prophesied. It is finished. So, meaning all of the Old Testament has now been fulfilled.

The Old Testament concerning me. When Jesus died on the cross, the first of the two major issues that must be eliminated was eliminated. Sin was now done for.

 

That was Jesus’s first coming mission. We’re going to pick up the pace just a little bit now. 

 

Jesus’s first coming mission was the elimination of sin. Check. 

Most people, most believers stop here. Mistake.

 

Look at the world around us. The work is not done. There is still more to do.

 

Why give us the book of Revelation if everything was done? The work is not done.

 



4. God’s Plan of Redemption at the Second Coming

Let’s now look at the work at the time of the second coming that must take place.

1. To Bring Salvation

Hebrews 9:26-29

26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Reminder:
First Coming: Bear Sin

Second Coming: Bring Salvation!

The writer of Hebrews really breaks this down for us.

According to the text, Jesus will come again, not to bear sin, because he has already accomplished that task. His mission of bearing sin is complete. 

 

However, he still needs to return to bring salvation. To achieve this, Satan needs to be eliminated forever for God’s plan of redemption to be fully realized.

 

The text explains that Jesus’s first coming was critical, as redemption of sin had to occur before salvation could be possible. Sin had to be atoned for by the blood of one who was perfect. This removed Satan’s shield, making him vulnerable for the final defeat, which will happen in Revelation.

 

Jesus promised Revelation to bring salvation and a new word, as mentioned in James 1:21, “take hold of the word, the seed planted in you, which can save you.” This word that Jesus will bring at the time of his second coming will bring an end to the struggles we have been facing.

 

The text then suggests that there is an additional aspect to the permanent defeat of Satan, which will be explored further.

2. Capture the Dragon, Satan

Revelation 20:1-3

And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.

 

An angel arrives, grasping a massive chain and the key to the abyss’s shaft. With this formidable chain, the angel proceeds to bind the dragon, whom we recognize as Satan, restraining him for a thousand years. 

 

Thus, Jesus, from the heavenly realms, comes to capture the dragon for a brief period. To seize the dragon, also known as Satan, and bind him for a millennium.

 

During this thousand-year span, where the dragon is held captive, significant events unfold. We eagerly anticipate delving into the intricate details, but let us first revisit what we have already covered, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of how God’s plan unfolds at the second coming. What does God intend?

3. Establish a New Kingdom

God’s intention is to establish a new kingdom. The reason behind this is that His original kingdom was destroyed 6,000 years ago by Satan. Therefore, what God desires to do is restore what was lost. 

 

This is a logical and straightforward objective, not meant to confuse or complicate matters for anyone. In fact, God’s intended plan is quite simple. However, the mystery that needs to be understood is where this restoration will take place.

Revelation 14:1-3

Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. 3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

God’s intention over this 6,000-year era is to establish Mount Zion as a fulfillment of prophecy. At this sacred place, 144,000 individuals will gather, along with a great multitude. God will appoint someone to seal those who are yet to arrive. The purpose behind this is to prepare a dwelling place not just for the Lamb but also for others.

 

The figurative language represents deeper spiritual truths. The 144,000 and the great multitude symbolize those who will flee from false hopes and lies to embrace the true Word. 

 

Just as a seed holds the lesson of growth and new life, this time will mark the opening of a new era where what was once sealed will be revealed.

Revelation 21:1-6

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.

Many amazing things were said here.

Verse 2: “I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem.”

What does everyone think? Are we going up? Is that what the verse says?

 

No, it says “coming down, out of heaven.” The holy city, new Jerusalem, heaven in the spiritual world, is coming down.

 

Why? Because that was God’s original intention. God is restoring what was lost. It has always been his mission to come back to us, to be reunited fully with us, so that what goes away – death, mourning, crying, pain – will be no more. The old order of things, meaning the current order of things, the way the world works today, will be gone. And this is so incredible that God had to remind us in verse 5, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

 

God says, “I always keep my promises. I never break my promises. If I said this would happen, this is going to happen.”

Everyone, God’s final mission is for heaven to come down here, not just for us to go up when we die, which is all we’ve been told our entire Christian lives. 

 

We’ve avoided this passage altogether about heaven coming down so that God can be with his creation once again. It’s always been his mission. So, are we excited? Are we encouraged?

 

What should we do then? Get to work. 

 

It’s time for us to be a part of Mount Zion. Yes, this sets it up. Without the atonement of sin, there is no Mount Zion, heaven, but Jesus’ resurrection was part one.

Mount Zion is the conclusion when the Lamb can finally be with his people once again, with the place he promised to prepare for us.

 

So, let’s continue studying because there’s a lot that we were only able to tease here, and we’ll be going over each and everything.

Are you excited? I hope you’re excited. Let’s go.

And let’s gather. Where? At Mount Zion. Let’s find it and be there, for that is the place where heaven is promised to return to.



Memorization

Hebrews 9:28

so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Instructor Review

SUMMARY

 

God’s plan for redemption began when Adam and Eve fell into sin, and the world became corrupted by Satan. Satan brought sin, death, mourning, crying, pain, wars, plagues, famine, disease, and even babies with cancer – all the worst possible things imaginable. Satan even tempted Jesus, saying, “I will give you these things because they were given to me if you worship me as the one who owns and controls the world.” However, God did not want this to be forever. From the moment Adam and Eve sinned, God had been planning our redemption.

It started with His son, Jesus. For thousands of years, since the time of Moses, God had been promising His son through prophecies. We have looked at two key prophecies, but there are hundreds more, many of which we have already gone over, promising Jesus and revealing more about him and what he would go through. I hope you come away with a deeper appreciation for Jesus than you already had, and I pray that your appreciation deepens even further.

What is Jesus doing now? He is fulfilling the work he promised in the book of Revelation. Jesus bore sin 2,000 years ago, and that mission is complete. Now, Jesus is coming to bring salvation by capturing the devil and building a new kingdom where God and all of heaven can dwell forever, leaving all of this behind.

Let’s Us Discern

Discernment is still a work in progress ….  Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)

“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”

Analysis

Questions to Self-Reflect

Outline

God’s Plan for Redemption: A Detailed Look

I. Introduction: The Significance of Resurrection Day and God’s Plan

This section opens the lesson by emphasizing the importance of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus for believers. It highlights the significance of understanding God’s plan of redemption, which has been unfolding for over 6,000 years.

II. Review: The Four Living Creatures, the Winds, and Judgment

This section briefly reviews concepts from the previous lesson, explaining the symbolic meaning of the four living creatures (archangels) and the winds (judgment) in the Book of Revelation. It poses the question of whether the great tribulation has already begun.

III. God’s Will and the Perfect Timing of His Call

This section focuses on God’s plan for each individual, emphasizing that He desires prosperity, hope, and a future for all who seek Him wholeheartedly. It assures readers that God’s timing is perfect and that they are right on time to learn and understand His plan.

IV. The Beginning: God’s Dwelling in the Garden and the Fall of Man

This section explores the initial state of the world, where God dwelled in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. It details the deception of Eve by Satan and the subsequent fall of man, leading to the corruption of the perfect world God had created.

V. Satan’s Corruption and the Consequences of Sin

This section examines the consequences of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, highlighting the entry of sin and death into the world. It describes the increasing wickedness of humanity, leading to God’s grief and the shortening of human lifespans.

VI. Satan’s Control Over the World and God’s Response

This section delves into Satan’s control over the world, noting his ability to tempt and deceive people, leading them away from God. It underscores the importance of using God’s Word as a weapon against Satan’s influence.

VII. God’s Plan for Redemption at First Coming

1. Promising His Son

This subsection discusses the prophecy of the virgin birth in Isaiah 7:14, emphasizing God’s use of parables to protect His plan from Satan’s interference. It highlights the fulfillment of the prophecy in the birth of Jesus and the meaning of the name “Emmanuel” as a figurative representation of “God with us.”

2. Elimination of Sin

This subsection examines the prophecy in Isaiah 53, detailing Jesus’s suffering, death, and the atonement for sin. It emphasizes the fulfillment of numerous prophecies in Jesus’s life, including those found in Psalm 22. This section concludes by highlighting that Jesus’s first coming successfully achieved the elimination of sin.

VIII. God’s Plan of Redemption at the Second Coming

1. To Bring Salvation

This subsection focuses on the purpose of Jesus’s second coming, which is to bring salvation. It explains that the atonement of sin at the first coming was necessary to pave the way for salvation at the second coming. This section emphasizes the importance of the new word that Jesus will bring at his return.

2. Capture the Dragon, Satan

This subsection describes the capture and binding of Satan for a thousand years, as depicted in Revelation 20:1-3. It sets the stage for the establishment of God’s new kingdom, free from Satan’s influence.

3. Establish a New Kingdom

This subsection reveals God’s ultimate goal: to establish a new kingdom, restoring what was lost due to Satan’s corruption. It highlights the symbolic meaning of Mount Zion and the gathering of the 144,000 and a great multitude as a representation of those who embrace God’s true Word. It concludes with the powerful imagery of the new Jerusalem descending from heaven, signifying the restoration of God’s dwelling place among humanity.

IX. Conclusion: Call to Action and Anticipation

This section concludes by emphasizing the importance of actively participating in God’s plan by seeking Mount Zion, the place where heaven will return to Earth. It encourages readers to be excited and anticipate the fulfillment of God’s promises.

A Study Guide

God’s Plan for Redemption: A Study Guide

I. Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

  1. What is the significance of the winds in the book of Revelation?
  2. According to Jeremiah 29:11-13, what is God’s plan for his people? What is required of them for this plan to be fulfilled?
  3. Why is it significant that God’s dwelling place was originally in the Garden of Eden?
  4. How did Satan corrupt the world God created?
  5. What does Luke 4:5-7 reveal about Satan’s claim to the world?
  6. What is the significance of the name “Emmanuel” in Isaiah 7:14?
  7. What was the primary purpose of Jesus’ first coming?
  8. What is the significance of Jesus’ words, “It is finished,” in John 19:30?
  9. According to Hebrews 9:26-29, what is the primary purpose of Jesus’ second coming?
  10. What will happen to Satan at the time of Jesus’ second coming, and what will be established according to Revelation 21:1-6?

II. Answer Key

  1. The winds symbolize both angels and judgment. When the winds are blowing, judgment is taking place. When the winds are halted, judgment is paused to allow something special to occur, such as the sealing in Revelation 7.
  2. God’s plan is for his people to prosper, have hope, and a future. This plan is fulfilled when they seek God with all their heart, meaning total and undivided attention and devotion.
  3. God’s dwelling place in the Garden signifies a perfect relationship between God and his creation. It emphasizes the idea that God desires to be close to and nurture his children.
  4. Satan corrupted the world through the deception of Adam and Eve, leading them to disobey God’s command. This introduced sin and death into the world, perverting God’s original perfect creation.
  5. Satan’s offer to give Jesus the world implies that he believes he has ownership over it. This ownership was gained through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, which essentially handed the keys of the world to Satan.
  6. “Emmanuel” means “God with us,” signifying that Jesus’ birth represents the presence of God among his people. It is a figurative title highlighting the divine nature of Jesus and his mission.
  7. The primary purpose of Jesus’ first coming was to eliminate sin through his sacrificial death on the cross. This atoned for humanity’s transgressions and paved the way for salvation.
  8. Jesus’ declaration “It is finished” signifies the completion of his mission to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies concerning him, particularly his sacrifice to atone for sin.
  9. According to Hebrews 9:26-29, Jesus will return to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. This will involve the permanent defeat of Satan, enabling God’s plan for redemption to be fully realized.
  10. At Jesus’ second coming, Satan will be captured and bound for a thousand years. During this time, God will establish a new kingdom, symbolized by the new Jerusalem descending from heaven, where he will dwell with his people eternally, free from sin and suffering.

III. Additional Questions

1. What kind of world do we live in? Why?

– We live in a world Satan corrupted (I John 5:19)
– Increased sin and wickedness → God Left

2. What is God’s plan for redemption at first coming?

– Promising His son
– Elimination of sin

3. What is God’s plan for redemption at second coming?

– To bring salvation
– To capture the dragon
– To establish a new kingdom

IV. Glossary of Key Terms

  • Redemption: The act of God delivering humanity from sin and its consequences through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
  • Second Coming: The future return of Jesus Christ to earth to establish his kingdom and bring final judgment.
  • Mount Zion: A symbolic representation of God’s dwelling place and the gathering of the faithful, often associated with the new Jerusalem.
  • 144,000: A symbolic number representing the complete number of God’s chosen people, often interpreted as those who remain faithful to God amidst tribulation.
  • Great Tribulation: A period of intense hardship and persecution predicted in the Bible, often associated with the end times before the Second Coming of Jesus.
  • Satan: The personification of evil and the enemy of God and humanity, also referred to as the devil or the serpent.
  • Abyss: A bottomless pit or place of imprisonment, often associated with Satan’s confinement.
  • New Jerusalem: A symbolic city representing God’s eternal dwelling place with his people, characterized by purity, holiness, and the absence of suffering.
  • Parable: A figurative story or saying used to convey a deeper spiritual truth.
  • Prophecy: A divinely inspired message or prediction about future events, often revealing God’s will and plan.
  • Emmanuel: A name for Jesus meaning “God with us,” highlighting his divine nature and mission.
  • Atonement: The reconciliation of humanity with God through the sacrificial death of Jesus, which atones for sin.
  • Salvation: Deliverance from sin and its consequences, made possible through faith in Jesus Christ.
  • Holy Spirit: The third person of the Trinity, God’s active presence in the world, empowering and guiding believers.

Breakdown

Timeline of Events

Before Creation:

  • God exists as the Word, the source of life and light. (John 1:1-4)

Creation:

  • God creates the world and humanity in His image.
  • God dwells in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. (Genesis 3:8)

The Fall:

  • Satan, disguised as a serpent, tempts Eve to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
  • Adam and Eve disobey God’s command and eat the forbidden fruit. (Genesis 2:17, Genesis 3:6)
  • Sin and death enter the world.
  • God’s spirit departs from humanity, leaving them vulnerable to Satan’s influence. (Genesis 6:3)
  • Dominion over the world is transferred from Adam to Satan. (Luke 4:5-7)
  • Human lifespan decreases due to increasing sin.

God’s Plan for Redemption Unfolds:

  • God begins revealing His plan of redemption through prophets and chosen individuals, starting with Moses.
  • God gives Moses the Law to guide His people.
  • Over centuries, God uses prophets like Isaiah to foretell the coming of a savior.

The First Coming of Jesus:

  • Isaiah prophesies the virgin birth of Emmanuel, meaning “God with us,” 700 years before Jesus’ birth. (Isaiah 7:14)
  • The prophecy is fulfilled when Jesus is born to the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem. (Matthew 1:18-23)
  • Jesus lives a sinless life, fulfilling numerous prophecies about the Messiah.
  • Isaiah 53 vividly portrays the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of humanity, prophesied 700 years before its fulfillment.
  • Jesus is crucified, taking upon Himself the sins of the world.
  • Jesus quotes Psalm 22 while on the cross, further signifying the fulfillment of prophecy.
  • Jesus declares “It is finished,” signifying the completion of His mission to bear sin. (John 19:28-30)
  • Jesus is resurrected, conquering death.

The Present:

  • Jesus prepares a place for His followers in heaven. (John 14:2-3)
  • The world remains under the control of Satan, resulting in continued suffering and evil. (1 John 5:19)
  • Believers await the second coming of Jesus, holding onto the Word for salvation. (James 1:21)

The Second Coming of Jesus:

  • Jesus will return, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those waiting for Him. (Hebrews 9:26-29)
  • An angel will bind Satan for a thousand years, preventing him from deceiving the nations. (Revelation 20:1-3)
  • Jesus will establish a new kingdom, restoring what was lost in the Fall.
  • 144,000 individuals, representing those who have embraced the true Word, will gather on Mount Zion. (Revelation 14:1-3)
  • The new Jerusalem, representing heaven, will descend from heaven to earth, signifying God’s dwelling among His people. (Revelation 21:1-6)
  • Death, mourning, crying, and pain will be no more. (Revelation 21:4)

Cast of Characters

God:

  • The creator of all things.
  • Dwells in heaven.
  • Grieved by humanity’s sinfulness.
  • Orchestrates a plan for redemption.
  • Promises and fulfills prophecies.
  • Desires to restore His original kingdom on earth.

Jesus:

  • The Son of God.
  • Fulfills the prophecy of Emmanuel, “God with us.”
  • Born of a virgin.
  • Lives a sinless life.
  • Sacrifices Himself on the cross to atone for humanity’s sins.
  • Conquers death through His resurrection.
  • Will return to bring salvation and establish a new kingdom.

Satan:

  • Also known as the dragon, the serpent, the devil, the evil one, and the tempter.
  • Tempted Adam and Eve, causing them to sin.
  • Gained dominion over the world through deception.
  • Responsible for the suffering and evil in the world.
  • Will be bound for a thousand years before his final defeat.

Adam:

  • The first human created by God.
  • Given dominion over the earth.
  • Disobeyed God’s command and brought sin into the world.
  • Lost dominion to Satan.

Eve:

  • The first woman created by God.
  • Deceived by Satan and tempted Adam to sin.

Moses:

  • Led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
  • Received the Law from God.
  • Wrote the first five books of the Bible.

Isaiah:

  • Prophet who foretold the virgin birth of Emmanuel and the suffering of the Messiah 700 years before their fulfillment.

Mary:

  • The virgin mother of Jesus.

Angels:

  • Messengers of God.
  • Involved in God’s plan of redemption.
  • One angel will bind Satan during the second coming.

144,000:

  • Symbolic representation of those who will be redeemed and gather on Mount Zion.

The Great Multitude:

  • Represents the vast number of people who will be saved and dwell in the new kingdom.

The Four Living Creatures:

  • Represent the four archangels, commanders in God’s heavenly army.

The Winds:

  • Symbolize both angels and judgment.

The Abyss:

  • A place of confinement where Satan will be imprisoned for a thousand years.

Mount Zion:

  • The location where God’s new kingdom will be established.

New Jerusalem:

  • Symbolic representation of heaven, which will descend to earth.

Overview

Overview: God’s Plan for Redemption

 

Main Themes:

  • The Fall and Corruption of the World: The lesson emphasizes the original perfection of creation and God’s dwelling within the Garden of Eden. However, Adam and Eve’s sin led to the world’s corruption, introducing sin, death, and suffering. Satan is portrayed as the deceptive force behind this fall, gaining control over the world through Adam’s disobedience.
  • God’s Plan of Redemption: The core theme revolves around God’s active role in restoring the world and humanity’s relationship with Him. This plan spans millennia, involving key figures like Moses, Joshua, and culminating in Jesus Christ.
  • Jesus’ First Coming: The Elimination of Sin: The lesson meticulously analyzes biblical prophecies, particularly from Isaiah, foretelling the virgin birth and suffering of a savior. Jesus’ life and death are interpreted as the fulfillment of these prophecies, ultimately achieving the atonement for sin.
  • Jesus’ Second Coming: Bringing Salvation & Establishing a New Kingdom: The lesson emphasizes that God’s plan is not complete with Jesus’ first coming. The second coming is presented as a necessary stage to bring salvation, defeat Satan, and establish a new kingdom where God dwells with His people.

Most Important Ideas/Facts:

  1. God’s Grief and Departure: The lesson highlights God’s emotional response to humanity’s sin, stating, “The Lord was grieved… deeply grieved by what transpired with His creation, as He witnessed His creation descending further into sin”. This grief leads to God’s spirit withdrawing from the world, allowing death and corruption to enter.
  2. Satan’s Ownership and Deception: The text emphasizes Satan’s control over the corrupted world, using Luke 4:5-7 where Satan offers Jesus the kingdoms of the world. This is interpreted as proof of Satan’s temporary ownership, gained through deception rather than a willing handover from Adam.
  3. Prophecy and Fulfillment: The lesson meticulously links Old Testament prophecies with events in Jesus’ life, strengthening the belief in divine design and Jesus’ role as the promised Messiah. The emphasis on Isaiah 53, detailing the suffering servant, and Jesus quoting Psalm 22 on the cross are presented as powerful examples.
  4. Dual Purpose of Jesus’ Comings: The lesson clearly distinguishes the objectives of Jesus’ two comings. The first coming was to “bear sin,” achieved through his sacrificial death. The second coming aims to “bring salvation,” requiring the defeat of Satan and the establishment of a new, heavenly kingdom on earth.
  5. Mount Zion and the New Jerusalem: The lesson interprets Mount Zion as a symbolic representation of the gathering of God’s faithful and the future dwelling place of the Lamb (Jesus). Revelation 21 is cited as evidence of a new heaven and earth descending to humanity, signifying God’s ultimate restoration of his original creation.

Key Quotes:

  • “My spirit will not remain.” Meaning that God’s spirit left this place that He created.
  • “All of these things, the splendor of the world, I will give to you.” … Who gave the world to Satan? … Adam did.
  • “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
  • It is finished. … Jesus’s entire life and ministry were fulfilling prophecy, his whole life. And he knew it. So he was always on a mission.
  • First Coming: Bear Sin. Second Coming: Bring Salvation!
  • “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” God says, “I always keep my promises. I never break my promises. If I said this would happen, this is going to happen.”

Overall Impression:

The lesson presents a comprehensive, though specific, interpretation of God’s plan for redemption within a Christian framework. It heavily relies on biblical scripture, interpreting events and prophecies to support the central themes of humanity’s fall, God’s restorative actions, and the crucial roles of Jesus’ two comings. The ultimate goal is presented as the establishment of a new kingdom, symbolized by Mount Zion and the New Jerusalem, where God will dwell eternally with His redeemed people.

Q&A

Q&A: God’s Plan for Redemption

1. Why is the world in its current state?

The world is in a state of corruption because of sin, which entered through Adam and Eve’s disobedience. This disobedience led to death, pain, and suffering, and gave Satan control over the world. The consequences of their actions have continued to affect humanity throughout history, resulting in the state of the world we see today.

2. What is God’s plan to fix the world?

God’s plan for redemption is to restore what was lost in the Garden of Eden and establish a new kingdom where He can dwell with His people. This plan unfolds in two stages: Jesus’ first coming to bear the sin of humanity and his second coming to bring salvation and establish a new heaven and earth.

3. What was the significance of Jesus’ first coming?

Jesus’ first coming was to fulfill Old Testament prophecies and atone for humanity’s sins through his death on the cross. By sacrificing himself, Jesus removed the barrier of sin between God and humanity, making salvation possible.

4. What will happen during Jesus’ second coming?

At the second coming, Jesus will:

  • Bring salvation: He will return to offer salvation to those who have faithfully awaited his return.
  • Defeat Satan: Jesus will permanently defeat Satan by binding him for a thousand years, preventing him from further deceiving the nations.
  • Establish a new kingdom: He will establish a new kingdom, symbolized by Mount Zion and the New Jerusalem, where God will dwell with his people in a perfect and eternal state.

5. What does it mean that heaven will come down to earth?

Instead of believers simply ascending to heaven after death, the Bible describes heaven descending to earth, creating a new heaven and a new earth free from sin, death, and suffering. This fulfills God’s original intention for humanity to live in perfect harmony with him.

6. What is the significance of Mount Zion?

Mount Zion represents the gathering place for God’s redeemed people, symbolized by the 144,000 and the great multitude. It is where God’s presence will be fully manifested, and where His people will experience eternal fellowship with Him.

7. How can we be a part of God’s plan?

We can be part of God’s plan by:

  • Seeking God with our whole heart: Dedicate ourselves to knowing and following God’s Word.
  • Studying the Bible: Deepen our understanding of God’s plan for redemption and the prophecies surrounding Jesus’ return.
  • Sharing the Gospel: Spread the message of salvation to others and help them find their place in God’s kingdom.

8. What should we take away from this lesson?

The main takeaways are:

  • To appreciate the depth of God’s love and the sacrifice of Jesus for our redemption.
  • To recognize that the work of redemption is not finished, and to eagerly anticipate Jesus’ second coming.
  • To find encouragement and hope in the promise of a new heaven and earth, where God will dwell with His people forever.

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