Text: Jeremiah 29:11
People often wonder what God’s plan is for their lives. We can only know what God reveals (1 Corinthians 2:10-12), but the Bible does address this issue. We sometimes get caught up in details & ignore the big picture.
God Desires for You to be in Heaven with Him
- Jesus told His apostles of the place that would be prepared for them (John 14:2-3)
- This promise was not just for the apostles, but for all of us as well (Mark 16:15-16)
In order for this plan to be fulfilled…
Sin Had to be Dealt With
- Sin separates man from God (Isaiah 59:2)
- Sin is a universal problem (Romans 3:23)
- Christ was going to have to deal with sin through the cross (Ephesians 2:16; 1 Peter 3:18)
Christ Had to Come
- God’s eternal purpose was fulfilled in Christ (Ephesians 3:11)
- His predetermined plan involved the death of Christ (Acts 2:23)
- In order for this plan to be carried out, several things had to be done to prepare the way for Christ (Galatians 4:4), including: coming of John (Mark 1:2-4), work of the prophets (1 Peter 1:10-12), lineage of Christ preserved (Genesis 12:1-3; 21:12; 28:13-14; 35:10-11; Deuteronomy 7:6-8; Jeremiah 29:10-14), prophecy of Jesus coming to defeat Satan (Genesis 3:15)
- God had done so much in order to save us – do not think lightly of it (Romans 2:4)
Man Had to be Shown the Way
- We cannot direct ourselves (Jeremiah 10:23) – the way to heaven is through Christ (John 14:6)
- The eternal purpose in Christ would be made known through the gospel (Ephesians 3:8-11)
- He has predestined us according to His purpose (Ephesians 1:5,11) – He chose us in Him (Ephesians 1:4; cf. Romans 6:3), those who would be holy & blameless
- Our duty here is to fear Him and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13) – obedience leads to salvation (Hebrews 5:9)
Read the article: God’s Plan for You
