2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and puts his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come
God's eternal plan for the salvation of all who place their
trust and faith in Christ Jesus includes more than forgiving our sins so that
we might go to heaven when our mission on earth is complete. The plan of God
has everything from saving our souls to what Paul calls "the redemption of
those who are God's possession. (Ephesians 1:14). God's vision is spectacular,
complete, and a final redemption!
Not only did God plan to redeem our souls from the curse of
sin, but He is also going to redeem our bodies from the curse of humanity's
fall. Paul said it this way in Romans 8:23 Not only so, but we ourselves,
who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait
eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.
The church's rapture is that event that will bring about
complete and final deliverance for the child of God. The rapture will take
place when Christ returns for all born-again believers. We do not know the day
or the hour, but we know that Christ will appear in the clouds and cause all
the saints of God, living and dead, to be caught up, literally snatched away
from this world to meet Him in the heavens. The rapture is not just the wishful
thinking of weary followers of Christ; it is a principal doctrine in God's Holy
Word. It is a paramount doctrine of the Bible, for the hope of the return of
Christ permeates the New Testament. The coming of the Lord is called the
blessed hope (Titus 2:13), the purifying hope (I John 3:2,3), and the
comforting hope (I Thessalonians 4:18).
Even before He created the earth, God the Father was aware
that humanity would sin and become a fallen creation. He also knew that the day
would come when He would send to earth a Savior who would bring the offer of
redemption. This great gift came to humanity in the person of Christ Jesus. His
purpose was to come to earth as a human, still retaining His glory of God, to
offer Himself as a final sacrifice for all that accepted Him as their Lord and
Savior; it was God's preordained plan or predestined plan to redeem all
humankind. Predestination is a theory that is in great contention among
Christians. However, God predestined or pre-planned that all who believe in and
accept Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior would receive salvation, which
brings eternal life.
God has selected the act of redemption as how He glorifies
His name. As the Father glorified the Son for His works of grace and mercy, He
presented him to the world as the Great Redeemer. Christ will return one day
for us as the Great Redeemer of those whom His precious blood has purchased. He
paid the price that we could not pay and one day; He will receive the glory and
honor that He deserves.
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