Articles
God's Plan
In the first part of Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church we find some interesting and amazing facts revealing wonderful and amazing traits about God, and His nature and love toward man. He confirms the fact that His Son, Jesus, is the power and centerpiece of His plan for our salvation. Jesus' sacrifice and power over death (resurrection) gives the Gospel its power, by God's design and wisdom.
"For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness ; but TO US WHO ARE BEING SAVED IT IS THE POWER OF GOD." (1 Corinthians 1:18)
"For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, GOD IS WELL PLEASED THROUGH THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE MESSAGE PREACHED (his Gospel) TO SAVE THOSE WHO BELIEVE." "1 Corinthians 1:21)
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, FOR IT IS THE POWER OF GOD FOR SALVATION TO EVERY ONE WHO BELIEVES, TO THE JEW FIRST AND ALSO TO THE GREEK," (Romans 1:16)
When men use the standard of the world's wisdom, and not God's, then His plan becomes to them "foolishness". But we know God's power exceeds any other. And the power He has enacted by His love and that of His Son, provides salvation by obedient faith for us, when we obey that Plan. (Hear, believe, repent, confess Jesus as His Son, and be baptized)
"..but to those who are the called (listen and obey), both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. " (1 Corinthians 1:24)
The power God has in His Word, and has demonstrated through HIs Son is so much greater than any other; the POWER TO CREATE OUR UNIVERSE AND THE POWER HE HAS PROMISED TO BRING ABOUT THE END OF TIME.. (2 Peter 3:5-7)
"For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that BY THE WORD OF GOD the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed our of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But the present heavens and earth BY HIS WORD are being reserved for fire, kept for THE DAY OF JUDGMENT AND DESTRUCTION OF UNGODLY MEN." (2 Peter 3:5-7)
Peter reminds us, in the rest of this important chapter, the importance of us being ready for that day. Notice especially verse 14: "Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, BE DILIGENT TO BE FOUND BY HIM IN PEACE, SPOTLESS AND BLAMELESS."
Are we taking Paul and Peter's teachings seriously? The early church did. The same POWER AND WISDOM of God is available to us today -- Jesus the Christ, and His Gospel. God wants all to be saved, however He gives us all the choice --either obey and live faithfully, looking forward to a life with Him, or deny His Plan and expect spiritual death. (Mark 16:15-16) Where are you in regards to Him and HIs Plan? The DAY OF JUDGMENT could come any day. We all need to be ready.
Ross
