From before the foundations of the world, we each were known in the mind of God; who we would be, what unique qualities we would each possess and the place in His body we each were intended to fit. Jeremiah confirms this reality: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV) Humanity is unique – set apart — from all of creation in that he sits in a privileged place; offered the opportunity to enter into a personal relationship with the creator of the universe and “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34, NKJV)
Before God created the heavens and the earth, He also established a covenant with God, the Son. Because there was no one greater for Him to swear by, He swore by Himself (Hebrews 6:13). Why? God was determined to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to humanity – the heirs of the promise (Hebrews 6:17). And, God the Son agreed to pay the price, which ratified their agreement, insuring the absolute certainty of humanity’s purpose coming to pass.
When did the Son pay this price? John refers to Jesus as “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8, NKJV) John the Baptist acknowledges Jesus as the Lamb. “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29, NKJV) Peter describes Jesus as “a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:19, NKJV) Isaiah describes Jesus as “a lamb led to the slaughter.” (Isaiah 53:7, NKJV) From an eternal perspective, He paid the price before the world, before humanity, was created. This reality manifested in time and space when Jesus – the lamb — died on the cross.
Why is Jesus described as a lamb? Under the Mosaic Law, sacrifices were made to atone for sin. According to the law, without shedding of blood there was no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:22) These sacrifices were copies, types and shadows of the eternal reality; which is Christ Himself, the lamb offered as one sacrifice for all (Hebrews (9:23-24; 10:12).
We began with questions . . . . What is my purpose? Your purpose is to be in relationship with the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. What is my destiny? Your destiny is to be a son of God and inherit the kingdom prepared for you before the foundation of the world.
How do I reconcile my privilege to choose for myself with the eternal perspective of the all-knowing God? The answer lies in the reality of the eternal. Before time and space existed, God knew He would create humans. He knew the purpose for which He would create mankind. He set humans apart from the rest of creation and He made the way for all of humanity to enter into their predetermined destiny. He is not willing that any should perish, but He granted mankind the privilege to choose to receive one’s destiny. You were not created to be saved; you were created to be a child of God. He did not create some for heaven and some for hell. He does know the end from the beginning. He does know who will choose Him and who will not; but this knowledge does not change His pursuit of you. He is bound by the covenant He made with Himself. If an individual does not receive one’s destiny, it will not be because God didn’t want you to. Even knowing your choices, He pursues you anyway.
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God. (1 John 3:1, NKJV)
