DIVORCING GOD: HE PREPARED TO PURSUE YOU!

DIVORCING GOD: PREPARING TO PURSUE YOU

“…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). “... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ (God’s PLAN of SALVATION) ... hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “…He did this, not because we DESERVED it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). “...to show us his GRACE through Christ Jesus...” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).

*

God PREPARED to PURSUE mankind (male and female) through Jesus Christ; his PLAN OF SALVATION. “…Salvation (God’s plan to pursue you) is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”…” (Acts 4:12 NIV).

To PREPARE means God got things ready BEFORE he pursued mankind. He worked out ALL the details in  his PLAN OF SALVATION.“…He did this, not because we DESERVED it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).

God is a God of details. “…God, not you made marriage.,  His [HOLY]…Spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage…” (Malachi 2:14-16 MSG).

God prepared to pursue mankind (male and female) by putting together a DETAILED plan, which is the PLAN of SALVATION.“…that was his plan from before the beginning of time…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). “...to show us his GRACE through Christ Jesus...” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).

The PLAN OF SALVATION is about DELIVERANCE of the lost and sick-sin soul. “…The Son of man (God’s PLAN of SALVATION) came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “….the Son of Man came …to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).

The KEY player in God’s PLAN of SALVATION is none other than JESUS CHRIST. “… he became author of ETERNAL SALVATION unto all them who obey him (follow him, accept him, receive him, etc.)…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).

For the scientific minds, most scholars believe Jesus Christ existed and actually walked the earth, but many differ on their perspective of human facts or human interpretation of the facts.

 In all fairness, I will say that there are a few scholars that even say Jesus Christ was a myth. “…And without faith (trusting, depending, or cooperating with God) it is impossible to please God, because ANYONE WHO COMES TO HIM MUST BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS…” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).

Rarely is anyone other historical figures questioned to the degree that Jesus Christ has been questioned, yet if you don’t reject their historical facts why would you reject those of Jesus. “…Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written…” (John 21:25 NIV).

Well known Jewish historian and scholar, Flavius Josephus, in the Antiquities of the Jews, a reliable historical work done in the 1^st century references and gives witness to Jesus. “…It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me…” (John 8:16-17 KJV).

The actual Jewish Antiquities historical paragraph called the “Testimonium Flavianum” or “The Testimony of Flavius” Vol. 18, chapter 3, and paragraph 3 is as follows: “At this time there was wise man who was called Jesus. And his conduct was good, and he was known to be virtuous. And many people from among the Jews and the other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. And those who had become his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive; accordingly, he was perhaps the Messiah concerning whom the prophets have recounted won.” (Michael the Syrian, translation from Whealey, 2008).

It is said the “The Testimony of Flavius”  is a 100% historical, reliable, and authentic account for those who need objective evidence. However the bible says to“…walk by faith, not by sight…” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

The best source for proving Jesus’ existed is the bible. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV).

The Synoptic Gospels are also heavily supported by many scholars as having been written by his disciples. The Synoptic Gospels differ on facts and perspectives, yet agree on the many eyewitnesses, ministers, and first-hand accounts of Jesus’ life and death. “…Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were EYEWITNESSES and servants of the word…” (Luke 1:1-2 NLT). “….Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were EYEWITNESSES, and ministers of the word…” (Luke 1:1-2 KJV).  “…For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were EYEWITNESSES of his majesty….” (2 Peter 1:16 NLT).

Reputable bible scholars, after critical analysis of the holy text, offer a rational, but somewhat persuasive view of the historical Jesus, the flesh man. “…the Word (Jesus) was made FLESH, and dwelt among us...” (JOHN 1:14).

Most critical analyses are based on an objective, rational worldview and totally eliminate the mystical worldview of Jesus’ life. Some things are limited to what you can see; others things can only be seen by faith. “…walk by faith...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

Mystical truths can only be understood IF God reveals them to you through his HOLY SPIRIT. “….When we tell you these things, we DO NOT use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words GIVEN TO US by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual CAN’T RECEIVE these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and THEY CAN’T UNDERSTAND IT, for only those who are spiritual CAN UNDERSTAND what the Spirit means…” (1 Corinthians 2 NLT).

Jesus Christ, God’s PLAN of SALVATION, existed. “…ANYONE WHO COMES TO HIM MUST BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS…” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).

Why did Jesus Christ exist? He was especially PREPARED to be God’s PLAN of SALVATION as a WAY for God to pursue mankind. “…There is … one Mediator who can reconcile  God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (God’s PLAN of SALVATION)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… that he might bring us [back] to [HIMSELF]…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

In the Old Testament animal sacrifices provided a temporary covering for sins. “…almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission...” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV).

The shedding of blood was established by God as an atoning sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. “…SIN IS the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “… Without [the] shedding of blood [there] is no remission (forgiveness or atonement for man’s sins)…” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV). ^“…[It is]…the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

Sin is rebellion against a HOLY God and his HOLY ordinances. Because God is HOLY and just, when his holy laws are broken, it results in eternal punishment (the consequence of sin). “…SIN IS the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…ALL HAVE SINNED …” (Romans 3:23).

When you break a human law there are consequences. When you break a holy law there are the consequence too, which is spiritual death. Spiritual death includes eternal separation from God, the Holy Spirit. “…SIN IS the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…and SIN, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

There are the laws of the land and there are the laws of God. You may be able to pay for the consequences for breaking the laws of the land. “…Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God….” (1 John 3:4 NLT).

However, without God’s PLAN of SALVATION, death and eternal separation is the “only” consequence for every human being and they can’t pay for their sins. “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin?…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

God’s PLAN OF SALVATION was especially prepared to deliver mankind (male and female) from the consequences of SIN by establishing an atoning sacrifice. … The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). Thus, “...[God, the Holy Spirit]... loved us and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

This animal sacrifices, in the Old Testament, though temporary and limited, satisfied God for the offenses of sins committed by his people.

The animal, representing the atoning sacrifice of the day, was temporary. The animal’s shed blood, covered the sins of the people and freed them from the consequences of their sin.

This is not complicated and it is a very small synopsis of this vast topic. Animal sacrifices took place thousands of years ago and was simply a method God used as the atoning sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin.

Animal sacrifices, of course, have LONG stopped. ^“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

Thus, during ancient times certain animals died to serve as temporary substitutes for the people’s sin. “... [However,]... it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB).

It was a temporary substitute only and since it was temporary the animal sacrifices had to be repeated over and over every year. “...But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB).

The animal sacrifices, therefore, were a small tedious sample of the ultimate and permanent sacrifice predicted in Jesus Christ (God’s PLAN of SALVATION), who was to come!!! “...For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.  Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB).

God is a HOLY God, which means he is TOTALLY free and “set apart” from sin of any kind and therefore, sin separates God from his people. “… [Mankind’s] … iniquities (sins) …separated [them]… from [the HOLY]… God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

Jesus Christ became part of God’s PLAN of SALVATION, as the atoning sacrifice for mankind’s sin, in order to restore his BELOVED’S BACK to Him.

The restored relationship with God, through Christ, is a blood covenant between God and his REDEEMED people. “…This cup is the new covenant in my blood …which is poured out for you…” (Luke 22:20 ASV). “...This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28 KJV).

A blood covenant is usually between two parties however, one or both of those parties can be a representative of a group of people or an entire family.

If one of the parties of the blood covenant is a representative of a group of people, that person becomes the guarantee - that the covenant agreement will be kept - for the entire group.

Having a representative was also a common blood covenant practice. The representative was the representative for everyone in the group and was the guarantee that every promise of the covenant would be kept by each member of “that” group.

 In addition, the representative walked between and around the bloodied animals on behalf of everyone in the entire group.

The representative was considered “the” voice and “the” action for each individual member of the entire group. Each individual member of the group was also represented “in” him.”

Therefore, when the representative walked through and around the bloodied bodies, they sealed the blood covenant and its responsibilities for each and every member of the entire group they personally represented.

The representative for the group also enters into the blood covenant with the other party or parities forever.

The representative walks through and around the slain animals and SEALS the oath between their group and the other party or parties. This is a very basic explanation of a blood covenant.

 Nonetheless, Jesus, God’s PLAN of SALVATION, is both the slain animal (lamb) and the representative in the covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. ^“…[Jesus gave]... his life as a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 ASV).  

In order to enter into a covenant with God, the Holy Spirit, a person or a GROUP must be CLEANSED from ALL sin. “…Without [the] ... shedding of  [Jesus’] ...blood [there] ... [would be no] ... remission [of mankind’s sins]...” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV).

 “…. In Him (God’s PLAN of SALVATION) ...[The REDEEMED]... HAVE REDEMPTION through His blood, the FORGIVENESS of ...[their]... trespasses, …” (Ephesians 1 NLT). “... the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses ...[the redeemed]... from all sin... (1 John 1:7 NASB).

“…Christ …died for sins ONCE for all…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…he (Jesus) by the grace of God ... taste[d]...  death for every man (woman)…” (Hebrews 3:9 KJV). “…He [became]… the atoning sacrifice for [their] sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).  “…the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world...” (John 1:29 KJV).  

Jesus is also called the Lamb of God, that paid for your crimes against God’s HOLY laws and therefore became the sacrifice for your sins. “…the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world...” (John 1:29 KJV).   “...Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Jesus’ sacrificial death paid the penalty for mankind’s sins or was the remission for their sins, so the REDEEMED can enter freely into the covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit again. “...For Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us (the redeemed)...[BACK]... to God (again)...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Jesus’ death was like the death of the slain animals in the Old Testament blood covenants. His blood is now the blood of the new covenant, which is an everlasting covenant.  “... I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them...” (Ezekiel 37:26 KJV).

 Jesus as the sacrifice for mankind’s sin provides the WAY for the REDEEMED to enter into an everlasting covenant relationship with God. “… [God sent the ] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (the atoning sacrifice and God’s plan of salvation)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

Jesus, who knew no sin, took upon himself the guilt of their sin and they were given his righteousness in God’s sight. “...Christ also died for sins once for all...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “...the just for the unjust...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).“…HE... became [spiritually] poor, that ye through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).  

Jesus, the Lamb of God, shed his blood and also becomes the representative, for all those, -who are “IN” him -  as the guarantor of a BETTER covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. “… My righteous servant (Jesus, God’s PLAN of SALVATION) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore] ... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).  “…Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant…” (Hebrews 7:22 NIV).

 Jesus, the sacrificial lamb of God, opens the way for those “IN” him to enter into a covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit.  “…By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way ... into the Most Holy Place (to the Holy God)…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “...Jesus (God’s PLAN of SALVATION) saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV).“….Apart from [Jesus, God’s PLAN of SALVATION], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). You can do NOTHING about restoring the covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit.

Through Jesus’ shed blood, those, who are “in” Christ (in his group), are CLEANSED from sin and ENABLED to enter in a HOLY covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. “... the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin... (1 John 1:7 NASB). “…. In Him WE HAVE REDEMPTION through His blood …” (Ephesians 1 NLT). “... It is the blood, given in exchange for [Jesus’ precious LIFE], that makes purification possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).  “... One of the soldiers ... pierced his (Jesus’) side with a spear, and immediately blood (LIFE) and water (HEALING, CLEANSING SPIRIT) flowed out...” (John 19:34 NLT).

“.... It is the blood ... that makes purification possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).The BLOOD is the ATONEMENT.

Now, through Christ, the REDEEMED are guaranteed to have a BETTER covenant, with God, the Holy Spirit. “... Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God...” (Hebrews 7:22 NLT).

God’s REDEEMED people can now enjoy the same “oneness,” covenant relationship that Jesus had. Jesus said, "...I and my Father are [not simply close, but]…one." (John 10:30 KJV). Believers can too. “…That they may all be one (in a covenant relationship); even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us…” (John 17:21-23 NASB).

Jesus’ sacrificial death was the atoning sacrifice for mankind’s sinful crimes and paid for the consequences of those crimes committed against God’s holy laws. “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).

The REDEEMED enter freely into the new blood covenant relationship with God, the “HOLY” Spirit, THROUGH Christ. “…This cup is the new covenant in my blood …which is poured out for you…” (Luke 22:20 ASV).

Jesus’ death was like the death of the slain animal sacrifices in the Old Testament blood covenants. His blood is now the blood of the new covenant, which is an everlasting covenant; God’s PLAN of SALVATION. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28 KJV).

Jesus, God’s PLAN of SALVATION, is the permanent and once-for-all PAYMENT for mankind’s sin. “...Christ ... died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us...[BACK]... to God...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Jesus is both the atoning sacrifice and the representative, for the REDEEMED, in the covenant relationship with God, the “HOLY” Spirit. “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us ...[BACK]...to God...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Jesus enters the relationship with God as the representative for the REDEEMED. “… [God sent the ] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (God’s plan of salvation)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

The REDEEMED, who are “IN” Christ and are represented by Him, enter the relationship too. “...Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…that they (the redeemed) may ALL BE ONE; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they (the redeemed) also may BE IN US…” (John 17:21-23 NASB).

Through Christ, the REDEEMED, are able to have a BETTER covenant with God, the “HOLY” Spirit. “... Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God...” (Hebrews 7:22 NLT). “…Jesus Christ is in ...[the REDEEMED]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “...[Thus,]...is God who worketh in [the redeemed]... both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…[The redeemed]... can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).“... Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God...” (Hebrews 7:22 NLT).

Jesus said, "I and my Father are ONE." (John 10:30 KJV). The REDEEMED are also ONE with God, the Holy Spirit, again.. “…That they (the REDEEMED) may ALL BE ONE; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You…” (John 17:21-23 NASB).

Jesus Christ, God’s PLAN of SALVATION was prepared to become a ransom for many by his sacrificial death. He is also the atoning sacrifice for YOUR sin.“….THE SON OF MAN CAME ...TO GIVE his life as a ransom for many…" (Matthew 20:28 NIV). “...He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). 

God’s PLAN of SALVATION was the way he PREPARED to pursue mankind and restore them BACK into a covenant relationship with HIM.

In order to execute his plan, Jesus Christ had to become the atoning sacrifice for mankind’s sins? The DETAILS included a death and a crucifixion. “…Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV).

“…And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him…” (John 19: 17-18 KJV).

“..After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost…” (John 19:28-30 KJV).

“…The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced…” (John 19:31-37 KJV).

“…And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.  Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand…” (John 19:38-42 KJV).

 “…Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you…” (JOHN 20:19-21 KJV).

What motivated God to establish a PLAN of SALVATION was his love for mankind. “…There is no greater LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). ^“Herein is LOVE, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT). “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

Not only did God love mankind, but he especially created a human vessel, as part of his PLAN, which was Jesus Christ.“…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten Son...” (John 3:16 KJV). “... his life [was made]... an offering for sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT).

 Jesus Christ was God’s GIFT and PLAN of SALVATION. The preparation to pursue mankind was COSTLY, but the JOY of restoring his BELOVED mankind back to himself was WORTH the cost. God “…spared not his own Son, [from the COST]... but delivered him up for us all?...” (Romans 8:32 KJV).  “…keeping our eyes on Jesus (God’s PLAN of SALVATION), the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).

The JOY of God, the Holy Spirit, being restored to his BELOVED mankind held a greater weight, for Jesus (God’s PLAN of SALVATION) than the temporary shame of the cross. “…What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone…” (Hebrews 2:9 NLT). “…Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” (Philippians 2:9-10 NLT).

The JOY of accomplishing God’s purpose, as a GIFT and PLAN of SALVATION for sinners, far outweighed anything else as far as Jesus was concerned. God knew “…when he (Jesus) sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, [his]...righteous servant (Jesus) will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

“…Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matthew 25:21 NLT). “…At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit….” (Luke 10:21-22 NLT).

While on earth, Jesus, God’s PLAN of SALVATION, was faced with deep grieves and sorrows, but he shared God’s JOY of being restored to his BELOVED mankind, in spite of his trials and tribulations. “…Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).

Jesus, God’s PLAN of SALVATION, is the RANSOM for many, he is the ATONING SACRIFICE for SIN, he is, the REDEEM’S COVENANT KEEPER, he is their GIFT of SALVATION, he is their ETERNAL LIFE, he is the INDWELLING SPIRIT, and he is the EXACT representation of God, the Holy Spirit EVERLASTING LOVE for them. “…There is no greater LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

“…Christ (God’s PLAN of SALVATION) died for [your] SINS according to the scriptures;  And …he was buried, and … rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). “…SIN IS the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…ALL HAVE SINNED …” (Romans 3:23). “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  

God PREPARED to pursue his BELOVED mankind. Therefore, when he finds you, “… REPENT and TURN TO God …” (Acts 26: 20 NASB).  “….IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE, YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS…” (John 8:24 KJV). “…HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, because HE HATH NOT BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God. …” (John 3:18-20 KJV). “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19 KJV). “…Whosoever believeth in him SHOULD NOT PERISH, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  

This PLAN of SALVATION is God’s PLAN and not man’s. It comes through Jesus Christ and “…SALVATION is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved…” (Acts 4:12 NIV).

Jesus Christ is how God PREPARED and PLANNED to pursue mankind and restore them BACK into a covenant relationship with HIM again.

“…The Son of man (God’s PLAN of SALVATION) came to seek (PURSUE) and to save THAT (sinful mankind) WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “…There is no greater LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT). AND “…SALVATION is found in no one else…” (Acts 4:12 NIV).