.gif){kind=small}
rwcamp@gpp-5grace.comPHBC April 27, 1997
Series: First Peter, Sermon #17
THOUGH PILGRIMS WE CAN REJOICE THAT WE ARE REDEEMED BY THE BLOOD OF GOD’S FOREORDAINED LAMB
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.
TEXT: 1 Peter 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.
INTRO: Last Sunday morning I spoke to you from this same passage. In that message I did not deal very much with the fact that Christ Jesus was God’s foreordained Lamb.
This morning I want to especially deal with the wonderful proclamation of Peter that Christ is the foreordained Lamb of God who shed his precious blood for our redemption. I want to call your attention to the wonderful fact of it: God did before the foundation of the world ordain the death of Christ to redeem us from our sins. Second, I want us to notice the marvelous implications of it: God did, before the foundation of the world, very graciously foreordain the death of Christ to redeem us from all our iniquities. Third, I want to consider the blessed accomplishment of it: Christ did accomplish the redemption of all those for whom he was the eternally foreordained Redeemer. Fourth, I want us to rejoice in the wonderful present realization of it: God has brought us to the saving knowledge of the Lamb whom he did foreordain before the foundation of the world. Finally, I want us to glory in the blessed prospect of it: Christ will surely bring to glory all those for whom he was the foreordained Redeemer.
I. THE WONDERFUL FACT OF IT: GOD DID BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD ORDAIN THE DEATH OF CHRIST TO REDEEM US FROM OUR SINS
A. God’s foreordination of Christ as the Redeemer is set forth in our text. 1 Peter 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.
B. God’s foreordination of Christ as the Redeemer is obvious in the fact that names were inscribed in the his book of life from the foundation of the world. Revelation 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
C. God’s foreordination of Christ as the Redeemer is obvious from the fact that he is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
D. God’s foreordination of Christ as the Redeemer is obvious from the fact that upon the first occasion of sin God did proclaim Christ as the remedy for sin. Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
E. God’s foreordination of Christ as the Redeemer is apparent from the fact that he was set up from eternity as wisdom.
1. Wisdom in Proverbs eight is a figurative way of speaking of Christ. Proverbs 8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
2. Paul says that Christ has been made unto all the called, wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
F. God’s foreordination of Christ as our Redeemer is revealed in the proclamation of Micah concerning his birth. Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
G. God’s foreordination of Christ as our Redeemer is evident from that fact that his coming to do that is called a mystery that has been hidden from the foundation of the world. Romans 16:25-26 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.
H. God’s foreordination of Christ as our Redeemer is clearly set forth in the declaration that his work is something which God prepared before the foundation of the world for our glory. 1 Corinthians 2:7-9 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
I. God’s foreordination of Christ as our Redeemer is apparent in Paul’s words to the church at Colosse. Colossians 1:25-27 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
J. God’s foreordination of Christ is clearly set forth by the fact that he infallibly promised eternal life before the foundation of the world. Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.
K. There are several other declarations in Scripture which establish the wonderful fact that God did, before the foundation of the world, foreordain Christ to be the Redeemer of his people, but these should suffice to firmly establish this truth beyond doubt and those other verses will be cited in other points in this message.
II. THE MARVELOUS IMPLICATIONS OF IT: GOD DID, BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, VERY GRACIOUSLY FOREORDAIN THE DEATH OF CHRIST TO REDEEM US FROM ALL OUR INIQUITIES
A. The very fact of redemption implies that those whom Christ would redeem would be sinners yet he foreordained the death of Christ for that purpose. Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
B. The fact that we could not be redeemed from our iniquities by silver and gold implies that we were in a very real bondage that was more than the bondage into which a Jewish person might be sold to satisfy a debt. 1 Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers.
C. The fact that we were such sinners that God must foreordain the death of his beloved Son so that we might be redeemed by his blood implies that our sins and our iniquities were of the worst possible and were against an infinitely holy God. 1 Peter 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
D. The fact that God did, before the foundation of the world, ordain Christ as our Redeemer, implies that He is truly gracious, wonderfully gracious.
1. He had not created us and could have never done so had he so pleased.
2. Yet, he purposed our creation, knowing we would fall, and foreordained for us a Redeemer in the person of his own Son.
E. The fact that God did, before the foundation of the world, foreordain our redemption by the blood of the foreordained Lamb, also implies the foreordination of a people that would be redeemed.
1. It implies that some were ordained to eternal life before the foundation of the world. Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
2. It implies that some were given to him to redeem before the foundation of the world. John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 17:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
3. It implies that some were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world to be redeemed by the foreordained Redeemer.
a. We were blessed in the heavenly places in Christ before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.
b. We were chosen in him before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.
c. We were predestinated unto the adoption of children before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.
d. We have been made accepted in him who was foreordained for us before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
e. We have redemption in the blood of him who was foreordained for us before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
4. It implies that our redemption was given us in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world. 2 Timothy 1:8-9 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
F. The blessed fact that Christ was foreordained before the foundation of the world to be the Redeemer of sinners implies that his principle purpose for coming into the world was the redemption of those sinners whom God had foreordained to eternal life.
1. This is set forth in the declaration of an angel. Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
2. It is declared by the Apostle Paul. 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
3. It is proclaimed by Jesus. Matthew 9:13 I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
4. It is obvious from another statement by Jesus Christ. Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
5. It is apparent from the cry of John the Baptist. John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
6. And, it is abundantly evident from another declaration from Paul. Romans 3:24-26 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
7. It is very evident from Jesus statement that he came to die and give his life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
8. That our redemption from sins was the principle purpose for which Christ was foreordained to come into the world is seen again in Peter’s declaration to the Jews. Acts 3:26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
9. This fact is again seen in Paul’s declaration to the Roman congregation that Christ came to die for the ungodly. Romans 5:6-10 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
G. There are other things implied in the blessed truth that God did, before the foundation of the world, ordain that Christ come and die to redeem his people from their awful slavery in sin, but these will suffice to show us that it was a very gracious thing that God did in this matter.
III. THE BLESSED ACCOMPLISHMENT OF IT: CHRIST DID ACCOMPLISH THE REDEMPTION OF ALL THOSE FOR WHOM HE WAS THE ETERNALLY FOREORDAINED REDEEMER
A. His accomplishment of it is seen in the very positive declarations concerning his purpose in coming. Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
B. His accomplishment of it is evident from the assurance that he would not lose one of those sheep given to him by the Father but would raise every one of them up at the last day.
1. Consider his bold and clear statement in John 6:37-40 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day
2. Consider his certainty expressed in his message the God Shepherd and his sheep. John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one.
C. The confidence of Jesus that he was completing the work given him by the Father is seen in his mediatorial prayer.
1. He had been given sufficient power to endure the suffering and complete the work to which he had been foreordained. John 17:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
2. He had finished to work given him to do. John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
D. The confidence of Jesus that he was completing the work to which he was foreordained before the foundation of the world is found in his sovereign declaration of his will that all those given to him be with him to behold his glory. John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
E. The certainty that Christ accomplished this work to which he was foreordained is evident from God’s exaltation of him after the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8-11 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
F. The certainty that Christ did accomplish the redemption for which he was foreordained as God’s Lamb is evident from Paul’s declaration that he is able to save to the uttermost them that come to God by him. Hebrews 7:25-26 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.
G. This accomplished redemption secured by Christ is evident in the declaration that he has obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
H. This accomplished redemption is evident from the fact that there is no more offering for sin. Hebrews 10:12-18 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
I. Though I could give many more evidences that Christ did accomplish the redemption that he was foreordained to accomplish, I will cite only one more proof—the song of redemption that is sung in heaven. Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.
IV. REJOICE IN THE WONDERFUL PRESENT REALIZATION OF IT: GOD HAS BROUGHT US TO THE SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAMB WHOM HE DID FOREORDAIN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD
A. He has called us so that we have seen Christ as the power and wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
B. He has brought us to the wonderful realization that we are sons of God. 1 John 3:1-2 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
C. He has caused us to know that we have eternal life. 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
D. He has caused us to know and be persuaded that nothing and no one can ever render him incapable of keeping what we have committed unto him. 2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
E. Our realization that Christ has truly redeemed us is assurance that he will also keep us from falling. Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
V. GLORY IN THE BLESSED PROSPECT OF IT: CHRIST WILL SURELY BRING TO GLORY ALL THOSE FOR WHOM HE WAS THE FOREORDAINED REDEEMER
A. That God has foreordained redemption by the blood of Christ whom he foreordained as the Redeemer-Lamb is assurance that he will also bring us to glory. 1 Peter 1:20-21 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
B. That God has foreordained Christ to be our Redeemer is assurance that we shall be presented faultless before the presence of his glory. Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.
C. The same Lord who was foreordained to be our sacrifice for sin is foreordained to return and receive all those saved by his redeeming sacrifice. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
D. His redemptive work assures our presence with him in glory. Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
E. The same One who was foreordained to be our Redeemer is also foreordained to by the object of our praise when we are with him in glory. Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.
CONC: Yes,
I will sing of my Redeemer,
With his blood he purchased me, On the cross he sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt and made me free.
Go to HomePage of Central Baptist Church
Return to Index of Sermons on First Peter
Click here to see a complete listing of all messages on this site
This page last updated Friday, March 04, 2011