In a natural way of thinking, (that is - when a problem arises, seek a solution then), I would have thought that because sin came into the world, God then provided a Saviour. But that's not the way it was. There was a Saviour before there was sin, before there was a world as we know it.
As I knelt to pray in the early morning, there flashed into my mind, "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world"
(Revelation 13:8). I began to wonder why, why before the creation of humans was the truth of the sacrificial Saviour already a fact? God had set the planets in order and all the natural elements function as He intended. Astronauts would never venture into space if they could not depend on God's natural laws to ensure their safe return. God knew that when He created humans we would all go astray, none of us would seek after him but everyone would go his own way. Why did God not make humans like other parts of creation to function as directed? God knew, as we do not yet fully understand, that the greater glory would come from giving humans the god-like power of choice. God's chosen ones have been destined to judge angels and rule the world with Christ but Christians have been among history's worst sinners. The Lord knew that the earth He created, created in such beauty and splendour and diversity, would soon reel and stagger under the crushing weight of cruelty - injustice - tragedy and groan in travail waiting for redemption (Romans 8:22).
God knows that the few or several thousand years between the foundation of the world and the consummation are a mere drop in the bucket in God's economy which is all the time working toward the fulfillment of His colossal plan.
The depths of these truths are beyond me. My mind hurts trying to probe further. Oh, God, Your thoughts are far above and beyond my thoughts. Why did we need a Saviour before ... before ... before? One reason or part of the reason, I think, is because we were chosen in Christ BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD (Ephesians 1:4).
We would be the offspring of fallen Adam, we would inherit his sinful nature and we would sin. Yet we, whom God chose, were already redeemed by the precious Blood of Jesus. It was history that hadn't yet happened. Because we were chosen, it was essential. Such thoughts are too high for me but I know I need to think more about this.
When understanding fails, worship begins.
Suddenly I was impacted by the tremendous importance of every choice - thought - word - deed, because ... not only were we chosen before the foundation of the world, good works were prepared beforehand in the good life which God prearranged for us to live (Ephesians 2:10). As I've never realized before, I see the eternal significance of the ordinary details of our everyday lives. Everything in life -- (sin excepted) routines, difficulties, pleasures, burdens, provision, protection, sorrows, joys; are all God's gifts to me to equip me to walk into the prepared good works in a prearranged life destined for joy unspeakable and full of glory.
I cannot begin to grasp the limits of God's stupendous plan but this little glimpse into the many-faceted, unfolding mystery has blown me away.
How I need the precious, cleansing Blood of Jesus to be ceaselessly active within me.
How I need to remember that repentance is the drainage ditch along the holiness highway.
How very much more I need ever-increasing awe and gratitude.