May 7, 2023
The Scripture texts read in your hearing are Genesis 50.15-21 and John 11.45-53. Our topic today is God’s Plan for His People.

Let me begin with the end in mind. God’s Plan for His People is for us to accept the atoning sacrificial death of His Son, the LORD Jesus Christ. Why? Because Jesus is the substitution in our place, provides redemption, brings reconciliation, makes propitiation, offers forgiveness, delivers justification, and is the perfect sacrifice.

Through this teaching message today, I just want to make sure we understand these seven terms associated with Jesus’ atonement on our behalf as we embrace God’s plan for His people.

I. Substitution. In the place of another. Jesus died in our place.
• 2Co 5:21
• Mar 10:45

II. Redemption. Purchase from slavery (sin) to freedom. The debt is too high for us. Jesus paid the price in full.
• 1Co 6:20
• Gal 3:13
• Tit 2:14

III. Reconciliation. Making peace with God by removing the sin barrier. Sin keeps mankind separated from God. We can only approach Him through reconciliation.
• 2Co 5:18-20

IV. Propitiation. Satisfaction of the demand of God towards sinners. Justice is required by Holy God.
• Heb 2:17
• Rom 3:23-26

V. Forgiveness. Removing charges because of proper satisfaction. God forgives us because of the atonement of Jesus.
• Col 2:13-14

VI. Justification. Declared righteous. God’s people are righteous not because of ourselves, but because of the shed blood of Jesus that washed away our sins.
• Rom 4:23-25

VII. Sacrifice. Give up or suffer loss for another or others. Lambs were offered as sacrifices on behalf of mankind. Jesus is our Sacrificial Lamb. But get this. Others plotted to have Him sacrificed. But it was in God’s plan for His people all along.
• Joh 11:48-53

It reminds me of Joseph’s brothers who were plotting against him. They were terrified after their father died. Look at Joseph responded.
• Gen 50:15-21

The Sadducees and Pharisees were terrified that Jesus would replace them and/or the Romans would get rid of them. They plotted against Jesus. That was their plan. Hear Jesus’ response to man’s plans.
• Joh 10:14-18

Jesus being sacrificed. They meant it for evil. God meant it for good. And even after all the plotting and scheming, Jesus died for them too. All they had to do was accept Jesus as LORD and Savior.

If you have not accepted Christ, know that He made this sacrifice for you too. Why? Because this is God’s plan for His people. Become a part of His people today by accepting Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior. Amen.