The Bible, the infallible Word of Almighty Yahweh, unveils the sweeping narrative of God's purpose for the universe—from creation, the fall, and redemption to the consummation of His eternal kingdom. This divine story reveals why Yahweh, the Triune God, created the universe and how His sovereign plan unfolds through the ages.
In the beginning, Yahweh, in His infinite wisdom and power, created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). This creation was a display of His glory, majesty, and divine attributes. God formed the universe ex nihilo (out of nothing), speaking all things into existence.
Humanity was created uniquely in God’s image (*imago Dei*) to reflect His character and to enjoy a covenant relationship with Him (Genesis 1:26-28). Angels were created to serve God and execute His will, while the earth and its creatures were designed to proclaim His beauty and provide for humanity. All creation existed in harmony, with humanity tasked as stewards of God’s creation.
Despite the perfection of creation, sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Tempted by Satan, they disobeyed God’s command, bringing death, suffering, and separation from Him into the world. This act of disobedience not only corrupted humanity but subjected all creation to futility (Romans 8:20).
As descendants of Adam, all humans inherit a sinful nature and are guilty before a holy and righteous God (Romans 5:12). This total depravity leaves humanity unable to seek or please God apart from His grace.
Even in the midst of judgment, Yahweh revealed His plan for redemption. In Genesis 3:15, God promised a Savior who would crush the serpent's head—a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the God-Man. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s covenant with Israel pointed to this coming Redeemer:
- Through Abraham: The promise of a nation through which all families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3).
- through Moses: The giving of the law, which reveals humanity’s sin and need for a Savior (Exodus 20).
- Through David: The promise of an eternal King from his lineage (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
Prophecies throughout the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 53 and Micah 5:2, foretold the Messiah’s suffering, death, and victory.
In the fullness of time, Yahweh’s plan of redemption culminated in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully man (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9). Born of a virgin, He lived a sinless life and perfectly obeyed the Father, fulfilling the law on behalf of humanity.
Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus bore the wrath of God for sinners, satisfying divine justice (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). His resurrection demonstrated His victory over sin and death, securing eternal life for all who believe in Him (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Salvation is found only by surrendering to the Lordship of Christ, repenting of sin, and placing faith in His finished work on the cross (Acts 4:12).
This salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by works, but granted by God’s sovereign will (Ephesians 2:8-9). Those who reject Christ face eternal separation from God in hell, while those who trust in Him are granted eternal life and fellowship with God (John 3:16-18).
Reformed theology, rooted in Scripture, systematically explains God’s sovereign work of salvation. Central to this understanding is the acronym TULIP:
1. Total Depravity: Humanity is entirely corrupted by sin and unable to seek God without divine intervention (Romans 3:10-18).
2. Unconditional Election: God, in His sovereign grace, chooses whom He will save, not based on any foreseen merit (Ephesians 1:4-5).
3. Limited Atonement: Christ’s atoning work on the cross was specifically for the elect, securing their salvation (John 10:14-15).
4. Irresistible Grace: God’s grace effectively draws His chosen people to faith and repentance, overcoming their resistance (John 6:37-39).
5. Perseverance of the Saints: Those whom God saves will be preserved in faith and will never fall away completely (Philippians 1:6).
The steps of salvation as taught in Reformed theology are:
1. Election: God’s eternal choice of His people.
2. Calling: The gospel’s outward call and the Spirit’s inward work.
3. Regeneration: The Spirit grants spiritual life to the sinner.
4. Faith and Repentance: The sinner responds to God’s grace in trust and turning from sin.
5. Justification: God declares the sinner righteous through faith in Christ.
6. Adoption: The believer is brought into God’s family.
7. Sanctification: The ongoing process of becoming more like Christ.
8. Perseverance: The believer is preserved in faith.
9. Glorification: Final perfection in heaven.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible declares the gospel:
- Genesis: The creation, fall, and promise of redemption.
- Exodus to Malachi: God’s covenantal dealings with Israel and prophecies of the Messiah.
- Gospels: The life, death, and resurrection of Christ.
- Acts to Jude: The spread of the gospel and instructions for the church.
- Revelation: The final victory of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
The grand narrative of Scripture reveals Yahweh’s sovereign plan to glorify Himself through creation, redemption, and the restoration of all things. By surrendering to the Lordship of Christ, sinners are saved from eternal damnation and granted eternal life with God. This message, rooted in Reformed theology, calls all to worship the Triune God who reigns supreme from eternity past to eternity future.
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엘리야The Wretched