Missions are always God’s initiative. It is not a knee-jerk reaction or response to the human condition. It is not an afterthought plan of God. To understand God’s redemption plan, it is essential to understand the attributes of God. There are seven colors in a rainbow, however, it is the refraction of light. The attributes are like different colors or shades, but light is one. Hence, the attributes of God cannot be dissected for evaluation, instead should be understood in relationship with one another.
God’s foreknowledge: God chose his people before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4) Even before the creation of the world, the first human couple God knew that the first couple would Fall into sin, there would be a plan of redemption, and gospel preaching that would result in the making of disciples. God foreknew who would make the right decisions to accept Lord Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation.
God first loved us: God took the initiative of loving humans. (I John 4:19) God did not respond to human love, instead he first loved us. This love was not passive, but dynamic redemptive love.
God loved Adam and Eve: When the first couple Adam and Eve sinned, God did not annihilate them, even though he had all the power and authority to punish, judge, and destroy them.
God is Holy: God is Holy, and He cannot and will not compromise with sin. Though God is love, he loves the sinners, but will not compromise with sin. Hence, he had to create a plan to fulfill the law and save sinners.
God is Just: Righteous God, will not break His own law. God sent His Son who fulfilled all Law to die as the substitute for sinners. The wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23) God is faithful and just to forgive the sins of those who believe and repent. (I John 1:9)
God is merciful: God is love, and the love in action is mercy. God was not insensitive to the plight of human beings. He made a way for restoration.
Am I grateful for God’s goodness and plan of redemption?