"Crucified before the foundation of the world." What does that mean? How could that even happen? Historians and archaeologists talk about events that happened before man was created based of archaeological evidence, but no one was around to record it. Most of the biblical record was recorded by people who are known to scholars, but some things are found which we don't know how they were witnessed. Some things were viewed by a prophet or reported to a writer who was known to be a messenger of God. Sometimes they were seen in a vision. These we take on faith and trust God's provision.
Isaiah records the overthrow of Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12-19, and in Luke 10:18 Jesus testifies that he saw "Satan fall from Heaven like a flash of lightening."
God had advance notice about the assault of Satan and his Demons on mankind and the world, and he provided a remedy in the person and work of Jesus. Satan was doomed by his pride. He sought to out do God, to rise above him and destroy man, but God knew the way to deny him that opportunity. It would cost the life of Jesus in a torturous manner, but as soon as he saw the rise of Satan to challenge his authority, God saw and committed to the plan. Even before he made Adam and Eve, before the world began, God already knew that Satan would strike at Jesus' heel and Jesus would crush his head.(Gen.3:15) In the mind of God Jesus would be victorious even though it would cost his earthly life. There was no search for the One to send for this task. There was only one who would do: It was Jesus, God's only begotten son, the Lamb, sinless and righteous.
Could that have happened in Heaven before the world was created? Perhaps, but it would not have had the witness of mankind. We would not have been able to see the result. I'm glad he chose to make us witnesses of the life and victory of Jesus. I live everyday knowing what he did for me and I rejoice that he made me a participant in his life and ministry.
Isaiah records the overthrow of Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12-19, and in Luke 10:18 Jesus testifies that he saw "Satan fall from Heaven like a flash of lightening."
God had advance notice about the assault of Satan and his Demons on mankind and the world, and he provided a remedy in the person and work of Jesus. Satan was doomed by his pride. He sought to out do God, to rise above him and destroy man, but God knew the way to deny him that opportunity. It would cost the life of Jesus in a torturous manner, but as soon as he saw the rise of Satan to challenge his authority, God saw and committed to the plan. Even before he made Adam and Eve, before the world began, God already knew that Satan would strike at Jesus' heel and Jesus would crush his head.(Gen.3:15) In the mind of God Jesus would be victorious even though it would cost his earthly life. There was no search for the One to send for this task. There was only one who would do: It was Jesus, God's only begotten son, the Lamb, sinless and righteous.
Could that have happened in Heaven before the world was created? Perhaps, but it would not have had the witness of mankind. We would not have been able to see the result. I'm glad he chose to make us witnesses of the life and victory of Jesus. I live everyday knowing what he did for me and I rejoice that he made me a participant in his life and ministry.
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