SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN
I must admit to you the reader that I am biased at this point. My systematic theology is not Calvinism or Dispensationalism, but it is Great Commission evangelicalism (cf. Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 24:46-47; Acts 1:8). I believe God had an eternal plan for the redemption of all mankind (e.g., Gen. 3:15; 12:3; Exod 19:5-6; John 1:29; 3:16; 4:42; 12:47; Rom. 5:18; 1 Tim. 2:4; 4:10; Titus 2:11; 3:4; Heb. 2:9; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 John 2:2; 4:14), all those created in His image and likeness (cf. Gen. 1:26-27). The two covenants are united in Christ (cf. Gal. 3:28-29; Col. 3:11). Jesus is the mystery of God, hidden but now revealed (cf. Eph. 2:11-3:13)! The NT gospel, not Israel, is the key to Scripture (see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE SUPERIORITY OF THE NEW COVENANT OVER THE MOSAIC COVENANT).
This pre-understanding colors all my interpretations of Scripture. I read all texts through it! It is surely a bias (all interpreters have them!), but it is my scripturally-informed presupposition.
The focus of Genesis 1-2 is YHWH creating a place where He and His highest creation, mankind, can fellowship (cf. Gen. 1:26,27; 3:8). Physical creation is a stage for this interpersonal divine agenda.
The OT has many hints of this divine agenda.
This universal emphasis is facilitated by the emergence of the "new covenant" (cf. Jer. 31:31-34; described in Ezek. 36:22-36), (see SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT) which focuses on the mercy of YHWH (see SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD [OT]), not the performance of fallen humans (see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FALL OF MANKIND). Believing mankind is given is a "new heart," a "new mind," and a "new spirit." Obedience is crucial but it is an internal motivation, not an external code only (cf. Rom. 3:21-31; see SPECIAL TOPIC: KEEP).
The NT clearly reinforces the universal redemptive plan in several ways.
The NT focuses on Jesus, not Israel. The gospel, not a nationality or geographical region, is central. Israel was the first revelation (cf. Matt. 5:17-19) but Jesus is the ultimate, final revelation (cf. Matt. 5:21-48; John 1:14-18; 14:8-11; Heb. 1:1-3).
I hope you will take a moment to read the following Special Topics:
SPECIAL TOPIC: WHY DO OT COVENANT PROMISE SEEM SDO DIFFERENT FROM NT COVENANT PROMISES?
SPECIAL TOPIC: FAITH, BELIEVE, OR TRUST
SPECIAL TOPIC: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "RECEIVE," "BELIEVE," "CONFESS/PROFESS," "CALL UPON"?
SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL'S VIEWS OF THE MOSAIC LAW
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