Understanding the Plan of REDEMPTION

By Jay Hudson

In the realm of time, life is very short. Time goes by quickly. In a moment of time, one can die and this life is over, but what happens after this? There are many views throughout the history of mankind. Starting at an early age, these views are shaped by what is taught from parents, school, religious upbringing, and experience. All impact what we believe. But what is the truth about death? Is there a heaven or hell? Did Jesus really have to die for the sins of mankind? Does everyone go to heaven? Are you going to heaven? Or, rather, is everyone hell-bound from natural birth? This book will take you on a journey through the infallible Word of God to unveil God's plan of redemption and answer these questions. The answers may even surprise you. This book is a love story, a love story of God for His creation, mankind. It is a love story of God and you. God has always wanted a family. He has always wanted you in His eternal family. The plan of redemption is a love story of how God restored His family, mankind, to Him. The plan of redemption is a wonderful and amazing act of God's love and grace for mankind, a revelation of God's nature, which is LOVE. Understanding the plan of redemption will provide a better comprehension of God and His unconditional love for you. It will forever change your life. This book reveals the intricate details of what God planned and went through to save and preserve mankind from eternal damnation, and what God went through for you personally. He did it all for you. So enjoy reading about this love story, and receive its benefits and know how you can have peace now and after death because of God's plan of redemption.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098023294

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Truth of the Bible

Asimple definition of salvation is to be delivered from harm or something harmful. Our previous definition of redemption is to be purchased or bought, payment in exchange for something. From the standpoint of the Bible and Christianity, salvation basically refers to deliverance from sin and hell. Thus, one who has received salvation is considered saved. The term born again also is used by evangelicals. This term will be explained later. From the standpoint of the Bible and Christianity, redemption basically means to be bought by the blood of Jesus, bought from sin and hell to freedom and heaven. One who has received redemption is considered redeemed. The terms redemption and salvation go hand in hand and are frequently used interchangeably, but the principle is one is delivered (saved) from sin and hell and redeemed (bought) by the blood of Jesus.

Understanding redemption and salvation help answer a lot of questions one may have, especially one who is not a Christian, commonly called an unbeliever. It can help one practicing another religion such as Islam or Hinduism to understand why Christianity is not a religion. Salvation and redemption are free to all, and everything from God is free but not automatic. Everything has to be received from God, including redemption. One of the greatest gifts from God is free choice. Each person in their lifetime needs to make a decision to receive Jesus or reject Jesus. The choice made may not always be obvious but can be shown from words and actions.

Although redemption and salvation are free and the key to eternal life with God, understanding the need to be redeemed and saved can be easier to believe if we understand the entire plan of redemption. It can answer many questions that one has asked or thought about but has not found answers. This is why this book has been written, not just to talk about redemption, but to show all why redemption and salvation are needed.

Understanding the plan of redemption is the key to Christianity. It is the fundamental truth in which if one does not understand, it causes people to claim Christianity is a religion, which it is not. A true Christian is one who believes and has accepted the plan of redemption that Jesus died for their sins and rose again. One may claim to be a Christian, but in the eyes of God, they are not unless they have accepted the plan of redemption.

There are people who truly are Christians, but they do not understand the plan of redemption. They should, as this is critical in helping them understand more about God, His amazing grace and love, and will help them in their relationship with God. There are those who claim to be Christians but really are not and likely do not know much if anything about the plan of redemption. The fact is, too many Christians do not really understand the amazing loving plan of redemption God orchestrated from the foundation of the world. God is all-knowing, omniscient. There are many verses in the Bible which indicate this. For example, Psalm 147:5 tells us, Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. Acts 15:18 tells us, Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Some other scriptures include 2 Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 139:1–4, Ezekiel 11:5, Hebrews 4:13, and 1 John 3:20. God knew mankind would mess up via sin long before mankind ever did. He knew before the foundation of the world. Therefore, God came up with a plan to redeem mankind.

First Peter 1:18–21 states,

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

The key point to understand is, God has planned from even before the world was created the plan of redemption. If people fully understood the plan of redemption, they would desire to grow closer in their relationship with God and learn to receive their inheritance from this plan, which is far more than one day going to heaven.

People who are not Christians, shrug off Christianity, mock Christians, and do not want anything to do with Christians…

may have heard of Jesus

may know Jesus lived on this earth

may believe Jesus was a person born on earth via a nonvirgin birth and was a prophet and not the Son of God

may believe Jesus is the Son of God but that is about it because they are not familiar with the Bible and/or

may have heard Jesus died for their sins and rose again, but they really do not care or really believe it, understand it, or just mentally ascent it

Mental ascent is agreement in the head (mind) but not in the heart, the heart referring to the spirit of a person. We will discuss the spirit of man in a future chapter. Faith in God comes from the heart and not the mind. Thus, people (whether they claim to be Christians or not) falling into these above categories are not heaven-bound whether they believe it or not. We will find out why. Too many Christians do not know the plan of redemption in detail, so it is very likely anyone falling into the previous categories knows little about the plan of redemption; else their position and views would likely change.

Hosea 4:6 states, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

This is an Old Testament scripture which is speaking directly to the Jewish people, but it also applies to Christians. But it is clear this applies to anyone who lacks knowledge about the Bible, which is God’s Word. It was noted earlier if someone does not have information to fix or change something, the situation or thing cannot be fixed or changed. If one does not know how to fix a leak, they cannot fix the leak because they lack the knowledge. If one does not know how to protect themselves in a war, they could be destroyed for their lack of knowledge of protecting themselves. If one does not know about the plan of redemption, how can they receive redemption? If one knows little knowledge about the plan of redemption, how can they receive all its benefits? They cannot. It is lack of knowledge of God which has caused the problems of cities, states, countries, and the world. If one does not know anything about a particular candidate running for office, how do they know what the candidate represents? Yet too many people will still make a decision to vote for someone they know little or nothing about.

All of us should make sure we have proper knowledge about things before making judgment and decisions. One should not make comments about a person, political party, etc. if they do not know anything about them. Unfortunately, too many people do because of what they have been taught or heard. But how many verify the information themselves? We would not let someone we do not know very well into our homes. Why would a citizen of the United States vote for a person they know little about when that person represents them in the constitutional republic and can have a great impact on them? Yes, the United States is not a democracy as too many state; it is a constitutional republic. This can be verified in the United States Constitution. But how many people know this? Did you know this? This shows my point exactly about why we should not just believe what we are told, taught, etc.

One should not make comments about Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or any religion if they know nothing about them. However, there are people who do. I am simply presenting information based on the Bible so one can understand the plan of redemption and make a decision themselves to believe or not believe. This is our wonderful free choice God has given us. Sometimes we simply believe things we are told. Other times we do not believe and want some understanding. There are Christians who believe things they have been told about redemption and salvation, but these things do not make sense to them. They simply believe. Now belief is vitally important in the unseen realm. However, there are times when things make sense to us, it is easier to believe and not stagger in our belief, especially when things go wrong.

Like anything, Christianity requires faith. It requires faith and belief in the Word of God, and there is one God—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit (the Holy Spirit). One God in three Persons is called the Trinity (Triune). God is one (a spirit being) but manifests as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit—three in one.

Faith is a decision and is the key even when gaining an understanding of the plan of redemption. Faith is needed in life. It could be faith in a person, faith in an employer providing a paycheck, faith in a spouse, faith in one to fix something correctly and at a fair price, etc. Man-made religions require belief and faith also. Even world knowledge requires faith and belief. Science and things which cannot be measured require faith. Some science can be recreated, but much cannot. Statistics often can be tainted or read however one wants. In 2012, one poll indicated on election day for the president of the United States, Mitt Romney would defeat Barack Obama. The election was not even close as Barack Obama easily won. Media shows statistics from polls for many things, and the population, although supposing to represent diverse groups, still is often well less than five thousand people. How can a poll of five thousand people truly represent the people of a country around 325 million people (approximate population of the United States of America in 2019)? But a small sample or population too frequently is used to report and try and sway people to believe it is a majority view.

It requires faith to believe what the Bible says, and it is a choice of all of us to believe what it says or not. A fundamental misunderstanding is, too many people believe the Bible was written by man and, hence, is just man’s opinion. Even if it was, all other religions are just man’s opinions, as are theories of evolution and the big bang. There is no tangible proof of the theory of evolution and big bang theory. There are documented flaws with these theories, but are they being presented in classrooms?

The Bible is not a book written by man. It is a book written by God using men He inspired to write it. This may be hard for some to believe. But some believe in astrology, Chinese proverbs, and sayings from fortune cookies. Some people go to a fortune-teller, psychic, necromancer (one who communicates to the dead), etc. to get information which they believe. They believe God is somehow the source of the information to these means (like psychics and necromancers). The Bible makes it very clear these types of things are demonic and God opposes them. One should avoid these things because they open up one to the occult, and bad things can happen. However, how many people know this?

Second Timothy 3:16 states, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Second Peter 1:20–21 states, Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Proverbs 30:5 states, Every word of God is pure; he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

God spoke to prophets who wrote what God said in the Bible. The Bible was created by man via the Holy Spirit of God. The Bible is more than just a book. It is from an all-knowing God, speaking to teach us how to live successfully on earth. It tells us about evil, its origin, and how to combat it. It tells us what is good for us and what to do for our benefit. The Bible was given to teach us what is right and wrong because God knows what will work and what will not. It is not a list of dos and don’ts like some believe. It is from a loving God who knows what is good for us and what is not. It is from a God who knows evil exists in the world (and it is not from Him) so He tells us what to do so evil will not be inflicted in our lives. The Bible has been given to man out of love. However, too many people ridicule and mock it but do not ridicule and mock how-to books written by man. Too many reject the Bible but do not reject the many books on philosophy written by man. There is a reason why this occurs because there is a source of evil called Satan who does everything he can to prevent one from reading the Bible and knowing the truth about it.

The Bible is not a history book, but it certainly contains some history. There certainly are historical facts and battles in the book. The Bible is a book of prophecy. The Bible is full of prophecies which have come to pass, including over one hundred prophecies in the Old Testament pertaining to Jesus’ birth, and every one was fulfilled. Various chapters of the book of Daniel even give prophecy of future empires which history shows did occur. There is even prophecy in the book of Daniel (Daniel 8:5–8) which referred to the conquest of Alexander the Great. This prophecy was written around three hundred years before this happened. Therefore, not all prophecies in the Old Testament were about the coming of Jesus to earth. There are prophecies in the Old Testament and New Testament which have not yet come to pass. Much of it relates to the present time we are in and the end of the age. This has aroused much interest in both Christians and even non-Christians.

There are people who shy away from the Bible because they think it will force them to change and they do not want to be told what to do or they think it is a religious book of rules. This is the furthest from the truth, but still, how many times does someone say I don’t want to get too religious? How can people make comments about the Bible if they have never read and studied it? I certainly would not comment on how to build a house since I am not a builder.

The Bible is not a religious book, like many people think. I will state it again: religion was created by man. The Bible was not written with man’s thoughts and opinions, like other books, including books on philosophy and other religions. The Bible contains the thoughts and words of God.

One definition of religion per Webster’s 1828 Dictionary is, any system of faith and worship. In this sense, religion comprehends the belief and worship of pagans and Mohammedans, as well as of Christians—any religion consisting in the belief of a superior power or powers governing the world, and in the worship of such power or powers. Thus we speak of the religion of the Turks, of the Hindus, of the Indians, as well as of the Christian religion. We speak of false religion, as well as of true religion.

Some definitions of religion from dictionary.com are the following:

a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion, the Islam religion.

the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.

Every religion has been created by man because of man’s differences in opinions and man’s view of how to reach and/or contact one or more gods. Many religions exist, but there is only one Bible—although there are many versions and translations of the Bible, which are man’s attempt to make the Bible easily understood.

The Bible is not a throwaway book. God intended for it to be our foundation, the most-taught and most-read book. And there is a reason it has lasted as long as it has. There is a reason it is likely the most purchased, most read, most popular book in the history of mankind. It is a book which is just as relevant today as it was when it was written. The Bible gives us principles to use in everyday life—including principles for health, finances, marriage, and raising kids. It gives us principles on how nations should operate—including the government, economics, taxes, schools, churches, military, and businesses. The Bible gives us the standard on what to measure, what is right and wrong. This is why the founding fathers of the United States of America based the American government and laws on the Bible. This is contrary to what has been taught in schools for the past several decades. But this can be proven easily by just viewing public records in Washington, DC, and walking through government buildings.

The founding fathers studied forms of other governments and through rigorous evaluations, planning, and prayer determined the Bible had the answers—that God knows best. The Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution are based on biblical scripture. The founders, most who were Christians, although this is not taught today, knew some of the dangers of a democracy. Jesus was innocent and put to death by a pure democracy. Therefore, after careful consideration and prayer, putting God first, the founders established the United States as a constitutional republic and not a democracy. Too many people including politicians and media do not even know this, or if they do, they do not indicate it. But how many students and others are not presented this information? Therefore, lack of knowledge, including in the schools, results in lack of choice, and people believing what they are told. The same is true in the schools in terms of creation taught as from a big bang and humans created via evolution rather than creation came from God. How many schools and other places are given both views and then allow individuals to make a choice?

In a republic, people are ruled by laws. In a democracy people are ruled by people, a majority of people. The population votes, and the majority win. There is no standard. A majority could rule murder is no longer a crime. The founders called a democracy a mobocracy where emotions rule. America was founded as a republic so that people would be governed by laws. This is the highest form of government. A constitution exists to define the rights of individuals. The United States Constitution and laws are based on the highest source of authority, the Word of God. Government officials are supposed to uphold the laws and the laws protect the people. No one is above the law, and this is how one has liberty. The three documents which define the rights of a United States citizen are the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. The Constitution limits the power of the government, defines its structure, and has checks and balances to prevent any branch of government from becoming too powerful. Democratic processes are used to elect officials who have the authority to uphold the laws.

In a republic, the people are sovereign. The government is the servant, not controller, of the people. It is We the People, a government by the people, and the people have no obligation to the government, but vice versa via documented laws. In America, too many in office have broken this. The duty of every elected official in the United States is not to their party or the president, but to uphold the Constitution and Bill of Rights (which are based on God’s natural and moral laws) and protect the God-given rights of American citizens. But how many elected officials in government really have this as their focus today?

The United States of America is the longest-ongoing constitutional republic since 1789. Article IV of the Constitution says each state is a republic. This form of government has lasted in the United States since 1789 when the Constitution was created. For example, Venezuela has had twenty-five constitutions since 1811; Haiti, twenty-three since 1801; France, sixteen since 1791; Ecuador, twenty since 1830; Thailand, seventeen since 1937; Nigeria, nine since 1922; the Philippines, seven since 1899; Poland, seven since 1919; Afghanistan, six since 1923; South Korea, six since 1948; South Africa, five since 1931; Iran, four since 1925; and China, four since 1954.

There is a reason the government of the United States has lasted, and that is because it works. The Constitution of America works. A key point to understand is, the American government and documents of citizen rights and liberty are primarily founded on biblical principles, what God says about government, freedom, laws, etc. Unfortunately, this has not been taught in the American school system for many years. Some scriptures used as a basis for the United States government include:

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance (Psalm 33:12).

The United States was created with God as number one with all reverence and respect to Him and His Word.

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens (Exodus 18:21).

The idea of America as a republic came from Exodus 18:21. This defines different jurisdictions with leaders: city, county, state, and federal levels of government. Elect someone to represent you. It is not a democracy where everyone votes. For example, 435 House representatives vote instead of every American citizen eligible to vote. In a republic, the people elect representatives, who then pass laws to govern nations.

If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him (Exodus 22:2).

This is known as the Castle Doctrine in the United States. It is legal and justified for a person to protect themselves and their home from intruders.

For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us (Isaiah 33:22).

This is where the idea of the three branches in the American government originated.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9).

This scripture was used to define checks and balances in the three branches to prevent one from being too powerful. One branch has the ability to make laws in the American government, the legislative branch. However, today many have tried to change this and have succeeded in some cases where the judicial branch is making laws. It is unconstitutional for a judge to make a law. The purpose of the judge is to be a judge only and judge if the law, the Constitution, is being upheld. Judges must be just, ruling in the fear of God (2 Samuel 23:3). Judges cannot rule in the fear of God if they rule opposite of what God says. The president (king), executive branch, is never above the law per the United States Constitution. This is why the president of the United States cannot just do what he wants like some leaders in some countries.

If you were not aware, the United States of America, regardless of what is said and taught today, was founded as a Christian nation based on the Bible. America has and still is the largest nation providing missionaries to other countries. The majority of these have been and are Christian missionaries.

But the founders knew one very important aspect in the founding of America, and this is stressed in quotes of several founders. They knew and said the government of the United States will only work if people reverence God and His Word, the Bible. If one does not, corruption and problems will occur.

The truth is, America was founded as a Christian nation and its documents listing citizens’ rights, freedom, and laws are primarily biblically based. If America was not founded as a Christian nation and continued as a Christian nation, how can one explain all the biblical things including scripture on so many federal buildings throughout Washington, DC? Did you know the aluminum cap atop the Washington Monument contains the words Laus Deo? These words are Latin. Laus means praise or glory. Deo comes from the word Deus, meaning God. This text means Praise (or glory) to God.

If you would like to learn more about how America was founded as a Christian nation, there are many sources available. One I recommend is Wallbuilders.com.

The Bible shows us how to live life the way God meant for us to live. The Bible is not outdated but something which is needed desperately throughout the world. With all the problems in the world today, there has never been a time when the Word of God has been needed more.

Many people want proof of Christianity and that Jesus died and rose again. There are many things which can be proven from the Bible. But also just witnessing creation itself brings wonder and amazement to many who don’t know the Bible to understand there must be a Supreme Creator.

Miracles lead many unbelievers to become believers. One can witness people speaking in tongues, which is the prayer language from heaven. In the book of Acts chapter 2, when people spoke in tongues, many who did not believe in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of the World now believed. The church has been divided about tongues with some teaching tongues no longer exist, believing they were only in the days of the apostles of Jesus (such as in Acts chapter 2). This is another case of people missing out on things of God because of lack of knowledge. Speaking in tongues has not passed away, but is for today. I can attest to this. It is documented that Muslims who have heard Christians speak in tongues converted to Christianity because the Christians spoke in the language of the Muslims, such as Arabic. These are signs and wonders from God to help people believe He is real and the Bible is real. But the bottom line is, there is an element of faith required in Christianity.

In John 20:29, Jesus said to Thomas, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. However, the next two verses give a major reason why the Bible exists.

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:30–31)

Faith is required in everyday life, but it is up to us on what to believe. Faith is needed that a chair will hold one up. One needs faith that the bank has their money, the house they live in will continue to stand, and their body always works correctly. Many people take these things for granted, but do they really know they will happen? They believe they will because they have put their trust in the chair, bank, builders, and their body. One cannot see the inside of their body. One cannot see outer space but believe what is taught about it. These are the types of things people will believe but then question or do not believe the Bible is true. They do not believe it was written by God for mankind through prophets and holy men of God.

Belief is a decision, and when one chooses to believe what God says in the Bible, something happens. It makes it easier to continue to believe the Bible as we learn more about it. This is because when we make a decision to believe God and what He says, we give God the right to move in our lives. Contrary to what too many people think, God does not just do whatever He wants when He wants. We will learn this as we continue.

Chapter 2

Creation

Why do so many people not put their trust in God? One trusts a hotel has their reservation. They trust their car will operate perfectly without knowing how it works (unless they are a mechanic). Why doesn’t one believe God made the universe and knows how to keep it functioning perfectly? We will find the answer to this question in this book.

The purpose of this book is to present the plan of redemption illustrated from the Bible. The purpose is not to refute the big bang theory and theory of evolution, which will be discussed at a very high-level when we talk about creation.

The Bible is the everyday standard for how to successfully live in a tough world full of evil. But the real purpose of the Bible