The Scheme Of Redemption
James Hiser
I grew up thinking that a scheme was some sort of nefarious plan that one would use to get an advantage over someone else. Later, I found out that, when one bought an appliance, he would find somewhere on the housing of the machine, a schematic diagram, showing a sketch of the electrical circuitry of that item. Webster uses the terms, “diagrammatic” and “a plan or program of action” to define schematic. This latter definition better describes our subject for discussion.
When sin reared its ugly head in the Garden of Eden, God immediately set in action His great scheme of redemption. In Genesis 3:15, God informed Satan of his ultimate defeat. Later, in Genesis 12: 1-3, God informed Abram of his role in the blessing of all mankind which culminated in the arrival of One who would crush Satan’s head. (See Galatians 3:16).
From Genesis through Joshua, the history of the Hebrew people shows God’s divine guidance over His people until the time when they settled in the Promised Land. However, that does not finish the record of God’s dealing with His chosen people. Through the periods of both the united kingdom and the divided kingdom; the captivities of His people; the return from captivity; the rebuilding of the temple, including the time of the prophets, before, during and after the captivity, the hand of God was seen guiding, exhorting, and protecting His people until (in the words of the apostle Paul), “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God has sent forth the spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba Father!’ Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” (Galatians 4:4-7).
In the New Testament, we learn what we refer to as the five steps in obeying the gospel: Hearing the Word of God, (Romans 10:17); showing faith in God, (Hebrews 11: 6); repenting of our sins, (Luke 13: 3, 5); confessing Jesus Christ as the Son of God, (Acts 8: 37, Romans 10: 9, 10); and being baptized for the remission of our sins (Mark 16: 16, Acts 2: 38). This five-step plan is a thumbnail sketch of the process one needs to complete to obtain salvation, as well as to gain the status of membership in the church of the Lord by being added to the church. “Praising God and having favor with all of the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2: 47).
Using the five fingers of one hand, we teach our children in Bible school this five-step process to remember the plan of salvation. This, of course, is a simplification of that which God has laid out in the Holy word. It is a logical presentation of the involved process to obtain our salvation.
Think of it, brethren; it is so simple that it is really profound! Any person, regardless of tribe, tongue, race, social standing, or location on this earth! The plan is the same for everyone! Mortal man could not devise so simple, yet complete, a plan. His ways are past finding out, they are too wonderful, and we, as mortals, cannot attain unto them. (Romans 11:33; Isaiah 55:8, 9). -5636 Cherrywood Dr., Lorain, Oh. 44053.