Sermons on the History of Redemption - Genesis to 2 Kings
Sermons on the History of Redemption - Genesis to 2 Kings
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Redemptive History Old Testament Sermons (Genesis to 2 Kings)
Genesis 1: The Order of Creation and the Beginning of Redemption
1. God's Creation: Redemption is God's plan to create order out of chaos (Genesis 1:1-10)
Genesis 1 begins with "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). This verse proclaims that God is the Lord of all creation and that the beginning of the entire universe was accomplished within God's plan. Initially, the earth was formless and empty, with darkness over the deep. Yet God began His creative work by separating light from darkness, distinguishing water from land, and establishing order within the chaos.
From a redemptive-historical perspective, this opening scene of creation symbolizes the vital truth that redemption begins through God's plan and order amidst chaos and disorder. God's first step toward redeeming humanity and the world plunged into chaos by sin is to restore that order. God created light to dispel darkness and separated the heavens from the earth, establishing the order of creation. Redemption is likewise an event where God shines light upon humanity, filled with chaos and sin, establishes order, and grants a new beginning.
God created light first because the first step of redemption signifies God's light shining in the darkness. Jesus Christ came as "the light of the world" to redeem humanity dwelling in darkness. The first day of creation symbolizes the beginning of redemption, where the light of redemption shines and order is established.
Lesson and Application:
As redeemed people, we must accept God's redemptive work in our lives, where He restores chaos and disorder and establishes order. From a redemptive-historical perspective, the creation account in Genesis 1 teaches that God creates order out of chaos and initiates redemption. We must receive God's light and live our lives as redeemed people within His order.
2. Creation of Life: Redemption is God's grace that grants new life and abundance (Genesis 1:11-25)
In the second stage of creation, God creates plants and animals upon the earth and commands the proliferation of life. God created every kind of tree and grass to fill the earth, and also created all the animals in the sky, sea, and on the land, giving them life. At this time, God commanded them to "fill the earth" and blessed them to be fruitful.
From a redemptive-historical perspective, the creation of life symbolizes that redemption is God's grace, granting new life and abundance. To humanity, who had come to death through sin, God gave new life through Jesus Christ. Those redeemed are called to spiritually flourish within this new life. Just as God commanded the creatures He created to be fruitful and multiply, the redeemed are also called to flourish spiritually and live new lives within God's grace.
Furthermore, God's creation of distinct life forms for the land, sky, and sea symbolizes the role of redemption given to each to fulfill the mission received from God within their own domain. Those who are redeemed must also live lives bearing spiritual fruit, accomplishing God's will in the place of life He has given them. Through the creation of life, God grants those who are redeemed a new beginning and bestows the grace to prosper within that life.
Lesson and Application:
As redeemed beings, we must live lives of spiritual flourishing within the new life God has given us. From a redemptive-historical perspective, the second stage of creation symbolizes God's grace in giving redeemed people new life and enabling them to flourish spiritually within it. We must cherish the life God has given us and live lives of spiritual growth and fruitfulness according to His will.
3. The Creation of Humankind and the Image of God: Redemption is the work of grace restoring us to the image of God (Genesis 1:26-31)
In the final stage of creation, God creates humanity in His own image. The verse, "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them" (Genesis 1:27), emphasizes that humans are uniquely created in God's image. God commands them to be fruitful and multiply, granting them dominion over the earth and all living creatures.
From a redemptive-historical perspective, humanity's creation in God's image symbolizes that redemption is the gracious work of restoring us to God's image. Though sin broke and defiled God's image within us, through the redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ, our souls are restored to bear God's image once more. Redemption is not merely the forgiveness of sin; it is the restoration of our original purpose and identity within our relationship with God.
Created in God's image, humans were made to follow His will and become beings who reflect His character. However, this image was distorted by sin. Yet through Jesus Christ, we regain that image and find the way to live in a whole relationship with God. Those who are redeemed, restored to God's image, are called to take on the mission of governing the world to reflect His character and fulfill His will.
Lesson and Application:
As redeemed individuals, we must live lives restored to God's image. From a redemptive-historical perspective, the creation of humanity in God's image in Genesis 1 demonstrates that redemption is the gracious work of restoring us to His image. As those restored to God's image, we must bear His likeness and fulfill the mission of governing and serving the world to accomplish God's will.
Conclusion
Genesis 1 reveals the beginning of redemption through God's creation of the entire world, establishing order out of chaos, imparting life, and creating humanity in His own image. Redemption is an extension of God's creative work—His grace leading from chaos to order, from darkness to light, from death to life, and from sin to restoration. As redeemed people, we must live restored lives within God's created order and become those who reflect His image.
Prayer Topics
1. Grant us to receive the grace of redemption within God's created order (Genesis 1:1-10)
God, shine light into our chaotic lives and establish the order of redemption, enabling us to experience Your creative work.
2. May we enjoy the blessings of life and fruitfulness God has given us and grow spiritually (Genesis 1:11-25)
Lord, grant us new life, and within that life, enable us to flourish spiritually and live lives fulfilling the mission You have given us.
3. As those restored in God's image, may we grow to resemble His character and fulfill our mission to rule over the world (Genesis 1:26-31)
God, since You have restored us in Your image, let us live according to that image and fulfill Your will.
---777
Genesis Chapter 2: The Creation of Humankind and the Shadow of Redemption in Eden
1. Rest and God's Completed Creation: Redemption signifies God's rest and restoration (Genesis 2:1-3)
Genesis 2 begins with God resting on the seventh day after completing the creation of heaven and earth. "Then God finished the work he had been doing; and on the seventh day he rested from all his work" (Genesis 2:2) shows that God completed His creative work and rested, thus concluding the order of creation. This rest symbolizes the completion of God's creation and signifies that peace and rest were achieved within the perfect relationship between God and His creation.
Redemptive-historically, God's rest symbolizes that the fulfillment of redemption is eternal rest and restoration in God. When the relationship between humanity and God, broken by sin, is restored through redemption, that relationship leads to eternal rest and peace. Jesus Christ came to give us true rest and restoration, and through Him we can rest in God's completed redemption. The goal of redemption is to achieve perfect union with God and dwell in His rest.
The fact that God blessed and sanctified the seventh day symbolizes that the completion of redemption is also blessed, and that within that redemption we live eternally as those set apart as holy. Redemption means more than mere forgiveness of sin; it signifies eternal rest and a blessed life in God. The redeemed enjoy new peace and joy in God's rest.
Lesson and Application:
As redeemed people, we must enter into God's rest and enjoy true peace and rest within His redemption. From a redemptive-historical perspective, God's rest symbolizes that redemption gives us true rest and peace, and that the redeemed will enjoy eternal rest in their relationship with God. We must cherish the eternal rest given to us in Jesus Christ and pursue a life lived within it.
2. Human Creation and the Garden of Eden: Redemption is the process of restoring humanity created in God's image (Genesis 2:4-17)
Genesis chapter 2 depicts God creating humanity from the dust of the ground. "Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being" (Genesis 2:7) shows humanity as a special being directly created by God. After creating humanity, God placed them in the Garden of Eden to live there and rule over all things. The Garden of Eden was a place of perfect communion and peace between humanity and God. Though God granted Adam complete freedom and permission over everything there, He commanded him not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
From a redemptive-historical perspective, the creation of humanity in the Garden of Eden symbolizes that redemption is the process of restoring the broken relationship caused by sin in humans created in God's image. God created humans in His own image and gave them a special mission and responsibility, but sin caused that relationship to break, leading to the expulsion from Eden. Redemption aims to restore this broken relationship, achieving complete fellowship with God.
God's command to Adam in the Garden of Eden symbolizes that redeemed individuals must live in obedience to God's will. Obedience to God's word is the key to redemption; humans can enjoy complete freedom and peace only when they obey His word. However, disobedience brings sin, and sin results in severing the relationship with God. Redemption means restoring the relationship broken by human disobedience, enabling life lived in obedience to God's will once more.
Lesson and Application:
As redeemed people, we must obey God's word and live according to His will. From a redemptive-historical perspective, humanity's creation in God's image in the Garden of Eden teaches that redemption restores us to His image and guides us to live lives of obedience to His will. We must be transformed into people who restore the relationship broken by disobedience and live in obedience to God's word.
3. The Creation of Adam and Eve: Redemption is the grace by which humans, created in God's image, are perfected through relationship (Genesis 2:18-25)
Genesis 2 depicts the formation of human relationships as God gives Eve to Adam. "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him" (Genesis 2:18) symbolizes God's design for humans to live in mutual support within relationships. God created Eve from Adam's rib, and Adam and Eve became united as one within God's plan. "Therefore a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24) shows how human relationships are completed through marriage.
From a redemptive-historical perspective, the creation and union of Adam and Eve symbolize that redemption restores the broken relationship between God and humanity, and among humans themselves. The union of Adam and Eve foreshadows the union between God and humanity, and the restoration of human relationships through God's redemption. Humans achieve true union through full fellowship with God and also experience the grace of redemption in relationships of mutual love and support. Redemption is a process that restores not only the vertical relationship with God but also the horizontal relationships among humans.
Furthermore, the union of Adam and Eve foreshadows the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Church. In Ephesians 5:31-32, Paul explains that the marriage relationship symbolizes the relationship between Christ and the Church. Christ gave Himself up for the Church, and the Church becomes one with Christ, enjoying the grace of redemption. Redemption is completed through union with Jesus Christ, and within this union, we experience the restoration of true life and relationships.
Lesson and Application:
As redeemed people, we must enjoy the grace of redemption within our union with God and within relationships where we love and help one another. From a redemptive-historical perspective, the creation and union of Adam and Eve symbolize that redemption is the process of restoring relationships between God and humanity, and among humans themselves. We experience the grace of redemption through our union with Jesus Christ and must share that grace within relationships where we love and help one another.
Conclusion
Genesis 2 depicts God creating humanity, granting them rest and relationship in the Garden of Eden, and embodying the meaning of redemption. God's rest symbolizes the eternal peace and rest achieved in the completion of redemption, while the creation of humanity in Eden represents the process of redemption through the restoration of humans created in God's image. Furthermore, the union of Adam and Eve foreshadows how redeemed individuals enjoy the grace of redemption within their relationship with God and with one another.
Prayer Topics
1. Grant us to enjoy the peace and rest of redemption within God's rest (Genesis 2:1-3)
God, grant us eternal peace and rest in Your rest through our redemption in Jesus Christ.
2. Grant us lives of obedience to God's Word and redemption (Genesis 2:4-17)
Lord, You created us in Your image; grant us to live as those who obey Your Word, experiencing the grace of redemption.
3. Grant us to enjoy the grace of redemption in union with Jesus Christ, and to live lives of mutual love and support (Genesis 2:18-25)
God, just as Adam and Eve were united, let us live in a relationship of mutual love and support, enjoying the grace of redemption in union with Jesus Christ.
---777
Genesis 3: The Fall and the Promise of Redemption
1. The Fall of Man: Redemption is God's plan to restore the relationship broken by sin (Genesis 3:1-7)
Genesis chapter 3 begins with the story of humanity's first sin and fall. Tempted by the serpent (Satan), Eve disobeys God's command and eats from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and Adam also commits sin with her. As a result, their eyes were opened, they realized they were naked, felt shame, and their relationship with God was severed. This symbolizes the beginning of humanity's fall and sin, as humans lost complete fellowship with God and entered the path of sin and death.
From a redemptive-historical perspective, the Fall of humanity symbolizes God's plan of redemption to restore the relationship with Him that was broken by sin. By disobeying God's word, humanity became ensnared by the consequences of sin—shame and fear—and their intimate fellowship with God was severed. Yet redemption is God's gracious plan to restore this broken relationship. Sin distances humanity from God, but redemption opens the way back to God through Christ.
Furthermore, Adam and Eve's sin symbolizes that all humanity is born into sin. In Romans 5:12, Paul explains that all humanity fell under sin because of Adam's transgression, teaching that humanity's sinfulness and depravity stem from Adam and Eve's disobedience. Yet simultaneously, redemption signifies that God's redemptive plan, originating precisely where sin entered, is the journey of restoring humanity. Jesus Christ came as the second Adam, opening the way of redemption for all humanity.
Lesson and Application:
As redeemed people, we must recognize that sin is the primary cause of broken relationships with God and live within the restored relationship through Jesus Christ. From a redemptive-historical perspective, human fallenness symbolizes God's plan of redemption to restore relationships broken by sin. We must pursue a life of living in full fellowship with God through Christ.
2. God's Judgment and Grace: Redemption is God's love, offering grace and the promise of salvation even amidst the judgment of sin (Genesis 3:8-19)
After Adam and Eve sinned, they hid behind the trees in fear when God came into the garden. God called to them and questioned their disobedience, and Adam and Eve blamed each other and made excuses. In response, God pronounced judgment upon Adam, Eve, and the serpent. The woman was judged to endure the pain of childbirth and to be subject to her husband, while the man was judged to earn his food through the hard labor of tilling the ground. Furthermore, they were cursed with death, destined to return to the dust.
Redemptive-historically, God's judgment reveals that redemption includes both judgment for sin and the promise of God's grace and salvation. While God pronounced righteous judgment for sin, He simultaneously gave the promise of redemption. This is seen in 3:15. God prophesied that the woman's offspring would crush the serpent's head. This verse is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer who would conquer sin and death and destroy Satan. Although humanity suffered pain and faced death as a consequence of sin, God had already begun His plan to save humanity through Christ.
A crucial scene where God's grace appeared even within His judgment was when He made garments of skin for Adam and Eve to wear (Genesis 3:21). This act symbolizes redemption, signifying God covering their shame and protecting them. It shows that redemption is the process of covering human sin and shame, restoring them through grace. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our sins are covered, and we experience the grace of redemption, being protected once more as God's children.
Lesson and Application:
As redeemed people, we must fear God's judgment against sin while simultaneously holding fast to the grace and promise of redemption given through Christ. From a redemptive-historical perspective, God's judgment and grace reveal that redemption is God's love, which both judges sin and bestows grace. We must recognize the consequences of sin, hold fast to the promise of salvation given through Jesus Christ, and live within that grace.
3. Expulsion from the Garden of Eden: Redemption is the journey to restore the lost relationship with God (Genesis 3:20-24)
After receiving God's judgment, Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden. They can no longer live in perfect fellowship with God and, because of sin, are separated from His presence. God sent them out of the Garden of Eden to prevent them from eating the fruit of the tree of life, and placed cherubim and a flaming sword east of the garden to guard the way to the tree of life. This symbolizes humanity's loss of eternal life due to sin.
Redemptive-historically, the expulsion from the Garden of Eden symbolizes the journey of redemption to restore the lost relationship with God. Though humanity lost perfect fellowship with God and eternal life through sin, through Jesus Christ we begin the journey of redemption to restore our relationship with God and obtain eternal life. The state of humanity expelled from Eden is one that requires restoration through redemption, and redemption is the journey to reclaim that lost life.
The flaming sword guarding the way to the tree of life symbolizes humanity's state, rendered unable to approach God due to sin. Yet Jesus Christ became the way of life, enabling us to approach God once more and obtain eternal life. Through Christ's redemption, the way back into God's presence has been opened, allowing us to enjoy eternal fellowship with Him.
Lesson and Application:
As redeemed people, we must walk the journey of restoring our lost relationship with God and enjoying eternal life in fellowship with Him. From a redemptive-historical perspective, the expulsion from the Garden of Eden symbolizes the journey of redemption to reclaim the lost relationship with God. Through Jesus Christ, we must re-enter into relationship with God, living to enjoy full fellowship with Him and eternal life.
Conclusion
Genesis 3 presents the necessity of redemption through the story of humanity's first fall and the resulting broken relationship with God. Though communion with God was severed by sin, God gave the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ, and the journey of redemption began. We must hold fast to the grace of redemption given through Jesus Christ, restore our relationship with God, and live enjoying eternal life in His grace.
Prayer Topics
1. Restore our broken relationship with God through Jesus Christ (Genesis 3:1-7)
God, restore the relationship broken by our sin, and through the redemption of Jesus Christ, grant us once again the full fellowship with You.
2. May we fear the judgment for sin and hold fast to the promise of redemption through Christ's grace (Genesis 3:8-19)
Lord, help us recognize and fear God's judgment for sin, and firmly hold onto the promise of redemption given through Jesus Christ.
3. Restore our lost relationship with God and enable us to live in eternal fellowship with Him (Genesis 3:20-24)
God, through Jesus Christ, restore the relationship we lost because of our sin, and grant us eternal life and fellowship with You.
---777
Genesis 4: The Spread of Sin and God's Plan of Redemption
1. The Offerings of Cain and Abel: Redemption Requires Obedience of the Heart and True Worship (Genesis 4:1-7)
Genesis 4 begins with the story of Cain and Abel's offerings. Cain and Abel each offer sacrifices to God according to their respective occupations, but God accepts Abel's offering and rejects Cain's. This causes Cain to feel jealousy and anger, ultimately leading him to murder his brother Abel. God explains to Cain why his offering was rejected and warns him that if he does not control his sin, sin will control him.
From a redemptive-historical perspective, the offerings of Cain and Abel teach that redemption requires not merely outward acts but heartfelt obedience and sincere worship. Cain offered his sacrifice formally, but his heart was not true to God. In contrast, Abel offered his sacrifice to God with sincerity, worshiping with a heart that followed God's will. This shows that redemption is achieved not through our outward actions, but through true obedience and worship that springs from the heart.
Despite God's warning, Cain failed to control his heart and was dominated by sin. This serves as a warning that when sin takes root in the human heart, it leads to sinful actions, ultimately driving us further from God. Redemption is the process of breaking free from this dominion of sin and restoring a heart that obeys God's will. Jesus Christ redeems our sins, transforming our hearts so we may approach God as true worshipers.
Lessons and Application:
As redeemed people, we must worship God with a sincere heart and live lives of obedience. From a redemptive-historical perspective, the offerings of Cain and Abel teach that redemption requires not merely outward acts, but obedience of the heart and true worship. We must live lives transformed by Jesus Christ, approaching God sincerely.
2. Cain's Sin and Judgment: Redemption is God's grace that prevents the spread of sin and offers an opportunity for restoration (Genesis 4:8-16)
Cain disregarded God's warning, lured his brother Abel into the field, and murdered him. This resulted in the first murder in human history, placing Cain in a situation where he must face responsibility for his sin. God informs Cain that his brother Abel's blood cries out to Him from the ground and pronounces judgment upon Cain. Cain is cursed to become a fugitive and wander the earth, enduring the agony of God hiding His face from him.
Redemptive-historically, Cain's sin and judgment symbolize God's grace, which prevents sin from spreading and offers sinners a chance for restoration. Cain's sin was not merely a wrong action but originated from wickedness and a deceitful heart, resulting in complete separation from God. Yet God graciously protected Cain, preventing his utter destruction. God gave Cain a mark to protect him from being killed and granted him an opportunity for restoration.
This demonstrates that redemption, while including judgment for the consequences of sin, remains God's gracious plan of redemption that still offers the opportunity for restoration. Though God's judgment comes because of sin, He does not immediately destroy the sinner but leaves open the way to restoration. Jesus Christ bore the judgment we deserved for our sins and opened the way for our restoration.
Lesson and Application:
As redeemed people, we must recognize the dreadful nature of sin and live treasuring the opportunity for restoration God has given us. From a redemptive-historical perspective, Cain's sin and judgment demonstrate the consequences and gravity of sin while symbolizing God's gracious plan of redemption that offers restoration. We must turn from sin, seize the opportunity for restoration God has given, and live anew in the grace of redemption.
3. The Descendants of Cain and Seth: Redemption is the redemptive history that presents the path of restoration back to God (Genesis 4:17-26)
After being expelled from Eden, Cain established cities and formed a new civilization through his descendants. However, Cain's descendants became increasingly corrupted in violence and wickedness. For example, Lamech, a descendant of Cain, committed even greater violence, boasting that he had two wives and had killed a man. This symbolizes how Cain's sin was passed down to his descendants, causing human society to become increasingly steeped in wickedness.
Yet God graciously opened a new path of redemption. After Abel's death, God gave Adam and Eve another son, Seth, ensuring the lineage of descendants continued. Seth's descendants were people of faith who revered God, and by the time of Enosh, people began to call upon the name of the Lord. This demonstrates God's redemptive history, showing He did not close the path of redemption but permitted a new beginning.
From a redemptive-historical perspective, the stories of Cain's descendants and Seth's descendants symbolize that redemption is a history presenting a path of restoration through which humanity can return to God even amidst sin and corruption. Although Cain's descendants sank deeper into sin, God preserved a new lineage of redemption through Seth, keeping open the way for humanity to return to Him. This symbolizes the promise of redemption: that God offers a path of restoration and salvation despite our sinfulness.
The emergence of people calling upon the name of the Lord through Seth's descendants demonstrates that the history of redemption remains alive among humanity. Jesus Christ came through the lineage of Seth, fulfilling God's plan of redemption. Redemption is the history of restoration back to God, and those redeemed must cling to the grace of redemption given by God, calling upon His name as they live.
Lessons and Application:
As redeemed ones, we must return to God even amidst sin and corruption, clinging to His grace of redemption and walking the path of faith. From a redemptive-historical perspective, the stories of Cain's descendants and Seth's descendants symbolize God's plan of redemption, which opens the way of restoration even within sin and corruption. We must grasp the opportunity for restoration given by God and live as redeemed ones, calling upon His name.
Conclusion
Genesis 4 presents the necessity of redemption and God's redemptive plan through the offerings of Cain and Abel, Cain's sin and the resulting judgment, and the story of Cain's descendants and Seth's descendants. Sin separates humanity from God, but God is the One who offers opportunities for restoration and opens new paths of redemption. We must cling to the grace of redemption given through Jesus Christ, return to God, and live accordingly.
Prayer Topics
1. Grant us hearts to worship You sincerely and live lives of obedience (Genesis 4:1-7)
God, help us worship You with all our hearts and approach You with genuine obedience, not mere outward appearance.
2. Help us recognize the gravity of sin and grasp the opportunity for restoration God has given us (Genesis 4:8-16)
Lord, help us recognize the dreadful nature of sin, treasure the opportunity for restoration given through Christ, and live within the grace of redemption.
3. Grant us to hold fast to the path of redemption that leads back to God even amidst sin and corruption (Genesis 4:17-26)
God, grant us to hold fast to the grace of redemption that opens the way back to You even in our sin and corruption, and to live by faith.
---777
Genesis 5: The Genealogy of Redemption and the Continuity of Life
1. Adam's Genealogy and the Repetition of Death: Redemption shows the continuity of life that transcends death, the consequence of sin (Genesis 5:1-8)
Genesis 5 presents a crucial genealogy continuing the history of redemption through Adam's lineage. One recurring phrase in this chapter is "he lived so many years and died." This expression symbolizes humanity's inescapable reality of death due to sin. Though Adam was created in God's image, his descendants became imperfect in that image due to sin, and as a result, all humanity faces death.
From a redemptive-historical perspective, the repetition of Adam's lineage and death symbolizes God's plan to provide continuity of life beyond the death given as the consequence of sin. Though humanity became unable to escape death after Adam's fall, God established a plan to overcome death and grant new life through redemption. Jesus Christ is the Savior of life who conquered death. Therefore, the recurring pattern of death within the genealogy ultimately foreshadows that death will be overcome through redemption.
Moreover, the very continuation of Adam's lineage is a crucial part of redemption. Though sin led humanity to death, God nonetheless permitted life to continue. Redemption is the process of maintaining the continuity of life within God's grace. Despite the recurrence of death, God perpetuated the promise of life and salvation through Adam's descendants, ultimately bringing the Lord Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, into that lineage.
Lesson and Application:
As redeemed people, we must live remembering God's grace that grants the continuity of life beyond death. From a redemptive-historical perspective, the repetition of death within Adam's lineage symbolizes God's plan to grant life that transcends death through redemption. We must hold fast to the eternal life given through Jesus Christ and live in gratitude for God's redemptive grace within that life.
2. Enoch's Walking with God: Redemption signifies a life transcending death through walking with God (Genesis 5:21-24)
Enoch is a particularly noteworthy figure in Genesis 5. It is recorded of Enoch that "he walked with God; then he was no more, for God took him away" (Genesis 5:24). Unlike others, Enoch did not face death; he is introduced as one who transcended death through his intimate relationship with God. He walked with God for 365 years before disappearing from the world, a symbolic event of redemption.
From a redemptive-historical perspective, Enoch's walk with God symbolizes redemption—overcoming death and gaining eternal life through an intimate relationship with God. Enoch's life prefigures the redemptive life given to us through Christ. Those who believe in Jesus Christ, through walking with God, do not fear death but enjoy eternal life. Enoch's story illustrates the journey of redemption where the redeemed obtain true life through walking with God.
Enoch was not merely one who lived a long life, but a man who entered into eternal life through deep communion with God. This symbolizes that the essence of redemption is attaining eternal life through the restoration of our relationship with God. Redemption is the process of walking with God and receiving His guidance, and those who believe in Christ transcend death and enjoy eternal life within this walk.
Lessons and Application:
As redeemed people, we must live lives that do not fear death but enjoy eternal life through walking with God. From a redemptive-historical perspective, Enoch's walk with God teaches that redemption means living a life that transcends death within an intimate relationship with God. We must become those who walk with God through Jesus Christ, living with our eyes fixed on eternal life.
3. Noah's Birth and the Promise of Redemption: Redemption is God's promise of new hope for salvation amidst sin (Genesis 5:28-32)
The final section of Genesis 5 introduces Noah's birth. Noah's father Lamech explains the meaning of Noah's name, saying, "This child will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground the Lord has cursed" (Genesis 5:29). Noah's name means "comfort" or "rest," and he emerges as a figure symbolizing God's comfort and rest within a world filled with sin and curse.
From a redemptive-historical perspective, Noah's birth symbolizes God's promise of redemption, offering new hope for salvation even amidst sin and judgment. Noah is a foreshadowing of redemption, initiating a new world through the judgment of the Flood. Through Noah, God advances His plan of redemption, demonstrating that He opens the way of salvation despite human sin. Noah is a type of Jesus Christ, who bore the judgment for our sins, thereby opening a new path of salvation for us.
The prophetic declaration of Noah's birth symbolizes that God's comfort and hope of redemption would be given in a world filled with sin and curse. Though the world fell into corruption because of human sin, leading to judgment, God did not abandon His plan of redemption but prepared a new beginning. Noah is the figure who heralds this new beginning of redemption, and through him, God's history of redemption continues even more surely.
Lessons and Application:
As redeemed people, we must hold fast to God's hope of salvation even amidst sin and judgment. From a redemptive-historical perspective, Noah's birth symbolizes God's promise to give new hope of salvation even in the midst of sin. We must firmly hold onto the hope of salvation given through Jesus Christ and live preparing for a new beginning within that hope.
Conclusion
Genesis 5 is a chapter that reveals the genealogy of redemption and the continuity of life through Adam's lineage. Though humanity faces death because of sin, God continues to sustain life and fulfill His plan of redemption. Enoch's walk with God symbolizes that redemption grants a life transcending death through intimate fellowship with God, while Noah's birth is a pivotal event foretelling a new beginning and hope in redemption. We must hold fast to the grace and hope of redemption given through Jesus Christ and live lives participating in God's plan of redemption.
Prayer Topics
1. Help us remember God's grace that grants the continuity of life beyond death (Genesis 5:1-8)
God, though we face death as the consequence of sin, help us remember Your grace that grants the continuity of life and live within that grace.
2. Grant us lives of redemption, walking with God and enjoying eternal life (Genesis 5:21-24)
Lord, grant us lives like Enoch's, walking with God, and through Jesus Christ, grant us eternal life.
3. Grant us the hope of salvation even amidst sin and judgment, preparing us for a new beginning (Genesis 5:28-32)
God, grant us the grace of redemption to cling to the hope of salvation in our lives, just as Noah was born, and prepare for a new beginning.
---777
Genesis 6: Human Sinfulness and God's Plan of Redemption
1. Human Corruption and God's Warning of Judgment: Redemption is God's plan to extend grace even amidst sin (Genesis 6:1-7)
Genesis 6 unfolds against the backdrop of an era when human wickedness had greatly proliferated. As people multiplied on the earth, their wickedness also increased, and human hearts were perpetually filled with evil thoughts. Seeing humanity's corruption, God regretted creating them and resolved to judge mankind. The words, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth" (Genesis 6:7), reveal that God's judgment was imminent.
From a redemptive-historical perspective, humanity's wickedness and God's warning of judgment symbolize His plan of redemption—that even amidst sin, God extends grace. Though humanity deserved God's judgment because of sin, God is a gracious God who prepares a way of salvation even within judgment. Though sin filled the world, God opened a way of salvation through Noah. This salvation plan is a foreshadowing of redemption, fully accomplished in Jesus Christ.
Though human sin brought God's judgment, God prepares a plan to save and restore sinners. Noah was one who received God's grace; he was chosen to be saved from God's judgment. This scene symbolizes that God's plan of redemption remains active despite human corruption, revealing the promise of redemption He will extend to all humanity through Jesus Christ.
Lessons and Application:
As redeemed people, we must remember God's grace and plan of redemption amidst sin, holding fast to the hope of His salvation. From a redemptive-historical perspective, humanity's fall and God's warning of judgment reveal that redemption is God's plan to extend grace even in the midst of sin. While we fear God's judgment, we must cling to His promise of salvation and live within the grace of redemption.
2. Noah's Selection and the Ark Command: Redemption prepares a path of salvation for those chosen by God's grace (Genesis 6:8-17)
Genesis chapter 6 depicts God graciously choosing Noah amidst a world filled with wickedness. The phrase "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord" (Genesis 6:8) emphasizes God's special selection of Noah. Noah was a righteous man in his generation, walking with God and obeying His will. God commanded Noah to build the ark, carrying out His plan of salvation through him.
From a redemptive-historical perspective, Noah's selection and the command to build the ark symbolize that redemption prepares the way of salvation for those chosen by God's grace. Noah, as one who received the grace of salvation even amidst God's judgment, put God's plan of redemption into practice by building the ark. The ark serves as a foreshadowing of redemption, a symbol of God preparing the way for salvation from the judgment of sin. Jesus Christ is our eternal ark; through Him, we are saved from God's judgment.
Furthermore, Noah's obedience emphasizes that the redeemed must live according to God's will. Noah obeyed God's command by building the ark, submitting to God's plan of redemption. Redemption begins with God's grace, but our response to that grace must be manifested in obedience and faith. Noah completed the ark of salvation through obedience, teaching us that we too must believe in Jesus Christ and live lives of obedience to His commands.
Lessons and Application:
As redeemed people, we must live lives of gratitude for God's grace and obedience to His commands. In the history of redemption, Noah's choice and the command to build the ark symbolize that redemption is God preparing a way of salvation through His grace for those chosen. We must take Jesus Christ as our ark and live lives of faith, obeying His plan of salvation.
3. The Judgment of the World and the Promise of Salvation: Redemption is God's faithful promise, presenting a way of salvation within judgment (Genesis 6:18-22)
God warned Noah of the coming flood judgment and carried out His plan of salvation through Noah, his family, and all the creatures that entered the ark. "But I will establish my covenant with you" (Genesis 6:18) is a verse that clearly shows God's promise of redemption. Though God decided to judge the world, He simultaneously protects Noah and his descendants through the promise of salvation. This scene symbolizes God's plan of redemption, which presents the way of salvation even within judgment.
From a redemptive-historical perspective, the judgment of the world and the promise of salvation symbolize that redemption is God's faithful promise, presenting a path of salvation even within His judgment. God judges humanity's wickedness, yet simultaneously grants restoration and life through the promise of redemption. Noah and his family escape God's judgment and find salvation within the ark, foreshadowing that those who believe in Jesus Christ will be saved from God's judgment.
God established a covenant with Noah, preparing a new beginning of redemption through him. Redemption is accomplished within God's faithful covenant, and God is the One who always keeps His promises. Noah obeyed God's command and built the ark, and as a result, he experienced God's promise of salvation. Similarly, Jesus Christ is God's faithful promise of redemption, and by believing in Him, we experience the grace of salvation within God's covenant.
Lesson and Application:
As redeemed people, we must live both fearing God's judgment and trusting in His promise of salvation. From a redemptive-historical perspective, the world's judgment and the promise of salvation symbolize that redemption is God's faithful promise, offering a path of salvation even within His judgment. We must hold fast to the promise of salvation given through Jesus Christ and live lives rooted in His grace.
Conclusion
Genesis 6 presents the importance of redemption and God's gracious plan of salvation through humanity's fall, God's plan of judgment, and the plan of salvation through Noah. Human sin brings God's judgment, but God opens the way of salvation from judgment through redemption. Noah's ark symbolizes the redemption of Jesus Christ, and through Christ, we are saved from God's judgment and receive eternal life. We must live lives of faith, grateful for God's plan of redemption and obedient to His commands.
Prayer Topics
1. Help us remember God's grace and plan of redemption even amidst sin (Genesis 6:1-7)
God, help us live remembering Your grace that bestows mercy even amidst human sin and accomplishes Your plan of redemption.
2. Grant us lives that obey God's grace and follow the ark of redemption (Genesis 6:8-17)
Lord, grant us lives of faith like Noah's, filled with gratitude for Your grace and obedience to Your commands.
3. Grant us to live trusting in the promise of salvation even amidst God's judgment (Genesis 6:18-22)
God, even amidst the world's judgment, grant us to trust in Your promise of salvation and experience the grace of redemption within that promise.