The Mystery of the Cross

God’s Purpose in the Universe

The Mystery

• ...the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly...which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. Ephes. 3:3-5

Before the Creation of Man…

• Harmony and Peace• A Rebellion Erupted:

– 1/3 Angels– Mankind

Israel: Prophecy about God’s Answer - the

Messiah• For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. - Is.9:6-7

But God still had a “Secret”:

Isaiah 61:1-2 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor…

and the day of vengeance of our God…” 1

2

God’s Secret: Is. 53 Continued

• “He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief…

• He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

The ONLY way to have a relationship with God.

People Were Confused!

“But He was saying this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die. The multitude therefore answered Him, ‘We have heard out of the Law that the Christ is to remain forever…’” John 12:33-34

People Thought:God Thought:

John 6:15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.

Why the Big Secret?

Satan was confused !!!

• Why would Satan kill Christ?– “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered

into him. ‘What you are about to do, do quickly,’ Jesus told him.”(John 13:27)

• He didn’t know Christ came to Die!– “We speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that

has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”1 Cor. 2:7-8

Psalms 22 Prophecy: 960 BC

• “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

• “A band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet…”

• “They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing…”

Satan Judged Himself!

• “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.” John 12:31

• “When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Christ.” Col. 2:15

The Result:

• Satan has lost his grip on humanity.

• We now have two choices:#1: Stay in the “rebel camp”#2: Transfer into God’s plan…

2 Cor. 6:2

• “For He says, ‘behold, now is the acceptable time, behold, now is the DAY OF SALVATION’”