Matt. 13:35 BEFORE THERE WAS A WORLD

Intro: This verse tells us that there are some things that have been kept
secret from the foundations of the world. There are some things that were
“hidden, a mystery” from before the world was ever formed. This “mystery” is
spoken of in other passages as well, Rom. 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:7-10; Col. 1:25-27.
All these verses, plus others, reveal to us the fact that there are some things
that have been hidden from eternity. These hidden mysteries have been revealed
to the saints of God. God says that we can know these mysteries and be blessed
by them. I would like to share with you 4 great mysteries that were put in
place before the world was made and that are a great mystery to the lost, but a
great blessing to the saved. Let’s consider together this thought, “Before
there was a world.”

I. BEFORE THE WAS A SINNER, THERE WAS A SAVIOR
(1 Pet. 1:18-20)
A. A Lamb Spoken Of – Gen. 3:15 (Immediately after sin entered the world,
God began to reveal His plan for the redemption of sinners!)
B. A Lamb Sent – John 1:29 – (Ill. When Jesus was born into this world, a
little more of God’s eternal plan became visible.)
C. A Lamb Slain – Rev. 13:8 – (Ill. When Calvary was accomplished, the plan
of God was in full view of the human race.) (Ill. Some still won’t see
it!)

II. BEFORE THERE WAS GUILT, THERE WAS GRACE
(2 Tim. 1:9) (Ill. Grace is the unmerited love and favor of God for
sinners.)
A. Before Man Ever Strayed – Isa. 53:6. There was grace to bring him
home.
B. Before Man Ever Sinned – Rom. 3:23. There was grace to make him clean.
C. Before Man Ever Became Separated – Isa. 59:2. There was grace to
reconcile him to God! (Ill. It is grace that saves – Eph. 2:8-9! Grace is
sufficient for all men – Rom. 5:20.)

III. BEFORE THERE WAS THE PUNISHMENT OF DEATH, THERE
WAS THE PROMISE OF LIFE – Titus 1:2
A. To Those Who Would Come To Christ – John 6:37; Rev. 22:17
B. To Those Who Would Confess Christ – Rom. 10:9-10 (Ill. Matt. 10:32-33)
(Ill. Phil. 2:11)
C. To Those Who Would Claim Christ – Rom. 10:11; Mark 8:38 (Ill. Rom. 10:13) Ill. Before that first sinner ever bowed, God had already made a way to
receive him! When that sinner bows tonight, Jesus will receive them also!

IV BEFORE THERE WAS A HELL, THERE WAS A HEAVEN
(Eph. 1:4; Matt. 25:34) (Ill. Heaven the dwelling of God! Psa. 11:4. Ill. Purpose of Hell – Matt. 25:41) Hell is real, but so is Heaven!
A. For Redeemed People (Saved) – (Ill. John 14:1-3) (1 Peter 1:3-5)
B. For Righteous People (Perfected) – (Ill. Not our righteousness – Phil. 3:9)
C. For Reconciled People (Forgiven) – Eph. 1:7; Psa. 103:12

Conc: Ill. There is more – 1 Cor. 2:9. And it is all ours – Rom. 8:17.

Sermon By Alan Carr

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