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The Timing of God in Sending His Son

The Timing of God in Sending His Son

The Bible says:

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6 NIV84).

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons (Galatians 4:4, 5 NIV84).

What made it the right time for Jesus’ incarnation? Why do you think God wait thousands of years to fulfill His promise to send our Savior? (Genesis 3:15).

What ideas have you heard?

Because God is not arbitrary, because He doesn’t do anything on a whim, we can be sure that He doesn’t have some cosmic clock that He closely monitors, waiting for the hands to hit a certain point and, ready or not, then He acts. No, God is intervening in human history and is acting for the purpose of eradicating sin and saving people. Therefore, God’s timing is to fulfill His purposes. It is never arbitrary; it is strategic, meant to accomplish His goals.

I have heard it suggested that God waited as long as He did for Jesus to be born because God needed a human government that had pacified the world, built roads, and established commerce—all so that the gospel would be more easily spread throughout the world. Yet, this argument could be countered with Rome’s limited capacity to travel to China and the Americas; one could argue that if this was the primary reason, waiting for more modern forms of communication and transportation would have been even more advantageous.

I would like to explore another possibility, one that focuses our attention on a larger aspect of Jesus’ mission—the securing of His entire universe in addition to saving humanity.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross (Colossians 1:19, 20 NIV84).

In sending His Son, God was absolutely working to save humans from sin, but He also was acting to prevent Satan’s rebellion from spreading throughout the heavenly realms, to secure the unfallen beings in their loyalty to Him.

Remember, angelic perfection had already failed in heaven. While two-thirds of the angels remained loyal to Jesus and His Father, the questions that deceived one-third of the angels had not been fully dealt with and resolved. God, through Jesus, not only had to provide what was necessary to save human beings from sin, but He also had to do it in such a way that His actions would resolve the issues raised by Lucifer and secure the unfallen angels in their loyalty to Him.

We read about this in various places like the passage in Colossians quoted above, but Jesus also spoke about it when He said:

Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself (John 12:31, 32 NIV84).

If your version has “men” in it, as I’ve highlighted it above, that word is supplied by the translators; it is not in the Greek. The passage actually says “draw all to myself.” Jesus wasn’t drawing only humans to Himself at the cross, but heavenly beings as well.

Jesus’ crucifixion would pronounce judgment upon this world and the prince of this world; what kind of judgment was this? Was this judgment on this world in a legal court setting? No! It is the same judgment that Paul wrote about in Romans 3:4:

Let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, and may overcome when You are judged” (Romans 3:4 NKJV).

The war began in heaven when Lucifer lied about God and deceived one-third of the angels into judging God falsely and rebelling against Him. While two-thirds stayed loyal, they had questions that needed answering, lest they also eventually lose trust in God and rebel.

Jesus was saying that at the cross, when He would be lifted up, He would reveal the truth about God, His character, and methods of truth, love, and liberty and, at the same time and by the same action, He would expose Satan as a liar and fraud and reveal Satan’s methods to be the source of pain, suffering, and death. Then, when this truth would be fully revealed, Satan’s power to deceive would be broken in the hearts and minds of all who see and embrace the truth; thus, Satan would be driven out. He would be driven out of the shadows, out into the open for all to see him for who and what he really is, and when that would happen, his power would be broken and Jesus, by being lifted up, would draw all beings who value truth to Himself, including the angels in heaven. This is what Hebrews describes “that by his [Jesus’] death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil” (2:14).

The heavenly beings witnessed this and had their questions about God answered; Satan was revealed as the liar and murderer that he is and, thus, the heavenly host judged that God and Jesus are holy, holy, holy (Revelation 4:8); Satan was cast out of their affections. From that point forward, Satan’s rebellion was restricted to Earth, not by physical force or some energy shield, but by the reality that every angel in heaven was completely settled into their loyalty to God and would no longer listen to anything Satan had to say. Only on Earth are intelligent beings still listening to Satan and believing his lies about God.

 

Perfect Timing

So, with all this in mind, why wait until that time in human history for Jesus to come in order to provide salvation for humans and reveal truth to the angels?

What is the central issue in the war—God’s trustworthiness (2 Corinthians 10:3–5)—and what is Satan’s angle to undermine trust in God? His angle was never that God isn’t powerful but that God is untrustworthy in using power, that God abuses His power by imposing laws that require God to punish lawbreakers.

During his temptation of Eve, we see Satan’s intimation of God imposing law and punishment:

Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman (Genesis 3:1–4 NIV84).

Satan is saying: “There isn’t anything inherently harmful about disobeying God. God wasn’t telling the truth that disobeying Him would result in death. Oh, yes—it is true that God has the power to kill you for it, but it isn’t true that disobedience to God harms you. The problem isn’t sin; the problem is God, who will kill you for sin. But if you eat this fruit, you will become like God yourself, your eyes will be opened, and you will be able to tell the difference between good and evil and won’t need God to tell you what to do any longer—no more rules for you.”

Satan’s lies about God are rooted in lies about God’s law and methods of governing, specifically that God’s laws function like human laws, made-up rules requiring God to use power to punish. This makes God out to be the source of death and the one from whom we need to be protected. These same lies have persisted throughout all human generations and have led to every form of paganism and every theology that teaches sacrifices must be paid to this punishing god to do something to the god so that the god won’t lash out with power to torture and kill the sinner. This false law view that Satan originated undermines trust and incites rebellion against God.

How does this connect with when Jesus came in history?

It was the first time in human history that a group of people could be found to be keeping the law, the Scripture, the blueprint that God gave them through Moses. They were:

  • Sabbath-keeping
  • Sacrificing the right animals, in the right way, at the right times, and in the right place
  • Eating the right foods
  • Paying the right tithe
  • Dressing in the right way
  • Behaviorally obeying the right commandments
  • No longer sacrificing to Baal, Molech, or any other pagan god

From the outside, from what the angels could observe, the people appeared to be keeping all the rules that God gave them. But notice what happened when Jesus came and lived among them—they hated and killed Him.

But why did they hate and kill Him? Jesus didn’t teach a different day of worship, or undermine the authority of Scripture, or teach an evolutionary model of creation, or suggest other than male/female marriage, or promote alternate feasts days, or different methods to sacrifice. Jesus taught the exact same list of doctrines that those who killed Him taught. So why did they kill Him?

Because Jesus rejected the imposed-law understanding of God’s kingdom. He rejected the power-over-others law, the authoritarian enforcement of law that sinful beings utilize; instead, He taught that God’s kingdom is the kingdom of truth, love, and freedom and that imposed laws with external enforcement does not result in salvation. Jesus taught that what God wants is our love, trust, loyalty, devotion, and understanding friendship (John 15:15). And this cannot be achieved through law or enforcement.

Angels cannot read hearts and minds, and they needed to understand the real nature of the war and God’s solution for it. They needed to realize that it is possible for the righteous and wicked to appear similar behaviorally. The righteous person who loves others will not cheat or murder, but the wicked person who is interested only in self may also not cheat or murder—but only because they are afraid of getting caught and punished, of burning in hell. But the righteous person is restored to loyalty to God; they wouldn’t harm another even if there was no “punishment” for sin. They do what is right because it is right, and they are safe to have as a neighbor in heaven; but the selfish rule-keeper is disloyal to God and, despite keeping the rules, will end up murdering the Son of God. This reality had to be exposed.

When Jesus came, we finally had a group of people who were following the script God gave through Moses. But rule-keeping of the right rules for the wrong reasons turned them into rebels against God who killed Jesus to protect their own power (John 11:50). In other words, the timing of Jesus’ appearance, to a group of law-keeping followers of Yahweh, revealed that God’s kingdom and government is not legal, is not based upon imposed law, is not rule-keeping, but is spiritual, is design law, is based upon truth, love, and freedom that operates in the deepest recesses of the intelligent being. That is why in the new covenant, the law is written upon the heart and mind (Hebrews 8:10); that is why every person must be fully persuaded in their own mind (Romans 14:5); that is why salvation is “‘not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6 NIV84). It is only by the Spirit of truth and love that lies are purged and loyalty is established.

God cannot achieve what He wants through imposed rules and inflicted punishments. And the angels finally saw not just Satan exposed as a liar and fraud, not just God revealed in Jesus to be completely trustworthy to have all power, but also that God’s laws are not imposed rules like sinful humans make and that rule-keeping of a legal religion—even if the rules are the very rules given by God—still turns people into rebels against God.

We need this lesson today as we approach the second coming of Christ. We need to return to the worship of the Creator who made the heavens, earth, sea, and fountains of water and whose laws are design laws that life is built to operate upon. We must reject the imposed-law dictator view of a legal god in which salvation is a legal process to protect us from the inflicted punishment of that god. Those who worship the legal imposed-law god will become like him and, just like the Jews two thousand years ago, will be among God’s worst enemies.

 

 

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Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

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We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

Testimony 35

I am so pleased with the response your message is receiving at my church from the middle-aged to the young adults. I have given out 100 copies of the first two seminars and there are more request every week. One of my [class members] came to me after viewing the series, grateful and impressed with how easy the message was retained. He had been a Seventh-day Adventist in fear all his life, and felt like the scales were removed from his eyes after viewing the seminars. I am so impressed by the change I see in members who have received this message, we are in one accord. However, I am sadden by the negative response of the older people. I am verbally attacked anytime I talk about imposed laws, but I believe my mission is to enlightened everyone I can. I watch your Bible Study Class on YouTube every Friday night and I feel like I am apart of the class. All of you are in one accord and I am so blessed to have found you. I pray that all of you continue to spread this message and I am committed to doing my part.

Clara S., Westfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 10

I personally download and listen to each of Come And Reason Ministries Bible study class lessons and PDF study notes to use when teaching my class. Really appreciate the class especially when Dr. Jennings is teaching. Thank God there are persons like him doing His work and traveling to share His beliefs.

B. L.M., North Plains, OR, USA

 

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia