The Holy Spirit, speaking through David declared: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? You made them a little lower than the angels; You crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet.” In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.” Hebrews 2:6-8
The first book of Scripture tells us that in the beginning, God made man; that alone speaks of the importance of man in God’s mind. But, when God said, “Let us make man in our image and likeness,” He was showing that He had a glorious future in mind for the man He created. In giving man dominion over all living things, God was prophetically showing that He intended to elevate man to a position of honor and glory.
Adam was the father of the whole human race, when he sinned he spiritually died, and subsequently died in the body. His sin and death became the lot of all mankind. But before time began, before God ever created dry land, or set the sun in the sky, or created all living things, He set His mind on the man He would make. He settled in heaven His irreversible plan on bringing that man into His image and likeness.
“You know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.” 1 Peter 1:18-20
Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sin of the world according to His Father’s will. Because of His obedience, God raised Him from the grave and set Him in authority as Lord, over everything both in heaven and on earth. In this, Jesus Christ became the Head of a new race of people; a people who would be born of the Holy Spirit: a race of people from every nation, tribe and tongue in the world.
It is this mankind that God keeps on His mind, has spoken to, and visits. It is this people that God, “…Predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Romans 8:29 It is this nation that God has predestined to a place of honor and glory. Peter describes this new family of God with these words:
“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
The Father has a new city that has been prepared for His Son and His family. New Jerusalem is foretold in both the Old and New Testaments. It’s a glorious city where the saints of God will live with Him and Jesus forever. But Peter says there’s more:
“…In keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:13
What does God have in mind for His saints in that future age? How about the apostle Paul’s words:
“…Don’t you know that the saints will judge the world…don’t you know we will judge angels?” 1 Corinthians 6:2-3
How about Daniel’s vision of our future:
“…The saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.” Daniel 7:18
God has planned since the world began, that, “…There should be nothing haphazard, nothing ordered or even permitted that would not be subservient to the lofty and glorious purpose of the Godhead.” –A J Flack
“…I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Brother Bill is a Bible teacher and can be contacted at bboldham@sbcglobal.net






