God created man with freedom to choose between right and wrong. God also prepared rewards for choosing to follow God and consequences for choosing to disobey Him (Genesis 3:6). When man did disobey God in the beginning, man began to die - both physically and spiritually.
God's part in the scheme of redemption
It began with Abraham. God told Abraham to go to a certain land. Abraham could have refused to follow God's plan but he believed and obeyed. Abraham went without questioning God about it. We can and should do the same today in believing and obeying (Romans 10:17).God's scheme of redemption continued with Isaac and Jacob. In Egypt a mighty nation was growing - the Hebrew nation, also known as the Israelites. God later worked through Joseph and the terrible situation he was faced with. Joseph was given a position of great leadership in Egypt, and soon the Hebrew nation grew strong.
This chosen nation later left captivity in Egypt through the leadership and guidance of Moses. The Israelite were later lead into the promised land and given judges and kings.
When the fulfillment of time came, Christ also came through this chosen nation. His purpose was ultimately to seek and save the lost.]
Man's part in the scheme (Matthew 16:24-26)
Salvation is available to any person who hears the gospel. Man must do something though. He must deny himself and strive to please God foremost.
Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Matthew 16:24-26
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
