1 Peter 1:20: He Was Foreknown Before The Foundation Of The World But Was Made Manifest In The Last Times For The Sake Of You

1 Peter 1:20

[20] He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you (ESV)

There are some things in this verse that are difficult for our minds to fully grasp. Peter says that Jesus Christ was foreknown before the foundation of the world. This means that before time and space were created Jesus already existed. In fact, he never had a beginning. He is eternally God. Just ponder the fact that God has no beginning and no end. It will make your head hurt.

There is something more grand than the reality that Jesus existed before all time began. There is the reality that the entire plan to come to earth, put on human flesh, live a perfect life, take on all human sin, and be sacrificed on the cruel cross at Calvary, was all planned before time and space ever became a reality. It is staggering to think that God would willingly die for sinful mankind. It was long planned out.

We are then reminded that this reality of Christ Jesus was made manifest in the last times for the sake of us! God knew every sin that we would commit. He knew every time we would rebel against his law. He was aware of every lustful thought, every murderous look, every fit of rage, every perverse notion in our head, every evil inclination of our heart.

Knowing all of how his creation would rebel against him did not stop our Savior from coming for us. Rather, our sin proved all the more the need for him to come. The plan that was put into place from all eternity would never be in question. What God sets his will to accomplish he will surely do. There is great encouragement to know that before time began, Jesus had a plan to come for your salvation, and mine.

Give God praise. Thank him for his eternal plan of salvation. Ask him to empower you by his Holy Spirit today to live a life that glorifies him in all things.