The Upward Look
© Copyright 2009, Max D. Hutto,

“For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you.”
   1 Peter 1:20 NASB ©

God knew before He even created the world that He would have to come as the Christ, the Redeemer, in order that those who believe would have salvation. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection was not an afterthought or a Plan B. God did not suddenly look down on earth and decide to do something. God planned from before the beginning of time for His incarnation into the world. “These last times” refer to the time span between the first and the second coming of Christ. It was in these last times that God provided salvation because of the people that would believe. “For your sake” makes this redemption very personal.

Lord Jesus, it was because of me, and all who would believe, that You came and provided the ransom for sin. Help me to live in a way that honors Your gift of salvation.

* (footnotes & credits)

NASB ©
The Bible quotes marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977,
by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA. (used with permission)

HCSB ©
The Bible quotes marked HCSB are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible,
© Copyright 2000 by Holman Bible Publishers (used with permission).

NIV ©
The Bible quotes marked NIV are from the New International Version,
© Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, by The International Bible Society. (used with permission)