Topical Bible: The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Redemption

Bible > Topical > The Wisdom of God

◄ The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Redemption ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the wisdom of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, and it is most profoundly exhibited in the plan of redemption. This divine wisdom is not merely an abstract attribute of God but is actively demonstrated in His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. The wisdom of God in redemption is multifaceted, encompassing His foreknowledge, justice, mercy, and love.

Divine Foreknowledge and Predestination

The wisdom of God is evident in His foreknowledge and predestination of the plan of salvation. Ephesians 1:4-5 states, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." This passage highlights God's eternal wisdom in planning redemption before the creation of the world, ensuring that His purposes would be fulfilled in Christ.

The Mystery of the Gospel

The wisdom of God is also revealed in the mystery of the Gospel, which was hidden for ages but revealed in Christ. In 1 Corinthians 2:7 , Paul writes, "No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began." The Gospel, once a mystery, is now made known through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, demonstrating God's wise plan to reconcile humanity to Himself.

The Cross as the Pinnacle of Divine Wisdom

The cross of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's wisdom. What appears as foolishness to the world is, in fact, the power and wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 explains, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God... For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." Through the cross, God accomplishes redemption in a way that confounds human understanding, yet perfectly satisfies divine justice and mercy.

The Role of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God's wisdom. Colossians 2:2-3 states, "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." In Christ, the wisdom of God is personified, and through Him, believers gain access to the divine wisdom necessary for salvation.

The Transformative Power of Redemption

The wisdom of God in redemption is not only about the act of saving humanity but also about transforming believers into the likeness of Christ. Romans 8:29 declares, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." This transformative process is a testament to God's wise and purposeful design in redemption, aiming to restore humanity to its intended glory.

The Church as a Display of Divine Wisdom

The Church, as the body of Christ, serves as a display of God's manifold wisdom. Ephesians 3:10 reveals, "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." The Church, composed of diverse individuals united in Christ, reflects the wisdom of God in bringing about unity and reconciliation through the Gospel.

Conclusion

The wisdom of God, as exhibited in redemption, is a profound and awe-inspiring aspect of His character. Through His foreknowledge, the mystery of the Gospel, the cross, the person of Jesus Christ, the transformative power of salvation, and the Church, God's wisdom is displayed in a manner that surpasses human understanding and reveals His glorious plan for humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 1:24
But to them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 1:8
Wherein he has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 3:10
To the intent that now to the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Power of Christianity.
... ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness ... monsters
as Tiberius, Caligula, Nero, and Domitian, and exhibited a picture of ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 44 the power of.htm

The Doctrine of the Apostolic Church
... of strong attachment to the Wonderful Personage who exhibited such wisdom and performed ...
looked for redemption," and "waited for the kingdom of God," [189:6 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the doctrine of.htm

Letter ix. Meditation.
... (3.) The wisdom of God, as exhibited in his Word; First, its perfect adaptation
to the wants of the world; its variety of authorship, style, matter ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter ix meditation.htm

The National Preacher.
... Contempt of evangelical religion is sure to be exhibited in places where its ... to contemn,
as foolishness, that doctrine which is the wisdom of God and the ...
/.../leland/the national preacher vol 2 no 7 dec 1827/the national preacher.htm

Book 2
... Christ is exhibited to men by the Law and by ... speak of them with commendatians of
his Wisdom, Long-suffering ... threefold profanation of the name of God, by perjury ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/book 2.htm

The Sufferings of Christ Reconciled with the Goodness of God.
... as conceived and executed by the infinite wisdom of God ... certain, if injustice is
exhibited here, it is exhibited everywhere in the providence of God; and if ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter iii the sufferings of.htm

The Consolation
... ours, is limited and regulated by the wisdom of God. ... 3:25) For though we may suppose
God would have ... the death of His Son could have exhibited His righteousness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon i the consolation.htm

The Existence of Moral Evil, or Sin, Reconciled with the Holiness ...
... power, and goodness, than he has actually exhibited to us ... formed in the counsels
of infinite wisdom long before ... God, whose prerogative it is to bring good out ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter vi the existence of.htm

The Object of Theology
... that excelleth." (2 Corinthians 3:8.) This was indeed "the wisdom of God which was ...
25.) Great and inscrutable is this mystery; yet it is exhibited in Christ ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration i the object of.htm

Conclusion
... as a result of the intense experiences enjoyed in their gatherings, exhibited a
far ... from the dead?' For, behold, the Word, which is the Wisdom of God, is in ...
/.../spiritual reformers in the 16th and 17th centuries/chapter xviii conclusion.htm