God’s Plan for the Nations Revealed

 God's Work Among The Nations: God’s Plan for the Nations Revealed

In the previous article concerning the story of the Tower of Babel we observed the principle that God’s plan for the nations cannot be thwarted. This leads us to the necessary question: what is God’s ultimate plan for the nations of the earth?

We can see the beginning of God’s plan for the nations unfolding in the Old Testament, and aspects of the plan are revealed before the birth of Christ. But it is in the New Testament that the mystery of God’s plan is fully revealed and proclaimed. This is a major theme that is especially highlighted in the writings of the Apostle John in both the Gospel and Revelation. Starting with the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry, John emphasized Jesus’ relationship to all the nations of the earth, not just the nation of Israel.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (Jn. 1:29 CSB)

When John the Baptist proclaimed the arrival of the Messiah he recognized that Jesus would be the substitutionary sacrifice for the entire world. The original audience of this statement, the Jews of that region, would likely have noted John’s emphasis because up to that point all the sacrificial lambs given for the atonement of people before God had been given on behalf of the people of Israel alone and not for the people of other nations of the world. But John did not proclaim Jesus as the Lamb who would only take away the sins of the people of Israel, but as the one who takes away the sins of the world.

This principle is further solidified early in Jesus’ ministry when He visited a Samaritan town and revealed Himself as the Savior, not just of the people of Israel, but of the world.

Now many Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of what the woman said when she testified, "He told me everything I ever did." Therefore, when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed there two days. Many more believed because of what He said. And they told the woman, "We no longer believe because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world." (Jn. 4:39-42)

While John’s gospel account emphasized God’s plan for Jesus’ redemption of the nations of the earth through stories and testimonies of others, Matthew’s gospel underscored it through direct teachings and declarations of Jesus. Jesus rightfully claimed authority over every nation of the earth through the act of creation and obedience to the Father in the act of atonement. It is this authority that serves as the foundation for sending his apostles and disciples to every nation.

Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matt. 28:18-1:1)

The Apostle Peter gives testimony to God’s plan among the nations after he ministered to Cornelius’ household and saw the Spirit of God working among them.

Then Peter began to speak: "Now I really understand that God doesn't show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him. (Acts 10:34-35)

The Apostle Paul further explains the mystery of the redemption and adoption of gentile believers from the nations of the earth. He teaches us how, through faith like that of Abraham, gentile believers are recipients of the blessings and promises of God that are found throughout the Bible - all the way back to the book of Genesis. God had always planned to bless the nations of the earth through Abraham’s seed, the messiah.

This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (Eph. 3:5-6)

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ like a garment. There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, heirs according to the promise. (Gal. 3:27-29)

Finally, in Revelation we see the fulfillment of God’s plan for the nations of the earth. We see that Jesus alone is worthy to open the scroll, He is the lamb that is worshiped on the throne by the redeemed, and He will reign forever - all of which is part of God’s plan for the nations. Not only will Jesus redeem people from every nation, but the entire earth will become His eternal kingdom.

… You redeemed people for God by Your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation. You made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth. (Rev. 5:9-10)

The seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying: The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign forever and ever! (Rev. 11:15)

Thought for prayer and meditation: Lord, thank you for extending the blessings of Abraham to the gentile nations through Christ Jesus. We pray that people from every nation would have the same faith as Abraham.