The Lamb Slain Before The Foundation of The World

Hebrews 4:1-3, “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.”

I humbly believe that the "works" refer to Christ's sacrifice. In God's mind Jesus had already died, been buried and raised up before the world even began. Also, please read:

Revelation 13:7-8, “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

Although there is some theological debate, I humbly think the "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" refers to Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:29). Romans 8:29 says that all saints are predestinated to "be conformed" to the image of Christ. Romans 8:29-30, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” Calvinists often misinterpret this passage of Scripture, falsely claiming that God chooses who will be lost and saved. But we know this is untrue Scripturally, because numerous Bible verses teach that Christ died for all humanity (John 3:16; 1st John 2:2).

Jesus Died On The Cross For All Mankind

Calvinists errantly teach that Christ only draws those men who have been chosen for salvation. However, the inspired Word of God says that Jesus will “draw all men” to be saved. John 12:32, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” Don't ever allow anyone to feed you the Devil's lie that Christ only died for some men. 1st John 2:2, And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” As you just read for yourself, Christ died for THE WHOLE WORLD.

God never chooses who will be lost or saved. But God knew in His foreknowledge who would trust Jesus, so God predestinated those saints to be conformed (not to salvation) to be like Jesus. God laid out a divine plan for the life of every saint before we were even conceived in our mother's womb. Jeremiah 1:5 says that before he was even conceived, God had ordained Jeremiah to be a prophet unto the nations. This verse condemns all abortions as evil and wrong. God is the only giver of life. Men do not have a right to frivolously take away human life, unless it is truly self-defense. Human life is sacred to God.

Pastor Ralph Yankee Arnold says we don't believe because God chose us, God chose us because we believe. We as saints are "the elect" of God. That is, we are the chosen. God chose us because we believed on His only begotten (biological) Son, Jesus. We must remember that God does not live in time, mankind does.

God Exists In Eternity, Not In Time

Pastor Max D. Younce (1935-2023) says that God created time as a way of letting His friends (saints) know what He intends to do next on His prophetic calendar. Time will cease to exist in Revelation 10:6. God lives in eternity where there is no concept of time. So, yes, absolutely, I am convinced that in God's mind Jesus had already been slain and resurrected before the universe was even created. Three perplexing questions prove God's existence:

1. Where did time begin?
2. When did time begin?
3. How big is the universe?

There are no logical or even plausible answers to these impossible three questions except God. The Lord made the universe and all that is in it. God made time. The universe must have a boundary, doesn't it? I cannot explain this, and neither can you. Scientists tell us that the universe is 13.8 billion years old, and that the universe is continually expanding. But what is it expanding into? The only answer that makes any sense is that God exists, and the universe is His handiwork under His supreme control.