Foreword

I have decided to write this brief exposition because of the urgency of this subject. While at times certain subjects were only touched upon, more than 200 Bible references were used. This gives the reader the opportunity to search further and to be led by the Spirit of God into the unsearch-able riches of His Word. While writing, two things were especially impressed on me, filling me with joy: firstly, for the great privilege and blessing of being able to look into the plan of salvation in such a deep way; secondly, for the fact that I do not need to defend any denomination or any school of doctrine. I can simply lay things out the way they are. I believe that (in so far as it is possible) God has granted me the grace to penetrate into His thoughts and His great plan for humanity. Like David, I could testify: “Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name” (Ps. 138: 2); and like Paul: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Rom. 13).

One of the great men of God who were used after the time of the apostles was Ireneus, who said, “To those who pleased Him, God showed His great architectural plan of Salvation.” One song writer put it like this, “Let me be still, Lord, that is my prayer, still that I may see the wonders in Thy Word.” The words of our Lord still apply today, “It is hid to the wise of this world and revealed to those who willingly receive and are taught by the Spirit.”

I pray that all readers will be spiritually blessed, and that they might be built up in the most precious faith of the glorious Word of God. Everyone should take the liberty of searching the Scriptures to see if things are so. Many books could be written if one were to endeavour to cover these themes thorougly — this brief exposition is meant only as an introduction. The rest is between you and God. May His blessed Word be a blessing to all whom He has already blessed.

Krefeld, December 1988 The Editor