The Book of Revelation tells of “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world”. Christ’s atonement, is an eternal and unchanging provision. God’s salvation plan, anchored in the cross, transcends time entirely, making redemption accessible to all humanity at all times without reliance on distinct administrative eras. Think of ancient world righteous men such as the King David of Old Testament scripture. He sinned by, as king, causing the death of a man so that he could continue in a relationship with this man’s wife. A terrible sin. Before he had done it, he had only ever lived in obedience to all of God’s commands and will, having a heart after God’s own heart. After he did the terrible wrong, why go back to obedience? Why ask God to cleanse him? Why seek a rightful spirit within again from God. If no provision for sin existed, David would have condemned himself so terribly by his sin that it would mean his eternal future would be hopeless. The Spirit-led king was fully aware prophetically of the Christ who would provide the necessary propitiation. He knew he could be put right again with God and true atonement made. He knew spiritually that Day of Atonement sacrifices and offerings in the Temple could not fully atone, not for all time, hence they were needed every year. He knew a better sacrifice transcended time. He had promises that even from his own lineage the Christ, the Son of God, would come and suffer one day, for the good of all. “In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book, it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.’” Psalm 40:6-8. Therefore, David knew, it was not hopeless to seek God’s loving forgiveness. It was not in vain to turn in contrition and prayer to God, asking to be cleansed. He could continue his life having gained forgiveness, and knowing this, he did indeed live the rest of his life in a way that pleased God, obeying rightly. He could write in his psalms, “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:10-11). God had promised the Christ would come from his descendants, after he died. “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” (2 Samuel 7:12-13)
