FINDING THE PLAN OF SALVATION

  Where would anyone expect to find the plan of salvation? Anyone should answer, “In the gospels!” That seems to be rational, but the biblical patriarchs knew Jesus and his Purpose long before Jesus was ever born. They had a purpose as well; to serve the Lord Jesus.
  Throughout the gospels, people had the hope of salvation. From where did they obtain their hope? From “The Word” of God.  The apostle John said that “The Word” was there in the beginning,  and was made flesh (John 1-3,14). If Jesus was there in the beginning, where was he? One place that Jesus was, was in David’s heart! We know that David was “a man after God’s own heart”(Acts 13:22). Well, David found the heart of Jesus!
  Be sure that, like David, you are not alone! “He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.” (1 Thes 5:24), Then, John 3:16 details who God calls – “whosoever,” meaning all are called. David was called to build God a House, but because he was a man of blood, God delegated his son, Solomon, to build for God a House, just as the Father did not build for us a “house” but His Son did!
In the New Testament (NT), the “scripture” referred to which brought men to Jesus was the Old Testament (OT). Therefore, questioning minds should look for the plan of salvation, not only in the NT gospels, but in the OT. Jesus was there! David knew Jesus in his heart, so why not find the Son of David, and his plan of salvation, in the words of David? After all, David convicted himself of sin, and David felt guilty (2 Sam 12), and he said the prayer of repentance (Psalm 51). David knew the plan of salvation.
I found that plan. It was hidden there in God’s calling of Solomon to build for Him a House. Note, that God did not even want a house (2 Sam 7). What did He desire? A temple made not of bricks and wood, but one wherein He lives in the hearts of men. That was the “Temple” which Solomon was truly building, and God even gave the plan for that Temple as well as Solomon’s! The Church was commissioned in the Chronicles of the Kings.
  In chapters 26 and 27 of 1 Chronicles, God provides instructions for building the physical temple. Then in chapters 28 and 29, He revealed the Plan to build the spiritual “Temples.” We find out in the NT that God’s Temple is in the hearts of His children (1 Cor 3:16). Building of the spiritual temple is chronicled in the following key verses: (Read them over, and study them thoroughly. Think about Jesus and grace. Tomorrow I will explain the plan of salvation from those passages.)

KEY VERSES: THE PLAN OF SALVATION

And of all my sons, (for the Lord hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel.

And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.

Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day. (1 Chron 28:5-7)

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it. (1 Chron 28:9-10)

All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. (1 Chron 28:19-20)

Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the Lord God. (1 Chron 29:1)

Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord? (1 Chron 29:5b)

(They all) offered willingly? (1 Chron 29:6b)

Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. (1 Chron 29:9)

Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. (1 Chron 29:13-14)

O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own. (1 Chron 29:16)

I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. (1 Chron 29:17)

And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision. (1 Chron 29:19)

And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the Lord… (1 Chron 29:21)

And did eat and drink before the Lord on that day with great gladness. (1 Chron 29:22a)

And the Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel. (1 Chron 29:25a)