THE PROMISE OF A SAVIOR

 

The first promise of a Savior appears not when humanity is at its best, but at its worst—right after the fall.

 

THE PROMISE BEGINS

14 Then the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all animals, domestic and wild. You will crawl on your belly, groveling in the dust as long as you live. 15 And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”  Genesis 3:14-15 NLT

 

• This is known as the protoevangelium—the first gospel. 

• The verse introduces two elements previously unknown in the Garden of Eden, elements that are the basis of Christianity—the curse on mankind because of Adam’s sin and God’s provision for a Savior from sin who would take the curse upon Himself.

 

God’s plan to save you did not begin when you finally “got your act together.” It began before you were even born. It began even before humanity ever asked for mercy. 

 

This shows us that God always had the plan of salvation in mind and informed us of His plan as soon as sin entered the world.

 

THE PROMISE CONTINUES THROUGHOUT THE OLD TESTAMENT

 

Abraham –  1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:1-3 NLT

 

Isaiah – 14 All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isaiah 7:14 NLT

 

6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!  Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT

 

Reference: Isaiah Chapter 53 

 

THE PROMISE FULFILLED

8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified,

10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!  12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:8-14 NLT

 

• Born of a virgin—just as Isaiah said.

• Born in Bethlehem—just as Micah said.

• Called Emmanuel, “God with us”—just as the prophets declared. 

• Jesus is the Promised One!

 

10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10 NLT

 

God’s Promise to Every Believer

• Forgiveness: No sin too much for Christ’s blood.

• Restoration: Broken lives rebuilt by grace through faith.

• Eternal Life: Not just life after death, but a transformed life now.

If you call on Him—He will save you.
If you trust Him—He will make you new.