3.1 We believe that, before the creation of the world, God chose and planned to save a vast company of people which no man can number. He did so solely because of His great love and mercy, and not because He foresaw any merit or faith in human beings.
3.2 At the right time in God’s plan, the Father sent His Son into our world to secure the salvation of sinful human beings. Although sharing equally in the divine nature with the Father, He became a real man, like us in every way but without sin. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ the Son of God was born of the virgin Mary. He lived a life of perfect obedience to His Father, and died a criminal’s death on a cross, though He Himself had done no wrong. As a substitute for sinners, He took on Himself the full weight of God’s righteous anger against sin. On the third day after He was put to death He rose again from the dead, as foretold by the Scriptures. By His resurrection He broke the power of death in order to give life to all who trust in Him. He ascended into heaven, where the Father has given Him honour as Lord over all things. Because of Jesus’ work, the Father delights to grant His requests as He intercedes in heaven on behalf of His people. One day He will return to this earth to judge every human being (See Section 8).
Passages for study: God’s plan – Galatians 3:19-4:7; Ephesians 1:3-14; Jesus’ nature – John 1:1-18; Philippians 2:5-1; Hebrews 2:5-18, Hebrews 4:14-16; Jesus’ birth – Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-21; Jesus’ life – Acts 2:23-26; Jesus’ death – Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Romans 3:21-31; Romans 8:1-4; Jesus’ resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15:1-5; Jesus’ heavenly ministry – Hebrews 7:11-10:18