Text: Matt. 13:34-35
Intro: This verse tells us that there are some things that have been kept secret from the foundations of the world. Other Scriptures also teach us that there were some things that were kept secret since the world began,  Rom. 16:25  Now to him that  is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
    A. Paul said this concerning  the mysteries  of God  (I  Cor.2:7-10; read)    Col. 1:25-27
    B. These hidden mysteries have been revealed to the saints of God. God says that we can  know these mysteries and be
        blessed by them.
    C. I would like to share with you 4 great mysteries that were put in place before the world was made and are a great
        blessing to the children of God.
I.  Before There Was A World And Before there Was A Sinner, There Was A Savior  (1 Pet. 1:18-20)
    A. This Lamb was  spoken of  in Gen. 3:15   And I will put enmity between thee and the  woman, and between thy seed
        and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
        1.  Immediately after sin entered the world, God began to reveal His plan for the redemption of sinners!
        2. He made coats of skin and clothed Adam and Eve. Gen. 3:21
        3. This was also the first object lesson of God to man.
    B. Jesus was the Lamb sent, John 1:29    (God’s answer to Abraham Gen.22:7-8
        1. When Jesus was born into this world, a little more of God’s eternal plan became visible.
    C.He was the Lamb slain – Rev. 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him whose names are not written in
        the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation  of the world.
        1. When Calvary was accomplished, the plan of God was in full view of the human race.
        2. Some still won’t see it.
II.  Before There Was A World And Before There Was Guilt, There Was Grace  2 Tim. 1:9   Who hath saved  us,
and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own  purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”     (Grace is the  unmerited love and favor of God for sinners.)
    A. Before man ever strayed – Isa. 53:6. There was grace to bring him home. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have
        turned every one to his own way; and the LORD  hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”  Prov.14:12
    B. Before man ever sinned – Rom. 3:23. there was grace to make him clean.
    C. Before man ever became separated – Isa. 59:2. there was grace to reconcile him to God!  “But your iniquities have
         separated between you and  your  God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear”
        1. It is grace that saves – Eph. 2:8-9!
        2. Grace is sufficient for all men – Rom. 5:20.)
III.  Before There Was A World And Before There Was  Punishment Of Death, There Was The Promise Of Life
Titus 1:2  “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised   before the world began;
    A. Promised to all who will come to Christ – John 6:37; “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that
        cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”  Rev. 22:17  “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth
        say, Come.  And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
    B. Eternal life is promised to all who will confess and believe Christ,  Rom. 10:9-10  Matt. 10:32-33 “Whosoever
        therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess  also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall
        deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”  Mark 8:38  “Whosoever therefore
        shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be
        ashamed, when  he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.  Phil. 2:11 “and every tongue should confess
        that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father
    C. Before that first sinner ever bowed, God had already made a way to receive him!
        1. When a  sinner bows tonight, Jesus will receive them also!
IV. Before There Was A World And Before There Was A Hell, There  Was A Heaven.  Eph. 1:3-4;
    A. Heaven is the dwelling place of God! Psa. 11:4. “The LORD is in his holy temple, the  LORD's throne is in heaven: his
        eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.”
    B. Hell is real, but so is Heaven!
        1. Purpose of Hell – Matt. 25:41)
    C. Heaven is for redeemed people. John 14:1-3;   1 Peter 1:3-5
    D. Heaven is for forgiven people Eph. 1:7;   Psa. 103:12
Conclusion: 1 Cor. 2:9 “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit
searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”