The apostle never strayed from the core truth, it was absolutely central to everything he taught (at this point he had been a follower of Christ for at least 17 years (see 1:18 & 2:1). In the opening words Paul can’t help but expound on “the Lord Jesus Christ.” In one concise sentence he captures the plan and purpose of His coming into our world.

First, the Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself. He had said of Himself, “The Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matt 20:28a). Self-giving is the essence of love. His gift to us was Himself.

Second, He gave Himself for our sins. This was the nature of His gift. He gave “His life as a ransom for many” (Matt 20:28b)—His payment for our debt.

Third, the immediate purpose of His gift was to rescue us. We were in trouble, in danger of spiritually dying. Indeed, we were already “dead in our trespasses and sins” (Eph 2:1).

Fourth, the context of our spiritual death was “this present evil age.”  This is often taught as referring to the world “system” which is contrary to God’s ways, the fallen world of Satanic influence. It’s the predominate influence on the unregenerate person. But now the Lord Jesus Christ has liberated us from that persuasive dominance in our lives. This does not transfer blame, but simply recognizes one perspective, but a very significant one,  on the non-Christian state—slavery, bondage, an inability to do what God requires of us.

Fifth, the blue-print behind this self-giving sacrifice to rescue us was nothing other than strategy of the Father, that is, “the will of God.” The apostle Peter put it this way at Pentecost, “this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death” (Acts 2:23).  He later wrote, “For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you” (1 Peter 1:20). Paul personalizes it further, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world…” (Eph 1:4). Salvation, the event of the cross and also our own individual salvation was planned out well ahead of time!

Finally, the ultimate goal in God’s plan of salvation is the Father’s eternal glory! God’s purpose in the world is doxological—to show His Glory! Everything else flows from this God-centric purpose.