Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 4
At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Foreshadowed,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.
This week, in our ongoing Kingdom Foreshadowed series, we will examine the events of the Red Sea crossing and how they relate to our understanding of sin and salvation.
Exodus 14:29–31 (NIV)
29 But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. 30 That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. 31 And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.
This story is more than just history; it’s a powerful picture of salvation that helps us understand the deep ideas of sin and salvation and why they matter in our lives.
The Israelites were enslaved people in Egypt, living under harsh conditions and oppression. Their situation represents the bondage of sin in our lives. Just as the Israelites were trapped and couldn’t free themselves, we, too, are often caught by various forms of sin—habits, thoughts, or actions that lead us away from God’s will. Sin is anything that separates us from the full life that God wants for us.
The Israelites’ escape from Egypt was made possible by God’s intervention. The parting of the Red Sea was a miraculous event that provided a way out where there seemed to be no way. This represents God’s grace and power in our lives. Salvation, like the crossing of the Red Sea, is not something we can achieve by ourselves. It is a gift from God, made possible through faith and trust in Him. The crossing of the Red Sea teaches us that when we trust God and follow His guidance, He will provide a way out of our struggles and sins.
This salvation is possible because of God’s love and power. Just as God showed His mighty hand in saving the Israelites, He shows His power in offering us salvation through Jesus Christ. The Israelites’ rescue from the Egyptians shows that God is both willing and able to save His people. This assurance is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross makes salvation available to all who believe.
The story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea helps us understand the seriousness of sin and the beauty of salvation. Sin, in its various forms, holds us captive and leads to spiritual death. However, salvation offers a path to freedom and new life. The Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom mirrors our spiritual journey from the bondage of sin to the freedom found in Christ.
Understanding sin and salvation is crucial because they are central to the Christian faith. Sin separates us from God, but salvation restores that relationship. The crossing of the Red Sea is a reminder that God is actively involved in our lives, working to bring us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. This story encourages us to reflect on our lives, recognize areas where we are in bondage, and trust in God’s provision for our deliverance.
We will discuss all this and more this weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, so be sure to join us in person or online.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.