We all remember the A-Team. It was one of the most popular action shows of the ’80s and even inspired a big Hollywood movie. I remember seeing a poster for the film that read: “The A-TEAM – there is no plan B.”

Later, while studying Christ’s atonement, I remembered that line. You see, many people have the misunderstanding that mankind’s fall from grace was a surprise for God. They think that he had an “original Plan A,” but after our sin forced his hand, he had to come up with a “Plan B” – and send Christ to be crucified on the cross.

But we know that this idea just isn’t true.

God was never caught off guard by our need for deliverance from sin. He (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) counted that cost for all eternity, and being of one mind and purpose, was both ready and willing to pay it so that humanity would once again be reconciled to him. 

Our Lord Jesus foreknew his sacrifice and told his disciples what he must do to overcome evil and bring life out of death. No one could argue that he was naïve or unaware of the path that he would take to make all things new. We know that he sacrificed himself out of his unending love for us. Listen to how what Christ said in the Gospel of John: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

And he reiterates: “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again” (John 10:18).

Let us remember that our Triune God is not the victim of circumstances beyond his control. Christ’s coming and sacrifice was never a “Plan B.” Instead, Christ – along with the rest of the Holy Trinity – were always the A-Team, ready, willing and able to pay the ultimate price to bring us back into communion with their divine life.  

I’m Joseph Tkach, Speaking of LIFE.