God's Eternal Purpose
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
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Straight to the Cross
COLUMN: Understanding the Times
God's Eternal Purpose
by Emmett Smith
In his letter to the Ephesians (Eph. 3:8-12) the
Apostle Paul wrote that the "unsearchable riches
of Christ" were the culmination of "the plan of
the mystery hidden for ages in God" and that the
plan was "according to the eternal purpose that he
has realized in Christ". In his letter to the
Corinthians Paul said,
"But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God,
which God decreed before the ages for our glory.
None of the rulers of this age understood this,
for if they had, they would not have crucified the
Lord of glory." (1 Cor. 2:7,8).
The Jewish rulers of Jesus' day didn't understand.
Unfortunately, most of every age have not
understood. Jesus said that "many are called, but
few are chosen" (Matt. 22:14). Surely He meant
that in every age many won't understand the plan.
It is mind-boggling when you think about it.
Before He created the universe, God had already
foreknown all of what would transpire and had
planned for our redemption! And yet, only a
relative few will really understand God's eternal
plan.
Are you studying to understand the mystery?
"To this he called you through our gospel, so that
you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ"
(2 Thes. 2:14)
"And we know that for those who love God all
things work together for good, for those who are
called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28)
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