THURSDAY April 29, 2021

The Mystery of God’s Will

...having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.
Ephesians 1:9-10

Paul explained to believers how they are redeemed and forgiven. God does not keep record of our sin. He remembers them no more: As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:12). Christ died on the Cross, and through His shed blood, sins are cleansed (1 John1:9), and the fear of death is abolished: ... Jesus Christ ...has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel... (2 Timothy 1:10).

God has revealed to us the mystery of His will. This is something that was once unknown, but has now become known––His salvation. His plan of salvation has been fully shown to us through Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Salvation was God’s idea before He created the world! God’s purpose in salvation is so we can have intimate communion and fellowship with Him.

Our world could have been a nice place to live, but because of sin, it has been ruined––corrupted. The Word of God tells us Jesus is coming back, and, in His perfect time, He will create a new heaven and earth:

...the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:10, 13).

God will gather all things together. This means, when the history of man is concluded, at the end of the age, we shall be in God’s presence forever in perfect perfection, living in heaven, a place of perfection. There will be no more sin, tears or pain. The next time you become depressed, think about how spiritually rich you have become in Jesus Christ.

Our duty is found in the revealed will of God in the Scriptures.
~Jerry Bridges~

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