Heart to Heart

God’s Eternal Purpose


The Bible is abundantly clear that God works…

"According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ our Lord."

The words "eternal purpose" are not that easy to understand. The Greek words for "eternal" mean "of the ages." The Greek for "purpose" refers to the design, intention or goal. We find that the "eternal purpose" of God was active in the ancient history of Israel and its neighboring nations. It is further learned that nothing could restrain or interrupt the "divine intention."

"Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand… for the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disable it? And His hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?"

Later, the apostle Paul spoke of God working His ancient purpose through the Messiah, Jesus.

"Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began."

We see in Bible history that the purpose of God reached forward, into two distinct areas, the "earth below" and "heaven above." And we get a glimpse of it in the prayer petition that the Lord taught His disciples.

"Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."

We also learn from the apostle Paul that God’s purpose in earth and heaven was to…

"…gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in Him."

This joined those on earth and those in heaven into "a new creation" called "one new man." These separated groups in heaven and earth were situated and formed into union with the Christ, seated at the Father’s Right Hand. For those "in Christ" to live according to their new position, God indwells them, guiding them and opening their understanding to His Will. John, the Revelator made mention of this as he wrote of hearing an awesome voice out of heaven saying:

"Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

As "former things," in Judaism were passing away, "all things" were becoming "new," as to quality. For, He that sat upon the throne said,

"I make all things new."

Throughout the history of redemption, angels attended God’s ambition and purpose. However, in this present age, it is a new day. We are now associated with "things new." And we are void of helpful angelic manifestations. This is due to the fact that now, as in no other age, the Father Himself indwells us and we are aided by His powerful presence and leading, which is more constant, vital, and exalting than former angelic visitations could possibly have ever been. This new way was achieved by Christ Jesus dying, rising and ascending to His Father in heaven to become Lord over all so…

"…that God may be all (things) in all (places)."

Since then, God began to dwell in people, He no longer dwelt in tent or brick/mortar buildings. Therefore, it is reasonable that first century believers never met in religious structures. That's what made the new life "in Christ" different from other religions in the Egyptian, Roman, Greek and Persian cultures -- it had no holy buildings. When Paul visited synagogues, it was to take the gospel to the Jews, not gather "brothers & sisters" together for worship. The message of the gospel did not encourage assembles to divide into ethnic groups for worship. That would deny what the gospel stood for. Believers from all backgrounds met together in a home of that city. Race barriers were removed by the gospel of Christ.

Today, when a religious building is erected, men appear in the forefront to lead the congregation into identity and growth. In light of Jesus' teaching, these brethren should function together without titles like Rabbi, Rev., Pastor, etc. The clergy/laity distinction is only fed by titles that elevate the few believers above others. It is difficult to learn that the ground at the foot of the cross is level.

In determining to minister, is it possible to step back and evaluate the wisdom of huge expenditures on construction of buildings? The first century church prospered spiritually and advanced powerfully without building buildings. Why do we feel compelled to invest so heavily into sacred structures, in which to meet God? That contradicts the truth of His Temple or true dwelling place? People are His building and this was something very NEW to ancient religions. The people of God became a "new creation" for God to dwell in. People are His temple. No wonder the apostle prayed:

"Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out. For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counselor? Or who hath first given to Him and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom is glory forever."

The Divine power that definitely changes the life of any individual is the new indwelling presence of God. Open your heart to him and His loving presence will fill your life with purpose and you will understand true Love and Forgiveness, that is found only in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.