HIS ETERNAL PURPOSE

HIS ETERNAL PURPOSE “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Ephesians 3:10-11)

As we will see, the eternal purpose of God is that “The Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of the one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 3:6)

The Greek word translated as “manifold” in verse 10 is “polupoikilos”. It comes from “polus” which means “much” and “poikilos” which means “varied” and of “different colors”. This is the only place it is used in the Bible. The angels wanted to look into God’s eternal purpose (1 Peter 1:12) and now they were given the opportunity to do so. The many facets of God’s eternal purpose can now be clearly seen by the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” through the church.

• Remember! God loves the world and did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but that the world through Him might be saved! (John 3:16-17)
• Remember! God determined to redeem the world with the precious blood of Jesus before the creation of the world (1 Peter 1:18-10).
• Remember! God is “all knowing” and has never been surprised by anything the devil has done!
• Abram was part of God’s eternal purpose and God called him to leave his country, his people, and his father’s household (Genesis 12:1). His father, Terah, was an idolator (Joshua 24:2).
• Even though Abram had no children God promised him that he would make of him a great nation and that through him all the nations of the world would be blessed. Note how many times God promised “I will” in this passage. “The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:1-3).
• In harmony with God’s eternal purpose, God gave to Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan as an “everlasting possession.” “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.” (Genesis 17:7-8)
• In the “Promised Land” God commanded the descendants of Abraham to only make offerings at the one place chosen by God: “Then to the place the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name—there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 12:11) “Be careful not to sacrifice your burnt offerings anywhere you please. Offer them only at the place the Lord will choose in one of your tribes, and there observe everything I command you.” (Deuteronomy 12:13-14)
• That “place” was originally called Salem. It was here that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek who was the king of Salem and priest of God Most High (Genesis 14:18-20).
• That sacred place was later called Jerusalem and God said: “But now I have chosen Jerusalem for my name to be there.” (2 Chronicles 6:6)
• Jerusalem therefore became the place where the descendants of Abraham worshiped: “Be careful not to sacrifice your burnt offerings anywhere you please. Offer them only at the place the Lord will choose in one of your tribes, and there observe everything I command you.” (Deuteronomy 12:13-14)
• Jerusalem would also be the source for world evangelism: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:3-4)
• Remember, the church began in Jerusalem with devout Jews out of every nation under heaven (See Acts 2).
• In the Hebrew Bible the land of Israel and the city of Jerusalem are both referred to as Zion. When Zion felt God had forgotten them Isaiah wrote: “But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:14-15)
• God will never forget the promises He made to Abraham!
• God promised that when Israel sinned, He would scatter them from the Promised Land (Leviticus 26:33; Deuteronomy 4:27, etc.) But God also promised that they would return to the Promised Land.
• Please consider: “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.” (Deuteronomy 4:29-31)
• Even though Israel was scattered, the Promised Land was still their land. “I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back to your own land.” (Ezekiel 36:24)
• When Jesus predicted the destruction of Jerusalem He indicated that the occupation of Jerusalem by the Gentiles was only temporary: “There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” (Luke 21:23-24)
• The Apostle Paul referred wrote to the believers in Rome: “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” (Romans 12:25-27)
• Someone has counted 100 Bible verses that promise a “new heaven” and a “new earth”. These many promises reflect the fact that God has not forgotten His covenant with Abraham. Why else would the “new earth” feature Jerusalem? “Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out
• of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (Revelation 21:1-2) “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” (Revelation 20:10)
• God did not forget the children of Israel for the book of Revelation makes special mention of 144,000 saved individuals from all of the tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:4-8).
• Further, the Holy City, Jerusalem, has 12 gates and on the gates are written the names of the 12 tribes of Israel (Revelation 21:10-12).
• Surely God remembers the promises He made to Israel!

THE LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS

The letter to the Ephesians is one of four letters written by Paul from prison. They are Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. In this letter Paul deals in great detail about unity between Jews and Gentiles. He even goes beyond this and reveals God’s plan to bring all of heaven and earth together under the headship of Christ: “he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” (Ephesians 1:9-10)

“US” AND “WE”

Note that the Ephesian letter begins with references to “us” and “we”. Remember! The church in Ephesus began in a synagogue. After three months, however, some of the Jews became so obstinate that Paul took his disciples to the lecture hall of Tyrannus. Then Gentiles also became a part of the church. In fact, within two years all of the Jews and Greeks in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord (Acts 19:8-10). Thus, the church at Ephesus was composed of both Jews and Gentiles.

• Note that the first 12 verses of Ephesians refer constantly to “us” and “we”:
• He has blessed us in the heavenly places (1:3).
• He has chosen us before the foundation of the world (1:4).
• He has predestined us to be adopted (1:5).
• He has freely given us his grace (1:6).
• We have redemption through his blood (1:7).
• He has lavished on us all wisdom and understanding (1:8).
• He has made know to us the mystery of his will (1:9).
• In Him we are chosen (1:11).
• In order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be to the praise of His glory (1:12).
• It seems obvious that “us” and “we” in this passage refer to Jews.

“YOU”

When Paul uses the term “you” it also seems obvious that he is making reference to the Gentiles:

• “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” (1:13)
• “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” (1:15-16)
• “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” (2:1-2)
• “Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (2:11-13)
• “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.” (2:17-19)
• “And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (2:22)

GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE

“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (3:1-12)

Praise God: “There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one Go and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)

DID GOD REJECT HIS PEOPLE?

“In Christ” all earthly divisions cease to exist: “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for

you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29)

Please note that the earthly divisions disappear “in Christ.” “In Christ” women can be saved the same as men! This does not mean, however, that a woman ceases to be a woman or a man ceases to be a man! When a man becomes a Christian he is not free to enter a woman’s restroom, neither can two women get married! A slave can become a Christian the same has his master, but he must still obey his earthly master (Ephesians 6:5). The same applies to Jews and Gentiles. Yes! A Gentile can become a Christian but he cannot immigrate to Israel the same as a Jew. The differences between Jew and Gentile are obliterated “in Christ” but no where else.

In Christ: “A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.” (Romans 2:28-29)

Yes, Paul became a Christian but he never ceased being an Israelite. Please consider: “I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don’t you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”? And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” (Romans 11:1-6)

Elijah thought he was all alone but God knew better. God knew that there were 7,000 Israelites who had not bowed the knee to Baal! Today it may seem that there are no Christians among the Jews but there are an estimated 250,000 – 350,000 Jewish believers and their numbers are increasing. The Barna Group reports that Jewish millennials (those born between 1984-1999) is considered to be more religious than other generations and one out of five think that Jesus was God in human form.

• Paul knew that Jews could become Christians for he himself was an Israelite and a descendant of Abraham (Romans 11:1).
• Paul described the conversion of other Jews to Christ as “fulness” that would bring riches (Romans 11:12).
• Even though the Jews were “cut off” because of unbelief, if they come to faith they can be “grafted in” again (Romans 11:23).
• As “natural branches” Paul reasoned that they could “much more readily” be grafted back into their own olive tree (Romans 11:24).
• Paul wanted them to know that “Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in.” (Romans 11:25)
• “As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:28-29)

THE AMAZING JEWS

When the Hebrews entered the Promised Land they were opposed by seven nations, and every one of them were larger and stronger than the Hebrews (Deuteronomy 7:1). Yet, all of these great nations have disappeared and the lowly Jews remain a distinct people in spite of the fact that they were deprived of their home land for hundreds of years. Scattered throughout the earth they began to gradually return to their homeland.

• In 1210, following the crusades, the Jews began to trickle back home. First, several hundred rabbis known as the Ba’alei Tosefot returned. Then in 1263 Rabbi Nachmanides established a small community on Mt. Zion. More Jews returned after they were forced out of Spain in 1492. Still more came in the 16th century, and in the mid 1700s Gershon Kitover started the first Hassidic community in Israel.
• Between 1808 and 1812 some 500 more arrived and settled in Jerusalem. By 1880 there were 40,000 Jews living in Israel in the midst of 400,000 muslims. In 1882 some 30,000 more Jews arrived and established 28 new settlements.
• During W.W.I Jewish population in Israel declined, yet, according to the 1922 census, there were still 84,000 Jews amidst 643,000 Arabs. During the 1920’s more Jews were driven out of Europe and sought refuge in their homeland. A record number arrived in 1935. In 1939 Jewish immigration was limited to 75,000 over the next five years. This forced many Jews to remain in Europe and be killed by Hitler.
• In 1948, just a few hours before the U.N. mandate expired ending British control over the land, Israel declared it’s independence. This was the first time they had been a nation for 2,900 years. The whole transaction took place in 24 hours, prompting some to remember the words of Isaiah: “Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a country be born in a day?” (Isaiah 66:8) This took place on Friday, May 14, 1948. Against the advice of many, President Truman of the U.S.A. immediately recognized Israel as a nation.
• On May 15, 1948, one day after Israel declared it’s independence, six Arab states declared war on Israel. The six nations were: Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordon, and Saudi Arabia. Azzam Pasha, Secretary-General of the Arab league said: “It will be a war of annihilation. It will be a momentous massacre in history that will be talked about like the massacres of the Mongols or the Crusades.”
• At that time Israel did not have a single tank or cannon. Their tiny air force consisted of 9 obsolete airplanes. They had only one weapon for every three soldiers. The Arabs, by comparison had plenty of arms, ammunition, tanks, airplanes, and soldiers.
• The fact that Israel won it’s independence against such overwhelming odds has led many to believe that God intervened on their behalf.
• Sadly the Arabs have never stopped trying to exterminate Israel. Their wars against Israel include: The Suez War (1956), The Six Day War (1967), The Yom Kippur War (1973), The First Lebanon War (1982 – 2000), The Second Intifada 2000 – 2005, The Second Lebanon War (2006), The Gaza Wars (2008-2009; 2012; 2014). The recent war with Gaza which began October 7, 2023 with the massacre of over 1,200 Israeli men, women, and children and the taking of 252 hostages.
• Someone has observed that the world is not falling apart, but falling into place.

CHOOSE WHOM YOU WILL SERVE

Yes! God’s eternal purpose is in the process of coming to pass! Thank God we have a choice. We can choose to join with God and be victorious, or we can choose otherwise and be defeated.

Joshua said it like this many years ago: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)