Today’s reading:
Ephesians 1:7-14
“Having made known to us the mystery of his will, 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 on earth- in him” (vs 9-10)
The Biblical meaning of “will” is said to be to determine, to decide in the mind that something shall be done or forborne, implying power to carry the purpose into effect. “God’s will”, which is also referred to as his “Divine or sovereign will”, refers to his sovereign plan that will happen or come to pass. What He has consciously decided, willing and chosen to do. Therefore, whatever comes to pass, God has willed it. It includes everything He desires or wishes to happen in heaven and on earth. Mention is made in the scripture up to over fifty times, of the will of God. While some people categorize the will of God into 3 – Intentional, Permissive, and Ultimate; some others mention the perfect, sovereign, revealed and ultimate will of God. Very prominent among the revealed will of God are found in Rom 12:2 (perfect will); Matt 7:21 (doing his will); Matt 6:10 (his will be done); Eph. 1:11 (all gathered in Christ); 1 John 5:14-15 (asking according to his will and He hears).
God revealed his will to Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Paul, among others. It is important to highlight some of the reasons or purposes of God’s will. These include his ultimate will to advance his Kingdom (Dan 2:44); for his Kingdom to come and for his will to be done on earth as in heaven (Matt 6:10); for his glorification (Eph. 1:12-14); for the believer’s sanctification (1 Thess. 4:3); for bringing people to repentance and salvation (2 Pet 3:9). What is relatively less spoken about of God’s will is the “Mystery”. Mystery means hidden; not revealed; fact known only to the initiated; obscure; secret; and incomprehensible. In the scripture, we read of the mystery of faith; of iniquity; of Christ; and God’s will. The “Mystery” of God’s will is found in Today’s reading in verses 9-10, according to his good pleasure which He purposed in himself. In verses 8-11, we read that God decided to reveal this Mystery at the said time, based on his wisdom and the counsel of his will. He reveals his mysteries to enable man to do his will. Deut. 29:29 tells us that the secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and our children forever. The specific mystery of God’s will here as we read in Eph 1:10 is that: in the dispensation of the fullness of the times, He might gather together in one, all things in Christ, both what are in heaven and on earth- in him.
The question is, why did God conceal/hide/make a mystery of his will concerning this? The answer can be found partly in 1 Cor 2:7-8. Paul said that they spoke the wisdom of God in a Mystery, hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages, which none of the rulers of this age knew, for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord Jesus of glory. The fact is that the mystery was revealed in the Cross of Christ so that all those in darkness (spiritual) will come into the light. This is part of God’s sovereign will for all of humanity to be saved. The rulers of this age would have attempted to truncate or block it if they knew about it.
In God’s perfect will for believers in particular, many benefits are accruing to them which include: predestination and an inheritance (v11); sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise; being to the praise of his glory (vv. 12-14); and the things which God has prepared for those who love him, which eye has not seen nor ear heard(1Cor 2:9); revelation of his full glory. The Mystery of God’s will has culminated in the ultimate benefits to believers, whom Christ has redeemed for eternity.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud:
Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord! If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Our eternal Father, thank you for your will revealed in various aspects of our lives, especially as believers.
Precious Lord Jesus, we can’t ever thank you enough for your sacrifice on the cross, that brought us to eternal light and God’s Kingdom.
Father, we ask in your mercy that we never revert to darkness, rather, we will enjoy all the benefits you have remarked for believers.
Father, keep waking the church and all believers up to carry out the Great Commission of winning souls, so none will be lost to hell.
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