Heaven Past Present and Future

Chapter 3

 

GOD BLESSES WITH A LOVING PLAN

 

The beautiful creation of God had come to ruin. The Light of God’s energy sustaining presence was suddenly gone. Darkness, for the first time, penetrated part of God’s kingdom. Sin within the kingdom ripped the material creation from the company of God the Father. God was no longer able to fellowship with the creation that had become the present domain of Lucifer and his angels. God’s purity and holiness would not allow the slightest evil in His presence for a minute moment. 

The war in heaven wrought by the introduction of sin exploded the creation apart from God. The energy forces of the heavenly battle must have been tremendous. Lucifer’s powerful light was translated to earthly destruction as lightening. He became then the prince of darkness. Heaven and earth became formless, empty and dark overflowed by water. Apart from His Light, creation experienced a variation in space and motion that slowed time to our pace today.

What would be God’s next action after the war in heaven when Lucifer was cast to the earth as lightening? After darkness enveloped God the Father’s absence what would happen in the kingdom of heaven? Note that God’s inspired history given to Moses does not start with the chaotic rebellion and subsequent judgment of Lucifer. The Bible is not about Lucifer. What is the Bible about? What is Its central theme? Let us consider…

                             GOD BLESSES WITH A LOVING PLAN

 

 In all the devastation of war and judgment, God saw great value in the creation. He chose not to make an immediate complete obliteration. A final action of judgment would come later when God reorganizes all creation into the new form of the New Heaven and the New Earth. In amazing love God formulates a plan for redemption to bring back the creation.

Jesus in His parables pictured God’s value of creation as a treasure hidden in a field or fine pearls. God, even after the introduction of sin, saw much worth in the creation. God gave everything He had to bring it back to Himself.

 

                        Matthew 13:44-46

44 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. NIV

The Apostle Paul shares the wonderful details of God’s great plan to the church at Ephesus. Systematically he outlines God’s blessings to redeem this valuable part of His kingdom. As Paul anticipated these wonderful thoughts He begins with praise for God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ because of the blessings received “in heavenly realms.”

 

                        Ephesians 1:3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. NIV

 

This verse starts what is perhaps is my favorite passage of Scripture. Paul’s letter here in these passages more than anywhere else shares the finer points of God’s redemptive purpose within the heavenly realms. They in depth tell the heavenly blessing of God’s loving plan in Jesus Christ. As Paul builds precept upon precept of this loving plan, we in anticipation cannot help but lift our voices in praise to God. Look with profound wonder at our blessing in heavenly realms from our loving Father.

 

The Blessing of Being Chosen

 

With Lucifer’s decision God had a decision to make. What would or even could He do? How or perhaps why would He do it? What options did He have before Him? In His infinite wisdom God the Father makes His choice.[1]

 

                        Ephesians 1:4

4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love NIV

 

The word “chose” pictures God laying out from Himself a systematic discourse to solve the problem before Him. Simply, God understood the situation – a creation guilty and unholy. He laid or selected out of Himself a plan from the options before Him.

The plan of God’s choice involved “us” or mankind. The Genesis record shared God’s purpose for man through Moses, then to the nation of Israel and thereby to the rest of the world. As a part of this redemptive plan God chose to make a “living being” in His own “image” and “likeness.” Chosen for a special task, man was made from a creation already suffering from “the bondage of decay.” At His command man’s decaying material physical body already existing apart from His Light was given a spirit of life and became a living being.

 

                        Genesis 2:7

7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. NIV

 

Initially a “tree of life” was available in the Garden with man whereby man could have lived “forever” in some created state. Man never ate of this tree and after man’s fall an angel and flaming sword guarded the way to it. Whether this tree is literal or symbolic the implication is at some point in a sinless state man could have experienced an opportunity to overcome the creation’s physical bondage to decay to eternal life. Losing this opportunity when physical death came God had to prepare some place to receive their spirits.

 

                        Genesis 3:22-24

22 And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." 23 So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. 24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. NIV

 

                        Ecclesiastes 12:7

7 and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. NIV

 

Until the fulfillment of His redemptive choice God prepared a temporary place in the material creation called “Hades”[2] which literally means “the unseen world.” [See Appendix  – Figure 2 – The Present Heavens] By faith David believed God would not leave his soul in this grave of departed spirits. He showed faith in the knowledge that the Holy One, God’s Son, would not suffer decay of sin. While Jesus suffered on the cross He comforted the believing thief with the promise of abiding with Him in paradise later that same day.

 

                        Psalms 16:10

10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. NIV

                         

                        Acts 2:29-36

29 "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, "`The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." '  36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." NIV

 

                        Luke 23:43

43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." NIV

 

In the time of the Old Testament Jesus had not come to pay the debt of sin. The spirits of the dead were sent to Hades in the heart of the earth. Those who looked forward by faith to a Messiah as payment for sin abode in a part of Hades commonly called “paradise.” Old Testament believers living in paradise even in Jesus day both understood and awaited the sacrifice promised by God the Father for their sins.

 

                        Luke 9:28-32

28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, 31 appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. NIV

 

In the Ephesians letter Paul shares the choice was “in him.” God’s plan involved redeeming the creation from the sinful separation of Lucifer. Divine law dictated sin had to be separated in eternal death. God could have chosen to separate all the material creation forever into outer darkness apart from Himself. Instead he chose a way that involved His Son.

This choice was made in the counsel halls of heaven before any creative acts by God the Son now seen today. Several Scriptures confirm this timing of God’s choice.

 

                        1 Peter 1:18-21

18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. NIV

 

                        Revelation 13:7-8

7 He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. 8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast-all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.  NIV

 

God made this plan before the creation of this world. God does not do things without need. His beautiful creation may have been in the process of becoming dark and ruined when this choice was made. We are told at that point in God’s history, from before this creation of the present world God wrote a “book of life.” God’s choice was “life.” His Son as a Lamb would once again bring His life energy of Light back to the darkness enveloping that which was lost.

 

                        Titus 1:2

2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, NIV

 

This choice was made “before the beginning of time.” There was no “time”[3] variation between God and His creation when God made this choice. So when did this creation’s time change from that of God the Father? Time began for the creation with the fall of Lucifer.  Lucifer’s introduction of sin separated the creation from God’s light and energy. God could not fellowship with the creation because of His Holiness. God may have designed this loving plan during His war and judgment of Lucifer. God in His infinite wisdom knew the tragic ultimate results of Lucifer’s choice upon the creation Lucifer managed.

When Paul told Titus this promise of God was born “before the beginning of time” this phrase refers to the perpetual of the past when time apart from God’s time did not exist. Time began when the creation was separated from the Light of God. This separation introduced variation in space and motion between God the Father and the creation. While God’s activities still occur in sequential events there is no variation of time if all things continue in space and motion together as one. For time to exist there must be variation in the motion of actions or events so comparisons can be made.

Consider the reason God has no name. Since there is only one God that God does not need a name. There is no other God to compare or make distinction. The same principle is true of time. If all sequential actions of motion are equal in time, there is no need to compare or distinguish time. Everything is one without degrees and variation of motion.

Consider the following quote written seven hundred years before Albert Einstein by a twelfth century Jewish Law scholar named Maimonides[4]:

 

Time is an accident consequent upon motion and is necessarily attached to it. Neither of them exists without the other. Motion does not exist except in time, and time cannot be conceived by the intellect except together with motion. And all that with regard to which no motion can be found, does not fall under time.

 

Some after reading this statement believe Einstein and his colleagues’ theories of relativity probably were inspired by Maimonides' writings, which were well ahead of their time. But Maimonides was not the original thinker concerning the disparity in time between God and man. Remember once again Peter’s statement in 2 Peter 3:8, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” NIV

When the creation was separated from God due to sin He could have scraped it all. By a simple Sovereign command God could have just burned it all with fire and destroyed it. The blessing is God made a choice to make us holy and blameless in His sight. God the Father chose a way to remove the blight of sin and sins devastating consequences. He invites all who will hear to listen to the blessing of this choice.

 

                        Isaiah 1:18

Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. NIV

 

The Blessing of God’s Love in Adoption

 

Paul shares the motivation behind the choice God made. Why would God send His Son?

 

                        Ephesians 1:5

In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will- NIV

 

In great-unsurpassed love God determined for us to be adopted as children through Jesus Christ. God’s love is characterized by matchless commitment to enable everlasting life. In the most famous verse of the Bible, John shares the depth of God’s love in His willingness to offer eternal life to all who will “believe.”

 

                        John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. NIV

 

Paul told the Ephesians we are “predestined”[5] God’s children in accordance with his pleasure and will. Paul’s use of the word “predestinated” shows how God laid out before it would happen the bounds or limits of His plan. It is made up of two Greek words. The first means “before” and second is where we get our word “horizontal” or “horizon.” The word pictures one walking in a direction and seeing the bounds or limits of the horizon before him. The boundary limit God designed for man was the adoption as sons through Jesus Christ.

Man did not deserve, earn or merit this loving choice. God simply out of his good pleasure chose to adopt mankind as His children through Jesus Christ.

 

                        Galatians 4:4-7

4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. NIV

 

                        John 1:12

12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God- NIV

 

In this plan man can call God “Father.” The relationship was not that of a slave with no rights or privileges. Because God found pleasure to make this choice in His will, in Jesus Christ was offered the full rights of sons.

 

The Blessing of Free Grace

 

Paul then reveals how man was to receive this special loving choice of God’s pleasure.

 

                        Ephesians 1:6

6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

 

In the “One he loves,” Christ God’s Son, we receive God’s grace freely. The word “grace” literally means favor. God’s plan has never involved works, merits, stature or wealth…just free grace. Only by such free grace can God be praised as the provider of our salvation.  Paul argues with the Roman legalists who believed salvation came by works what would happen if grace were to come from man’s efforts. Such possibility would bring praise not to the grace of God but to man himself. Paul shares in his letters how such grace from works would be from obligation on the part of God and not the loving free grace described throughout Scripture. 

 

                        Romans 4:4-5

4 Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. NIV

 

                        Titus 3:5

5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, NIV

 

God’s plan was for the “One he loves”, His precious Son provided everything necessary for salvation from sin. All anyone has ever needed to do is accept this grace freely by believing in the offering of His Son.

 

The Blessing of Blood Redemption and Forgiveness

 

Paul knew after he detailed this free grace in love his readers would be asking, “How is this possible?” Paul shares how it was possible for God to provide for the sin of mankind.

 

                        Ephesians 1:7

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV

 

In the riches of God’s grace in Christ we have blood redemption and the forgiveness of sins. Before time began, God’s plan of choice involved the shedding of the blood of His own Son. God gave the life of His Son in suffering the penalty of sin as a substitute for man’s life in the suffering man deserved.

                         

                        Hebrews 9:22

22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. NIV

 

Jesus blood stands forever in heaven as proof before God that the penalty for sin has been paid. The Son of God coming from heaven as flesh made this possible. At the time appointed by God the Father He sent His Son. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin,  Jesus was born in Bethlehem. As God the Son become man through Jesus of Nazareth He lived a sinless life exampling the glory of God the Father.

 

                        John 1:14

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. NIV

                        Galatians 4:4-5

4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. NIV

In God’s plan Jesus was crucified. The Scriptures abound with descriptions of the sufferings of Jesus Christ for the sins of mankind.

 

                        John 19:17-18

17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 Here they crucified him, and with him two others-one on each side and Jesus in the middle. NIV

                        2 Corinthians 5:21

21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. NIV

At His death for the sins of man, Jesus departed to the world of the dead. When Jesus dismissed His Spirit like those who died before Him He was taken by angels to Hades in the heart of the earth. [See Appendix – Figure 1 - foldout The Fulfillment of the Times & Figure – 2 – The Present Heavens]

 

                        Matthew 12:40

40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. NIV

                         

                        Ephesians 4:9

9  (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? NIV

                         

                        1 Peter 3:18-19

18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison NIV

Of interest one of the acts of Jesus was to preach a message to the spirits held at this time in Hades. These were those people who lived and died before Jesus died on the cross. They believed God would one day send a Messiah to pay for their sin. Peter calls this place a “prison” [6] meaning a place under guard or watch, a cage or place of holding.

 

                        Acts 10:43

43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." NIV

On the first day of the week, after three days and three nights in Hades, Jesus in His spirit arose from the grave of paradise to claim His fleshly body. Since He committed no sin of His own sin could not have dominion over Him.

 

                        Ephesians 4:8,10

8 This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."  10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) NIV

 

                        Hebrews 9:11-12

11 When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. NIV

Jesus left paradise in the heart of the earth and took those departed saints with Him to God’s throne. [See Appendix – Figure 2 – The Present Heavens] He took His own blood as proof to all heaven and earth that the redemption price had been paid. Today Jesus sits at the right hand of the throne of God interceding before God in behalf of those who come to God the Father through Him. As the Holy Spirit of God carries to Him the repentant prayers of those who accept Him as Savior from their sin, Jesus intercedes before the Father paying the debt of sin. As pictured in the Holy of Holies by the Ark of the Covenant the Cherubim look to see if the blood has been applied. These angelic beings rejoice as Jesus intercedes - for otherwise their duty is to protect God’s Holiness that nothing sinful or defiled should ever enter the presence of God the Father.  [See Appendix – Figure 3 – Artists conception of High Priest in Holy Of Holies]

 

                        Hebrews 7:25

25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. NIV

                         

                        1 Timothy 2:5

5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, NIV

 Through belief in the offering of Jesus Christ one has forgiveness of all sin past, present and future. Jesus blood cleanses all sin regardless of it’s evil. He now waits by the Father for us to ask for this forgiveness.

 

The Blessing of Abundance

 

Forgiveness of sins through the redemptive work of Jesus is everything we need in abundance. God with “wisdom and understanding” provided plentifully.

 

                        Ephesians 1:8

8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. NIV

 

The word “lavished” means to provide in exceeding abundance. The blessings of God’s grace are not limited; they cannot be contained. There are no bounds to the blessings of God grace. He did not just pay for one hundred sins or two hundred sins or a thousand. Through Jesus we have floods of blessings that overflow beyond our imagination that removes our sin as far as east is from west. They are so numerous they cannot be measured.

Someone once said that trying to measure the blessing of God’s grace is like attempting to walk around a lake only to find it is the cove of a great ocean. No matter how great our sin God’s grace is lavished all the more. Paul shares how the law was given to reveal more sin in one’s life. Yet no matter how much sin is revealed before our loving Father grace will increase even more.

 

                        Romans 5:20

20 The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, NIV

The Blessing of Knowing the Mystery of His Will

 

God wants everyone to know what He has chosen to do. The plan is not a secret only given to a few. It is available to all who will listen to His Word in the Bible.

 

                        Ephesians 1:9

9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, NIV

In His good pleasure, God purposed to make known the mystery of His will to us. We are not in darkness concerning His plans. The will and purpose of God for us are revealed in His Word. As Paul wrote the Romans he shared how God wants the entire world to hear and have faith in His message.

 

                        Romans 10:14-21

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"  16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. 18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."  19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, "I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding."  20 And Isaiah boldly says, "I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me."  21 But concerning Israel he says, "All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people."  NIV

 

                        2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. NIV

Following in the same footsteps as Lucifer, the serpent of the garden very easily deceived man. From the first sin of man in Adam and Eve, God revealed this plan in Christ. 

 

                        Genesis 3:13-15

13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." 14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, "Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." NIV

 

God revealed His loving covenant to this sinful couple. Before the creation of everything around them God had already made a plan. He would place someone hostile or an enemy between the serpent and the woman, between the serpent’s offspring and hers. The serpent would receive a mortal fatal wound from this enmity even as the enmity would be wounded superficially. God’s promise revealed the first principles of the cross whereby the mankind would crucify God’s Son thereby redeeming the creation.

In massive depth the Tabernacle pictured the mystery of God’s plan of redemption in Christ. [See Appendix – Figure 4 – Artists conception of the Tabernacle of God in the Wilderness of Sinai.]

When God set up the tabernacle and sacrifices, it was designed to picture the operation of the heavens of the present age in the plan of God. The Hebrew writer shares this truth in detail.

 

                        Hebrews 9:1-2, 9-15

1 Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 2 A tabernacle was set up….9 This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. 10 They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings-external regulations applying until the time of the new order. 11 When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! 15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance-now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. NIV

 

                        Hebrews 9:21-28

21  In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 23 It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. NIV

 

We can look for His "pattern" throughout any part of His creation. Along with the Temple we find the Sabbath observances picturing God’s heavenly work in Christ.  

 

                        Leviticus 19:30

30 "`Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD. NIV

 

Besides the weekly Sabbath, the three pilgrimage feasts were also called "Sabbaths" and related to the Temple:

 

                        Deuteronomy 16:16

16 Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. No man should appear before the LORD empty-handed: NIV

 

In the 12^th century the Jewish scholar Nachmanides[7] taught that all 613 commandments of the Jewish law are related in some fashion to the Temple and Sabbaths. God has according to His good pleasure revealed abundantly the mystery of His will in His wonderful plan of redemption in Christ.

The New Testament gloriously explains the details of all the Old Testament pictures and prophecies of Christ’s coming. The gospels share the good news of Christ’s coming. Other letters of the New Testament give even more information of Jesus’ fulfillment of all the Old Testament patterns.

Most important, God spoke to us through His Son. As the Son of God Jesus always spoke the message of the Father. Just as Paul shared with the Ephesian believers God has “made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ.” NIV

 

                        Hebrews 1:2

2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. NIV

 

                        John 17:6-8

6 "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. NIV

 

The Blessing of Being Gathered Together In One

 

Paul then shares when this plan would be completed and the results God hoped to obtain in its execution. 

 

                        Ephesians 1:10

10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment-to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. NIV

The verse summarized the whole plan of God for the creation. These blessings we have in Christ do not come until God is finished working with time. The wording here refers to management, arrangement, or stewardship of God using time in an advantageous manner to complete His plan. As we have mentioned God’s time is different from the creation. God uses the time variation resulting from creations separation from His Divine power and energy as a good steward. When this time of creation is fulfilled, when everything God wants to accomplish has happened, God will gather all things in heaven and earth together again.

God will bring every atom and molecule of the material creation back into His fellowship. In Chapter 9- The New Heaven and The New Earth the reason this present earth will be shaken and dissolved to its smallest parts is to bring it all back together in the new kingdom. Just one city called New Jerusalem is a one thousand five hundred  mile cube. Other cities and nations exist and provide a place for an innumerable host of saints that no man can number. All the stars, planets and galaxies of the universe expanded in the wisdom of God in His plan to judge sin will come together again. Paul says the creation “groans” for this time at the presentation of the sons of God.

This oneness of the creation with Himself only comes by Christ. No other way could bring the creation back into the Light of God as seen in the new kingdom. 

 

The Blessing of an Inheritance

 

When this oneness of creation comes God in this choice has determined a special blessing for His adopted children.

 

                        Ephesians 1:11

11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, NIV

 

We were “chosen”[8] through the work of His Son. This word is a different word than that previously used by Paul in verse 4 on page 47. This word in verse 11 refers to an assignment or allotment given. It is more properly interpreted “an inheritance” as shown in the King James Version translation.

 

                        Ephesians 1:11

11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: KJV

 

Many of the Calvinist persuasion apply this verse of Scripture to teach God only gives an inheritance to some He chooses in His will. The word “predestinated,” means “in front of the boundary or limits.” It pictures one looking out before at the limits or boundary of the horizon. The predetermination of God taught by this Scripture is not who but what. Paul is sharing that God has already determined our inheritance in heaven. This is not teaching He has only selected some, but in Christ anyone who will receive Jesus as Savior will obtain an inheritance in the future eternal kingdom. Paul shares with the Roman Christians the progression of God’s loving plan for man.

                         

                        Romans 8:29-30

29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. NIV

God foreknew every person upon the earth and recorded the names in a book. God predestined through His plan an inheritance as Sons in His eternal kingdom that is available to anyone who will receive it. He called all mankind to accept this loving offer in His free loving grace. Those who accepted the plan are justified by the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son. One day those justified will be glorified in the New Heaven and New Earth living eternally in the Light of God the Father.

The inheritance of those who accept God’s call will be wonderful to behold. Our grandest imaginations cannot yet fathom or dream of the things God has for inheritance there to be given as His sons.

 

                        1 Corinthians 2:9-10

9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"- 10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. NIV

 

In Chapter 9-The New Heaven and The New Earth we will look at the Scriptures description of this spectacular new creation.

 

The Blessing of Being The Praise of His Glory

 

Paul shares subsequently why God would do all of this in the first place. He gives God’s motivation. Why would God go to this much trouble?

 

                        Ephesians 1:12

12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. NIV

Redemption of the creation through man is to the praise of His glory[9]. This plan and redemptive act reflects the true opinion and estimate of God’s character and nature. It demonstrates God as He really is. The true character of an individual is demonstrated under adversity. The multitude of the redeemed will show forth to all God’s kingdom the true loving God. For an eternity future God’s children in Christ will be objects that will praise God for who He is and forever will be.

 

The Blessing of Being Guaranteed Inheritance

 

Paul tells his readers they are guaranteed this special inheritance in God’s kingdom. It would be sad to hope for something so special and lose it.

 

                        Ephesians 1:13-14

13 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, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of his glory. NIV

So how do we receive a guarantee of this inheritance? What deposit do we receive? What does God want us to do to become His children? Paul says we obtain this deposit guarantee in Christ through several orderly events of our lives.

First, the blessings of an inheritance come because we have “heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.” It is important to hear and listen to the truth of the good news of God’s invitation.

 

                        Romans 10:14-17

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"  16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?"  17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. NIV

 

Second, the blessings of an inheritance come because “having believed.” God asks us to believe His plan. From the beginning of man, God’s promise has been to those who “believe.” This belief is a distinct special moment where one comes to God recognizing his sin and accepts the payment of Jesus Christ.

 

                        Genesis 15:6

6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. NIV

 

                        John 3:18

18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. NIV

 

After hearing and believing Paul says, “you were marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” God guarantees our salvation through the work of the Holy Spirit. He seals us giving the Holy Spirit as earnest of His promise. At the moment of our belief, we are born of the Holy Spirit of God who comes to indwell us.

 

                        John 3:5

5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. NIV

 

                        Romans 8:16

16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. NIV

                         

                        Ephesians 4:30

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. NIV

                         

                        John 10:27-30

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one." NIV

It is little wonder Paul wrote verse 3, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” as he started sharing this great plan of God.

 

Invitation To Accept God’s Plan

 

Those who hear God’s plan of salvation, believe this promise, and accept the payment of Jesus for sin in prayer to God the Father are promised the right to become His children.

                         

                        John 1:9-13

9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.  10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. NIV

                         

                        Romans 10:9-13

9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12  For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."  NIV

Have you prayed to God the Father and accepted Jesus as Savior from sin? Pray today and He promises to you great spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms. Will you pray the sinner’s prayer today?

Dear God, I pray to you now. I know I am a sinner. I know Jesus died for me. I accept Jesus payment for my sin that I may have eternal life. Amen.

 

Today’s Date: I have heard the Word of truth telling me the gospel (good news) of my salvation. Yes      No The moment I prayed to God the Father in belief by faith accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior was...(Short description) Short paragraph about the moment of your salvation The approximate date of above was... I know the Holy Spirit seals me. I have received the Holy Spirit when I prayed to receive Jesus as Savior as a guarantee from God of my redemption to the praise of His glory. Yes      No