STUDYING THE WORD WITH GOD'S PURPOSE IN MIND GOD HAS A FREE WILL At this point we touch upon God's free will. For many years I have heard men speak about man's "free will," even though there is no extended Scriptural thought on that theme. Man does have a free will -- that is, he is free to make his own choice. However, the reason man has a free will is because God has one. The human will is the Divine imagery in mankind. -- Monday:
"To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:10-11)
It is good to study the Word with God's "eternal purpose" in mind. God does have a purpose--an "eternal purpose" (Eph 3:11). Remember, those who are "called" by the Gospel, are called "according to His purpose" (Rom 8:28). It is "the purpose of God" that will "stand," or be ultimately vindicated, not the will of capricious men (Rom 9:11).
When addressing the intention of God, the Spirit speaks succinctly, challenging our hearts and minds. "Also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose Who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be to the praise of His glory" (Eph 1:11-12). That purpose, or objective, is called an "eternal purpose" (Eph 3:11).
By this phrase, we learn that God's "purpose" is not a reaction to human need. It is part of His nature, or character, and existed before the world was made. Paul referred to this aspect of Divine intent when writing to Timothy, a young evangelist. "Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity" (2 Tim 1:9).
We are begotten again by God's will, not ours. That is the point of this declaration, "who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:11). Again, it is written, "In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures" (James 1:18). God saves no one He does not WANT to save, and He does so in accordance with an "eternal purpose."
This purpose is multifaceted, having many sides. We will limit these words to four aspects of that purpose. As you read the Word of God with these perspectives in mind, it transforms the text into food for the soul. It is arresting how the evidence of these realities is woven into the entire fabric of God's Word.
1. Some elaboration of this perspective is necessary. The Word of God is best comprehended when we are close to its heart, or when the purpose of God is perceived. Those who are in "fellowship" with God's Son (1 Cor 1:9) are afforded the privilege of seeing things from the vantage point of Divine intent. This is a very concentrated and concise view that does not major on details. It is powerful, providing a means to understand the foundation of Scripture.
2. The next level, which is more broad, is found in the Person of Christ, as revealed in the Gospel. Scripture is thus seen as an introduction to and exposition of the Lamb of God. Prior to His advent, Scripture pointed to His coming. After His return to glory, it pointed to His Person and accomplishments, urging men to believe on Him and prepare for His return. In light of Jesus, God's purpose is broadened, and men are encouraged to become participators rather than mere spectators.
3. Next we enter the realm of reasoning, where holy men show the implications of the truth, and its bearing upon our lives. The more of Jesus that is comprehended, the less reasoning is necessary. The less clear the Son is to the heart, the more reasoning is required. This pattern is seen throughout the Epistles. Where churches had drifted from the Lord, the Apostle reasoned concerning the foolishness of sin and the imperative of righteousness.
4. The final appeal to men is made through instruction and law -- the "how to" approach. This is found in Scripture, but never for those close to Christ. Promises will be realized by those who walk in the light. Commands are largely for those wandering on the fringe. Do not balk at this! It makes no allowance for immorality, nor does it promote waywardness.
The further a person is from the Lord, the less Divine purpose can be perceived, and the less precious Jesus appears. To such, regulation becomes imperative to avoid their destruction. However, at some point, if men want to make heaven their home, they must get to the reality of God's "eternal purpose." That is at the heart of the matter! They must see, to some appreciable degree, what God is doing, and how He has purposed it from the foundation of the world.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me grace to give Your purpose the dominance in my life.