May 31, 2008

All Things United in Him

Ephesians 1:9-10 is a little more difficult for me to understand. After Paul tells us in verses 3-8 that we were saved, before the foundation of the world, from our trespasses and sins, and redeemed by the blood of Christ, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us in all wisdom and insight, Paul then tells us the mystery of God's will is made known to us, according to His (God's) purpose. The Mystery of God's will?

At first, I was concerned by this. I felt left out of a big secret. Then, I read verse 10 again. It's "a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth." I suddenly realized God calls whom he wills because He will be glorified completely when all things are united in Him. The Angels in heaven will be united with his creation on earth. We will worship Him together for eternity. The mystery is only "a mystery" to the non-believer. Because I've been called to salvation, I have the understanding that all things are to the glory of God, and His plan to unite all things in Him is easy to believe and understand thanks to that calling.

I can't help but think about those who He did not call to salvation. They will glorify Him too. They will understand God's wrath and worship Him through their eternal suffering. All of God's character will be worshiped. The plan of God, set forth in Christ, is to cause all things to glorify Him. Those of us who are saved from sin by Christ, glorify God through an understanding of the riches of His grace. Those who reject God, and reject the plan of salvation through Christ, will glorify God through an understanding of the power of His wrath and the penalty for sin.

Personally, I am so glad I've been chosen by God. I want to be united in heaven with the angels in eternal worship of God.

Praise God for His Grace.

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