#9 Ephesians
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times
The word dispensation shows up 4 times in the Bible; all of them being in Paul’s epistles. In the verse above, Paul is speaking of a time period that is yet to be. This will occur when ‘the fulness of times’ is instituted. The fullness of times is when all things are brought together in Christ, and when the last enemy, death, is finally and permanently defeated. (Eph 1:22-23)
…he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: What things? Besides Israel (people and things pertaining to the earth, prophecy and the kingdom program) and the Body of Christ (people and things pertaining to heaven, the mystery, and the church) Paul lists a number of other things in Col 1:16 that will be brought together in Christ in the fullness of times. This is where the two-fold plan of God is finally recognized and complete!
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth or things in heaven.
Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, This is a big deal because we, being Gentiles, were never promised an inheritance like Israel was, but since we have been adopted as sons and are IN CHRIST (Eph 1:5), we now have an inheritance that has been predestinated, according to the purpose of God’s will, to the glory of his grace. What do we receive in this inheritance? Christ in you, the hope of glory, the unsearchable riches of Christ, and the hope of his calling, to name a few! Col 1:27, Eph 3:6-8, Eph 1:18
There are at least 9 different things listed in Ephesians chapter 1 that are included in our inheritance:
1:3-6 – We are chosen in him, adopted as sons, and accepted in Christ.
1:7-12 – We are redeemed by his blood, he abounds toward us, and gives us an inheritance.
1:13-14 – He reveals to us the mystery, seals us by the Holy Spirit and is our earnest of this inheritance.
…being predestinated This is not the preselection of people being saved or condemned as Calvin taught, but a predetermination of our destination to be In Christ! Our destiny lies in God’s purpose to bring glory to himself by gathering all things together in Christ.
…according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will It’s all about and according to His purpose, His will, and His Glory; not ours, (Rom 8:28, Eph 1:9, 1:11, 3:11, 2 Tim 1:9) lest we should be puffed up and magnified.