The Eternal Purpose
Let’s begin our Bible study with Genesis 2:1-3. Since the beginning, God’s creation was complete, but in the first century, a new creation occurred.
This new creation was a new creature who had the wisdom and mind of Jesus Christ with the ability to understand why he was created; to bring Glory to God and choose to worship Him in spirit and in truth. John 4:23
This new creature is created through obedience to the Gospel. Through obedience to the Gospel message of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ; this new creature has a new heart, a new spirit, and the mind of Jesus Christ regenerated by the Spirit of the living God dwelling within.
From the very beginning, God had a purpose in mind. All things were created by Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16 All things were created for His pleasure. Revelation 4:11
Born-again Christians were chosen before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:3-4, 9-11 In verse 10, we read that it was God’s purpose to gather into one all things in Christ. This is the new creature that God desired to create. 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:11-13, Galatians 6:15 The unfolding of this great mystery was beginning in the first century according to God’s eternal purpose. Ephesians 3:9,11
It was through the Gospel message of Jesus Christ that eternal life and immortality was brought to light. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 God’s own purpose was to bring salvation and redemption thus creating a new born-again creature.
Everything in this new creation serves God’s purpose. Romans 8:28 Jesus said that it is given unto us to know the mystery of God. Mark 4:11 Knowledge is power and produces great confidence in knowing God’s eternal purpose. Romans 16:25, Hebrews 10:35
Resurrection life is in the mystery of God’s eternal purpose for His new creation. 1 Corinthians 15:50-54, Romans 6:5
The Apostle Paul asked for prayer that he might be given an opportunity to boldly speak and make known the mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 6:19
Paul explained what the mystery was to the Colossians; “…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:26-27 It is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ being preached that a new creature is produced out of an old creation. Mark 16:15, Colossians 1:23
The Bible says, “For God so loved His creation” that He got involved with what they needed most, a savior. John 3:16 This fulfilled His eternal purpose which was to abide throughout eternity with His new creation who by their own freewill and choice would choose to live with Him.
In order to produce freewill and choice, good and evil had to be included in the creation. Isaiah 45:7 A continuing promise was being fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ through a chosen people Genesis 3:15 and through a covenant with Abraham. Genesis 17:7 God always made choice available. Deuteronomy 30:19-20
God placed this treasure in human earthen vessels. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 This treasure was the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. This was to fulfill His eternal purpose. The choice is yours to make today.
Matthew 20:16 says, “…many are called but few are chosen.” Why? Because only a few choose to be chosen.
For the born-again believers, they have the wisdom of God and mind of Christ and the Spirit of God indwelling them. This enables the “new man” to understand the earthly physical aspects of the “new creation” and the “new heaven and new earth” as well as the heavenly aspects of Jesus returning with His Kingdom in the heavenly realm. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10,12
Once we leave this world and go into Heaven, we will have all eternity to be in awe, understanding the depths and riches of the majesty of God’s redemptive history of His eternal purpose.
Conclusion
The eternal purpose of God was to have a creation that had an opportunity through obedience to the Gospel message, to choose of his own freewill to live with Him throughout all eternity.
Jesus proclaims in Revelation 21:5, “….Behold, I make all things new…” Now, whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17 Whoever believes and obeys the Gospel, is given the opportunity to receive eternal life. Acts 2:38-39