The Promise in Eph 3:6 #9

By Oscar M. Baker

We have considered the great overthrow, the sin of Adam, and the announcement of the sacrifice which would redeem from all this. But there is a further aspect of this great redemption. Before these mighty events took place, God, knowing the end from the beginning, made a wonderful choice that would directly affect many of Adam’s posterity. To learn of this choice we need to turn once more to the writings of the Apostle Paul. Through him the Holy Spirit tells us in Eph. 1:3,4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as He hath chosen us in Him before the overthrow of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.”

These words reveal to us God’s amazing will for those who respond to His truth. The choice was made before the overthrow of the world, and the terms used convey to us one of the many ways in which God works.

From His revealed character we know Him to be a God of love - as the Psalmist tells us, “The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger and of great mercy.” Before God acts in judgment He makes provision for the next step in His purposes. This step is invariably in Grace. Such a principle can be traced throughout the record of His dealings with man. Before God’s righteous judgment fell upon Adam in the garden, Christ’s sacrifice was foreknown. Before the judgment of the flood in Noah’s time God made provision for the re-peopling of the earth.

This provision is continued in the New Testament and evidence of its working is even more abundant. Prior to His rejection (indicated in Matthew’s account) the Lord revealed to His disciples how this rejection would be the means of blessings to others. Again, after the re-offer of Himself during the Acts period as the Risen Messiah, and at the judicial blinding of Israel, God made known to His chosen apostle the truths which disclose the greatest blessings that man has ever been invited to enjoy. It is in this revelation that we learn of the unique choice which God made before the overthrow of the world. How wonderful then to realize that Before God acted in judgment against that marvelous creature - the anointed cherub - He had chosen those who would occupy that place of nearness to Himself.

We have now considered some of the remarkable blessings associated with that early promise made by the God Who cannot lie: the promise that announces a life which is only possible by the death and resurrection of the Son of God. The blessings mentioned in this declaration are for the enjoyment of all who also trusted after they had heard the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation, and who, upon believing were sealed. See Eph. 1:13.

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