Ephesians 1:10-12

"[He planned] for the maturity of the times and the climax of the ages to unify all things and head them up and consummate them in Christ, [both] things in heaven and things on the earth" Ephesians 1:10.

Our faith in this one verse, today can be so freeing! Paul assures us with the fact that all things will be brought into meaningful relationship together under Christ. We are in this climax of the ages, now and moving quickly toward the end of the age when everything will be seen to add up to Christ. The light of the things of God is getting brighter, while the hate in this world is getting darker.

At present there is fragmentation and frustration. Things seem as though they do not "add up." But at the end of this age, however, under Christ, everything will add up or rather be summed up in Christ. This recognition of Christ's preeminent purpose will ensure that the original harmony of the universe is restored (Rom 8:18-21). The mission of Christ extends beyond the world we know and recognize, with the institution of the New Earth described in Revelation 21:1, when He makes all things new.

Concerning the hate we see increasing, I wrote in a study on the relationship between love and hate.

"Hate is less superior, less powerful, and while hate may be set against Love, it hasn't much time left. It's on a short leash. It's time to do what it wants to do has always been measured precisely by God and that time is nearly up."

"There shall no longer exist there anything that is accursed (detestable, foul, offensive, impure, hateful, or horrible). But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall worship Him [pay divine honors to Him and do Him holy service]" Revelation 22:3.

11. "In Him we also were made [God's] heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His [own] will"

The mystery which puzzles the world, concerning the joy of so many Christians is revealed in this small passage. How, do those of God's chosen people who have made such great sacrifice and live with such little possession, remain in this constant state of joy? The answer is here, in verse 11... "In Him we also were made God's heritage!

A new Christian will look for more visual blessing for their acceptance of Christ's love, and we should... but Paul reminds us we've already obtained this inheritance... Some of this inheritance is hard to see because it's hidden in our hearts... It allows us to see the beauty in the simplest of things... It keeps us from making harmful decisions... It allows us to sleep better... and scientists say, it must help us live longer... hehe.

And the rest of our inheritance awaits us at our eternal home, where moth and rust cannot harm it! Amen!

12. "So that we who first hoped in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him have been destined and appointed to] live for the praise of His glory!"

Here again, Paul just reminds us who this is for - "we who first hoped in Christ"... And why - "for the praise of His glory!" What a wonderful message today!

Let's pick up with Ephesians verses 1:13-14 next time.

I love you.