God's Cosmic Plan: Unity in Christ

Summary

In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul presents a profound theological insight into God's ultimate plan for the universe. This plan, as revealed in Ephesians 1:10, is to gather together all things in Christ, both in heaven and on earth. This grand vision transcends personal salvation and points to a cosmic unity under Christ's headship. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that this is not merely a future hope but a reality that began with the coming of Christ, marking the fullness of times. This divine plan is unfolding in the present age, leading to the ultimate restoration of harmony in the universe.

The term "dispensation" is crucial here, referring to God's overarching plan or economy. This plan is not limited to human redemption but encompasses all creation, including the angelic realm and the physical universe. The original harmony, disrupted by sin and rebellion, will be restored. This restoration is not a new creation but a reunification, a bringing together again of all things under Christ. The Apostle underscores that this is God's plan, independent of human actions or world events. It is a certainty that provides Christians with peace and assurance amidst worldly turmoil.

The sermon challenges us to shift our focus from the immediate and temporal to the ultimate and eternal. While the world is fraught with division and conflict, God's plan is moving towards a glorious culmination where all creation will be united in Christ. This understanding should lead Christians to live with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that they are part of this divine plan. It calls for a deeper engagement with Scripture and a commitment to live in light of this ultimate reality.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Ultimate Plan: God's plan is to unite all things in Christ, transcending personal salvation to encompass the entire cosmos. This plan began with Christ's coming and is unfolding in the present age, leading to the ultimate restoration of harmony in the universe. [06:24]

- The Meaning of Dispensation: The term "dispensation" refers to God's overarching plan or economy. It is not limited to human redemption but includes all creation, aiming to restore the original harmony disrupted by sin. [11:39]

- Reunification in Christ: The plan is not a new creation but a reunification, a bringing together again of all things under Christ. This includes the angelic realm and the physical universe, restoring the original order and harmony. [25:54]

- Certainty Amidst Turmoil: God's plan is independent of human actions or world events. It provides Christians with peace and assurance amidst worldly turmoil, knowing that they are part of this divine plan. [09:59]

- Living in Light of Eternity: Christians are called to shift their focus from the immediate and temporal to the ultimate and eternal. This understanding should lead to a deeper engagement with Scripture and a commitment to live in light of this ultimate reality. [47:32]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Ephesians 1:10
- [01:05] - The Great Statement of Ephesians
- [02:29] - The Mystery of God's Will
- [03:57] - Understanding the Key Verse
- [06:24] - God's Final Purpose
- [09:59] - The Christian Perspective on World Events
- [11:39] - The Meaning of Dispensation
- [15:33] - The Fullness of Times
- [19:42] - The Role of Christ in God's Plan
- [22:45] - The Nature of the Plan
- [25:54] - Reunification in Christ
- [32:04] - The Original Harmony
- [36:53] - The Disruption of Harmony
- [38:12] - The Restoration of Harmony
- [47:32] - Living in Light of God's Plan

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 1:9-10

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean by the term "dispensation" in Ephesians 1:10, and how is it significant to God's plan? [11:39]

2. According to the sermon, what is the "mystery" that has been revealed to Christians, and how does it relate to God's ultimate purpose? [03:57]

3. How does the sermon describe the current state of the world in contrast to God's ultimate plan for cosmic unity? [07:34]

4. What role does Christ play in the reunification of all things, as discussed in the sermon? [20:32]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does understanding God's ultimate plan for the universe, as described in Ephesians 1:10, change a Christian's perspective on current world events? [09:59]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the concept of "dispensation" extends beyond human redemption to include all of creation? [11:39]

3. How does the sermon challenge Christians to shift their focus from the immediate and temporal to the ultimate and eternal? [06:40]

4. What implications does the reunification of all things in Christ have for the way Christians live their daily lives? [22:45]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent event in your life that caused you stress or anxiety. How might understanding God's ultimate plan for cosmic unity provide you with peace and assurance? [09:59]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living in light of eternity. What practical steps can you take this week to shift your focus from the immediate to the eternal? [47:32]

3. How can you deepen your engagement with Scripture to better understand and align with God's divine plan? Consider setting a specific goal for your Bible study this month. [47:32]

4. Think of a situation where you felt divided or in conflict with others. How can the concept of reunification in Christ guide your actions and attitudes in resolving such conflicts? [25:54]

5. Identify one area of your life where you feel disconnected from God's plan. What is one tangible action you can take to realign yourself with His purpose? [06:24]

6. How can you encourage others in your community to live with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing they are part of God's divine plan? [09:59]

7. Consider a person in your life who may not understand God's ultimate plan. How can you share this message of hope and unity with them in a meaningful way? [06:24]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Cosmic Plan for Unity
God's ultimate plan, as revealed in Ephesians 1:10, is to unite all things in Christ, transcending personal salvation to encompass the entire cosmos. This plan began with Christ's coming and is unfolding in the present age, leading to the ultimate restoration of harmony in the universe. This grand vision is not just a future hope but a present reality that began with the coming of Christ, marking the fullness of times. It is a divine plan that is independent of human actions or world events, providing Christians with peace and assurance amidst worldly turmoil. [06:24]

Ephesians 1:9-10 (ESV): "making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."

Reflection: How does understanding God's cosmic plan for unity in Christ change the way you view your daily challenges and interactions with others?

Day 2: The Divine Economy of Dispensation
The term "dispensation" refers to God's overarching plan or economy, which is not limited to human redemption but includes all creation. This divine economy aims to restore the original harmony disrupted by sin and rebellion. It is a reunification, a bringing together again of all things under Christ, including the angelic realm and the physical universe. This understanding of dispensation challenges us to see beyond our personal salvation and recognize our role in God's grand design for the cosmos. [11:39]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the restoration of harmony in your immediate environment, reflecting God's divine economy?

Day 3: Reunification in Christ
The plan of God is not a new creation but a reunification, a bringing together again of all things under Christ. This includes the angelic realm and the physical universe, restoring the original order and harmony. The original harmony, disrupted by sin and rebellion, will be restored through Christ's headship. This reunification is a certainty that provides Christians with peace and assurance amidst worldly turmoil, knowing that they are part of this divine plan. [25:54]

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in the ministry of reconciliation in your community, reflecting the reunification in Christ?

Day 4: Certainty Amidst Turmoil
God's plan is independent of human actions or world events. It provides Christians with peace and assurance amidst worldly turmoil, knowing that they are part of this divine plan. This certainty allows believers to live with a sense of peace and purpose, even when the world is fraught with division and conflict. Understanding this divine plan should lead Christians to live with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that they are part of this divine plan. [09:59]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’"

Reflection: What specific steps can you take to cultivate a sense of peace and assurance in your life, trusting in God's unchanging plan?

Day 5: Living in Light of Eternity
Christians are called to shift their focus from the immediate and temporal to the ultimate and eternal. This understanding should lead to a deeper engagement with Scripture and a commitment to live in light of this ultimate reality. By focusing on the eternal, believers can find purpose and direction in their lives, knowing that they are part of God's grand design for the cosmos. This shift in focus calls for a deeper engagement with Scripture and a commitment to live in light of this ultimate reality. [47:32]

2 Peter 3:11-13 (ESV): "Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."

Reflection: How can you adjust your daily priorities to reflect a focus on the eternal rather than the immediate and temporal?

Quotes

"Now there can be no doubt at all but that in every way this verse is the key verse to the understanding of this epistle to the Ephesians. I mean by that that it is the verse in which the Apostle states the particular theme that he was anxious to expound." [00:04:16]

"Here it is in the epistle to the Colossians the first chapter let me read verses 15 to 20 again they're So Glorious who referring to the Lord is the image of the invisible God the first born of every creature 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 and he is before all things and by him all things consist and he is the head of the body the church who is the beginning the firstborn from the dead that in all things he might have the preeminent for it pleased the father that in him should all fullness dwell and so on now there I say was the original condition." [00:32:37]

"God's plan is to reunite all things in Christ reunite to gather together again to bring back the head up once more all things in Christ very well here's the doctrine things have already been in that condition once but they're no longer like that but they will again be like that reunite let's look at it like this or originally all things were in a perfect state of Harmony under our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." [00:31:50]

"Now the fullness has arrived and all beyond that is the last times let me give you some examples of it Paul in writing to the Corinthians in the first epistle in the 10th chapter says now all these things happened unto them that's to say the Israelites as in samples and they are written for our admonition upon whom the end of the ends of the world are come from the moment the Lord Jesus Christ came into this world the end of the world had started the ends of the world says the Apostle are come upon us." [00:17:49]

"God has given us the knowledge he's given it by means of the wisdom and the uh uh discrimination the Prudence that he's given us that we can see that what is now happening is that this great original plan of God has come right into the World there it's being carried on this great dispensation this great scheme beginning actually in practice at the fullness of the times and continuing the next thing we we notice is this that he tells us that this great plan is being carried out in and through the Lord Jesus Christ." [00:19:42]

"The plan is this dispensation this plan this purpose which is being carried out at this present time which began with the Incarnation is well that God might reunite in Christ all things and you notice that he gives us an impf of it he says both which are in heaven and which are on Earth all these things are to be reunited in Christ well now the question is what do he mean by all things and a number of views have been put forward to explain this term." [00:26:04]

"Now and this is of course is a great expression and a great idea in the whole of the New Testament the H of time has been divided by the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into this world that is uh if you like uh what can be described as the climax of the ages that's the division that is always recognized in the New Testament the times in which you and I live are called the last times the last days you will find in the prophets in the Old Testament that they talk about the last days and the last times what are they well they're all time that follows the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into this world he came in the fullness of the times everything was leading up to this." [00:16:57]

"Now then you see the doctrine of this verse The Mystic secret into which you and I as Christians have been lit is just this that God is doing something to restore the original Harmony to reunite again all things in Christ that again we may have a position in which Christ is over all and the old harmony has once again come back how has it happened how is it going to happen well obviously time fails me let me just give you the headings work it out for yourself as regards men we've already been told what happens Redemption through the blood of Christ reconciliation to God reconciliation with one another Mother by his blood by his cross he's made peace the middle wall of partitioners gone the old enmity the all the divisions have gone there must be a complete Harmony that is one reason for saying again that there will not be a Perpetual distinction between Jew and Gentile in Christ impossible it's going to be Harmony all one in him." [00:38:12]

"Now there can be no doubt at all but that in every way this verse is the key verse to the understanding of this epistle to the Ephesians. I mean by that that it is the verse in which the Apostle states the particular theme that he was anxious to expound of course he was anxious to tell them all the other things as well which we've already been considering yes but the peculiar feature of this epistle to the Ephesians is that it is meant to be an exposition of this particular theme there is every reason therefore why we should say that this is one of the greatest verses in the entire range of scripture from the standpoint of conception from the standpoint of thought from the standpoint of the range of meaning." [00:04:16]

"Now then the first word that he uses is this word dispensation that in the dispensation of the fullness of times what a sadly overworked great word this word dispensation is it's been so abused and misinterpreted that we're almost afraid some of us to use it at all because there are people you know who divide up the Bible into many dispensations that you scarcely know where you are but what's the meaning of the word dispensation well the authorities are all agreed that it has two main meanings it's a word that is used three times in this epistle you've got it again in the second verse of the third chapter Paul says how that by Revelation he made known unto me the mystery in the second verse if he heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you word how that by Revelation he made known unto me the mystery and again in the ninth verse and to make all men see what is the fellowship it's translated here what is the Fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the world has been hidden God who created All Things by Jesus Christ it's the same word dispensation and you've got the same word exactly used by the Apostle Paul in his first epistle to the Corinthians in the 9th chapter in the 17th verse he's talking about himself as a preacher he says for if I do this thing willingly I have a reward but if against my will a dispensation of the Gospel is committed unto me now what's the meaning of this word I say it has two main meanings it all depends whether you regard it from the standpoint of the one who is in Authority or whether you regard it from the standpoint of the one who is under Authority if you regard the word from from the standpoint of one who is in Authority its meaning is a plan a scheme an economy if you look it at the stand from the standpoint of the one who's under Authority it means an office a stewardship or an Administration now then if you take those two meanings which are granted by all Scholars as as as the two meanings I think it's perfectly clear what the meaning is here now in the second the third chapter it's perfectly obvious isn't it that it's the second meaning the one of office Paul says ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you that's his work that's his office a stewardship he says has been given to me an Administration has been given to me but in the ninth verse of that third chapter it's equally clear that it's a plan and to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God and in exactly the same way we see that here in this first chapter and in this 10th verse it obviously is applied to God the one who is in authority and therefore it means a plan it means a scheme it means an economy God doing this work in the Corinthian example I gave you it is obviously again the office if I preach the gospel willingly says Paul well then I have a reward well if I'm doing it unwillingly well my position is this that the job has been given me it's my Administration it's my office it's the thing which has been imparted to me to do there it is from the standpoint of the one under Authority but here I say it has a reference clearly to God and therefore it means God's plan we have been given this knowledge and this uh Insight says the Apostle the this knowledge of God's great plan that's the mystery the mystery that has been revealed is that God has got a great plan he's got a great scheme a tremendous economy that he's bringing into play very well that's our first word let's go on to the second the fullness of times that in the dispensation of the fullness of times now what's the meaning of fullness of times well it's a a term that you're familiar with elsewhere in the scripture here the Apostle tells us when this great plan of God is to be put into operation and into action when this great thing that was in the mind of God from eternity is really going to be brought to pass now you remember that the Apostle uses the same expression exactly in the epistle to the Galatians in the fourth chapter and in the fourth verse referring to our Lords coming into the world he says but when the fullness of the time was come God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law to that that to redeem them that are under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons now that's exactly the same phrase as we have in this verse that we're looking at together." [00:11:39]

"Now and this is of course is a great expression and a great idea in the whole of the New Testament the H of time has been divided by the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into this world that is uh if you like uh what can be described as the climax of the ages that's the division that is always recognized in the New Testament the times in which you and I live are called the last times the last days you will find in the prophets in the Old Testament that they talk about the last days and the last times what are they well they're all time that follows the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into this world he came in the fullness of the times everything was leading up to this now the fullness has arrived and all beyond that is the last times let me give you some examples of it Paul in writing to the Corinthians in the first epistle in the 10th chapter says now all these things happened unto them that's to say the Israelites as in samples and they are written for our admonition upon whom the end of the ends of the world are come from the moment the Lord Jesus Christ came into this world the end of the world had started the ends of the world says the Apostle are come upon us then you remember the author of The epistle to the Hebrews makes the same point God who in Sury times and in Sury manners spoke to the fathers through the prophets has in these last days ever since Christ came we are in the last days now then that then helps us to understand the meaning of the term fullness of times in this great statement that we're looking at together the climax of the ages happened at the Incarnation time has been divided once and forever that's the fullness of the times he's come and what the Apostle therefore teaches us here is this that God's great plan is something that began to come into operation at the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ and what is happening at this present time is that this great plan of God is being worked out in this fullness of the times in these last days in the ends of the world and it'll go on until it is finally completed now then that's the second part of the statement God has given us the knowledge he's given it by means of the wisdom and the uh uh discrimination the Prudence that he's given us that we can see that what is now happening is that this great original plan of God has come right into the World there it's being carried on this great dispensation this great scheme beginning actually in practice at the fullness of the times and continuing the next thing we we notice is this that he tells us that this great plan is being carried out in and through the Lord Jesus Christ look at this that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he God might gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in heaven and which are on earth even in him you notice the repetition I wonder whether my best way of emphasizing the repetition is this I regret to have to say a thing like this but it has significance to me if you look into your revised standard versions those of you who have it you'll find that the repetition isn't made they're content with just saying it once why I wonder when the Apostle took the trouble to repeat it he isn't content with saying in Christ but he says again even in him and did you notice how he did exactly the same thing there in writing to the Colossians I read that chapter in order that we might emphasize it it's there translated like this in him I say lest somebody might think that God was going to do this in anybody else or without him oh we've had occasion to emphasize this since the very beginning of our study of this great epistle it's Christ all along he keeps on mentioning his name why well it all is in Christ and the Apostle worshiped him and adored him so he doesn't merely say in Christ even in him how often can I say it he seems to say I can never say it too frequently it's all in him give him all the glory and all the credit even in him in him I say Christ is Central Christ is essential and anything that calls itself Christianity which doesn't go on repeating the Blessed name is a denial of Christianity ultimately it is all in him even in him in him I say let's give him the glory let's worship him let's adore him the one in whom all comes to pass but let us hurry on what is the nature of the plan and that is the specific thing that we are taught here the plan is that he might gather together in one all things in Christ now then here is the very nerve and center of the statement let me put it in this form here I read it out to you that he might gather together in one all things in the revised version you read to sum up all things in Christ in the revised Standard Version you read to unite all things in him now there is to me something truly remarkable here and it is this that all these translations for some astounding reason have left out a most important word a most important addition and the important addition means again if you take the word that the Apostle used here which is translated summing up or uh bring together gather together and so on turn up that word in your GRE week and you will find that it is a compound word beginning with Anna which means again and yet these translations leave out the again now if you turn up a standard uh lexican like the Grim the Lexicon you'll find that they have it absolutely right he says it means this to bring together again for himself and let me pay this tribute to translation of the Epistles of Paul and the epistle to the Hebrews with which some of you are familiar the translation a rather loose translation by as way but let us pay way this compliment he seen it he translates like this for his purpose was to reunite all things in him that's it to gather together again not merely to unite but to unite not to sum up only but to sum up once more again and it opens out the whole meaning I know these translations they take it for granted but my friends it is something to be emphasized and it is only as we see that that we rarely arrive at the apostles Doctrine now this word that Paul used also carries the idea of heading up I confess I don't like the expression it's it's a slang expression which is coming increasingly into currency uh you talk about such and such a man heading up a team or something like that well in a sense it's right that's that is the original root meaning of the word that the Apostle used so what he's saying in in a sense is this that God is going to head up again all things in Christ but now we come to the most important thing of all what does he mean by this all things the plan is this dispensation this plan this purpose which is being carried out at this present time which began with the Incarnation is well that God might reunite in Christ all things and you notice that he gives us an impf of it he says both which are in heaven and which are on Earth all these things are to be reunited in Christ well now the question is what do he mean by all things and a number of views have been put forward to explain this term some people do not hesitate to say that it means absolutely everything everywhere they say that there is to be a universal Redemption of everybody and everything the second group don't go quite as far as that they say there is going to be a universal Redemption of all intelligent beings they don't hesitate to say therefore that both good and bad men and both good and bad angels and the Devil Himself are going to be redeemed and saved and everything and all are going to be restored to God universalism that's a second View and less an increasingly popular one today another view says that the things in heaven and things on earth refers to Jews and Gentiles how do they get that well they say of course the Jews belong to the kingdom of heaven and therefore they're in a special position and the Gentiles belong to the Earth that's one of those extravagances that you find in a certain School of interpretation that draws a great distinction between the Kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom of God though the terms are used interchangeably in the scriptures but there's this division in their minds between the Jew and the Gentile the Jew is going to have a special place in the kingdom of God he's going to be apart from everybody else he's going to be higher he belongs to the heavens the rest belong to the Earth they therefore explain this Heaven and Earth in terms of Jews and Gentiles others have said that this is a reference to all the people of God all the redeemed things in heaven and things on earth therefore mean those Christians who are already uh have already left this world and are in glory they're already in heaven so that they are in the heavens and those who will be left on Earth at the return of Christ they are the ones that are on earth so all things which are in heaven and which are on earth means the redeemed who gone on and the redeemed Who Remain the totality of the redeemed I mustn't keep you with these explanations and expositions but surely we cannot possibly accept those first two universalistic ideas because if we do it just means that we find ourselves in blank contradiction to the plain teaching of the scripture elsewhere which teaches a division between the saved and the unsaved the good and the bad the redeemed and the lost so plain and clear from beginning to end of the scriptures oh but people say what about the love of God well that's philosophy that's your idea of the love of God it isn't scripture the scripture has this ultimate distinction eternal salvation Eternal destruction and there is not a vestage of evidence to show that the fallen angels are touched in any way by the scheme of redemption indeed as I'm going to show you not even the good Angels so we reject those first two views and as I tried to indicate we must reject the view that regards this as descriptive only of the Jew and the Gentile there is no longer Jew nor Gentile Barbarian nor cian Bond nor free all this has gone the middle wall of partition has been broken down and all in the kingdom are one and always will be there is only one salvation by the blood of Christ and no one can enter the kingdom of God except through belief in Christ that's the universal teaching of the scripture so we reject that Exposition but what are the fourth possibility that this is but descriptive of the totality of the redeemed well I make bold to reject that also it includes that but I want to suggest you that it doesn't go far enough and that especially in the light of the parallel passage in the first first chapter of the epistle to the Colossians which we read together at the beginning that it is inadequate what them well I want to suggest to you that the things which are in heaven and that the things which are in Earth includes in the HMS the good Angels which kept their first estate and that the things which are on earth includes not only the redeemed which will be on earth when Christ returns but more it includes creation itself it includes the Earth it includes animals beasts creation now then let me try to substantiate my contention the key to all this it seems to me is that little word again which I've already indicated to you is left out in our translations what is God's plan well God's plan is to reunite all things in Christ reunite to gather together again to bring back the head up once more all things in Christ very well here's the doctrine things have already been in that condition once but they're no longer like that but they will again be like that reunite let's look at it like this or originally all things were in a perfect state of Harmony under our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now here it is in the epistle to the Colossians the first chapter let me read verses 15 to 20 again they're So Glorious who referring to the Lord is the image of the invisible God the first born of every creature 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 and he is before all things and by him all things consist and he is the head of the body the church who is the beginning the firstborn from the dead that in all things he might have the preeminent for it pleased the father that in him should all fullness dwell and so on now there I say was the original condition there's a very significant statement in the 10th verse of the second chapter of Colossians which again puts it and you says the Apostle are complete in him in Christ which is the head of all principality and power now principality and power and dominions and Thrones and on always has reference to the Angelic beings the Angelic Powers the great powers in the heavens and you see what we are told is this that the Lord Jesus Christ was the head of all the he was the head of the universe everything that was made and created was made and created in him and by him and through him and for him not only the world and men and animals but angels and Thrones and principalities and poers hours and there was this perfect harmony of God as God had made everything in the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth and Christ was the head of all and everything came down from Christ and was in a perfect complete state of Harmony look at it from above downwards if you like the Lord Jesus Christ the angel and all these great powers and authorities and mights then the world the animals the fruit of the earth and over them all man was made the Lord of creation and it was absolutely perfect it was entire Harmony everything worked downwards from the great head and everything worked upwards back again towards the Supreme head the Lord Jesus Christ it was a perfect state of Harmony butas it didn't continue like that and you and I are worried about the present position because it didn't continue like that what happened well the harmony has been destroyed and how is it destroyed well it was destroyed like this first of all there was a Revolt a rebellion in heaven itself the devil rebelled and fell and a large number of the Holy Angels fell followed him and fell with him and immediately there was Discord yay Discord in himen do you remember that significant statement which is made in the Book of Revelations in the 12th chapter it's one of the most extraordinary things in the whole realm of scripture but it does throw a very great light upon this thing that we are looking at this morning I read this in the 7th verse of the 12th chapter of Revelations and there was war in heaven this in heaven confusion fighting war in heaven Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and the dragon fought against his angels read it for yourselves there there was Discord loss of Harmony this pristin perfect original Harmony it began in heaven but it didn't remain only in heaven you remember what happened this Fallen Angel this devil this s came and tempted men and men fell and the result of that was Discord amongst men dispute quarreling misunderstanding Warfare Bloodshed murder jealousy envy and all the foulness that has followed that's where it's all come from the loss of the original Harmony yes but remember that even creation itself suffered as the result of it the creature itself says Paul in the eth of Romans was made subject to vanity not willingly but by reason of him that are subjected the same in hope when man fell the Earth was cursed and the story of creation ever since is this nature read in tooth and Claw Briars and forms and troubles diseases pestilences the harmony has gone the original Perfection has vanished and has disappeared that is the position of the world as the result of the Fall of the angels and the fall of men and all that is eventuated out of it now then you see the doctrine of this verse The Mystic secret into which you and I as Christians have been lit is just this that God is doing something to restore the original Harmony to reunite again all things in Christ that again we may have a position in which Christ is over all and the old harmony has once again come back how has it happened how is it going to happen well obviously time fails me let me just give you the headings work it out for yourself as regards men we've already been told what happens Redemption through the blood of Christ reconciliation to God reconciliation with one another Mother by his blood by his cross he's made peace the middle wall of partitioners gone the old enmity the all the divisions have gone there must be a complete Harmony that is one reason for saying again that there will not be a Perpetual distinction between Jew and Gentile in Christ impossible it's going to be Harmony all one in him very well then I say that as regards men it's going to be like that but let's be careful to observe this that only applies to those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ there's no Harmony promised to the others they are sent to Everlasting destruction but they'll be out of this Cosmos as it were they'll be out of the harmony they'll be outside eternally but those who are redeemed will be within what about the Angels well again it's equally clear that there is no hope for the Fallen Angels We are told that they are reserved in Chains in the pit until their final damnation comes Satan is to be cast into the Lake of Fire he and all his followers are to be destroyed forever likewise outside that's hell but not so with the good angels in the most extraordinary way the scriptures tell us and teach us that the good Angels come into this plan and into this purpose because if you turn to your book of Revelations you will find in the fifth chapter that not only the Saints and the redeemed sing the Praises of the Lamb that once were slain but Angels 10,000 times 10,000 of them and thousands of thousands and the beasts and the elders they all join in with the Saints in the same chorus the unity of Harmony has come back and indeed you remember that in the epistle to the Hebrews in the 12th chapter we are really given the same idea and we are told that it is true even of us now where have we come to as we come like this together this morning well let me tell you you are come unto Mount Zion and unto the city of the Living God the heavenly Jerusalem and to an innumerable company of angels to the general assembly and Church of the firstborn which are written in heaven and to God the judge of all and the spirits of just men made perfect and to Jesus the mediator but you notice the thing I want to emphasize did you notice an innumerable company of angels yes they're a part as it were of the church ultimately not that they're redeemed they've never fallen but they're brought into it to adore him and to worship him they're with us they'll be with us in it we are uniting with them at this moment an innumerable company of angels but you know it doesn't stop there the Earth is involved thank God and this is one of the most marvelous things of all Peter tells us in The Second Epistle in the third chapter that a day is coming when there shall be a great destruction of the earth and of the World As We Now know it The Element shall melt with fervent heat Etc evil and sin will be burnt out of the universe there shall be a new heavens and a new Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness not only that listen to the Apostle again in the eth chapter of the epistle to the Romans the whole creation he says granth and trth in pain together until now nature ring Toth and Claw all this conflict in nature it's all groaning waiting for something what's that the manifestation of the sons of God creation is going to be involved it's going to be delivered from the bondage of corruption unto the Glorious Liberty of the children of God listen to the author of The epistle to the Hebrews again putting it in this way a more significant statement in the second chapter he says For unto For unto the Angels ha he not put in subjection the world to come whereof we speak but one in a certain place testified saying what is man that thou art mindful of him or the son of men that thou best visitest him thou mest him a little lower than the Angels thou crownest him with glory and honor and it set him over the works of thy hands I reminded you of that he goes on thou has put all things in subjection under his feet for in that he put all in subjection under him he left nothing that is not put under him that's men but then but now we see not yet all things put under him under men but we see Jesus who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor and as he represents us and we are in him we are going to be elevated to that and we shall be Lords of creation and everything shall be set under us the old original Harmony will again be restored Isaiah of course saw it in Prophecy and he put it like this listen to it there is a day coming when the wolf also shall dwell with the lamb and the leopard shall lie down with the kid and the Cal and the Young Lion and the fatling together and a little child shall lead them and the cow and the bear shall feed their young ones shall lie down together and the lion shall eat straw like the ox and the sucking child shall play on the H of the ASP and the and the wean child shall put his hand on the cock's Den they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my Holy Mountain for the Earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea you see it the perfect harmony will be restored Harmony in men and between men Harmony on the earth and in The Brute creation Harmony in heaven and all of it under this blessed Lord Jesus J Christ who will be the head of all and everything will again be United in him and wonder of Wonders marvelous Beyond Compare when all this happens it will never be undone again reunited forever and ever to all eternity that's the message that is God's plan that is the mystery which has been revealed unto us my dear friends Can't Let You Go time or no time without asking you a few questions do you know these things are you prepared to go without a meal for these things do you know that these things are so marvelous that you'll never hear anything greater either in this world or the world to come do you realize that you have a part in these things I I said just now I say again I don't know whether a war is coming or not nobody else knows but whether it be war or no War I am in this plan of God and there is no bomb that can be invented there are no bacteria that can be cultivated and used there are no chemicals no gases that can be invented by The Inferno itself the can ever touch to the slightest extent these things that's God's plan and God's plan is going to be carried out and if you and I are in Christ well we are in this we are going to be elevated to where men was meant to be we shall be restored to it we shall be the Lords of the creation know ye not that the Saints shall judge the world judge men judge angel Angels the harmony the glory of it all beloved people let us decide to read less of our newspapers and more of our Bible and God forbid that we should Fritter away the scriptures by trying to reduce them to terms of contemporary events look at the arate look at this Grand thing this glorious thing don't be over particular in your interpretation of contemporary history don't waste your time with that come back to this this is the thing God's plan God's Eternal scheme this dispensation this economy this thing that we're in that's being worked out since the beginning of the fullness of the times and the ultimate restoration of that glorious Harmony where with our whole being we shall praise the Lamb that once was slain and say blessing and honor and worship and Power power be unto him that sth upon the throne and unto the lamb forever and forever let Wars come let pestilences come let hell be let loose nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our lord that is the Christian message for today thank God for it let us rejoice in it." [00:36:53]

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?