The Mystery of Unity

There are several mysteries or secrets mentioned in the Scriptures, especially in Paul's epistles.
But the one that Paul mentions in Chapter 1 of his letter to the Ephesians is really hard to believe.

God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ.
This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.
[Ephesians 1 : 9 - 10  GNT]

This is especially difficult to believe when we consider the current state of our world with its endless wars, destructive diseases and cruel acts of brutality that humans inflict on each other.
Even so, if the universe was initially created out of nothing, then finally bringing unity using the ingredients already in existence, no matter how tarnished, should no longer seem impossible to us bystanders.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
[Genesis 1 : 1  NIV]

God did this through his son, Jesus Christ.

There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. 
And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live.
[1 Corinthians 8 : 6  NLT]

So all creation was united under the headship of Christ, its Creator, as any creation (invention) is under the headship or control of its creator (inventor).

In our "secret plan" verses at the beginning of the post, we see that regardless of what we see or how we feel, this unity is going to be restored under the headship of Christ at the right time.
Everything at the end will be in the same condition as it was at the beginning - all creation in unity under the headship of the Creator - which is why Jesus came to earth as a human to start the re-creation process.
The Apostle John was given a glimpse of God's intention which he recorded here:

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” 
Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
[Revelation 21 : 5  ESV]

Let's also remember that this restoration cannot be thwarted by humanity's rebellion or ignorance.

People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lord's will is going to be done.
[Proverbs 19 : 21  GNT]

Isn't that exciting?

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

Believing Jesus was Successful is Cultish?

Today when I mentioned that "all will eventually be reconciled to God", it was suggested, by a very sincere, mature and generous Christian, that I was in a cult.
How about that?
I believe that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, not just a few.

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]

For there is one God, and there is one who brings God and human beings together, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself to redeem the whole human race. 
That was the proof at the right time that God wants everyone to be saved.
[1 Timothy 2 : 5 - 6  GNT]

I believe that God is the Saviour of the world, all of it.

That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
[1 Timothy 4 : 10  NIV]

I believe that God will bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth

God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ. 
This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.
[Ephesians 1 : 9 - 10  GNT]

I believe that God is sovereign and will complete his plan to save the world.

Remember the things I have done in the past.
For I alone am God!
I am God, and there is none like me.
Only I can tell you the future before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. 
I will call a swift bird of prey from the east—
    a leader from a distant land to come and do my bidding.
I have said what I would do, and I will do it. 
[Isaiah 46 : 9 - 11  NLT]

Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.
[Psalm 115 : 3  NIV]

I believe God's will must prevail over anyone's will to the contrary.

People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lord's will is going to be done.
[Proverbs 19 : 21  NIV]

If that qualifies me to belong to a cult, then I suggest that many more should join it.

Another curious comment was made, "This view takes the joy out of being a Christian".
Really? 
It might take the smugness out of being a Christian, but the joy?

I am thrilled, overjoyed, that I worship a God who can, and will, do all of the above.
And I serve a risen Lord who has enabled it to happen - and has included me in it.

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

God is OK with You

If I asked the average Christian if God was OK with them, I would usually get a positive answer.
If I then followed up with, "Why do you think so?", I would probably get something like, "Jesus paid for my sins and I have put my faith in Jesus".

That's an interesting answer, which is half correct and also half of the correct answer to a completely different question.
The half that is the correct answer to this question is "Jesus paid for my sins".

If I then asked a more general question, "Whose sins did Jesus pay for?" the answer would often be, "Christians, those who believe in him".

To many Christians, the Biblical answer to this question might be a complete surprise.
Look what the Bible says:

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]

Clearly, "Jesus paid for my sins" was the correct answer, but not only for Christians, it was for everyone.
God is OK with all of us.

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.
[2 Corinthians 5 : 19  NLT]

So what about the "I have put my faith in Jesus" part of the original answer?
Knowing and believing that Jesus paid for my sins and trusting that God no longer counts my sins against me is the answer to this question, 

"How can you have peace in this world and confidence for what is coming in the next?"

Having faith in Jesus and what he has done for me gives me both peace and hope, and assures me that God is OK with me, right now and forever.

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au