Nugget #6 – “With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment.” (Ephesians 1:9-10)
There is a Divine purpose that is driving every single aspect of salvation. This mystery does not concern the hidden and mystifying things of the universe. This mystery relates to God’s will, what He has purposed to do. It is the disclosure of absolute determinations. God is not divulging what you can do, but what He has determined will be done. He does this in order that we might participate in His purpose. If we desire to do God’s will, then we need to know what His will is; His ultimate will or purpose.
    There are Divine agendas that are being served by time. But, there is one grand purpose toward which everything is moving. It is a Divinely appointed conclusion for the world as we know it, and it is wholly suitable for a great, wise, and powerful God! The duration of the world has been appointed by God Himself, and it will not extend one second beyond its appointed length. Human affairs as we know them, will come to an end. Time will run its course, and finally be swallowed up by eternity. When that will be “only the Father knows.”
    Presently, men have more knowledge about things in the earth than things in heaven. This is even true of the natural order; things concerning celestial space are not as well known to men as things on this our own planet. In Hebrews 8:5 the Spirit reminds believers that the entire tabernacle service, together with the priests that accomplished it, were a “copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: ‘See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” They were infinitely more than a mere blueprint reflecting heavenly realities.
    This purpose is fully as grand and glorious as it appears and even more. It is the purpose of the ages that has driven every involvement between God and men. This is the purpose behind salvation, the proclamation of the Gospel, and the new creation realized in Christ Jesus. It is the reason behind the Father and the Son taking up residency with us. It is that for which spiritual growth prepares us. This is the ultimate aim of Christ’s present intercession, guidance, and fellowship. It is the goal of the Spirit in making intercession for us, and leading us in what we do. It is not possible that God’s purpose will not come to pass. The only real issue is whether or not we participate in it. That participation begins here, in this world. It begins when we are born again, and continues throughout our lives through the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit.