WHY DOES GOD SAVE PEOPLE?

WHY DOES GOD SAVE PEOPLE?

 

Paul answers that question with a twofold statement in his Ephesian letter. He answers with a “in order that” phrase. First in Eph. 2:7. “That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”

The ultimate goal of God's plan for the world is wise, gracious, and good--a redeemed society of holy persons. <ages to come> Eternity future where all are saved. This is the first of two "in order that" statements (cf. 3:10 for 2nd). This amazing verse states that one of the predetermined purposes of the BRIDE is this pearl of great price, the ransomed church of God, THROUGH ETERNITY, will manifest His glory, grace, and power. The ultimate meaning of life the apostle shows not to be discovered in the present life, that it does not lie in the realm of earthly things. By argument and teaching, declarative and illuminative statement, he proves the ultimate meaning of Christian life lies far beyond the present age, in those measureless ages that are to come. There the saints are to fulfill their ultimate work as they become the messengers to angels and the ages to come of the grace and wisdom of God. These soldier saints in this world are only in preparation for higher, larger, nobler and fuller service. Her final work will be the manifestation of the wisdom, grace, and power of the Godhead to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places done in spiritual bodies.

And then in Eph. 3:10-11. “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

This is the second of the "in order that" statements (Cf. first in 2:7).  We are making known the wisdom of God to those mentioned in 1 Peter 3:22. How many of us thought as though we were of such a high vocation, that we carried such importance with God's program? Man’s purpose was intended as a medium for divine manifestation, one through whom because of his likeness to God, it would be possible to express Himself to other creatures more perfectly. The angels curiosity has already been revealed in 1 Peter 1:12. Verse 11 in that chapter speaks of the glories that shall follow. We play a part in those glories being revealed. The angels observe us (Eccl 5:6; 1 Cor. 4:9; Eph. 3:10), a fact which should influence conduct. Man is made "a little lower than the angels," and in incarnation Christ took "for a little while" this lower place (Psa. 8:4 - 5; Heb. 2:7) that He might lift the Christian into His own sphere above angels (Heb. 2:9-10).

1 Pet 3:22 "Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him."

1 Pet. 1:12 "Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into."

Eccl. 5:6 "Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?"

1 Cor. 4:9 "For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men."

Psa. 8:4-5 "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor."

Heb. 2:7, 9-10 "Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:"
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings."