God`s Eternal Purposes.

OVERVIEW

`God.... purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, which are in heaven and which are on earth – in Him,...` (Eph. 1: 9 & 10)


Throughout God`s word we read how God gave different people understanding of His great eternal purposes. These are centred in Christ, and His rulership of God`s great kingdom.

We know that even though God made all things `good,` it was still vulnerable. Thus sin entered and rebellion followed. Rulership from the 3rd heaven and right throughout God`s great kingdom became corrupt.

Although God gave angels and man an opportunity to rule under Him, they went their own way and were found wanting - all unworthy to rule with power and authority in God`s great kingdom.

Thus we see that it is the Son of God who enters the world, not as a dictator, but humbly, exhibiting God`s character. We see His amazing authority that was used only for righteousness, but withheld when He gave His life a sacrifice for sin.

He is the One found worthy to be given the highest position - supreme Ruler of God`s great kingdom with every realm under His dominion - the 3rd heaven, the Universal realm and the earth.

It is Christ who sets about to restore God`s authority in every realm, a step at a time, till finally God is `all in all.`

Let us now look at -

• God`s great Kingdom - the 3 realms.
• How corruption entered every created realm.
• How Christ brings restoration of all authority in every realm under God.

God`s Great Kingdom - the 3 realms.



The Godhead.

The Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Spirit are equal, in unity and of one mind. When operating the Father initiates, the Son administers and the Holy Spirit energises.


God`s Throne.

God`s rule, is above all created realms. His throne, the symbol of His authority is established forever and ever. It is unchangeable and unalterable.

`Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of your kingdom.` (Ps. 45: 6)



Realms in God`s Kingdom.

When God created the heavens and the earth, He established different realms with positions of authority – the third heaven, the Universe and the earth. These are all within God`s great kingdom rule and were established by the Lord Jesus Christ,

`For by Him, (Christ) all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.` (Col. 1: 16)

God is not the author of confusion; everything He does is ordered and controlled. The divine pattern of the heavenlies will survive time, into eternity. It will not be changed, only those which exercise authority in each realm.

There is a descending order of authority instituted – heaven and earth, involving thrones, dominions, principalities and powers.

The Third Heaven.

In this realm there are authority positions established, which will be filled in God`s timing. This is the realm of `thrones` and the `dominions` associated with them. It will be the `seat of authority` throughout the created order. Angels reside here and do God`s bidding.

The Universal Realm.

Here is the visible realm of planets and stars. And then in the invisible realm God has ordained authority positions over areas of principalities and powers. These have yet to be filled also.

The Earth and the Atmosphere.

The earth is just one of trillions of planets, yet God in His wisdom has created man to populate this earth that He has made habitable. Authorities will also be allocated by God to rule over the kingdoms of the world.

Lucifer,the Unworthy Ruler.

The third heaven is the first realm in God`s great kingdom to be populated. God created the angelic beings and they resided in the third heaven. The most beautiful and powerful angel was Lucifer. He was given authority as a kingpriest over the angels. He had a very special position near God and was the anointed cherub, the son of the morning that led the worship in heaven.



Lucifer, ruler in the 3rd heaven – KingPriest.

`You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in all your ways from the day you were created.` (Ez. 28: 14)

`You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty....every precious stone was your covering....The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created.` (Ez. 14: 12 & 13)

These descriptions far transcend any earthly king or Priest, and by the law of double reference reveal the original power and beauty of this greatest angel ever created by God. However Lucifer aspired to ascend into the highest heaven, `the sides of the north,` (hidden quarters), the abode of the eternal God.

`..you have said in your heart; “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.”` (Isa. 14: 13 & 14)



Lucifer, cast down to the Universal realm.

So by divine decree, because of his pride, Lucifer was cast out of the third heaven, being found unworthy to rule there.

`By the abundance of your trading you became filled with violence within and you sinned; therefore I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God;....` (Ez. 28: 16)

Lucifer then usurped the area of Principalities and Powers in the universal realm. His name is changed from `Star of the morning,` to Satan, meaning the opponent, the accuser.

God could destroy Satan and the fallen angels, however the angels of God, (and later man) need to see how Satan will operate from that position. Will he rule righteously? God will judge.



(Note: These 2 realms will yet have righteous rulership appointed there.)

Man, the Unworthy Ruler.

Creation of Man.

God created man and gave him dominion over the earth. Although man walked with God he was vulnerable, having freedom of will. Then when tempted, man chose to believe the lie of the enemy and came under the sway of Satan.

Satan holds sway over man.

Satan and his fallen angels then operate and rule over man as the Prince of the Power of the air and rulers of darkness.

` ...the prince of the power of the air,....(Eph. 2: 2)

`...principalities,....powers....rulers of darkness....spiritual wickedness in high places.` (Eph. 6: 12)

Over time we see that man`s heart was continually deceitful till God brought judgment of the flood. (Gen. 6: 5)

Government by Man.

After the flood God gave man responsibility of government to bring in the law.

` Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning;.... from the hand of man..`(Gen. 9: 5 & 6)

As man multiplied they desired to make a name for themselves and built a high tower. This would lead to some controlling others. Thus God confused their language and they scattered abroad. (Gen. 11: 7 - 9)

Israel`s Rulership

God didn`t despair of man but continued to work towards having His righteous government to rule mankind. Thus God made His own nation of Israel to rule righteously over the other nations. He worked with His nation for many years teaching them His laws and His ways. Some of Israel`s rulers listened to God while others led the people astray. Finally God told Israel that they would have to go through a period of chastisement under Gentile rule, but that He would restore them again. (Dan. 9: 24)



Gentile Rulership

The Gentile nations were then given rulership of the world. Five world rulers were foretold - Babylon, Medes and Persians, Greece and Rome, with a final world Ruler at the end of the Gentiles Rulership. All these world rulers are judged by God.

Thus we see from the 3rd heaven through the universal realm and finally on the earth there has been corruption. Rulership is in rebellion against God and the effects are disastrous - pain, suffering, sickness, disease and death. Seemingly incurable.

Christ, the Worthy Sacrifice.

From Heaven to Earth He came,


Into the midst of rebellion, conflict and the devastation of this sin-ravaged world, stepped the Son of God. He came from the angelic realm where myriads and myriads of angelic beings bowed before Him and did His bidding. He was King of Heaven. The angels rejoiced at creation when He made all things `good,` and are amazed that He would humble Himself to become a man.

So, did the Son of God, the King of heaven, come with all His power and authority to wield a lash for mankind so they would bow before Him? Did He come to `lord it over,` people, demanding that He is to be obeyed? No!


Revealing God`s heart,

The Son of God came to reveal the Father`s heart, the character of God, to mankind. Christ Jesus is the expressed image of the Father manifest in human form. Thus He came into the world and walked amongst people, showing His compassion, loving-kindness, graciousness, goodness, holiness, faithfulness, and righteousness.



He paid the price of sin,

Christ Jesus revealed His authority over nature, over sin, sickness, disease & death. However although He could have called a legion of angels to help Him, He laid down His own life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

`For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.` (John 3: 16)



And Ascended to the Father`s Right Hand.

Satan thought that if he just killed Jesus then that would be the end of Him. (1 Cor. 2: 7 & 8) However he didn`t realise that Christ`s death, would give way to His resurrection and then ascension into heaven, to the right hand of the Father.

`...when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.` (Heb. 1: 3)



When the Lord ascended He took with Him the Old Testament saints whom God kept in Abraham`s bosom. They went with Christ Jesus and are in the General Assembly in the third heaven awaiting their eternal inheritance. (Heb. 12:23)

`When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive.` (Eph. 4: 8)

Christ, at the Father`s Right Hand.

When Jesus Christ ascended to the Father`s right hand, the Father said -

“Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” (Ps. 110: 1)

The Nations.

The Roman Empire eventually broke into many tribal groups that fought over the centuries. Finally nations emerged till today we see three great Federations that are forming into the final Gentile Global Government. A fourth Federation is emerging that will control the others. These are the `enemies` that the Father will bring to His Son`s footstool.

Israel.

God kept His promise to Israel and in 1948 the Jewish people were recognised as a nation, Israel, amid much uproar by the surrounding Arab nations. However even when they were attacked, God protected them against great odds.

The Body of Christ.

At the Father`s right hand Jesus was placed far above all, and made Head of the Body.

`God the Father....gave Him to be head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.` (Eph. 1: 22 & 23)

Christ is the High Priest Interceding and Maturing His Body

From the Father`s right hand the Lord Jesus is appointed High priest and intercedes for the Body. `(Heb. 5: 6, 7: 25, 8:1)

Christ then sends His Holy Spirit to impart His divine nature within them.(2 Peter 1: 2 - 4) Over time the Lord builds and matures His Body.

`…speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the Head – Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes the growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.`(Eph. 4: 15 & 16)

The Holy Spirit guides the believers as they stand against false doctrines,(Col. 2: 18 & 19) till finally He brings the Body to the unity of the faith, a perfect (mature) man, understanding Christ`s purposes.

` ...till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.`(Eph. 4: 13)



Note: When believers die their spirit will go to the General Assembly. (Heb. 12: 22 & 23)

`...you have come ....to the General Assembly and church of the first -born...`

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Restoring Rulership in the Third Heaven.

The Body of Christ is Expectant.

The believers are waiting eagerly, looking expectantly for the coming for the Lord. This is a very important attitude as many will be too busy about their earthly cares and material possessions.

`To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time,..`(Heb. 9: 28)

`...exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.` (Heb. 10: 25)



The Body of Christ had come to Maturity.

When the Body of Christ has come to understand the complete purposes of God through Jesus Christ it will then be completed.

`...till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to a perfect, (mature) man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.` (Eph. 4: 13)



The Father sends Jesus Christ.

God the Father then sends Jesus to connect with His Body.

`God...may send Jesus Christ...whom heaven must receive until the restoration of all things, of which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.` (Acts 3: 20 & 21)

With Jesus will be those of the Body who are `asleep` in Him.

`God will bring with Him, (Jesus) those who sleep in Jesus.....the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and the trumpet of God.` (1 Thess. 4: 14 & 16)

The Body of Christ goes to the Third Heaven.

Jesus descends to the clouds, those asleep in Christ go to the earth and receive their new bodies. Then we who are alive will also be changed and caught up together to meet the Lord in the air.

`And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.` (1 Thess. 4: 14 - 17)

Then the whole Body of Christ goes with the Lord Jesus Christ to the third heaven to rule and reign with Him.

Note: (The Old Testament Saints are still in the General Assembly awaiting their inheritance.)

Restoring Rulership in the Third Heaven.

Jesus Christ is visibly crowned.

The first realm of God`s rulership to be restored is in the third heaven, the angelic realm where Lucifer was cast out. There has been no visible rulership since then. God the Father has appointed His Son to be the Kingpriest, the visible ruler there. It is called Mount Zion, representing rulership, and is in the highest realm.

God says, `I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion.` (Ps. 2: 6)

No angel or man had ever been found worthy to rule with power and authority, seated on the throne, in the angelic realm. It is there that the glorified Son of God is declared worthy to hold this highest of position within God`s great kingdom and bring the judgments upon the earth.

`Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honour and glory and blessing!` (Rev. 5: 12)

The Body of Christ is crowned.

With Christ, will be the believers in the Body of Christ who have been promised rulership with Christ on His throne.

Christ....` has made us Kings and Priests to His God and Father,...` (Rev. 1: 6)

`Around the throne were 24 thrones and on the thrones I saw 24 elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.` (Rev. 4: 4)

24 Elders - (2 x 12) The Highest Government, representing the Body of Christ.

On Thrones - Kingpriests.

Around Jesus` Throne - the Body of Christ.

Clothed in White Robes - Made holy through Christ`s blood.

With Golden Crowns - Victor`s, overcomers.

The 24 elders, representative of the Body of Christ, will then honour the Lord Jesus Christ, falling down before His throne, casting their crowns of gold before Him.

`...the 24 elders....worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power...` (Rev. 4: 10 & 11)



Israel and the Nations.

On earth the people of the world will be saying `Peace and Safety,` (1 Thess. 5: 3). This will be because of the Peace Treaty in the Middle East after the Russian war. (Ez, 38 & 39, Dan. 9: 27) The Tribulation will have begun.

Restoring Rulership over the Nations.

Judgment upon the World.

The Body of Christ is then seated with power and authority for they are the heavenly court that takes place in this judgment. The Lord Jesus Christ then takes the Scroll, the legal document with 7 seals. It is an overview of the judgments upon - the 4 Federations, symbolised by the 4 horsemen; those who killed the martyrs: and those who didn`t help the Jews. (Matt. 25: 45)

Cataclysmic events unfold as the grass, trees, sea, water, sun and moon are all affected. These judgments progressively get worse. (Rev. 8, 9, & 16)

Judgment upon the Fallen Angels.



The Lord Jesus Christ, the supreme Ruler of all God`s great kingdom, together with the Body of Christ, then begin to bring judgment upon Satan and his fallen angels, and the world system. (1 Cor. 6: 2 & 3)



Michael and his angels will have the authority from the Lord to carry out this task. Satan & his fallen angels will be cast to the earth, and therefore will have less authority and power.(Rev. 12: 7 - 9)

Judgment upon the World System.

The nations of the world did not look to God but to man to rule them: the anti-Christ. Thus they are deceived for they did not receive the truth. (2Thess. 2: 9 - 12)

Babylon, the world`s Political, economic & religious system will be judged.

“Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.....”

“If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God,” (Rev. 14: 8 & 9)



Salvation to those who Repent.

God`s hand of mercy is always outstretched to those who repent. Many do not repent. (Rev. 9: 20 & 21)

However we see that there will be those who do repent. They are a Great Multitude, so numerous that no one can count the number. They died of, either heat, hunger or thirst, but cried out to God for mercy. Thus they are the nations of the saved whose spirits wait before God`s throne for their inheritance. (Rev. 7: 9 - 17)

There are also the martyrs who will be saved, plus the 144,000 Israelis whom God has sealed for a special purpose. These also await their inheritance near God`s throne. (Martyrs - Rev. 6: 9 - 11, 15: 2 - 4, and 144,000 - Rev. 7: 3 - 8, 14: 1 - 5 )

Restoring Rulership over the Nations.


Jerusalem surrounded.

Amid the calamities of the tribulation, God destroys the capital of the world, the city of Babylon. In defiance of God, the Global Leader sets about to annihilate God`s people, Israel. The armies of the world are gathered together in the plain of Armageddon, north of Israel. (Rev. 16: 14 & 16)

They organise a full sweep of the land and exterminate every Israeli enroute as they head for Jerusalem. Finally the force will encompass the City of Jerusalem which will eventually be overwhelmed, conquered and looted. Two-thirds of the whole of Israel`s nation will be slain. (Zech. 13: 8 - 14: 2)

Israel as a nation will be broken and crushed. The armies of the nations of the world will be martialled in victory formation outside Jerusalem. The whole world against little Israel. What an overkill!

`When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.....And Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.` (Luke 21: 20 & 24)

However it is predicted by Jesus that it will be a pyrrhic victory. (pyrrhic - costing more to the victor than to the vanquished).

`And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky.` (Matt. 24: 30)



The Angelic Army

`And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war....and the (angelic) armies in heaven...followed Him.` (Rev. 19: 11 & 14)

The angelic army is described as holy, symbolically wearing `fine linen.` Angels are described as such. (Rev. 15: 6)

Christ comes forth from heaven with His mighty angelic army and deals with the world`s armies, the anti-Christ and the false prophet.

`...the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him...` (Matt. 25: 31)

The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords delivers the final blow -

`Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it he should strike the nations.` (Rev. 19: 15)

Satan and his demons are cast into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. (Rev. 19: 19 - 21, 20: 1 - 3)

The kingdoms of the world will have then come under the Lord`s authority.