Systematic Bible Study

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Feb 18, 2025
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I see you like to see how a book ends before reading from the beginning.
Would you like to comment on EPH 1:10 first? :^)
to me it speaks for itself :)

10 with regard to the fulfillment of the times [that is, the end of history, the climax of the ages]—to bring all things together in Christ, [both] things in the heavens and things on the earth.
 
Oct 19, 2024
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to me it speaks for itself :)

10 with regard to the fulfillment of the times [that is, the end of history, the climax of the ages]—to bring all things together in Christ, [both] things in the heavens and things on the earth.
True, but I will give PT a chance to respond before moving on to v.11.
TTYL
 
Oct 19, 2024
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"I do", said the little red hen:

EPH 1:10, “to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.”

“to be put into effect” refers to God’s mystery
“when the times will have reached their fulfillment” indicates God’s timing
“to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head” seems to indicate world unification
“even Christ” names Jesus as the head of God’s government

The mystery Paul has in mind will be explained later in Ephesians in terms of including Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation.
The time of fulfillment would have to be by what is termed the “last days” (in ACTS 2:17, 2TM 3:1 and 2PT 3:3)
or “end of the age” (MT 24:3, 10, 19, 21, etc.).
Other passages indicate that “all things” does not include God’s enemies (1CR 15:25),
who will be separated from those who belong to Christ (1CR 15:23) per the eschatological parables of Jesus
(MT 22:13-14, 24:33, 25:12, 25:30, etc.) and destroyed (1CR 15:26).
Christ’s first advent was for the purpose of creating his spiritual body,
but his second coming will be on Judgment Day (HB 9:26-28)
EPH 1:11, "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”

“In him” means saved by faith in Christ
“we were also chosen” includes Paul with the Christians reading the epistle
“having been predestined” repeats the term used in v.5 to refer to “from creation” per v.4
“according to the plan of him” refers to God’s will and purpose in v.9-10
“who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will” means that God is in control
of history so that His plan will be achieved as He determines