What role has God given the Church in His unfailing plan for humanity?
How do the “ages” or “time” fit into His economy?
Election
Election, to many, is a theological term meaning God has decided in advance who He will save from hell. Its roots go back to Augustine (most influential Church Father). (1) The Augustinian view of election holds that God has chosen to save a select few—His “elect.” Many pastors have been taught this in seminary, particularly those of the Baptist and Reformed persuasions. Fewer and fewer are openly professing it today. One prominent theologian who has exerted a profound influence in Calvinist circles (and on my life 30 years ago), was Arthur Pink. He wrote:
Faith is God’s gift, and “all men have not faith” (2Th. 3:2); therefore, we see God does not bestow this gift upon all. Upon whom then does he bestow this saving favor? We answer, upon his own elect—“As many as were ordained to eternal life believed” (Ac. 13:48) hence it is that we read of “the faith of God’s elect” (Tit. 1:1). But is God partial in the distribution of his favors? Has he not the right to be? Are there still some who “murmur against the good man of the house?” Then his own words are sufficient reply—“Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own” (Mt. 20:15)? God is sovereign in the bestowment of his gifts…. (2)
Pink frankly stated that God is partial when the testimony of Scripture says He is not (See Ps. 145:9; Ac. 10:34; Ro. 2:11; 10:12-13; Ga. 2:6; Ep. 6:9; Col. 3:25; 1Ti. 2:3-4; 1Pe. 1:17). The truth in Pink’s understanding of election lies in his acceptance of all that the Bible teaches regarding God’s power and sovereignty. In this, I agree. God does have the power to draw any one to Himself whom He chooses. The point on which Pink has erred is not in election itself, but in its purpose. Had he understood that, he would not have been forced to draw the conclusion that God does not love all men impartially. The following passages lend support for election: (Mt. 11:27; Mk. 4:12-23; Ac. 13:48; Ro. 8:28-30; 9:3-5, 11-26; 10:20; 11:5-12; 1Co. 1:23; 2Th. 2:13; 1Ti. 6:12; 2Ti. 2:25; Tit. 1:1; He. 3:6; 9:15; 12:2; Ja. 2:5; 1Pe. 1:2, 3; 2:12).
Purpose of Election
Like Pink, most who believe in election view it solely as deliverance from infinite punishment. However, infinite punishment is not a biblical teaching. God has called a people in election, choosing them for a particular purpose. It has nothing to do with God playing favorites. This has been His way from the time of Abraham and the Israelite nation, down through the centuries to the Church of the firstborn (He. 12:23).
The Lord said to Abram: “Get out of your country…to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; you shall be a blessing…in you all families of earth shall be blessed.” God…preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed” (Ge. 12:1-3; Ga. 3:8). (See Ge. 18:18; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14; Ac. 3:25).
God promised Abraham and his seed that they would be the heirs of the world! (Ro. 4:13). With this comes purpose and great responsibility. We, the members of Christ’s body, are His “elect.” We are called to “be” a blessing, and not merely to be “blessed.” “He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began” (2Ti. 1:9). “In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first -fruits among His creatures” (Ja. 1:18 NAS).
We as a “kind of first-fruits” among His creatures share this distinction with Christ who is the “firstborn over all creation” (Col. 1:15). We labor with Him to implore all people to be reconciled with God (2Co 5:20). We are preparing now to rule and reign with Him in the coming ages (2Ti. 2:12; Re. 20:6), to govern five or ten cities (Lu. 19:17, 19), to sit on thrones governing the tribes of Israel (Mt. 19:28; Lu. 22:30), even to rule over all He has (Lu. 12:43-4). Our Lord is preparing leaders for that time, and it all depends on our faithfulness now (2Ti. 2:12-13).
The phrase “first-fruits,” naturally implies there are “second” fruits. Who are they? They are those whom God will reach in “due time,” who are not part of the first-fruits. Christ will draw [drag] all to Himself (Jn. 12:32). “For if the first-fruit is holy, the lump is also holy” (Ro. 11:16). In God’s eyes, all are holy and set apart for Himself, including the lump from which the elect are derived and worthy of His wondrous salvation. But, you might ask, “Does not the lump refer to the elect Gentiles only?” No. Consider the immediate context of the preceding verses. “Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be!…For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead” (Ro. 11:12, 15)? I repeat, “In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first-fruits among His creatures” (Ja. 1:18 NAS). “Riches for the world,” “reconciling the world,” and “first-fruits among His creatures,” refer to all men. And would God command us to “do good to all men” (Ga. 6:10) if He has no intention to do so Himself? Please note the words emphasized in this next verse:
He chose us…before the foundation of the world…predestined us to adoption…according to the good pleasure of His will….having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all [things] in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him….predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted [first-fruits] in Christ should be to the praise of His glory (Ep. 1:4-12).
“He made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show [“display” WEY/DBY] the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ep. 2:6-7). To whom does God plan to display the exceeding riches of His grace if not to those in greatest need of it? Why display it to those who have already known and experienced it?
“The household of Stephanas…the first-fruits of Achaia…have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints” (1Co. 16:15). As first-fruits, our ministry is both to those within the elect family of God, and to those yet outside. For unless the first-fruits themselves receive the nurture they need, they will lack the brightness of God’s reflection before the world (Mt. 5:13-16; Ga. 6:10).
[Please read Ro. 8:19-23.]
The creation also will be delivered from corruption. Of course, this includes people. Who groans more than suffering humanity for whom Christ died? The focus here is not the animal kingdom. For all people (as second fruits) in due time, are dragged into Christ (Jn. 12:32). and thus delivered from corruption and brought into the liberty of the first-fruit company. Notice how the phrase “first-fruits” is introduced in the immediate context of the “whole creation” (vs. 22 – 23). Truly, this has great significance.
[Please read 1Pe. 2:9, 12.]
To what purpose are the elect chosen? To demonstrate an honorable conduct before the lost that they may glorify God on the day of visitation. Is it not the salvation of the lost that most glorifies God? Those who glorify Him on that day will have come to know Him through the elect! What a responsibility we have!
Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And…angels (1Co. 6:2-3)?
Jesus Christ…has made us kings and priests (Re. 1:5-6).
These…were redeemed from among men, being first-fruits to God… (Re. 14:4-5).
We are the first-fruits—the priests and kings who will judge the world and intercede for the ungodly (lost) in this age and the ages to come. Note, we are not “exclusive” fruits. We are only “first” fruits among many to come. Andrew Jukes explained:
To say that God saves only the first-born would be, if it may be said, to make Him worse than even Moloch, whose slaves devoted only their first-born to the flames. But Scripture never says that these only shall be saved, but rather that “in this seed,” whose portion as the first-born is double, (De.21:17) “all kindreds of the earth shall be blessed.” I fear that the elect, instead of bearing this witness, have too often ignored and even contradicted it. (3)
God does not merely settle for the first-fruits. They are but the pledge for the whole. As a royal priesthood (1Pe. 2:9), we are to labor with Christ in gathering in the whole crop—the remaining fruits. We are to shine as lights in a dark world, and not merely form Christian country clubs. We must guard against exclusiveness toward those “yet” outside the fold.
Is the organized church today much different than the Israelites who stoned Paul and Steven for merely mentioning that the Gentiles were included with them? True, as believers, we have a legal adoption status. However, we are nevertheless wild olive shoots grafted in (Ro. 11:17) and as such are not special above the rest of men. We are of the same stock.
For if the first-fruit (elect) is holy, the lump (humanity) is also holy (Ro. 11:15-16). We easily forget that “while” we were enemies we “were” reconciled to God (Ro. 5:10). While “still” sinners Christ died for us (Ro. 5:8; 5:6). We need to keep in mind one principal difference between an “us” and “them” mentality: to whom much is given, much is required (Lu. 12:48).
Plan B
I would like to now address those steeped in Arminian theology (those who do not recognize the role of election in God’s plan). Contrary to Arminian beliefs, God never had a “plan B.” Christ was “indeed” foreordained before the foundation of the world (1Pe. 1:18-20) “God saved us…before time began…” (2Ti. 1:8-9). “The Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world” (Re. 13:8). “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world” (Ep. 1:4). God did not do the best He could; He did the best He would! Augustine’s idea of infinite penalty was never part of God’s plan. For the God of the Universe is GOD, not god. The Trinity is not God, the Devil, and the Will of Man! This is polytheism. But God Is One! To say God had to change His plans due to man’s unpredictability does grave injustice to God’s absolute sovereignty over His creation, His power, His wisdom, His knowledge, and His victory over all evil. In truth, it does nothing less than strip Him of His DEITY.
As I look closely at the Scriptures, I see a God who knows where He is going; a God who knows the future. God has but one plan and the following passages bear this out.
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel (Ge. 3:15).
Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions” (Ge. 15:13-14).
But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand (Ex. 3:19).
I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure….Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it” (Is. 46:9-11).
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you (Jer. 1:5).
We are “predestined according to the purpose of Him who ‘works all things’ according to the counsel of His will” (Ep. 1:11).
For more examples, you may consider these: Ex. 9:30; 11:9; 1K. 13:1-5, 32; 21:20-22; 2K. 8:12; Ps. 147:5; Is. 41:21-26; 44:11, 28; 65:24-25; Mt. 10:17, 18, 21, 22; 11:14, 21; 12:45; 13:35; 24:2, 33-41; Mk. 14:30; Lu. 14:28-32; Jn. 6:64; 8:20; 21:18-19; Ac. 2:23; 15:8, 18; 17:26; Ro. 4:17; 8:29-30; 11:2, 33; Ga. 3:8; 2Ti. 1:9; Tit. 1:2; He. 4:13; 1Pe. 1:2, 19-20; 1Jn. 3:20; 5:14; Re. 13:8; 17:18. This list is not exhaustive. (In addition, consider all the Messianic Prophecies).
Due Time
According to Andrew Jukes, three principle truths solve the great riddle of mercy for all (Ro. 11:32) and few finding the way (Mt. 7:14): These truths involve: 1. Election. 2. The ages (along with the correct interpretation of aion). 3. Death, destruction, and judgment. “These truths throw a flood of light on Scripture, and enable us at once to see order and agreement, where without this light there seems perplexing inconsistency.” (4)
We need to take seriously the many references to God’s appointed times or “ages.” How do they relate to God’s loving purposes in bringing salvation to all men (Tit. 2:11 NAS)? When will such take place? Let’s see.
God…will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For…Christ…gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time (1Ti. 2:3-6 KJV). Christ gave Himself a ransom for all, which will be testified [or proved TEV, NEB] in its proper time or era.
He has made everything beautiful in its time (Ec. 3:11).
At that time Jerusalem shall be called the Throne of the LORD, and all the nations shall be gathered to it, to the name of the LORD.…No more shall they follow the dictates of their evil hearts (Jer. 3:17).
The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back until He fully accomplishes the purposes of His heart. In days to come you will understand this (Jer. 30:24 NIV).
Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness…(Da. 9:24).
Whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began (Ac. 3:21).
To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities (Ac. 3:26).
At this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace (Ro. 11:5).
Do not… be ignorant of this mystery…blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. So all Israel will be saved.…The Deliverer will come…He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins (Ro. 11:25-27) (See also Ro. 11:8). Note Paul does not distinguish between Jew and Greek (Ro. 10:12-13).
In the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him (Ep. 1:9-10).
In the ages to come He might show [display WEY—DBY] the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Ep. 2:7).
[Please read 1Co. 15:22-28.]
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive (1Co. 15:22 NAS).
But each in his own order: Christ the first-fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end, when… (1Co. 15:23-24 NAS).
When what? “When all things [persons—page 132] are subjected to Him…that God may be all in all” (1Co. 15:28 NAS). Notice the four critical time references used here: “first-fruits,” “after,” “then…when.” These time words seem to relate to three separate time periods (orders) and three categories of persons.
What is the goal of all being subjected to Christ? That God may be all in all. “When all things [people] are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all” (1Co. 15:28 NAS).
God All in all! Could this be the full realization of Christ’s nature and power in us? Yes! Here is worship at its pinnacle as every knee bows and all tongues confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! Everyone is saying “blessing and honor and glory and power be to the Lamb!” (Ph. 2:10-11; Re. 5:11). Worship flows without reservation from only sincere hearts in love with God! All ignorance and rebellion are abolished (Jn. 1:7, 9; Ro. 14:11; He. 2:8). Nothing but child like trust in God remains. The last enemy (death) is destroyed! (1Co. 15:26). Only life remains! Now, with no more death and rebellion, God is always and forever All in all. This points to a glorious transformation and culmination of human experience into the very nature of God Himself—the complete realization of what we were meant to be.
You have put [past tense] all things in subjection under his feet. For in that He put [past tense] all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all [things] put under him (He. 2:8).
This is a very revealing passage. It assures us that though all have not “yet” made Christ their Master, they will! “You have put all in subjection.” Christ works in every life toward this goal and cannot fail. All in “due” time will come to a place of genuine repentance. “He left nothing that is not put under Him.” Nothing! God can refer to future events as past—“God…calls those things which do not exist as though they did” (Ro. 4:17b); for He is the eternal “I AM” (Ex. 3:14) who transcends time (Ps.90:4; Ep. 1:4, 10; 2:7; He. 13:8; 2Pe. 3:8).
The Greek word for “subjected,” here is hupotasso (Strong’s #5293) (5), which applies to both Christ and man. “Now, whenever all may be subjected [5293] to Him, then the Son [as the Son of Man—Man’s representative Head] Himself also shall be subjected [5293]…” (1Co. 15:28 CLT). Paul uses this same word in the context of the righteousness of faith: “They being ignorant of God’s righteousness…have not submitted [5293] to the righteousness of God…righteousness to everyone who believes” (Ro. 10:3, 4).
Once God lifts the veil covering all eyes, and His righteousness in Christ is revealed, what will stop all from submitting to Christ? A submitted and believing heart brings glory and honor to God, and conforms to such an awesome thought as “God all in all.” That is precisely why submission will take ages to achieve. Sure, God could cause all creation to bow to Him instantly by brute force. He could have done that ages ago. But this is not the submission worthy of a God who “is” love. “He is able even to subdue [win the hearts of] all things [people] to Himself” (Ph.3:21). “How awesome are your works! Through the greatest of your power your enemies shall submit themselves to you. All the earth shall worship you and sing praises to your Name” (Ps. 66:3-4). “Christ…seated…above all…not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things [people] under His feet…Him who fills all in all” (Ep. 1:20-3). What a God! He has a plan for humanity that transcends everything Augustinian theology has ever taught. I now know He makes everything beautiful in its time. Sadly, many of Scripture’s critical time statements have been veiled to us by the mistranslation of the Greek word aion. (See Appendix V #2).
Last Things
Biblical truth is not always presented in chronological order. The final events regarding the end of the ages and the restoration of all things take place beyond the scope of the book of Revelation. At its close, we do not see an end to all rule, authority, and power (Re. 22:15). For Christ must reign until He has put all enemies under His feet, including death. Only when all are subjected to Him, will God be all in all (1Co. 15:28). John does not tell us this in Revelation. Paul does. But John does reveal some important details about the age to come. They can be interpreted symbolically or literally. Though I present a literal approach, I do not discount a symbolic interpretation.
The Holy City of God—New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven and God with the Lamb abide in it and are its light (21:2, 3, 23). Nations walk in its light and bring their glory into it and its gates remain open (21:24-25). Yet nothing unclean can enter the city (21:27), only those who have washed their robes or who do His commandments (22:14 – depends on which ancient manuscript your Bible is based on). The city, if interpreted literally, will cover an area about the size of half the continental USA (Re. 21:16), and there is no sea (Re. 21:1). So can you imagine how large the inhabited world is. Outside the city is a world of lost people (22:15)! Verses 20:4, 6 introduce us to priests who are reigning with Christ. There is a tree of life with leaves to “heal the nations” (22:2). God’s bond–servants (NAS) serve Him and reign — to the ages of the ages (22:3,5 YLT).
Let’s recap: The gates never close, yet there is a world of sinners outside. There are servants serving God and priests reigning. There are nations needing healing. What does it all mean?
Well, nations are people. Who needs healing more than the sinners outside? What will Christ’s servants, priests, and co-rulers of Christ be doing? I believe they will rule justly, proclaim the Good News, and intercede as priests! Why not? Verse 22:17 says, “Come! Let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely!” Is it not right to think that this invitation applies to the very sinners mentioned in the same context (verses 15 -17)? When does Christ stop being a Savior? He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! (He. 13:8). So long as a Savior is needed, He saves! Sinners “outside” will at some point bow their knees and worship Christ as Lord (Ph. 2:9-11). They will repent, do His commandments, and have the right to the tree of life, just as you and I. Does God change?
For I am the LORD, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob (Mal. 3:6).
God is love. Love never ends (1Jn. 4:8; 1Co. 13:8 RSV).
The Father…with whom there is no variation (Ja. 1:17).
He pursues the lost sheep until He finds them! (Lu. 15:4, 7). We will labor with Him as joint heirs (if we suffer with Him now – Ro. 8:17) and fellow workers in His world harvest!
Although the book of Revelation is the last book in the Bible, it was Paul, not John, who received the most far reaching and profound revelations of Christ and God’s purposes for the Church. “I became a minister according to the divine office, which was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now made manifest to his saints” (Col. 1:25-26 RSV). Darby & CLT read, “to complete the word of God.” Paul was named the “Apostle to the Gentiles” (Ro. 11:13). We can call him “our Apostle.” To Him was given the truth regarding justification by faith and the law’s purpose; Israel and the Church, (with no distinction between Jew and Gentile); the fruits of the Spirit and the priority of Christian unity; the Bride of Christ and our freedom in Him; spiritual gifts with love as the more excellent way; Church government and the five-fold ministry; instructions pertaining to worship, the Lord’s supper, family relationships, giving, diet, godly living, church discipline, spiritual warfare, civil government; and finally, the consummation of the ages (1 Co. 15) climaxing in the ultimate reconciliation of humanity with God becoming All in all (1 Co. 15:26-28). All this came through Paul.
In Conclusion
The Blessed Hope is a glorious hope encompassing a global view of God’s plan for humanity that truly rejoices the heart. This is Good News! (Lu.2:10). In this chapter, I have shown that God has called us, His “elect,” to be lights in the world. We have been given a privileged status, not for ourselves, but for Him, in serving all people. God is truly sovereign over all creation and has but one perfect plan. His destiny for all cannot be thwarted and will come to pass in His due time. To see God’s unfailing plan unfold in Scripture, we must understand the true meaning of key biblical words such as aion and realize that Paul, not John, was given the revelation of the consummation of the ages.
I pray that you will look at all Scripture from the viewpoint of God’s absolute sovereignty and infinite love. We must understand judgment in light of who God is, and not God from a flawed view of judgment. Judgment serves God’s unfailing purposes for all. I offer these thoughts, not as one with great knowledge, but merely as one who believes in a great GOD. I pray He imparts to you only what pleases Him. I invite you to take a journey with me through the passages that have sealed the Blessed Hope in my heart.
