Purposed in Himself

Ephesians 1:9, 10 “… He hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.” (KJV).

The word, dispensation means a system of rules for ordering affairs or business; special arrangement as to divide among members of a group. In this word, dispensation probably goes to the time when God will establish His eternal kingdom; His arrangement of all history to fulfill His plan of salvation; and to bring His people together in Christ.

Perhaps two translations would be helpful. NLT: “And this is his plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.” NCV: “His goal was to carry out his plan, when the right time came, that all things in heaven and on earth would be join together in Christ as the head” (Eph.1:10).

I find the Amplified Bible interesting to share: “[He planned] for the maturity of the times and the climax of ages to unify all things and head them up and consummate them in Christ, [both] things in heaven and things on the earth” (Eph.1:10).  

This was about “The Church,” the universal born-again Christians who believed in the death and the resurrected Christ, who will one day see God’s great plan for His people in the new kingdom. He hath purposed in himself that heaven and earth being one. This may be why the Lord’s Prayer is good to use daily. It reminds us when we pray, “Thy will (plan) be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We speak of our faith in God’s plan for our future home with Him.

This gives me hope and understanding about who God is. These studies build my confidence in God, Himself that He will do what He has promised from the Scriptures, “By His stripes, we are healed.” I claimed His word of healing today.

So let us trust Him and His Word!

Dorothy