GOD’S ETERNAL PLAN TO REDEEM MAN [Part One]

“According to the eternal purpose” (Ephesians 3:11)

By Bob Myhan

Introduction

Many are “at sea without a compass” when it comes to the study of God’s word because they do not have a firm grasp of what the Bible is all about. In this series, we hope to give you a spiritual “compass” to guide you in your personal study of God’s word.

Before the Beginning

God already existed. This is implied by the statement of Moses in the first verse of the Bible, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Obviously God could not have “created the heavens and the earth” “in the beginning” if He had not already existed prior to the beginning. God Himself had no beginning; He has always existed.

God existed in three persons. The word for God in this verse is plural. But “the Lord our God is one Lord” (Deuteronomy 6:4). The word for “one” here refers to a collectivity (see also Genesis 2:24). Thus, the Godhead is a single collectivity of plural persons. In the first verse of the Gospel of John two persons are identified as God.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

The Word that “was with God” “in the beginning” is AKA the Son of God (John 1:14-17; Colossians 1:1-4). Hence, His Father is God (John 17:1-5).

“The Spirit of God” also existed in the beginning (Genesis 1:2). The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4) but He is neither the Father nor the Son (John 14:26; 15:26).

Thus, three Persons have existed as a collective unit from all eternity—God [or “God the Father”], the Word [or “God the Son”] and the Spirit of God [or “God the Holy Spirit”].

God existed as a purposeful God (Isaiah 46:8-11; Jeremiah 4:28). Because He is an eternal being He had [and continues to have] an eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:11).

His eternal purpose is to give eternal life (John 10:10,27,28; Titus 1:1,2). This is not mere eternal existence, but eternal existence with Him (Matthew 25:31-46).

It has been His “eternal purpose” to “give eternal life” to those who choose to hear His Son’s voice and follow Him (John 10:10-18, 25-28; 17:1-3; Titus 1:1-3). Eternal life is not mere eternal existence, but eternal existence in spiritual union [fellowship] with Him (Matthew 25:31-46).

[To be continued]

DIVINE PROVIDENCE (Part Eighteen)

By Bob Myhan

The Christian and Providence (Concluded)

The Christian is to “do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). 

Local churches are to provide for the material needs of saints (Acts 2:41-45; 4:32-35; 6:1-4; 2 Cor. 8:1-12; 9:6-12; Rom. 15:22-26). But they are not authorized to practice general benevolence. That is, they are not authorized to help everyone, indiscriminately.

But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. (2 Thess. 3:6-10)

The apostle clearly stated that those who are unwilling to work should not be supported. This would encourage, rather than discourage, idleness.

Also, the Christian’s widows are not the church’s widows. Local churches are to honor or relieve only those widows who qualify.

Honor widows who are really widows. But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. And these things command, that they may be blameless. But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some have already turned aside after Satan. If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. (1 Tim. 5:3-16)

Regarding the word, “honor,” Vine says, "The respect and material assistance to be given to 'widows indeed.'" Vincent says, "Not only by respectful treatment but by financial support." Jesus demonstrated that the word, “honor,” might involve financial remuneration.

Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem. Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?" He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' "For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men--the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do." He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban"--' (that is, a gift to God), then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do." (Mark 7:1-13)

Of course, our responsibility to see to the material needs of others begins at home (1 Tim. 5:8), then extends to relatives and neighbors. Seeing to the needs of others is to be a manifestation of love.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. (1 Cor. 13:3)

Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)

Thus, divine providence is not limited to God’s provision of the perfect sacrifice for sin, but includes provisions for evangelism, edification and benevolence. &