"THE GREATNESS OF THY POWER"

"THE GREATNESS OF THY POWER"

Psa.66:3

In this particular study, we will look further into the scriptures concerning God's ultimate purpose and will, even unto the fulfillment of His dispensational will for all that He has created - Ro.12:2. Is it to be found true that over ninety percent of His creatures are going to suffer eternal separation and everlasting punishment in some damnable place full of burning fire and brimstone as the KJV and other translations seems to indicate in some of the scriptures? What about the many scriptures on the other hand which indicate a complete restoration, redemption and reconciliation of all things? Might it not be conceivable that these scriptures contain the full gospel or good news which God has recorded for mankind?

God is not the author of confusion and does not contradict Himself in His true word. The apparent contradiction concerning eternal destiny, has shown up in man's translations of several key words which originally were all given us through His servants by the inspiration of God Himself - 2Tim.3:16. This word teaches that every original word of God is pure (Prv.30:5) and true from the beginning - Psa.119:60. Man has progressively distorted much truth in covering it over with his own understanding. Yet miraculously, the truth is still there to uncover for all to see.

For example, in the rendering of the original Greek word which means "age to age" and denotes a literal realm of finite time which can be measured, the English translation in the KJV and others of this same word and its derivatives, cannot be entirely true to the original intent and meaning. One reason for this is that the clearly revealed overall will and plan of God is not in harmony with everlasting, non-ending punishment. Nor is the doctrine of total annihilation.

A detailed study of the original Hebrew and Greek words such as "olam", "aion" and "aionios" and their varied translations into different and sometimes even contrary words and phrases, is a large and enlightening study in itself. The following is but a simple outline where in one may see that the doctrines of "eternal punishment" and of "total annihilation" are built upon a foundation of sinking sand.

The Greek noun "aion" which literally means an "age" or "eon" and wholly supports the idea of an indefinite or undetermined period of time, has been translated in the KJV in the following different English words and phrases: "ages" (2), "beginning of the world" (2), "course" (2), "world began" (2), "world" (1), "world without end" (1), "while the world standeth" (1), "eternal" (32) , "forever" (1), "forevermore" (27), "ever" (2), "forever and ever" (1), "never" (7). As a simple noun, "aion" occurs 37 times and it is found 68 times with prepositions.

The adjective form "aionios" which word should describe the noun, is translated into only four English words: (1) "eternal" [42 times]. An example would be Tit.1:3:7. (2) "everlasting" [25 times]. An example is 2Ths.1:9. (3) "world" [3 times]. An example is Tit.1:2. (4) "ever" [1 time]. Yet, all come from the original word "aion"[age] and should be so translated. Everything that has to do with an age has to do with time, and therefore, has a beginning and an ending - Rev.10:6.

Eternity is entirely apart from time in the ages. It has no beginning nor ending. It encompasses time. Age involves a transition, whereas "eternal" is an unchanging condition which in a way has no part in time, although time has a role in eternity. We find that rebellion toward God is measured in time and both shall have an end - Ezk.21:25; 1Cor.15:24. For now, "the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" 1Ptr.4:17.

In Heb.9:26; 1Cor.10:11 and Matt.24:3, ages have an end…"but now once in the end of the world (aion) hath He appeared.." But we see in Eph.3:21, "Christ Jesus throughout all ages (aionios) world (aion) without end." 1Tim.1:17 states, "now unto the King eternal (aionios - of the ages)…be honour and glory forever (aion) and ever (aion)." Also Rev.11:15 states, "and He shall reign forever and ever" but 1Cor.15:22 tells us this reign ends. vs.25. "Then cometh the end when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father." In Rom.16:25,26 and Tit.1:2, the adjective from of "aion" also denotes a beginning and an ending. We see also in Jn.17:3 "aionios" life translated here as "eternal" signifies the kind of life, not its duration. It declares its quality rather than quantity. It does not mean endless!

Eventually all shall come into life but not all shall have had "eternal life" or life of the ages. The often heard statement of.."Because life in Christ is everlasting or eternal, then existence apart from Christ is surmised to be of the same duration. The basic truth in this objection is certain but the scriptures also reveal that there will be an end to God's created periods of time, and His creation shall be gathered out and delivered from corruption's bondage's "in the dispensation (carrying out) of the fullness of times." Eph.1:10.

In the Old Testament you will find the word "olam which compares to the New Testament "aion." It is rendered "forever" in approximately 251 places. It is also translated 24 times as "forever and ever", 60 times as "of ancient times", 4 times as "of old", once as "world without end", 22 times as "perpetual", 15 times as "forevermore", 16 times as "ever of old", 13 times as "of old ancient", 3 times as "in old time', 5 times as "always or alway", 4 times as "ever" plus several more times as "anymore", "long", "world", "continuance", "eternal" "lasting", "long time", at any time", "since beginning of the world." Here we can find numerous examples of the words similar to everlasting applied to what is clearly not everlasting.

Just a few examples to compare are Gen.49:26 compared with Isa.54:10; Jonah 2:6 with Matt.12:40; Jer.23:40 with Jer.24:6; Eccl.1:4 and Psa.78:69 with Isa.65:17; Jer.5:22 against Rev.21:1; Heb.1:8 with 1Cor.15:24,28. God lives ever but "olam" times are the periods dealing with sin and evil. Other examples where olam obviously means only a period of time and not everlasting or eternal as the English words mean - Ex.2:6; Deut.15:17; Am1:1; Habk.3:6; Obed.1:10; Neh.13:1; 1Chr.22:10.

In light of this, in order to determine true meaning, we must go by usage and not necessarily by translation. Only when the meanings of the Hebrew "olam" and the Greek "aion" are discovered, joyous rays of God's all encompassing truth and love begin to shine throughout His entire word, filling the hidden shadowy recesses of the human heart.

We have seen the scriptures plainly bearing witness that God worketh ALL THINGS AFTER THE COUNSEL (purpose) OF HIS OWN WILL (Eph.1:11) and also that "He is in one mind and who can turn Him?" "WHAT HIS SOUL DESIRETH, EVEN THAT HE DOETH." Jb.23:13. Ask yourself this simple question. Does His soul desire to punish billions of "His offspring" (Ac.17:28,29) in a fiery hell for all eternity? Is this the desire of His soul being carried in the fulfillment of the counsel of His will? To say that this is man's own doing, is a perversion of the scriptures and a blasphemy of His sovereignty.

Is it not rather, the desire of the Almighty's soul and the determination of His work and will, that none should perish eternally and all should come to salvation's repentance? Does not the "The counsel of the Lord standeth forever, the thoughts of His heart (mind and soul) to all generations?" Psa.33:11. Regardless of what the carnal mind thinks, "the word of God is not bound" (2Tim.2:9) neither in periods of time, nor in traditions, and is certainly not bound in any way by the limited free will of His subjected creation - Ro.8:20. Other of these writings make this point very clear.

At this point we will begin to look further into what the scripture says is God's counsel and will and just what it is His soul desireth to do, which the pure, positive and righteous word of the Lord declares shall be done! Make no mistake, "THAT that is DETERMINED SHALL BE DONE." Dan.11:36. God, who originally "commanded the light to shine out of darkness" (2Cor.4:6) and sovereignly brought it to pass (Gen.1:3), has now began the process of sovereignly releasing His spiritual light to shine in the darkness of all men's hearts, individually commanding "ALL MEN EVERY WHERE to repent." Ac.17:30.

The truth and sure accomplishment found in the fulfillment of "His commandment is exceedingly broad" (Psa. 119:96), even all encompassing unto the end of the ages - Psa.65:5. "Look unto me and BE YE SAVED ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH" (Isa.45:22) He commands, and the word tells us emphatically that "all His commandments are sure." Psa.111:7; 119:89; 2Cor.1:20. "All…are truth" (Psa.119:151) and we see "His truth" (Psa.100:5) and His "faithfulness is unto all generations" (Psa.119:90) for "the word of the Lord endureth forever." 1Ptr.1:25. Yes, it endures unto all generations and unto all the ages.

The fact that "His commandments are sure" means positively "HIS WORD SHALL ACCOMPLISH THAT WHICH HE PLEASES [that which He wills, desires, determines and purposes] and shall prosper in the thing whereunto it is sent." Isa.55:11; Psa.135:6; 115:3. It is truly the pleasure and desired will of the Lord "that ALL MEN through Him might believe" (Jn.1:7; 3:17), that "THE WORLD through Him might be saved" (Jn.3:17; 12:47) "that ALL MEN should honour the son, even as they honour the Father." Jn.5:23. Jesus said, "THIS IS THE FATHER'S WILL …that of ALL which He hath given me, I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day. And THIS IS THE WILL OF HIM THAT SENT ME, that everyone which seeth the Son and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life.." Jn.6:39,40; 17:2.

Jesus also promised, "I…WILL DRAW ALL MEN UNTO ME." Again He said, "It is NOT THE WILL of your Father …that one of these should perish - Matt.18:14; 2Ptr.3:9. It is not the Lord's will nor pleasure nor purpose to lose any that might have been saved but rather it is to save any that might have been lost! Yet so few believe Him when He Himself says, "I will do ALL my pleasure." Isa.46:10,11; Jb.23:13.

God has promised, I will say (or command) the word and perform it…the word which I have spoken shall be done." Ezk.12:25-28; 36:36. Contrary to the beliefs and traditions of religious man, the performance and accomplishment of it depends not on man at all, but on God alone. His will and His word cannot fail. "Because I have spoken it and have purposed (willed) it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from (performing and accomplishing) it." Jer.4:28; 51:26; Isa.44:26. To be certain, the Lord is ever active watching over His word to ensure that it is performed and unltimatedly fulfilled - Jer.1:12; 31:28. His redemptive will cannot possibly fail!

Jesus states, "Lo, I COME (in the volume of the book it is written of me) TO DO THY WILL O GOD" (Heb.10:7) and that is "to finish His work." Jn.4:34. In God's eye's, "IT IS FINISHED." Jn.19:30. Not one jot nor tittle (no portion) can, nor shall, pass away unfulfilled - Matt.5:18; 24:35; 1Kgs.8:56. He will accomplish that which He has willed, purposed and spoken. Albeit, a continuing whirlwind of His merciful wrath shall go forth and not return unto mercy "UNTIL HE HAVE DONE IT; and UNTIL HE HAVE PERFORMED THE INTENTS OF HIS HEART." Jer.30:23,24.

This divine principle stands sure and steadfast. "Write the vision, and make it plain…for the vision is yet for an appointed time, BUT AT THE END IT SHALL SPEAK, AND NOT LIE: THOUGH IT TARRY, WAIT FOR IT; BECAUSE IT WILL SURELY COME, IT SHALL NOT TARRY." Habk.2:2,3.

Remembering all scriptures originally where given by inspiration of God, has His word not revealed to us beyond any shadow of doubt, His expressed intent and determined purpose concerning mankind? Has not the Lord plainly declared to us what His soul determines and desires and that which He has determined and willed shall be accomplished. Clearly, "the Lord is not willing that any should perish (in the sense of coming to total loss and ruin forever), but (His determined desire, purpose and will is) that ALL should come to repentance." 2Ptr.3:9. Absolutely "no purpose of Thine can be restrained." Jb.42:2 [NAS]. "NO PLAN OF GOD'S CAN BE THWARTED." Jb.42:2 [NIV]. Yet so many would continue to deny this in their man made doctrines of eternal hellfire and eternal annihilation.

Herein is revealed the ultimate will, the final fulfillment of our Lord's declared words and commands. Herein is revealed "THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL ACCORDING TO HIS GOOD PLEASURE, which He hath purposed in Himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things.." (Eph.1:9,10) even unto Himself. Herein the word has revealed and declared the end result, a truly universal salvation for all to see and believe. It has been made evident by our merciful and "living God WHO IS (and was, and is to be) THE SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN" (1Tim.4:10), and therefore "WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED (most even yet so as by fire) AND COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH." 1Tim.2:4.

In His love for us, Christ "gave Himself a ransom for ALL, TO BE TESTIFIED TO IN DUE TIME." 1Tim.2:6. Yes, in the dispensation of the fulness of times it shall be made evident to all…"EVERY MAN in His own order" (1Cor.15:23) until the salvation of God is "ALL IN ALL." 1Cor.15:28.

All His purposes planned of old are fulfilled in faithfulness and truth - Isa.25:1. "I the Lord speak righteousness, I declare things that are right." Isa.45:19. If the Lord of Hosts has commanded, expressed, sworn or purposed a thing, who shall disannul it?" Surely it shall come to pass - Isa.14:24-27. It cannot be over-emphasized that absolutely no thoughts, purposes nor intentions of God can be externally hindered or restrained - Jb.42:2; Isa.43:13. God is immutable. "I am the Lord, I change not."

God's expressed will is His word. They have been made absolutely sure, secured and sealed "by two immutable unchangeable things"--God's own oath and the placing of Himself within His covenants, in order to fulfill all the promises and purposes in His written and spoken word - Heb.6:13-20. We have this guarantee in that God cannot lie (Tit.1:2) nor can He deny Himself - 2Tim.2:13; Psa.119.89.

Jesus, Christ, who hath made all things for Himself (Prv.16:4; 22:2), good servants and wicked (Psa.119:91; Ro.9:21), and who quickeneth all things (1Tim.6:13), being appointed heir of all things (Heb.1:2), gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified (and made evident to all) in due time." 2Tim.2:6. Truly the scripture reveals the great purpose and plan in Christ's shed blood is for no less purpose of fulfillment than "to reconcile all things unto Himself." Col.1:10. And so He shall! To deny it, is an attempt of the enemy to render Him impotent and a liar.

Christ died not for Israel only, but that also He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad - Jn.11:52. Know ye not that these children include all men and that Christ died for all (Heb.2:9; 2Cor.5:14,15), for "have we not all one Father? Hath not one God created us?" Mal.2:10. "I have said ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most high." Psa.82:6. "The earth is the Lord's…and they that dwell therein." Psa.24:1. Truly, He is the "Father of spirits." Heb.12:9. Yes, He is "the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh" (Num.27:16) and "the Lord, the God of all flesh." Jer.32:27. See also Num.16:22; Jb.12:10; 31:15; Isa.64:8; Ac.17:25-29.

He who is "Lord of ALL" (Ac.10:36) and Father of all, who proclaims "all souls are mine" (Ezk.18:4) has commanded all His rebellious and sin bound children everywhere to repent: and He who will have all His children to be saved has spoken it in His holy word whereby He cannot lie and will therefore also bring it to pass. For He saith, "I have spoken it and will also do it." Isa.46:11. "My counsel (purpose) shall stand and I will do all my pleasure." Isa.46:10. We know that "all things were created by Him and FOR Him (Col.1:16) even for His good pleasure (Rev.4:11) "and Thou preservest them all." Neh.9:6. Does this sound like a God that would torture his creation eternally in hellfire or annihilate them forever? Would that be His pleasure? Or does this sound like our God who truly is "a faithful Creator." 1Ptr.4:19.

Yes, the Lord has made provision and peace for all through the blood of His cross, and immediately upon Christ being lifted up to the Father, He began to fulfill these words which are spirit and life…"and I, If I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." Jn.12:32. That's a promise from our faithful Creator. All these men were, and shall be given to Him of the Father - Jn.6:37,44,65. Jesus further states, "This is the Father's will…of all which He hath given me I should lose nothing.." Jn.6:39,40.

Had not God also already revealed the end result of His will when He declared through His prophet Isaiah, "I have sworn by myself (an immutable oath)…that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear" (Isa.45:23), and then He confirms and established this word even in greater detail twice more in the New Testament - Phil.2:10,11; Ro.14:11. "All they that go down to the dust shall bow down before him (Psa.22:29) and they that dwell in the wilderness (even dwelling apart from God in judgment - Isa.32:15) shall bow down before him." Psa.72:9. "Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him" (Psa.72:11) because the fact is "the Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down." Psa.145:14.

It is written…"all the ends (which necessarily includes the beginning - Isa.40:28) of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord; and all the kindred's of the nations (including all people - Da.7:14; even all the families of the earth - Gen.12:3) shall worship before thee." Psa.22:27. Truly, "all thy works shall praise thee oh Lord." Psa.145:10. "THROUGH THE GREATNESS OF THY POWER shall (all) thine enemies submit themselves unto thee: all the earth shall worship thee." Psa.66:3,4.

Who would try to qualify this if they saw what John saw? John not beheld not only those creature which lived at the time of the end, but "every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea and all that are in them" giving worship to the Lamb - Rev.5:13. Surely, According to the purposes of God's immutable word and His expressed will, "the creature (whole creation) itself shall also be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." Ro.8:21. Such power, such glory, such love the universe is yet to behold!

For "in the dispensation of the fullness of time" it is God's will according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself (Eph.1:9) "to gather together in one all things in Christ (those things "in Christ" are already gathered together in unity, so these are things still yet apart from Christ) both which are in heaven and which are on the earth; even in Him" (Eph.1:10), thus fulfilling the "times of the restitution of all things which God hath spoken of by the mouth of His holy prophets since the world began." Ac.3:21. These progressive times of restitution and restoration (Matt.17:11) involve the restoring of paths to dwell in, the raising up of ruins of former desolation's of the foundations of generation, building the old wastes and repairing the breaches - Am.9:11; Isa.40:3-5; 44:26; 58:12; 61:4; Ac.15:16,17. "I will bring forth…that which He ("Bel" - Satan the God of confusion) hath swallowed up." Jer.51:44.

Know this, oh carnal man, "God is not a man that He should lie; neither the son of man that He should repent: hath He said (spoken and commanded His will) and shall not He do it? Or hath he spoken and shall He not make it (His declared word) good?" Num.23:19. Yes He shall! "For all the promises of God in Him are yea (sure) and in Him amen." 2Cor.1:20. He saith, 'I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?" Jer.32:27. Man's doctrine (Mi.7:7) shall never stand the test of time, but God's pure word (Psa.119:140) and doctrine (Tit.2:10) is true from he beginning - Psa.119:10; Jn.10:35.

At the time when every knee shall bow then no longer will man rebel against His faithful Creator's expressed will and purpose. For through the greatness of the power of God's love and judgment shall the multitude of sin be covered and thus will be fulfilled even the saying of the chief priests and Pharisees…"If we let Him thus alone, all men will believe on him." Jn.11:48. The real truth is, if He left us alone, no man would be able to believe on Him!

He who gave willingly gave Himself for our sins according to the will of God His Father and ours, gave Himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time. He who will have all men to be saved simply because it is not his ultimate will nor purpose that any should perish, will according to His word of power and promise, draw all men unto Himself and raise them up in His divine order making all things new. All that His soul desires, even that He does and none can stop His hand, for He does only according to His will among the inhabitants of the earth - Da.4:34; Psa.135:6. "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." Eph.5:17.

Would Jesus have taught us to pray in vain for the will of God to be one in earth as it is in heaven (Matt.6:10) if even any of God's will was destined to come to naught? Oh, "Let the people praise the O God, let all the people praise thee." Psa.67:3,5. Yea, and as it is written…"Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: (only then) the remainder of wrath (including age abiding separation and judgment) shalt thou restrain." Psa.76:10. No wonder the angel could proclaim, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." Lk.2:10.

Oh sinner, can you not now cast aside your false preconceived images of an unjust God held by multitudes of humanity? Will you now accept Him who has revealed the greatness of the power of His love toward you through Jesus Christ, the Lord of all? Or, will you continue to choose the "way that seemeth right unto man, which way ultimately shall be consumed yet so as by fire?

Oh saint of God, are you still not convinced that that which is written in love and judgment is the total plan of redemption? Can you prove that His revealed plan is not so? If you can successfully do so, you will have proven that His love is not infinite. That His everlasting mercy is limited, that His redemptive power is inadequate and that God is lacking in foresight and ability to carry out His long ranged plans of salvation, restoration and reconciliation of all things. Though He has revealed His will for His creation to have been one of honour and good faith, you will have proved the will of the creature to be stronger than the will of his creator. Death will have been declared an unbeatable foe and shall ever reign supreme over vast multitudes of God's own creatures. If you still feel this way, then these truths of God's plan of restoration are presented for you in a slightly different and more detailed format in the following chapter.

"My soul, sit thou a patient looker-on; Judge

not the Play before the Play is done; Her plot

has many changes; every day Speaks a new

scene; the last act crowns the Play."

Francis Quarles

"For God sent not His Son into the world to

condemn the world; but that the world

through Him might be saved." Jn.3:17.

CHAPTER 2

"HE IS LORD OF ALL"

The overall word of God declares that Calvary provided rebirth by faith and/or reconciliation by fire. "If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." 1Cor.3:15. Is it not true, "He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not He correct? He that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he (man come to) know?" Psa.94:10. "For the Lord will not cast off His people neither will He forsake His inheritance. But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it." Psa.94:14. Yes, "He shall bring forth judgment unto truth" (Isa.42:3) and unto victory - Matt.12:20.

The Lord by His righteous judgment "will bring to light the hidden things of darkness (Dan.2:22) and will make manifest the counsels of (all) the hearts: and then (ultimately) shall every man have praise of God." 1Cor.4:5. God's word plainly declares, "every man's work shall be made manifest (Eph.5:13), for it shall be revealed by fire." 1Cor.3:13.

Finally, "He setteth an end to darkness (even the death and darkness in all men's hearts - Prv.19:21; Mk.7:21) and searcheth out all perfection." Jb.28:3. Surely, "the thing that is hid bringeth He forth to light" (Jb.28:11) and "upon whom does not His light arise?" Jb.25:3. Christ is the only "true light which lighteth (progressively gives the light which is His life [Jn.1:4] to) every man that cometh into the world." Jn.1:9.

The writer of Ecclesiastes states, "I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men (Ezk.16:53-55), that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts." Eccl.3:18. When man's eyes are given to see God as He really is, only then will they be able to truly abhor themselves and repent in humility, their beast nature being burned to ashes (Jb.42:5,6) as the heat and light from the Son of Righteousness arises in their hearts.

THE GREATNESS AND GLORY OF GOD

Oh how great and beyond our human understanding is God's sweeping, all encompassing love for His creation -Ro.8:38,39. For "the Lord is good to all (Matt.5:45; Jb.12:6; Jer.5:28): and His tender mercies are over all His works: all Thy works shall praise Thee..." Psa.145:9,10. "His mercy endureth forever." Psa.107:1. "How terrible art thou in thy works! Again we emphasize, "Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies (even that last enemy, death) submit themselves unto thee: all the earth shall worship Thee, and shall sing unto Thee." Psa.66:3,4.

"The Lord shall rejoice in His works." Psa.104:31. O Lord God, thou has begun to show thy servant, thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?" Deut.3:24. "The God of the whole earth shall He be called." Psa.54:5. Yea, the works of His hands are verity and judgment; all His commandments are sure." Psa.117:7.

The Lord has commanded and it rings out through the corridors of time…"Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends (uttermost parts including the beginning - Isa.40:28) of the earth…I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return (void or unfulfilled - Isa.55:11), that unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." Isa.45:22,23. "For it is written, as I live saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." Ro.14:11.

This glorious truth is emphasized as a powerful witness a third time in even more detail, "that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth (all things every where): and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." Phil.2:10,11. What glory is there in a forced and meaningless confession? This can be nothing less than true repentance from the heart and out of a free volition (Matt.12:34), for no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the holy Ghost." 1Cor.12:3. "All they that go down to the dust shall bow before Him" (Psa.22:29; 145:14; Prv.14:19, "for all are thy servants" (Psa.119:91), over whom He is, and shall be, "Lord of all" (Ro.10:12; Ac.10:36) becoming divinely "appointed heir of all things." Heb.1:2.

Yes, God hath highly exalted Christ (Phil.2:9) in as much as "He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things" (Eph.4:10), firstly His elect sons ("for it became Him, for whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory" - Heb.2:10), then His bride, and finally all his creatures. "For the earnest expectation of the creature (God's whole creation - vs.22), waiteth for the manifestation (outward revealing) of the sons of God." Ro.8:19. Why? Because the creature (whole creation) itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know the "whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now." Ro.8:21,22. Through the working out of His glorious plan of the restoration of creation, God is well able "even to subdue all things (the whole creation) unto Himself" (Phil.3:21), sovereignly working towards that time when all shall be subdued and God shall finally become "all in all." 1Cor.15:28.

As a giant step forward in His plan of being all things to everyone, God raised Christ from the dead and exalted His name far above all, not only in this world or age but in that to come, putting everything under His feet, (incl. The last enemy death), the results of which we do not yet see in the natural (Heb.2:8), "for He calleth those things which are not as though they were." Ro.4:17. So the Father gave Christ as the head of all things, to the church, which is His (many membered - 1Cor.12:2) living body, which is being filled now (Col.3:11; Eph.3:19) by Him who ultimately fills everything everywhere - Eph.1:22,23.

All matters relating to salvation, have their start and their finish in God alone, "for of Him (as creator and Saviour) and through Him (as our propitiation and mediator) and to Him (as the final goal) are all things." Ro.11:36. In other words, all comes from Him, all live by Him and all shall eventually end complete in Him. "I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ" (1Cor.11:3) whether saved or not yet saved, and that "all things are of God" (2Cor.5:18) on route to fulfilling His word through the greatness of His power.

EVERY CREATURE

Can we dare believe the wondrous scene which John beheld in the spirit? "And every creature…heard I saying, blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever." Rev.5:13. Herein is the final fulfilling of God's word. "For it is written, thou shall worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." Matt.4:10. See also Psa.69:34; 150:6. Is not the Almighty worthy to receive all glory from all His creation? "For the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein." Psa.24:1. "For thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Rev.4:11. "All things were created by Him and for Him ("for His [eventual] good pleasure")" (Col.1:6) and "Thou preserveth them all." Neh.9:6. It is His predestined will and pleasure "that He might fill all things" (Eph.4:10) with Himself. Will God fail? Sadly, many erroneously believe He will.

Absolutely nothing was created in vain - Isa.45:18. Before we look at just what is God's pleasure in creation, let us first look at what is not His pleasure. "Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die (in his sins)? saith the Lord God; and not that he should return from his ways and live?" Ezk.18:23. God's own answer is…"I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth…wherefore turn yourselves and live ye." Ezk.18:32. Say unto them, as I live…I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but (my pleasure is and shall be) that the wicked turn from his way and live." Ezk.33:11. David said, "For thou are not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with them." Psa.5:4.

GOD'S WILL AND PLEASURE

No, it is not God's ultimate pleasure nor will that any of His creation should be lost for all eternity. Rather, His pleasure and will is "that all men through Him might believe." Jn.1:7. His declared purpose and will is not "to destroy men's lives but to save them." Lk.9:55; Jn.3:17. He will not retain His anger forever because His delight (pleasure) is in mercy - Mic.7:18. Know that "the Lord is not slack concerning His promise (1Jn.2:25), as some men count slackness, but is long-suffering to us-ward ("and account that the long-suffering of our lord is salvation" vs.15), not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2Ptr.1:9. This is God's stated will! This is His pleasure and surely the King "doeth whatsoever pleaseth Him." Eccl.8:3. Our Lord of Lord's says, "I will hasten my word to perform it." Jer.1:12.

The scriptures plainly reveal that God's pleasure is synonymous with God's will, and He has declared by the word of His oath in which he cannot lie saying that His purpose and will shall stand and "I will do all my pleasure." Isa.45:10. How beautifully the word reveals the great foreordained plan (works - Ac.15:18) and the ultimate expressed will and pleasure of God, even from the time when He first spoke, "Let us make man (kind) in our image and likeness." Gen.1:26. His pleasure and will is being divinely carried out, "having predestinated us (first - Ac.3:26) to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself according to the good pleasure of His will." Eph.1:5. Then, "having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself" (Eph.1:9), His will shall be totally satisfied and fulfilled. This is the "mystery of godliness" (1Tim.3:16) now divinely working in human flesh as "that power that worketh in us." Eph.3:20.

A L L RECONCILED

"Christ in you" is your "hope of glory" in bringing about the fullness of God's glory for all creation - Col.1:27; 2Cor.3:18; Nu.14:21; Habk.2:14. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil.2:13), even for this far reaching and all encompassing ultimate purpose: "that in the dispensation (carrying out) of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in (to unity with) Christ (Himself), (all things) both which ARE in heaven and which ARE on earth (present tense necessitates past, present and future); even (those things already) in Him." Eph.1:10. "It pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell; and having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth or things in heaven." Col.1:19,20.

Because it is God's will and good pleasure in reconciling all, we are therefore exhorted now to pray for all men (1Tim.2:1), even to pray for love for our enemies (Matt.5:44), "for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour (of all men - 1Tim.4:10) who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the (saving) truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all ("the propitiation for our sin; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."1Jn.2:2) to be testified (made evident to all) in due time." 1Tim.2:4-6.

The timing and the placing are TOTALLY in God's hands - 1Cor.15:23; Ac.13:48; Ro.9:21-27. Did not Jesus Himself say, "And I, if I be lifted up (meaning crucified and glorified - Jn.12:28; 17:5; highly exalted - Eph.1:20,21; Phil.2:9 upon His ascension to the Father) from the earth, ( I ) will draw all men unto me. This He said, signifying what death He should die (concerning the accomplishment of His death for all on the cross)." Jn.12:32,33; 6:45. "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am He." Jn.8:28.

Oh, can you now see what the full significance and final accomplishment of this One's death and resurrection is to be, in revealing the complete and total grace of our awesome God, "that He by the grace of God should taste death for EVERY MAN." Heb.2:9. Truly, "the God of the WHOLE earth shall He be called." Isa.54:5. It is "to this end (purpose) Christ both died and rose, and revived (not in vain), that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living." Ro.14:9. "Unto God the Lord belong the issues from death." Psa.68:20. "For none of us liveth to himself and no man dieth to himself" (Ro.14:9), including the ungodly in this life. God is well able and willing "even to subdue ALL things unto Himself" (Phil.3:21), including all his enemies - 1Chr.17:10. "He that believeth in me, though he were dead yet shall he live." Jn.11:25. It is He, not man that has the keys of death and hell, not to lock man away in hell forever but to release him from both death and hell - Rev.1:8.

A L L THE DEAD

The Almighty's unfathomable love had already extended and will still extend, not only to the living but to all the dead. "For this reason was the gospel preached to EVERY creature under heaven." Col.1:23; Tit.2:11; 1Ptr.3:19; 4:6. "For since by man came death (not willingly, but by reason of Him [God] who hath subjected the same in hope - Ro.8:20), by man (vs.47) came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam (flesh, earthly nature) ALL DIE, even so in Christ (by and in His Spirit) shall ALL (the exact same all that are appointed to die) BE MADE ALIVE