Before Time Began
“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” 2 Timothy 1:9
I have no doubt that there is a God. I also have no doubt that God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one. I have no doubt that the Genesis account of the creation of this world and of the steps God began to reconcile all mankind to him. I have no doubt that before time began God knew me and most amazingly, loved me.
I am in awe and amazed at this knowledge. God chose us knowing what would happen thousands of years ago. He also knew who would choose Him and He has not only given us life and love but also purpose.
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” Mark 12:30,31
Our purpose is to love God and to love others. Life, gives us many tasks and obligations along the way. But, woven through it all, we are to demonstrate the most amazing characteristic of God, love.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
Not only does God know us, has given us purpose in life, but also a place in His plan. Reconciliation is the main purpose and while we’re here to be light and salt. We are also to live as close to God’s heart as possible in purity of life and of mind. When you contemplate what’s really important in life, why would you ever choose those things that are not of lasting value? In this world, those who are on the outside physically beautiful or who have gained in prosperity are treated with respect and with deference. We, on the other hand may have or achieve these things, but they’re not our focus – they don’t define us. Our purpose, our definition should be, “Do they see Christ in me?”
Ephesians 1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Paul writes to the believers in Ephesus sharing just exactly what I have in my heart to share. That the knowledge of the purpose of our life in Christ gives us grace and peace. That before time began God chose us – He gave all the opportunity to choose him. In choosing us, God shares how He wants us to live.
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
People confuse predestination. It’s not that God chose certain people to be saved – the offer is out there to all who will choose Him. It’s that His purpose of reconciliation involves us and once we’ve accepted Christ as Savior we now have a purpose to live like Christ, live in purity and to live for others that they too might come to God.
8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
10 That in the dispensation of the fulness 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:
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
How do we gain wisdom and knowledge of God’s purpose for our lives? Simply by reading His word; spending time praying and fellowshipping with other believers. We grow in knowledge and wisdom. We live our lives to our best potential to the end that some day God’s full plan will be fulfilled and our part, whether big or small is of great importance to God.
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
Through our growing knowledge of God and of His purpose we extend ourselves to others in living our lives so that others can see Christ, but we also pray for one another wishing God’s fulness and blessing in each other’s lives.
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
We also, like Paul, want to grown in our own knowledge and understanding of God, but also want each one in Christ to grow in that same knowledge – for the joy and peace of it.
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
For Christ’s sake. How marvelous it is to know, that before time began – God knew you. Before time began God chose to reconcile us to Himself. Before time began he has a purpose for us all. Knowing this we can grow in wisdom and in knowledge, we can live in purity, grace and peace and we can live for others. Knowing this we can understand our importance in this world is beyond the physical or the material. Knowing this each dawning morning can bring a renewal of joy, of love and of peace that God gave us the gift of today, the gift of reconciliation, the gift of love to walk as Christ did and make a difference.
“Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.”
Ezra 10:4