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Ephesians 1:10: A Plan for the Fullness of Time


Ephesians 1:10
[10] as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (ESV)

So many people today live in fear of the future.  Recently, I overheard some people talking about the problem of us using all of our fossil fuels and wondering how we could continue to live on this Earth without them.  It is a legitimate concern if you do not know that there is a God who has a divine purpose not only for our present life, but for our future.

In Ephesians 1:10 Paul tells us that God has a plan for the fullness of time, which ultimately unites everything in Christ.  Let's talk about this phrase, "fullness of time."  In this verse, this phrase is referring to the completion of time. Let's back up a bit.  To understand the completion of time, we need to understand the concept of time in general.  Time is something that God created. It has a beginning.  It has an end.  God is infinite.  He exists outside of time and space. Genesis tells us of how God created all things, and that includes time.  Time also has an end.  And at the end of time, all things find their fullness in Christ, and those who belong to him will spend eternity with him in heaven.

So, when Paul describes the fullness of time, he brings comfort to us.  Our lives have purpose and fulfillment in Christ.  This world will end. We do not have to worry about running out of fossil fuels, over-population, or other worries. Consider this beautiful look at the world where time is no more.  We find a picture of this in the Apostle John's Revelation:

Revelation 21:1–4
[1] Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. [2] And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. [4] He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (ESV)

God has a plan for time.  It's purpose is found in uniting all things in Christ Jesus.  We do not need to worry about time.  But we do need to make the most of it.  Doing all things to glorify Jesus, whom we will live with forever when time is no more.  Glory be to God.

Are you overwhelmed by the future?  Does it bring you fear?  God has a purpose for the future and a future for you. Place your faith in God's hands.  Give glory to Jesus.  All things are united in Him.  As you are united with Jesus, you will find your fear melting away.

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