“He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.”
Ephesians 1:9-10
He made known to us the mystery of his will. “Known” here means having a thorough knowledge. It’s knowing, but having it made whole and complete to our hearts. It’s spiritual granite.
“Mystery”–it comes to only those who have been initiated, it’s a word that implies “exclusivity.” You can only understand if you’ve gone through all of the previous steps (verses 3-8). It’s going to be a locked book otherwise. You’ll think you know, but you really don’t have the slightest.
According to the good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time. Please don’t try to completely understand this. You will never quite grasp its significance. Perhaps He takes a kick out of saving us out of our confusion and sin in spite of our ignorance. He absolutely delights in saving you!
“He purposed in Christ.” He has a very specific motive–it’s His pleasure. And, it was waiting until the time was just right. It’s a plan that was just waiting for the perfect time to be launched. His perfect design that is now part of history, and, we’re part of this!
“I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.”
Jeremiah 29:11, NCV
To bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.” He’s the magnet of God. He pulls everything toward Him, like iron filings come together with a power that we can’t grasp–unless, we are initiated into this mystery. We really can’t grasp it until we’re “in Him, (phrase used 12x in this letter).
“In heaven…on earth” It shocks us to realize the totality of this idea. Jesus Christ is the center of the entire universe. It’s all about Him. History (his-story) can only be understood with Him as the “hub.” It doesn’t make sense otherwise. He’s the complete center of history. The entire universe is His.
“All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.”
John 1:3
“Christ the Redeemer” statue stands in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It’s considered as one of seven new “wonders of the world.”
Ephesians101 