What is God's plan for us?
By Nelson Thomas Mumbai
Introduction:- We have seen the importance of God's plan in our last study, now we shall go to those very purposes of God. When we consider God's plan for man we can view it in two aspects:-
General – that affects all mankind collectively.
Personal - that affects each one individually.
In this study we will focus on the first one. God's plan for my personal life is very much private and that must be sought and found individually through the reading of God's word and prayer. Certainly, we can get guidance from others in connection with finding God's will for our individual life, yet in the final analysis it is very much personal, that's why we just leave that aspect here.
Let me also add one important principle here, God can never guide us contrary to what He has already revealed in the word of God. We can not blindly follow some individual's suggestion; test every thing in the light of God's word. If any body is interested to know more on that aspect definitely, we will try our best help you.
God's purposes for humankind
We have considered the reality of God's purposes for us and its importance. Now we will reflect on what God has designed for man in a general manner. Even this general purpose of God is numerous that we can not discuss everything here. The entire word of God reveals such plan and purposes that God has for humanity.
One thing we must remember that God has already revealed His will for us in the scriptures. We ought to read the word of God prayerfully in its context and find out what God wants us to believe and practice. Notice that while we search the scriptures bear mind, there are three ways God reveals His will for us:-
• Direct commandments. In plain words we are told to do or not to do.
• Principles that we can observe.
• Lessons that we can learn from incidents or life stories.
We will see just few important direct commandments without much explanation.
1. Enjoy God's presence and glory Him.
More than three centuries ago then church leaders gathered at Westminster summarized the most important goal of man in these words, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever”. I think we can never improve upon that brilliant proclamation. The study of the Bible very clearly teaches that God created man to enjoy His fellowship. In the Garden of Eden man could enjoy all the blessings, even God. He could live in God's presence and be the ruler of the garden. Genesis. 2. Psalm.8:4—8.
But alas, sin marred this prime purpose of God. Disobedience to God's command destroyed all the privileges of man and was separated from God. Genesis. 3:16 —24. Romans.3:23.
The consequences of the fall of man are still evident. Away from God and His ways, he lives not only in evil but also in despair. He has no peace, no satisfaction.
Yet, the God who is loving and merciful prepared a way to bring back the fallen man to this original purpose of God. Through the Lord Jesus Christ God found a means that sin of man may be punished as a substitute and man may be forgiven. Romans. 3:24 —26. The Lord Jesus Christ took our curse and death and died as an atoning death. He took our place that we if accept Him as our savior and Lord we don't need to face the eternal punishment. 1Corinthians.15:3—5. 2Corinthins.5:21. Romans.8:1
Not only to forgive man, but restore to the state prior to fall and even much more. Thus we see still God's primary target for man is to know, enjoy and glorify Him. John.17:24; 1Corinthains.10:31.
Do you really know your creator? Do you enjoy His presence and exalt His great name through your life? That should be our most important goal in life.
2. All men may be saved. 1Timothy. 2:3, 5.
“ This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our saviour who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1Timothy. 2:3, 5.
We have seen already that though man disobeyed God and followed Satan, God did not forsake the fallen man. After accomplishing the work of salvation on the cross of Calvary through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, God is proclaiming the gospel of salvation to all mankind.
God has no pleasure in the death of a wicked. He wants people to repent and be saved. Ezekiel.18:23, 32. What does it mean?
Devil's Deception
The soul that sins shall die, that is eternal separation in hell fire. Revelation. 20:11 —15; 21:8. From such terrible state after death, God wants to deliver man by His Son. John.6:29, 39, 40. The Bible says that hell has been created for devil and his angels, never for man, but man deceived by Satan steps towards there. Matthew.25:41. It is the condition of every human being, whether he knows it or nor; acknowledges it or not. Romans.3:10—23. “Through one man sin entered in to the world, and death through sin, and death spread to all men, because all sinned. ” Romans.5:12
God's Grace
God in His grace and kindness provided the way of salvation for man through the sacrifice of the Christ as a substitute. He suffered for our offences and was raised again for our justification. Romans.4:24, 25; 8:1; 2Corinthins. 5:21 . If confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in our heart that God has raised Him from the dead we shall be saved. Romans.10:9. “ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness .” 1John.1:9.
There is no need for man to live in sin and its consequences today. “ Why should you die, O house of Israel ? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies, say the Lord God, “Therefore turn and live !” Ezekiel.18:31b, 32.
“ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (The Lord Jesus Christ), that who ever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life ” John.3:16. No need to perish, no need to die eternally, no need to live in despair! What a comforting message for an awakened sinner. This is the gospel truth, the good news for man.
Saviour's Call
God is lovingly inviting man to repent and come to Him. The word of God is filled with such wonderful call of God.
“Look to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other .” Isaiah.45:22.
“ Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew.11:28
“ Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.” Acts.17:30.
Noting more Important: Repent & Return
This is the second most important plan God has for humanity. Till this aspect of God's plan is fulfilled in our life, there is no meaning in seeking God's will on other facet of life. In other words this is basic requirement from God to the fallen, sinful man that he may repent and turn to God. Then and there alone man can enjoy God, His presence and all the blessings that He would graciously grant.
There are many who often seek God's will for their life but not interested to forsake sin and turn to the one and only saviour of mankind-the Lord Jesus Christ. Such approach is not pleasing to God and they can not find God' will either, because they are already disobedient in the basic things of God's program for man. For sinful man today, there is nothing more important than to repent, return to our creator and be saved.
Is your soul saved? Have you repented of your sins and come to the saviour for salvation? Are you sure that if you die to day, your spirit will be in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ?
Decision yours
God's will for every one is that all may be saved from the eternal condemnation, experience fellowship with God and enjoy His blessings.
Dear friend why die? Why live in sin?
Why indulge in things can never satisfy you?
Your creator is calling, waiting, patiently.
Will you come? Decision is yours and yours alone?
3. Know the truth.
“ This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our saviour who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1Timothy. 2:3, 5.
Notice that last part of the verse. God’s desire for man is not only to be saved but also to come to the knowledge of the truth. The experience of salvation and the knowledge of it, though sounds similar both are two different experiences. One refers to the deliverance one gets from the punishment by believing Christ as saviour, the others refers to the assurance of it by knowing the truth of the gospel. That demands regular and diligent study of the Bible.
Apostle Paul often repeats this phrase, ‘you should not be ignorant brethren’. Ignorance is dangerous, for it robs our confidence, our joy and many blessings we would have experienced. The Lord rebukes Judah for their ignorance. Hosea. 4:6. The Lord says they perish due to ignorance. The Lord Jesus Christ said, you err because of ignorance. Mark.12:24.
That’s why John says, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1John.5:13. Not only to believe to but we should know what we have in Christ. It is this awareness of the scripture truths that helps us to become strong and matured spiritually. 1Peter.3:18.
Are you a growing Christian? Are you aware of your possessions / blessings in Christ? It is through the constant meditation of God’s word that we familiarize with the scripture truth and the Lord uses that awareness to encourage, strengthen and edify us spiritually. The Lord wants us to grow in the knowledge of the truth. Read-study and know the word of God –The Bible. 2Timothy. 3:14—17.
Conclusion:-
The Bible presents much more divinely designed purposes for man. It will be very good to make a detailed study on the will of God found in the Bible.
It is God’s will that every one may be filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Eph. 5:17. Sanctification – a holy and separated life is God’s will for a Christian. Cf. 1Thess. 4: 3. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:16 –18, It is God’s will that a believer rejoice always, pray with out ceasing and in everything give thanks to God.
One thing absolutely clear, knowing God’s will for us, the very purpose of our existence and living accordingly will make us happy and blessed people indeed.
NTK
Next:- Where am I going?
06/10/2008
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