Purpose of God

God’s purpose will be accomplished

Isaiah 46:10–11 KJV 1900

Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times the things that are not yet done, Saying, My counsel shall stand, And I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, The man that executeth my counsel from a far country: Yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

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God’s purpose prevails

It stands for ever

Psalm 33:11 KJV 1900

The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, The thoughts of his heart to all generations.

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It cannot be thwarted by human beings

Proverbs 19:21 KJV 1900

There are many devices in a man’s heart; Nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.

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It cannot be thwarted by evil powers

Revelation 17:17 KJV 1900

For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

See also The implication is that evil is subject to God’s control and operates within the determined limits of his sovereign purpose; ; ;

It prevails in people’s lives and circumstances

Proverbs 16:9 KJV 1900

A man’s heart deviseth his way: But the Lord directeth his steps.

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It is fulfilled through his choice of individuals

God’s choice of individuals does not invalidate their free will to do or not to do anything, nor remove their answerability to God for their actions.

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Examples of the actions of evil people serving God’s purpose

Acts 2:23 KJV 1900

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

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People can reject God’s purposes in their lives

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Examples of God’s purposes being worked out

in the life of Joseph

Through Cyrus:

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In the life of Paul:

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God’s purpose is founded on divine wisdom

Ephesians 3:10–11 KJV 1900

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

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God’s purpose is determined from eternity

2 Timothy 1:9 KJV 1900

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,

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God’s purpose is for his own glory

Exodus 9:16 KJV 1900

And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

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God’s purpose for his people

God reveals his purpose to his people

Amos 3:7 KJV 1900

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, But he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

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Its fulness is beyond human understanding

Romans 11:33 KJV 1900

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

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It is good and loving

Romans 8:28 KJV 1900

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

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God’s purpose is revealed through Jesus Christ

In the church

Ephesians 3:10–11 KJV 1900

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

It centres on the cross

Isaiah 53:10 KJV 1900

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

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It is God’s purpose to redeem the world through the cross

; Jesus Christ often speaks of his appointed “hour”. In John’s Gospel in particular his “hour” refers to the cross. Jesus Christ refuses to allow anything except the cross to be the climax of his ministry (Jn 12:27).; ; ; ;

It is God’s purpose to exalt and establish Jesus Christ as Lord

Ephesians 1:9–10 KJV 1900

Having made known unto us 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 in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

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Jesus Christ submits to God’s purpose

John 6:38 KJV 1900

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

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God’s ultimate purpose is to save

The salvation of people through Jesus Christ

John 6:40 KJV 1900

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

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Specific aspects of God’s purpose in salvation

knowing heavenly life; being conformed to Jesus Christ; being holy and blameless; becoming unified; that the wisdom of God be revealed

God wills that people submit to his purposes

James 4:15 KJV 1900

For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

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God’s people should pray for the fulfilment of his purposes

Matthew 6:9–10 KJV 1900

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.