7 Facets of God's Worldwide Purpose
The book of Romans ends with these words:
"Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith--to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen." (Romans 16:25-27)
The epistle of Paul to the Romans may be the richest vein of Gold in the whole Bible. Rediscovery of its truth has been the cause of Revival and Reform throughout the history of Christianity. But in my study of this book over the years, I have not spent near as much time in the 2nd half of the book as in the first half. And even in the 2nd half, I have tended to ignore the last chapter (mostly greetings etc.).
But not long ago, as I read the last 3 verses of the book, I began to realize what a powerful statement of God's purpose with which the Apostle closed this letter. It really sums up everything in such a way that I am truly amazed that I have not spent more time in contemplating it.
First of all, it is God centered. It is a closing praise to Our sovereign God. He is "the everlasting God" and He is "alone wise", and to Him belongs "glory...forever".
Second, it is Centered on Jesus Christ, our Lord, 2nd person of the Trinity, God in the flesh. He is the subject of the gospel and preaching. Glory goes to God "through Jesus Christ". I might comment that Glory only goes to God through Jesus Christ! In fact, No one, ever, for any reason, has any access to the Father except through Him! (John 14:6).
Third, this benediction focuses on what it takes to "establish" us. This word in this place seems to summarize the totality of God's purpose in our lives. Not only does it incorporate preparing and securing us for Heaven, but it also covers making us fit to live on earth in this life and includes our obedience to God.
Fourth, these truths constitute the "gospel" and the "preaching of Jesus Christ". The essence of the message of Christ is involved here.
Fifth, this truth is revealed in Scripture. Scripture is the place where this is now revealed to us, and thus must be our source of information about the things of God and the authority to which we submit and render obedience. The gospel and preaching of Jesus Christ is "according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known". This mystery has been revealed through the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, dynamically demonstrated by the power of the Holy Spirit, and infallibly documented in the Scriptures.
Sixth, this revelation is sent forth for missional purpose to "all nations". The great commission is inherent in God's total purpose. In fact, this "commission" is really the "commandment of the everlasting God". Make no mistake here, fulfilling God's Mission of taking His gospel to all peoples is no less than: THE COMMANDMENT OF THE EVERLASTING GOD.
Seventh, the result that God is desiring among all nations is "obedience to the faith". This is not a mere assent to the gospel, but a faith that produces obedience to God and His word. We are saved by Faith. We are justified by Faith. Our works have nothing to do with obtaining salvation. But true salvation produces a life of obedience to God. It is here that we can see the importance of Obedience based Discipleship.
I know of no scripture that incorporates these vital elements of God's purpose any better than this. This confirms what we are learning in Church Planting Movements around the world. God's Kingdom expands among all peoples as Obedient Disciples are made to Jesus Christ. The Authority of the Word of God and the Operation of the Holy Spirit are all that are needed to begin. Discipling peoples in this way can really be called "Gospel Planting Movements" and constitute the "Preaching of Jesus Christ".
"Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith--to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen." (Romans 16:25-27)
The epistle of Paul to the Romans may be the richest vein of Gold in the whole Bible. Rediscovery of its truth has been the cause of Revival and Reform throughout the history of Christianity. But in my study of this book over the years, I have not spent near as much time in the 2nd half of the book as in the first half. And even in the 2nd half, I have tended to ignore the last chapter (mostly greetings etc.).
But not long ago, as I read the last 3 verses of the book, I began to realize what a powerful statement of God's purpose with which the Apostle closed this letter. It really sums up everything in such a way that I am truly amazed that I have not spent more time in contemplating it.
First of all, it is God centered. It is a closing praise to Our sovereign God. He is "the everlasting God" and He is "alone wise", and to Him belongs "glory...forever".
Second, it is Centered on Jesus Christ, our Lord, 2nd person of the Trinity, God in the flesh. He is the subject of the gospel and preaching. Glory goes to God "through Jesus Christ". I might comment that Glory only goes to God through Jesus Christ! In fact, No one, ever, for any reason, has any access to the Father except through Him! (John 14:6).
Third, this benediction focuses on what it takes to "establish" us. This word in this place seems to summarize the totality of God's purpose in our lives. Not only does it incorporate preparing and securing us for Heaven, but it also covers making us fit to live on earth in this life and includes our obedience to God.
Fourth, these truths constitute the "gospel" and the "preaching of Jesus Christ". The essence of the message of Christ is involved here.
Fifth, this truth is revealed in Scripture. Scripture is the place where this is now revealed to us, and thus must be our source of information about the things of God and the authority to which we submit and render obedience. The gospel and preaching of Jesus Christ is "according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known". This mystery has been revealed through the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, dynamically demonstrated by the power of the Holy Spirit, and infallibly documented in the Scriptures.
Sixth, this revelation is sent forth for missional purpose to "all nations". The great commission is inherent in God's total purpose. In fact, this "commission" is really the "commandment of the everlasting God". Make no mistake here, fulfilling God's Mission of taking His gospel to all peoples is no less than: THE COMMANDMENT OF THE EVERLASTING GOD.
Seventh, the result that God is desiring among all nations is "obedience to the faith". This is not a mere assent to the gospel, but a faith that produces obedience to God and His word. We are saved by Faith. We are justified by Faith. Our works have nothing to do with obtaining salvation. But true salvation produces a life of obedience to God. It is here that we can see the importance of Obedience based Discipleship.
I know of no scripture that incorporates these vital elements of God's purpose any better than this. This confirms what we are learning in Church Planting Movements around the world. God's Kingdom expands among all peoples as Obedient Disciples are made to Jesus Christ. The Authority of the Word of God and the Operation of the Holy Spirit are all that are needed to begin. Discipling peoples in this way can really be called "Gospel Planting Movements" and constitute the "Preaching of Jesus Christ".
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