Last week we saw how I believe the Lord is going to use the US election of November 5th to bring about His glorious purposes in the earth. We are part of this incredible plan. In this blog, I’m going to attempt to lay out this belief from a scriptural perspective.
We are a part of a process where everything on earth is moving to be consummated in Christ. We can see this in reference to Ephesians 1:7-10
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Paul is revealing a mystery that has not be seen before but is the essence of the new covenant. Creation began with being one with the Godhead. Sin entered the world and brought division. The purpose for the cross was to restore Gods original intent. We are part of that plan as Romans 8:19-21 (ESV) declares.
For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
The “mature” sons of God will have a part in restoring the earth from the destruction of sin to the glory of the Lord’s purpose. Maturity does not mean educational and social maturity but spiritual maturity. The remnant in this next season will truly be like the Lord Jesus Himself. The role of the 5-fold ministry is to equip and allow the bride to develop to spiritual maturity. To bring the body to maturity is to become one with Christ. We see this in Ephesians 4:11-16 (ESV)
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Notice that this life we’re moving into is not about doctrine but rather, it’s about love snd oneness that leads to correct functionality. The more we love selflessly, the more we come into proper relationship with Jesus and one another. Doctrine divides, Jesus’ love unifies. Being consumed in Christ means that we’re more concerned about Him getting the glory and not us. We want His divine purpose for every person, city, state and nation. That way knowledge of His glory will be seen in all the earth.
I believe this is what Jesus meant when He told His disciples to preach the gospel (good news) to all creation (Mark 16:15). Luke writes this in Acts 3:19-21
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.
Is it possible that the time of restoration began at the Day of Pentecost and not at His 2nd coming? It seems that the book of Revelation gives credence to this thought. Revelation is about the revealing of Jesus Christ and His overcoming of the enemy through every age, not simply the end of the age. We as believers are responsible to bring His Kingdom to earth wherever we live. I believe that’s the reason that the Apostle Paul refers to us as “ambassadors” of Christ in 2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
AN ambassador carried the authority of another kingdom into the kingdom where they live. How are we doing? I personally believe we saw a great example of that in this last election. Many believers stood up and said “enough”! We saw a major shift in our nation towards righteousness. We’re not finished yet. We’ve only just begun. What does the process to restoration look like? We’ll begin that journey in our next blog.