The Mystery of His Will—Ephesians 1:9-10

“And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.” (Ephesians 1:9-10)

What if our redemption was meant only for this world? Don’t we live this way? Don’t we have a narrow view of what was accomplished on the cross? I know I do. I get so wrapped up in day-to-day living that I lose track of the bigger picture.

In the previous verses, we are told that we have been redeemed and forgiven in accordance with God’s grace (Eph. 1:7). Then Paul mentions that this has been lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding (Eph. 1:8). I truly believe he says this so we will understand the next statement, “…and he made known to us the mystery of his will” (Eph. 1:9a).

In the New Testament, the word mystery appears 27 times, and each time it conveys an idea that was previously unknown and something only known as God reveals it. Mystery cannot be conceived apart from that revelation. It also carries the weight of the idea, meaning the response is life-changing. The notion will change our viewpoint and, by proximity, our behavior.

We have been redeemed so God could reveal His plan and will to us, and this is it: “…to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ” (Eph. 1:10).

Paul E. Billheimer, in his book, Destined for the Throne, observes, “If one wants to know the meaning and purpose of history, he must look at the end, the final outcome, the net result. Since prophecy is history written in advance, we have history’s final chapter in the Book of Revelation. Turning to the closing pages, what emerges as the finished product of the ages? It is one thing and one alone: the Eternal Companion of Jesus Christ, wholly God and wholly man. The final and ultimate outcome and goal of events from eternity to eternity, the finished product of all the ages, is the spotless Bride of Christ, united with Him at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and seated with her heavenly Bridegroom upon the throne of the universe—ruling and reigning with Him over an ever-increasing and expanding Kingdom” (Paul E. Billheimer).

God is bringing everything together under the Lordship of Jesus, and He is setting apart for Himself the Church as a redeemed bride. This has been the plan from beginning to end. While we do not completely experience this now, when the times reach their fulfillment in the millennial reign of Christ, then everything will be subject to Him (1 Cor. 15:24-29; Phil. 2:10-11; Rev. 21:1-4).

This is an amazing revelation! God, in Christ, is creating for Himself the Church as a redeemed bride (Eph. 1:22-23). And we have a huge role to play both in this age and the one to come. This is why God chose us, blessed us with every spiritual blessing, and lavished all wisdom and understanding on us—so we could understand His will and get on board with all that He has been doing since the beginning of time!

This starts with making Christ the Lord of your life—this aligns you with God’s eternal purpose and will. Today, will you take a moment to quiet yourself and adjust your heart to His will? Start by asking Him to reveal this mystery to you and let understanding of that be the catalyst of change. Here’s the promise, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord” (Jer. 29:13-14a).