THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
by Given O. Blakely
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PERSPECTIVES WHEN STUDYING GOD'S WORD . . . continued
A proper approach to God's Word requires a certain frame of mind. This
involves humility, honesty, and fervency--but goes beyond that. Every person is
prone to read the Bible through an intellectual filter. For some, it is the particular
emphasis of their denomination. For others, it is a private view that reflects
personal opinion rather that Divine will. In a sense, God has provided us the
templates through which the Word of God is viewed. When read with these
realities in mind, the Word of God comes home to our
hearts. These templates have been revealed in Scripture, and reveal the thrust of
revelation.
 Studying the Word with God's "eternal purpose" in mind
 God does have a purpose--an "eternal purpose." Remember, those that are
"called" by the Gospel, are called "according to His purpose" (Rom 8:28). It is
"the purpose of God" that will "stand," or be ultimately vindicated, not the will
of capricious men (Rom 9:11). When addressing the intention of God, the Spirit
speaks succinctly, challenging our hearts and minds. "Also we have obtained an
inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose Who works all
things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope
in Christ should be to the praise of His glory" (Eph 1:11-12). That purpose, or
objective, is called an "eternal purpose" (Eph 3:11). 
By this phrase, we learn that God's "purpose" is not a reaction to human need. It
is part of His nature, or character, and existed before the world was made. Paul
referred to this aspect of Divine intent when writing to Timothy, a young
evangelist. "Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according
to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us
in Christ Jesus from all eternity" (2 Tim 1:9). 
                      God has a free will
     At this point we touch upon God's free will. For many years I have heard men
speak about man's "free will," and rightly so. Man does have a free will--that is,
he is free to make his own choice. However, the reason man has a free will is
because God has one. That will is the Divine imagery in mankind. We are
begotten again by God's will, not ours. That is the point of this declaration, "who
were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,  but of
God" (John 1:11). Again, it is written, "In the exercise of His will He brought us
forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among
His creatures" (James 1:18). God saves no one He does not WANT to save, and
He does so in accordance with an "eternal purpose."
This purpose is multifaceted, having many sides. We will limit this study to four
aspects of that purpose. As you read the Word of God with these perspectives in
mind, it transforms the text into food for the soul. It is arresting how the
evidence of these realities is woven into the entire fabric of God's
Word. 
                        Some elaboration
Some elaboration of this perspective is necessary. The Word of God is best
comprehended when close to its heart, or when the purpose of God is perceived.
Those that are in "fellowship" with God's Son (1 Cor 1:9) are afforded the
privilege of seeing things from the vantage point of Divine intent.  This is a very
concentrated and concise view that does not major on details. It is powerful,
providing a means to understand the foundation of Scripture. The next level,
which is more broad, is found in the Person of Christ, as revealed in the Gospel.
Scripture is thus seen as an introduction to and exposition of the Lamb of God.
Prior to His advent, Scripture pointed to His coming. After His return to glory, it
pointed to His Person and accomplishments, urging men to believe on Him and
prepare for His return. In light of Jesus, God's purpose is broadened, and men are
encouraged to become participators rather than mere spectators. 
Next we enter the realm of reasoning, where holy men show the implications of
the truth, and its bearing upon our lives. The more of Jesus that is
comprehended, the less reasoning is necessary. The less clear the Son is to the
heart, the more reasoning is required. This pattern is seen throughout the
Epistles. Where churches had drifted from the Lord, the Apostle reasoned
concerning the foolishness of sin and the imperative of righteousness. 
The final appeal to men is made through instruction and law--the "how to"
approach. This is found in Scripture, but never for those close to Christ.
Promises are for those that walk in the light, commands are for those wandering
on the fringe. Do not balk at this! It makes no allowance for immorality, nor
does it encourage waywardness. The further a person is from the Lord, the less
Divine purpose can be perceived, and the less precious Jesus appears. To such,
regulation becomes imperative, to avoid their destruction. However, at some
point, if men want to make heaven their home, they must get to the matter of
God's "eternal purpose." That is at the heart of the matter!
(More on this subject tomorrow)
KEEP ALERT. THE NEW WORD OF TRUTH WEBSITE
IS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON.
In joyful expectation of glory,
Given O. Blakely