Paul’s Footsteps #123

Footsteps # 123

While space does not permit a detail exposition of 1Corinthians, there is a precious truth that comes from 1Cor.4 that is dear to my heart. In this chapter Paul says that we have been “entrusted with the mysteries of God” that He has revealed in Christ (v1-2). In v9 he says, using the Roman arena as an illustration, that “God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession… We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, (literally “theatre of the universe”) to angels as well as to human beings.”(NIV). The cosmic dimension to our suffering is further explained when he later says “…God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. So please don’t lose heart…” Eph.3:8-13NLT. We should remember there is a cosmic dimension to our anguish and that God will eventually draw the curtain on this world of sin and suffering.  These verses and others throw light on Rev.12:7-12 which talks about Lucifer’s rebellion in heaven.

When this planets rebellion us over, and we are no longer as Paul calls it, “the theatre of the universe,” all things will have “been revealed to the principalities and powers in the heavenly realms.” The last act in the drama of the ages is run, God draws the curtain declaring through John, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away… and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat on the throne said, behold, I make all things new. And he said to me, write: for these words are true and faithful.” Rev.21:1-5 Earth is cleansed, Eden is restored. This is the blessed hope.

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