module 1—pdf slides—eternal purpose of god
DESCRIPTION
God's eternal purpose—to author a covenant community, blessed to be a blessing to all the nations of the worldTRANSCRIPT
the eternal purpose of God
the destiny of the messianic covenant community
the eternal purpose of God
biblical panorama • reveals fascinating, foundational insight :
God’s eternal purpose • “the church the manifold wisdom of God,
according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord…”
— Ephesians 3.10-11
biblical covenants • historical narratives of scripture held together
by underlying covenants • without understanding covenant, God’s actions,
intentions appear mysterious, changeable • key to understanding God’s purpose for creation
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
I will establish one of your descendants to succeed you, one of
your flesh and blood; and I will set up his rulership. He will build a house for my name and I will establish his
royal throne forever. I will be a father for him and he will be a son for me. Thus your house and your
kingdom will be made secure forever before you; your throne will be set
up forever.
Now if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the people, for all the earth is mine;
and you will be a kingdom of priests and a nation set apart
“I will execute judgement against all the gods of Egypt: I the LORD. The blood will serve you as a sign
marking the house where you are: when I see the blood, I will pass over you—when I strike the land of Egypt, the death blow
will not strike you
I will make you a great nation, I will bless you and I will make
your name great and you are to be a blessing and I will bless
those who bless you and I will curse those who curse you and by you Abraham all the families of
the earth will be blessed
I am herewith establishing my covenant with you and your
descendants after you... never again will I curse the ground…
nor will I ever destroy all living things
the ground is cursed on your account; you will work hard to eat from it as long as you live;
you will eat bread by the sweat of your forehead till you return to the ground… you will
return to the dust
be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it
it is called Babel [confusion]—because there the LORD
confused the language of the whole earth and from there the Lord scattered them all
over the earth—Gen.11
biblical panorama — “big picture”
BIBLICAL HISTORY
crea
tion
creation blessing—genesis 1:28-30
deat
h
creation curse—genesis 3:8-24
floo
d
tow
er
prom
ise
exod
us
nati
on
land
judges, priests prophets, kings
kingdom
noah covenant—genesis 6-9
abraham covenant—genesis 12:1-3
israel covenant—exodus 19:4-6
david covenant—2 samuel 7:12-16
isaac, jacob—genesis 17, 26
biblical, salvation history progressively reveals God’s
plan and purpose
in the beginning, God created
the heavens and the earth
exile
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
I will establish one of your descendants to succeed you, one of
your flesh and blood; and I will set up his rulership. He will build a house for my name and I will establish his
royal throne forever. I will be a father for him and he will be a son for me. Thus your house and your
kingdom will be made secure forever before you; your throne will be set
up forever.
Now if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the people, for all the earth is mine;
and you will be a kingdom of priests and a nation set apart
“I will execute judgement against all the gods of Egypt: I the LORD. The blood will serve you as a sign
marking the house where you are: when I see the blood, I will pass over you—when I strike the land of Egypt, the death blow
will not strike you
I will make you a great nation, I will bless you and I will make
your name great and you are to be a blessing and I will bless
those who bless you and I will curse those who curse you and by you Abraham all the families of
the earth will be blessed
I am herewith establishing my covenant with you and your
descendants after you... never again will I curse the ground…
nor will I ever destroy all living things
the ground is cursed on your account; you will work hard to eat from it as long as you live;
you will eat bread by the sweat of your forehead till you return to the ground… you will
return to the dust
be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it
it is called Babel [confusion]—because there the LORD
confused the language of the whole earth and from there the Lord scattered them all
over the earth—Gen.11
biblical panorama — “big picture”
BIBLICAL HISTORY
crea
tion
creation blessing—genesis 1:28-30
deat
h
creation curse—genesis 3:8-24
floo
d
tow
er
prom
ise
exod
us
nati
on
land
judges, priests prophets, kings
kingdom
noah covenant—genesis 6-9
abraham covenant—genesis 12:1-3
israel covenant—exodus 19:4-6
david covenant—2 samuel 7:12-16
isaac, jacob—genesis 17, 26
biblical, salvation history progressively reveals God’s
plan and purpose
in the beginning, God created
the heavens and the earth
exile
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
what is covenant?
berîyth • “compact, covenant, alliance, bargain” • “binding arrangement” • “cut” – kãrath
over 250 occurrences in old testament • secular: treaty, alliance, constitution,
agreement, pledge, oath — Genesis 21.22-32; 26.26-33; 31.43-54
• theological: binding arrangement. solemn commitment
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
ancient near-eastern covenants
mutual, negotiated • weaker parties could approach stronger
“suzerain-vassal” • victorious “suzerain” initiates • determines purpose of covenant • promises rewards, punishments; swears oath • conquered “vassal” invited to consent • return allegiance, service, tax • echoed in Sinai covenant with Israel
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
nature of covenant
covenant • binding arrangement, obligation or • solemn commitment… • formalising relationship between two parties • confirmed by sworn oaths • typically sealed with sacrificial meal
blessings, curses • protection, rewards for covenant observance • consequences of covenant violation
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
nature of divine covenant
God designs, initiates binding obligation • without human negotiation • swears oath – by his self
reveals covenant arrangements to Patriarchs • sets forth his intention, his purpose for
covenant, community • sets out promises, blessings, curses • invites response of allegiance, loyalty
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
language of divine covenant
make covenant… — Genesis 9.12; 17.2; Exodus 34.10 ff.
establish my covenant… — Genesis 9.9,11; 17.7-21; Leviticus 26.9
keep my covenant… — Genesis 17.9,10; Exodus 19.5; Deut. 7.12
break my covenant… — Genesis 17.14; Lev. 26.44; Deut. 31.16
everlasting covenant… — Genesis 9.16; 17.7,13,19; Jeremiah 32.40
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
certainty of divine covenant
for when God made his promise to Abraham, he swore an oath to do what he had promised and since there was no one greater than himself for him to swear by, he swore by himself… therefore
when God wanted to demonstrate still more convincingly
the unchangeable character of his intentions to those who were to receive what he had promised,
he added an oath to the promise — Hebrews 6.13-18
God wanted to demonstrate
the unchangeable character of his intentions
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
purpose of divine covenant
revelation of divine intentions, plan • “I will establish my covenant with you” • “I will give you this land”
preparation of covenant community • “you will be my people, I will be your God” • “you will be a great nation” • “you will be a priestly kingdom”
restoration of creation purpose • reversal of curse, promotion of blessing • “blessed to be a blessing to all… the earth” • “a new heaven and a new earth”
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
I will make you a great nation, I will bless you and I will make your name great and
you are to be a blessing and I will bless those who bless you and I will curse those who curse you and
by you Abraham all the families of the earth will be blessed
— Genesis 12.1-3
covenant with Abraham
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
reveals, expresses God’s commitment to bless all the families of the earth
through ‘a great nation’
God is committed to restoring his creation, marred by human rebellion,
using a covenant community to bring human beings back into right relationship with him
covenant with Abraham
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
I will make you a great nation, I will bless you and I will make your name great and you are to
be a blessing and I will bless those who bless you and I will
curse those who curse you and by you Abraham all the families of
the earth will be blessed
biblical panorama — “big picture”
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
BIBLICAL HISTORY
crea
tion
creation blessing—genesis 1:28-30
fall
creation curse—genesis 3:8-24
floo
d
tow
er
prom
ise
exod
us
nati
on
land
judges, priests prophets, kings
kingdom
noah covenant—genesis 6-9
abraham covenant—genesis 12
sinai covenant—exodus 19
david covenant—genesis 6-9
passover—exodus 12
BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING, TO EVERY FAMILY ON EARTH
a great nation
Israel – a chosen people
Adonai your God has chosen you out of all the people on the face of the earth… Adonai didn’t set his heart on you or choose you because you numbered more that any other people… you were the fewest of peoples.
Rather, it was because Adonai loved you and because he wanted to keep the oath which he had sworn to your ancestors…
From this you can know that Adonai your God is indeed God, the faithful God who keeps his covenant and extends grace to those who love him and observe his commandments…
— Deuteronomy 7.7-9
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the
peoples, for all the earth is mine and
you will be a kingdom of priests and a nation set apart
— Exodus 19.4-6 — also Exodus 6:2-6; Leviticus 26.9 Deuteronomy 8.18; Ezekiel 16.60-62
Israel – a nation set apart
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
“keep my covenant” • refers to covenant with Abraham • invites people of Israel into covenant
establishes God’s kingship over Israel • a nation redeemed from an oppressor • God’s possession, his subjects (vassals)
forms covenant community • a royal priesthood to mediate his presence • a nation set apart to serve his purpose • … amidst nations of whole earth
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
covenant with Israel
keeping covenant
faithful allegiance of God’s people • preserving solemn relationship, commitment • submission, obedience to covenant terms • useful to God’s purposes • blessed to be a blessing…
faithlessness of God’s people • cursed, rejected, possibly eternally • frustrates God’s plans • does not alter God’s sworn obligation… • his unchanging, covenant purpose endures
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
Israel – sign to the nations
I have taught you decrees and laws …observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, ‘surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people’
— Deuteronomy 4:5-6
if you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands that I give you today, the LORD your God will raise you high above all the nations on earth
— Deuteronomy 28:1
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
Israel – light to the nations
I will make you a light to the nations… that my salvation can spread to ends of the earth
— Isaiah 42:6, 49:6
foreigners… join themselves to the Lord to serve him, to love the name of the Lord and to be his workers… hold fast to his covenant… for my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples
— Isaiah 56.6-7
all nations will serve him… the whole earth filled with his glory
— Psalm 72
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
reveals, expresses God’s commitment to use a chosen people—a covenant community—
in order to reveal his love and glory to the whole world
God chooses an unimportant tribe of people to demonstrate through them his goodness, kindness and loving faithfulness towards a world of people
that has rebelled against his creation purposes
covenant with Israel
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
I will also make you a light to the nations,
so that my salvation can spread to the ends of the earth
my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples
keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the peoples, for all the
earth is mine
and you will be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation
I will make you a great nation,..
I will bless you and I will make your name great and you are to
be a blessing …
by you Abraham all the families of the earth will be blessed
biblical panorama — “big picture”
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
BIBLICAL HISTORY
crea
tion
creation blessing—genesis 1:28-30
fall
creation curse—genesis 3:8-24
floo
d
tow
er
prom
ise
exod
us
nati
on
land
judges, priests prophets, kings
kingdom
noah covenant—genesis 6-9
abraham covenant—genesis 12
sinai covenant—exodus 19
david covenant—genesis 6-9
passover—exodus 12
BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING, TO EVERY FAMILY ON EARTH
first covenant with house of Israel
agreatna(on aroyalpriesthood ahouseofprayerforallpeoples
a light to the gentiles
I will establish one of your descendants to succeed you, one of your flesh and blood; and I will set up his rulership;
he will build a house for my name and I will establish his royal throne forever;
I will be a father for him and he will be a son for me;
thus your house and your kingdom will be made secure forever before you;
your throne will be set up forever — 2 Samuel 7.12-16
covenant with David
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
effect of covenant with David
‘kingdom’ grafted into covenant purposes — Daniel 9.25; 2 Samuel 23.5; Isaiah 55.3
“one of your descendants” • identified as “anointed one”—“messiah” • Jewish nation looks to God to restore them
through a messianic deliverer… • …for nearly one thousand years, even during
Babylonian domination and exile
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
reveals, expresses God’s commitment to establish his kingdom reign on earth through one of David’s descendants relating to him as a Son to a Father
God promises an Anointed King-to-come— a Messiah—who will restore the covenant
community of Israel and establish the Reign of God eternally
purpose of covenant with David
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
I will cut a new covenant with the house of Israel,
I will put my torah within them and write it upon their
hearts; they will be my people and I will be their God
I will establish one of your descendants to succeed you, one of your flesh and blood; and I will set up his rulership; he will build a house for my name and I will
establish his royal throne forever; I will be a father for him
and he will be a son for me
biblical panorama — “big picture”
crea
tion
creation blessing—genesis 1:28-30
fall
creation curse—genesis 3:8-24
floo
d
tow
er
prom
ise
exod
us
nati
on
land
judges, priests prophets, kings
kingdom exile
noah covenant—genesis 6-9
abraham covenant—genesis 12
sinai covenant—exodus 19
david covenant—genesis 6-9
passover—exodus 12
BIBLICAL HISTORY
new covenant—jeremiah 31
MES
SIA
H
BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING, TO EVERY FAMILY ON EARTH
a great nation a royal priesthood a house of prayer for all nations
first covenant with house of Israel
a light to the gentiles
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
idolatry and exile
following David’s death, Solomon rules, first wisely, then committing idolatry, leading to • fragmentation into houses of Israel, of Judah • each exiled from Land when fail to turn from
idolatry, rebellion exile symbolises God’s ongoing judgement,
constant, painful reminder of Israel’s sins… “by the rivers of Babylon we sat down and wept, as we remembered Zion”
— Psalm 137
return from exile represents grace, sign of God’s forgiveness of Israel’s sin
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
Israel’s return, renewal
popular interpretation of hope • a glorious messianic, Davidic king • deliverance from Gentile enemies • restoration : “head not the tail”
prophetic interpretation of hope • an inglorious, despised, sacrificial, messianic,
intercessory prophet — Isaiah 53
• a renewed, faithful covenant community • intimate knowledge of Torah, the Lord
— Jeremiah 31, Ezekiel 37
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
new covenant prophesied
I will cut a new covenant with the house of Israel I will put my torah within them and write it upon
their hearts; they will be my people and I will be their God… all will know me, from the least to the greatest,
because I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more
— Jeremiah 31.31-34
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
new covenant characteristics
made “with the house of Israel” • within framework of Abraham covenant • Jesus “sent to lost sheep of house of Israel”
— Genesis 17.7; Matthew 15.24
provides new intimacy with God • barrier of sins removed • torah written upon hearts • know God – from least to greatest • be Adonai’s people • Adonai will be their God
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
as Jewish prophet (“Son of Man”) • calls people to repentance • challenges traditions, Israel’s leadership
as Anointed Messiah (King, “Son of David”) • revises Torah • anointed by the Spirit • takes Israel’s sins upon himself
as High Priest (“order of Melchizedek”) • presents himself as a sacrificial offering • guarantees “a better covenant” • intercedes forever by power of indestructible life
Jesus intercession for Israel
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
Jewish commemoration of receiving torah — Exodus 34.22, Deut. 16.9-10
realised, fulfilled by outpouring, indwelling of Spirit
• torah “written upon hearts” — Romans 8.1-7
• providing new intimacy with God — Romans 8.26-27
Pentecost
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
go and make disciples of all nations (ethnos)
suddenly there came a sound from the sky like the roar of a violent wind and it filled the whole house where they were
sitting… they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk
in different languages…
how much better is the covenant of which Jesus has become a
guarantor
I will cut a new covenant with the house of Israel,
I will put my torah within them and write it upon their
hearts; they will be my people and I will be their God
I will establish one of your descendants to succeed you, one of your flesh and blood; and I will set up his rulership; he will build a house for my name and I will
establish his royal throne forever; I will be a father for him
and he will be a son for me body of Messiah
mystery revealed
biblical panorama — “big picture”
crea
tion
creation blessing—genesis 1:28-30
fall
creation curse—genesis 3:8-24
floo
d
tow
er
prom
ise
exod
us
nati
on
land
judges, priests prophets, kings
kingdom exile
noah covenant—genesis 6-9
abraham covenant—genesis 12
sinai covenant—exodus 19
david covenant—genesis 6-9
passover—exodus 12
BIBLICAL HISTORY
new covenant—jeremiah 31
MES
SIA
H
pent
ecos
t
new covenant with house of Israel
make disciples of all nations
BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING, TO EVERY FAMILY ON EARTH
a great nation a royal priesthood a house of prayer for all nations
first covenant with house of Israel
a light to the gentiles
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
“all nations”… gentiles?
“make disciples of all nations (ethnos)” • new covenant with “house of Israel”… • Jews amongst all nations? • “ethnos” = gentiles • confirmation of hints from Jesus, Tanakh
— Matthew 8.8-12; Luke 14.15-24 — Acts 10-15; Romans 9.24-25, 10.19
gentile incorporation into covenant community…
• social questions… • covenant (theological) questions…
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
overcome Jewish, gentile tradition, prejudice • “for a man who is a Jew to have a close
association with someone who belongs to another people, or to come and visit him, is something that just isn’t done”
— Acts 10:28-29
new revelation of acceptability of all peoples • “but God has shown me not to call any person
common or unclean… I now understand that God does not play favourites, but that whoever fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him, no matter what people he belongs to.”
— Acts 10:34-35
social incorporation of gentiles
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
covenant incorporation of gentiles
theological questions • roots : patriarchs, covenants, history?
— Romans 9.4-5
• require Jewish conversion, circumcision? — Romans 11.16-24, 9.4; Galatians 6.15
Sh’aul, Paul • trained as Pharisee (“Parush”) • takes on task of theological explanation • defends messianic covenant, community
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
gentiles : foreigners to the covenants
remember your former state: you gentiles by birth…
at that time had no Messiah; you were estranged from the national life of Israel; you were foreigners to the covenants embodying
God’s promise; you were in this world without hope and without
God — Ephesians 2.11-12
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
gentiles : once far off, now brought near
but now, you who were once far off have been brought near through the shedding of Messiah’s blood;
for he himself is our shalom — he has made us both one and has broken down the m’chitzah which divided us, by destroying in his own body the enmity occasioned by the Torah…
he did this in order to create in union with himself from the two groups a single new humanity and thus make shalom…
— Ephesians 2.13-15
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
gentiles : members of God’s family
when he came he announced as Good News shalom to you far off and shalom to those nearby, news that through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father
so then you are no longer foreigners and strangers; on the contrary, you are fellow-citizens with God’s people and members of God’s family
— Ephesians 2.17-19
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
former state of gentiles
…in this world without hope • without God • no Messiah
… estranged • from the national life of Israel • foreigners to the covenants
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
new state of gentiles
… through being united with Messiah • fellow citizens of God’s family • joined to house, commonwealth of Israel • grafted into vine of Israel • incorporated into covenant community
… resulting in • messianic, new-covenant community • single new humanity of Jews, gentiles • mystical body of messiah
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
gentiles share faith of Abraham
the Tanakh, foreseeing that God would consider the Gentiles righteous when they live by trusting and being faithful,
told the Good News to Abraham in advance, by saying,
“in connection with you, all nations will be blessed”
— Galatians 3.8
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
gentile receive blessing of Abraham
Jesus did this so that in union with him the Gentiles might receive the blessing announced to Abraham,
so that through trusting and being faithful we might receive what was promised, namely, the Spirit…
in union with the Messiah, you are all children of God through this trusting faithfulness;
if you belong to the Messiah, you are seed of Abraham and heirs according to the promise
— Galatians 3:9,14,26-29
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
gentiles united spiritually to Messiah
becoming spiritual “seed of Abraham” • “heirs according to promise”
through trusting, being faithful • “receiving blessing of Abraham” — • “I have blessed you… you are to be a blessing to
all families of earth…” — Genesis 12.1-3
sharing in covenant purpose : blessed to be a blessing to all nations
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
the Spirit
Jesus did this so that in union with him the Gentiles might receive the blessing announced to Abraham,
so that through trusting and being faithful we might receive what was promised, namely, the Spirit…
imparts life, deliverance from death — Romans 8.10-11
transforms us from glory to glory — 2 Corinthians 3.18
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
reveals, expresses God’s commitment to create a faithful covenant community,
receiving shalom, forgiveness of sin and Holy Spirit
God pours out his Holy Spirit to create an anointed, messianic covenant community,
“a single new humanity”—a mystical body of Messiah—comprising Jew and Gentile together,
reaching out to all nations with Good News of God’s reign through his Messiah
purpose of new covenant
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
God’s eternal purpose
God’s eternal purpose accomplished in the Messiah Jesus…
— Ephesians 3.11
in bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, the Creator and Preserver of
everything should bring the Captain of their salvation to the goal through suffering
— Hebrews 2.9-10
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
new covenant glory
Son, radiance of Sh’kinah • Hebrew, divine light and presence • “very expression of God’s essence”
— Hebrews 1.1-3
transformed into his image, glory to glory — 2 Corinthians 3.17-4.6
suffer with him… glorified with him — Romans 8.17; 2 Timothy 2.10-12
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
resurrection heralds glorious new creation
messianic community’s hope of future glory — Romans 8.18
creation released from bondage to decay — Romans 8.19-23; 1 Corinthians 15.35-57
a “home of righteousness” — 2 Peter 3.13; Revelation 21.27
…in which God will dwell gloriously with his people, in fulfilment of covenant promises
— Revelation 21-22
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
body of Messiah
mystery revealed
pent
ecos
t
BIBLICAL HISTORY
creation blessing—genesis 1:28-30
creation curse—genesis 3:8-24
noah covenant—genesis 6-9
abraham covenant—genesis 12
sinai covenant—exodus 19
david covenant—genesis 6-9
pesach—exodus 12
GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE : TO BRING MANY PEOPLE TO GLORY
crea
tion
fall
floo
d
tow
er
prom
ise
exod
us
nati
on
land
judges, priests prophets, kings
kingdom
BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING, TO EVERY FAMILY ON EARTH
a light to the gentiles
first covenant
with house of Israel
a great nation a royal priesthood a house of prayer for all nations
biblical panorama — “big picture”
new covenant—jeremiah 31
MES
SIA
H
“new heaven and earth” —a renewed
creation
new covenant with house of Israel
make disciples of all nations
apostles & prophets ministry of reconciliation
mes
sian
ic g
enti
les
MES
SIA
H
birt
h pa
ins
retu
rns
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
body of Messiah
mystery revealed
pent
ecos
t
BIBLICAL HISTORY
creation blessing—genesis 1:28-30
creation curse—genesis 3:8-24
noah covenant—genesis 6-9
abraham covenant—genesis 12
sinai covenant—exodus 19
david covenant—genesis 6-9
pesach—exodus 12
GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE : TO BRING MANY PEOPLE TO GLORY
crea
tion
fall
floo
d
tow
er
prom
ise
exod
us
nati
on
land
judges, priests prophets, kings
kingdom
BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING, TO EVERY FAMILY ON EARTH
a light to the gentiles
first covenant with house of Israel
a great nation a royal priesthood a house of prayer for all nations
biblical panorama — “big picture”
new covenant—jeremiah 31
MES
SIA
H
“new heaven and earth” —a renewed
creation
new covenant with house of Israel
make disciples of all nations
apostles & prophets ministry of reconciliation
mes
sian
ic g
enti
les
MES
SIA
H
birt
h pa
ins
retu
rns
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
eternal purpose of God : summary
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
God’s prophetic express train
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
eternal purpose like a locomotive…
powerful • power provided by train — not passengers • train’s purpose fulfilled by passengers
pre-planned route • crises may threaten, change route • journey may be complicated, difficult…
destination confirmed • passengers entrusting themselves to train
guaranteed to arrive at glorious destination!
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
being at the station isn’t enough
you must get on board! submitting to leadership of the King joining messianic covenant community, uniting
with corporate calling, purpose, destiny taking personal responsibility for involvement
with God’s eternal purpose positioned for empowerment, victory over
forces of evil… God confirms his covenant in people with whom
he is out-working eternal purpose
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
the harvests of the earth
the vocation of the messianic covenant community
NEXT SEMINAR…
the eternal purpose academy of mission
a series of presentations published by eternalpurpose.org.uk downloadable under licence, free-of-charge
© john clements 2008-2009 / academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
the high call of God to the messianic community
1 destiny of the
messianic community
2 vocation of
the messianic community
3 design of the
messianic community
4 dynamic of
the messianic community
pressing toward the high call of God
5 running the race marked
out for us
6 leading God’s
people into their
inheritance
7 the arena of
spiritual conflict
the eternal purpose academy of mission
this work is licensed for use and distribution under the terms of a Creative Commons licence
to understand what this means visit: http://academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk/licence
BY : you may share this work freely providing
you attribute the authorship faithfully
and include this licence with all distributions
NC : you may not use this work for
commercial gain ND : you may not use this work to produced
derivative works