God's Purpose

Synopsis

God has a plan for his creation which he will certainly accomplish. It is carried out through the control of circumstances and his choice and use of people, and above all in the life, death, resurrection and second coming of Jesus Christ.

God’s purpose is for his own glory

• Exodus 9:16 (NKJV) — 16 But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.
• Romans 9:17 (NKJV) — 17 For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.”
• Ezekiel 36:22–23 (NKJV) — 22 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. 23 And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the Lord,” says the Lord God, “when I am hallowed in you before their eyes.

God’s purpose will be accomplished

•    Isaiah 46:10–11 (NKJV) — 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’ 11 Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.
•   Psalm 135:6 (NKJV) — 6 Whatever the Lord pleases He does, In heaven and in earth, In the seas and in all deep places.

God’s purpose prevails

It stands for ever

• Psalm 33:11 (NKJV) — 11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations.

It cannot be thwarted by evil powers

• Revelation 17:17 (NKJV) — 17 For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.
• See also 1 Sa 16:14 The implication is that evil is subject to God’s control and operates within the determined limits of his sovereign purpose ; Job 1:12 ; Job 2:6 ; 2 Co 12:7
• 1 Samuel 16:14 (NKJV) — 14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him.
• Job 1:12 (NKJV) — 12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.