In Eternity After the Beginning at the Creation of Heaven
Article #2 on the Sovereignty of God in the First Verse of the Bible (Genesis 1:1)
AlphaOmegathe Beginningthe Endthe Firstthe Last
The perfections of the Trinity are limitless and endless. Out of the abundance of Their own goodness and love they created a beginning. According to Genesis 1:1, the LORD’s first act of creation was in the making of the third Heaven (Gen. 2:1; “the third Heaven” – 2 Cor. 12:2). We know this because God created the first and second Heavens on Day #2 and Day #4 according to Genesis 1:6-8 and Genesis 1:14-19. The creation of the third Heaven included everything and everyone in it. Therefore, this was a significant undertaking. We are talking about a “heavenly country” in eternity (Heb. 11:16)! An eternal place of unimaginable divine glory.
for God is in Heaven, and thou upon Earth:
Heaven is greater than Earth (Matt. 6:9, Ps. 115:3, Isa. 57:15). The invisible world of eternity is greater than the visible world of physical space and time (2 Cor. 4:18, Heb. 11:1). Spiritual things are greater than physical things. This was demonstrated in the spiritual power of God creating the physical universe (Gen. 1:1-2; Heb. 11:3)! “God is a Spirit” (Jn. 4:24). All the Angels of Heaven are “spirits” (Ps. 104:4). And Heaven’s population of angels is greater than Earth’s population of mankind (Ps. 8:5, Heb. 2:7, 9).
Heaven is immovable and indestructible, while Earth is shakable, corruptible, and slated for destruction (Heb. 12:27, 2 Pet. 3:10). The Prophetic Calendar speaks for itself. The “treasures” of Earth are corruptible, fading, fleeting, uncertain, and vulnerable (Matt. 6:20, 1 Tim. 6:17). Men should therefore turn their eyes upon the invisible things of eternity; as Peter said, “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:4). Earthlings have a lot to learn about this marvelous place of eternal glory, but not everyone will get to go there to see it for themselves.
The Throne, Temple, City, & Kingdom of Heaven
The Trinity created a seat of divine government there in the form of a glorious Throne (Jer. 17:12, Ps. 93:2, 103:19; Rev. 4:2-3). The Throne is situated in a heavenly Temple (Heb. 8:2, 9:11, 23; Rev. 7:15, 11:19, 14:15, 17, 15:5-6, 8, 16:1, 17). The Temple is located at the center of a heavenly City called Jerusalem (Gal. 4:26, Heb. 11:16, 12:22, 13:14; Rev. 3:12, 21:2, 10; Ps. 48:1-2). Innumerable “mansions” have been “prepared” for the people who would one day “inherit the Kingdom of God” and thus become the inhabitants of the heavenly City of Jerusalem (Matt. 25:34, 2 Pet. 1:11; Jn. 14:2; 1 Cor. 6:9-10, 15:50, Gal. 5:19-21). The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are all glorified together there in a display of majestic splendor that defies human imagination. The beautiful sight of it alone is a sufficient reward for the righteous in the unspeakable bliss of eternity (Jn. 17:5, 24; 1 Jn. 3:1-3; Ps. 27:4, 29:2, 90:17, 96:9; Isa. 33:17; Heb. 1:3, 13, 10:12, 12:2).
glorifywith the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
gloryfor thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world
gloriousThronefrom the beginning
to be Ruler in Israelwhose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting
Amazingly, the Son of God was fully glorified in Heaven “before the world was” even created (Jn. 17:5). The position of the Son of God in Heaven, as the beloved of the Father, was gloriously manifest “before the foundation of the world” (Jn. 17:24). This speaks volumes about the glory of Heaven predating the existence of the world! Long before redeemed mankind even knew about the Son of God, apparently, everyone in the high and holy place was beholden to His glory, and this means that the Son of God was an enthroned Ruler in eternity. Furthermore, one day, this “Ruler” was going to journey from eternity into time through the incarnation “to be Ruler in Israel” (Micah 5:2). This is the only Ruler whose reign predated his birth into this world (Jn. 3:13, 31-32, 6:33, 8:23). Speaking of this, Micah said, this is the only Ruler “whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).
ascendedHeavencame downHeaventhe Son of ManHeaven
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Comprehending the eternal glory of Jesus Christ is moral man’s wisdom in the sight of God (Prov. 30:2-4). Seeing that God created Heaven, with everything and everyone in it, before the creation of the Earth, we can understand how the Son of God was fully glorified in Heaven “before the world” was even created (Jn. 17:5). Ultimately, God’s will is going to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven (Matt. 6:10). The Kingdom will come! The preincarnate Son of God, who was enthroned in glory in eternity past (Jn. 17:5, Mic. 5:2), will be enthroned on Earth, even as the incarnated Son of God is enthroned in glory right now through the ascension of Jesus Christ into Heaven (Hebrews 1:3, 13, 8:1-2, 10:12, 12:2; Acts 2:32-36).
The enthroned presence of God is the glory and beauty of the LORD on Earth and in Heaven (Ps. 27:4, 29:2, 90:17, 96:9; Isa. 33:17). The majestic splendor of the Son of God as a King seated on a Throne is the glorification that Jesus Christ was remembering in eternity past and expecting in eternity future, even as He prayed in the High Priestly Prayer of John 17.
HeavenEarthvisibleinvisibleAnd He is before all things
by whom also he made the worlds;Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his personsat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high
Evidently, this glory has been restored to Jesus Christ in eternity right now, and it will be the everlasting spectacle of the redeemed in glory, as they join the angels in worship before the Throne (Rev. 19:1-5). Before time, an innumerable company of angels worshipped the enthroned presence of the Son of God in a preincarnate form. At the end of time, an innumerable company of redeemed men and angels will worship the enthroned presence of Jesus Christ (Rev. 7:9-10, 19:1-6, Heb. 12:22-24).
The Alpha and Omega of eternity, before and after time, should be of great interest to believers. Those who have read about the divine powers of sovereignty, foreknowledge, and predestination will be especially interested (Eph. 1:5, 11, Rom. 8:29-30, 1 Pet. 1:2). Amazingly, there are many Scriptures that shed light on what happened in eternity before the creation of the world! Things were said and done that deserve our attention. Decrees, ordinances, appointments, counsels, covenants, and promises were divinely spoken by the voice of omnipotence, and this greatly excited the Angels of Heaven to behold the forthcoming events of creation. Let the testimony of Job 38:4-7 capture your admiration.
Where wast thouwhen I laid the foundations of the earththe foundationsthe corner stoneWhen the Morning Stars sang together, and all the Sons of God shouted for joy?
Literally, as God the Son acted to create the Earth, and the foundation of the world, myriads of holy Angels were present as witnesses of these divine exploits of creation, and throughout all the six days of creation, the stary host of Angels were singing and shouting for joy! Can you imagine it? Job 38:7 gives us a glimpse into the glory of the Son of God described by Jesus Christ in John 17:5. In eternity, after the beginning, at the creation of Heaven, and before the creation of the Earth, the glory of the preincarnate Son of God can be comprehended in the testimony of Genesis 1:1, John 17:5, & Job 38:4-7. Holy angels, shining like stars, sang heavenly songs of worship to God during creation. Their singing was mixed with loud shouts of joy as the angels were beholden to the miracles of creation in real time! A diamond studded sky at sunrise couldn’t compare to this awesome scene. However, such beauty and brightness is ordinary in Heaven.
Holy Angels by Rank & Position in the Worship of Heaven
Somewhere up on high, at the peak of the slopes of glory, as one is going up on the sides of the north, there sits a King who is exalted above the Stars of God (Isa. 14:13-14, Heb. 12:22). Innumerable Angels of every rank are continuously present around the Throne in a serious engagement of worship (Rev. 4:4-8, 5:11-12, 7:11-12). Above all, and first of all, the Angels were created to love God, and in loving God, these heavenly beings were fashioned to express their love by worshipping the LORD forever and ever.
HeavenHeavenHeavensHostand the Host of Heaven worshippeth thee
The Angels are organized by rank in their position before the Throne (Mk. 10:40). The highest-ranking Angels, the Cherubim, are “in the midst of the Throne, and round about the Throne”, and they cry out continuously day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” (Rev. 4:6-8; Isa. 6:1-6). This specific location is the Holy of Holies of Heaven! The Cherubim were “anointed” for this holy station (Ezek. 28:14).
reignethtrembleCherubimsmoved
The Cherubim are the loudest worshippers in the Host of Heaven. Their voices are the most powerful and commanding when it comes to proclamations, and their notes are the most captivating and beautiful when it comes to singing. Their abilities are unmatched in respect to all the musical instruments of Heaven! Speaking of this, God said of the Cherubim, “…the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created” (Ezek. 28:13). The Cherubim were created to be worship leaders in the stary host of Heaven’s choir.
seatsseatsElderscrownsof goldThronelightningsthunderingsvoicesThrone
The second rank of holy Angels is made up of 24 heavenly beings who look like aged men in their countenance (Rev. 4:4-5; compare with Rev. 1:14). Angels have been frequently called or mistaken to be men throughout history (Gen. 18:1-2, 32:24, Dan. 10:5, Judges 13:6, Lk. 24:4, Heb. 13:2). These angels are specifically called, “Elders” (Rev. 4:4, 10, 5:5-6, 8, 11, 14, 7:11, 13, 11:16, 14:3, 19:4), and this name is given to them as a royal title of rulership in Heaven. Elders were the rulers of Israel in the Old Testament (Ex. 3:16, 24:1, Num. 1:4-16, Josh. 22:14, Acts 4:8). Elders are also the rulers of the Church in the New Testament (1 Tim. 5:17, Tit. 1:5, Heb. 11:2, 13:7, 17, 24, James 5:14, 1 Pet. 5:1). It comes as no surprise that the same title is used among angels in Heaven.
The twenty-four Elders are not positioned in the midst of the Throne of God like the Cherubim. Reflecting their rank, they are positioned further away from the Throne. On special occasions, when all the Sons of God are summoned to come and present themselves before the LORD (Job 1:6, 2:1), the Elders can be seen sitting on twenty-four thrones that are located “round about” the Throne of God (Rev. 4:4-5). They wear “crowns of gold” on their heads as a representation of their authority over angels and men as “the Chief Princes” (Rev. 4:4; Dan. 10:13, 21; Note: even the principalities of hell wear crowns as a representation of their dark rulership according to Rev. 9:7 & Eph. 6:12).
the Heavensthe HeightsAngelsHosts
Each occasion before the Throne of God is mixed with various forms of praise and worship. Sometimes, throughout the procession of heavenly events, all twenty-eight of these high-ranking angels fall prostrate before the Throne of God as they make unanimous declarations of worship in perfect harmony (Rev. 4:9-11). Meanwhile, the angelic Princes can be seen casting their crowns before the Throne in a shocking display of subjection and humility! Sometimes, as the occasion requires, all these angels suddenly break-out in the singing of “a new song” before the Throne of God (Rev. 5:9).
Amazingly, these spontaneous songs of worship ring out symphonically in the presence of musical instruments. Every one of these angels are equipped with “harps” and “golden vials” for such occasions (Rev. 5:8)! Literally, while they are all singing, the melodious sounds of heavenly harps join the loud chorus of angelic voices. Consequentially, worship fills the air of Heaven as an inescapable fragrance, even as the golden streets of eternity are continually resounding with the excellent sounds of holy adoration.
The last and final rank of holy Angels is positioned outside the border of the twenty-four thrones in every direction. An innumerable company of heavenly beings gather there when all the Sons of God appear before the LORD (Job 1:6, 2:1). The crystalline sea of glass extends indefinitely providing sufficient space for the standing presence of hundreds of millions of Angels (Rev. 5:11). All the Angels of every rank and position are “round about the Throne” in a majestic scene of pure glory (Rev. 5:11-12)! And, as each occasion requires, this innumerable company of Angels joins in concert with the leading Angels of higher rank, whether it be in the sudden acts of intense prostration corresponding to various proclamations, or in worshipping the LORD through the ministry of song. This is a beautiful situation (Ps. 48:1-2)! However, all this is to say nothing about the dawning light of eternity that illuminates Heaven with divine brightness.
dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto
shine forth
The heavenly situation of the Throne above is mirrored on earth through the symbolism of the Tabernacle and the Temple (Ex. 26:1, 36:8; Ex. 26:31-35, 36:35; 1 Kg. 6:29, 2 Chron. 3:7, Ezek. 41:25). Golden images of the Cherubim stood 17.5 ft high on either side of the Throne in the Holy of Holies (1 Kings 6:23, 26). The mighty statues of these Angels had a combined wingspan of 35 feet wall-to-all in the Throne Room of God (2 Chron. 3:11-13, 1 Kings 6:23-28). Their wings were outstretched to act as a “covering” to the Mercy Seat (Ex. 25:18-20, 37:7-9). Literally, they acted to overshadow and cover the Throne with their wings (2 Chron. 3:12-13, 5:7-8; Heb. 9:5; Ex. 25:18-20, 37:7-9), because the theater of typology is a miniature of the heavenly situation.
The Cherubim are much bigger in height and wingspan in reality. They have to be extremely large in order to act as a covering for the Great White Throne of Heaven (Rev. 20:11). Four Cherubim are positioned on each side of the Throne for an overshading in all directions (Rev. 4:6). Each Cherubim possesses six wings for the job (Rev. 4:8). The Daystar of eternity, exceeding the brightness of the sun, shines forth from behind the Cherubim in a dazzling display of glory (Acts 26:13, Ps. 80:1, Rev. 1:16, 2 Pet. 1:19). Somehow, through refraction, the whole spectrum of light can be seen as a glow of brightness around the Throne (Ezek. 1:26-28)! “Blessed be the glory of the LORD from His place.” (Ezek. 3:12).
Vacant Mansions in the Kingdom of Heaven
Take a long hard look at these heavenly scenes of glory! This is the final destination of all the redeemed. The Son of God came from eternity into time through the incarnation (Jn. 3:13, 31-32, 6:33, 8:23). The Man, Jesus Christ, then went away on a long journey via death to prepare a place for mankind in glory (Jn. 14:2-3). The only begotten Son died so that He might become the first to rise from the dead in a glorified human body (Acts 26:23, 1 Cor. 15:20; “the Firstborn from the Dead” – Col. 1:18, Rev. 1:5). The Lord then ascended to become the first to Man to enter the gates of Heaven in bodily presence (Jn. 3:13, Lk. 24:37-39, 1 Cor. 15:35-50).
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The sacred feet of Jesus Christ were the first human footsteps to walk the courts of the Temple of Heaven. As our heavenly High Priest after the Order of Melchizedek, the Lord went there to apply the blood for reconciliation and purification (Col. 1:20, Heb. 8:1-6, 9:8, 12, 23-24, 10:19-20). This is the preparation being spoken about in John 14:2-3. Jesus Christ is a forerunning trailblazer who made a “way into the holiest of all” (Heb. 6:19-20, 9:8)! Essentially, this opens the door for believers to follow the forerunner into Heaven (Heb. 6:19-20).
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As a warrior King who is mighty in battle, Jesus Christ conquered sin, death, and hell (Rev. 1:18, 1 Cor. 15:55-57). Victoriously, the Man lead captivity captive from the depths into the height of Heaven (Eph. 4:9-10, Ps. 24:7-10)! In an ultimate procession, the everlasting doors of heavenly Jerusalem were triumphantly opened as Jesus Christ, the King of Glory, led the whole host of redeemed souls out of Sheol and into glory all at once (Eph. 4:8-10, Ps. 24:7-10). The inheritors, alongside Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, finally possessed the Promised Land that they were looking for, and they found rest in the goodly “mansions” that were prepared of old (Heb. 4:1-11, 11:16, Jn. 14:2-3).
inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world
the Everlasting Kingdom
Amazingly, the Kingdom of Heaven was “prepared” in the beginning, even though the earthly inheritors of it will not possess it in the flesh until the end (Matt. 8:11). Everything that was “prepared” of old is now “laid up” and “reserved” for the elect inheritors of the Kingdom in the End of Days (Matt. 25:34, Col. 1:5, 1 Pet. 1:4). Notwithstanding, according to Hebrews 12:22-24, the redeemed spirits of the dead are the happy citizens of heavenly Jerusalem right now! There is a curious twinkle in the eyes of those who gaze upward. Oh, to comprehend “the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Eph. 1:18)! Remember, the “treasures” of Earth are corruptible, fading, fleeting, uncertain, and vulnerable (Matt. 6:20, 1 Tim. 6:17). Men should therefore turn their eyes to the riches of eternity; as Peter said, “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:4).
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,salvation
Did you hear? It’s all reserved in Heaven for you! Literally, in eternity, at the beginning, in the creation of Heaven, and before the creation of Earth, the LORD constructed the supercity of heavenly Jerusalem to completion, with all of its glorious “mansions” for the elect (Jn. 14:2-3), and ever since then it has been “reserved in Heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:4). Why did God choose to create it all so early in the beginning? God is pleased to reveal to men and angels the divine powers of sovereignty, foreknowledge, and predestination (Eph. 1:5, 11, Rom. 8:29-30, 1 Pet. 1:2). For some perspective, consider the vantage point of the holy Angels in these heavenly events.
Can you imagine the curiosity of all the Angels as they observed millions of vacant mansions in the golden city of Jerusalem? Now see them gathering in an assembly before the Throne with great interest, as they desire to hear about what God is going to do next. Hear them wondering, “Who was all this built for?”, and “How is God going to fill the vacant mansions of the golden city in eternity?”. Now imagine the Angels gazing with wonder and expectancy upon the Great White Throne of the Son of God (Jn. 17:5, 24), with the towering presence of a magnificent city in the background (Matt. 25:34).
As Christians, we too have a lot to learn about the government of heavenly Jerusalem. Curiously, Paul believed that the government of heavenly Jerusalem was responsible for the salvation of all the elect throughout all time! This is why the Apostle said, “Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.” (Gal. 4:26). Oh, Jerusalem! “Glorious things are spoken of thee, O City of God.” (Ps. 87:3). Evidently, a correct view of heavenly Jerusalem explains the birthright of elect Jews and Gentiles throughout all time. The names of every one of them are “written in Heaven” (Heb. 12:23, Lk. 10:20).
mount Sionthe City of the Living Godthe heavenly JerusalemAngelswhich are written in heaven
holy mountainsthe gates of ZionCity of Godthis man was born thereThis and that man was born in herThe LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there
The Kingdom of Heaven comes for the elect spiritually and physically in every generation. Remember, Jesus Christ boldly said, “My Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Similarly, Christians are taught to pray, “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in Earth, as it is in Heaven.” (Matt. 6:10). The Kingdom of Heaven is advancing, and it will ultimately rule the world after it has harvested the souls of the elect throughout all generations (Dan. 2:44, Isa. 9:6-7). The Angels are thoroughly absorbed into this purpose as noble officers of the Kingdom of Heaven. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Heb. 1:14). They plan an indispensable part in the grand scheme of things.
A Divine Preoccupation with Mankind in Eternity
The will, purpose, and pleasure of God was revealed in the form of decrees, ordinances, appointments, counsels, covenants, and promises being divinely spoken by the voice of omnipotence, and this greatly excited the Angels of Heaven to behold the forthcoming events of creation (Job 38:4-7). This is the language of foreknowledge, predestination, and determination. The voice of the Almighty could be heard calling out the names of those who were chosen in the election, and the names were then ceremoniously written in a book by an Angel with a heavenly pen and inkhorn (Ezek. 9:1-4, Rev. 7:2, 9:4, 14:1; Note: speaking of Angels with heavenly pens and inkhorns, an astounding correlation exists between the name written as the seal in the tribulation of Babylon and the names written in the Book of Life).
whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world
booksbookthe book of lifebooksAnd whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire
thecitythe glory of Godthe lightthe gatesbut they which are written in the Lamb's book of life
The destiny of these people in time and eternity was predetermined based upon election, and the heavenly record of divine election is the Book of Life. Remarkably, the names were already “written in the Book of Life” when the LORD acted to create the Earth in laying “the foundation of the world” (Rev. 17:8). This is an impressive demonstration of divine sovereignty! The power of divine sovereignty is put on display to men and angels in how predestination literally preceded everything in the physical universe. The Book of Life was written to completion before life on Earth was created.
Obviously, an omniscient God doesn’t need the Book of Life as a personal reminder. Hence, the record book wasn’t written for Him! Rather, the Book of Life was ceremoniously written for men and angels to comprehend this supreme event of eternity when the LORD foreknew, predestinated, and determined everything by election. Having a clear understanding of the rank and order of the assemblies of Angels in Heaven, we can better comprehend the procedures of the courtroom of Heaven when the decrees, ordinances, appointments, counsels, covenants, and promises of election were divinely declared.
The glory of the Son of God seated on the Throne of Heaven was revealed to an assembly of holy Angels gathered at the center of a fully constructed heavenly Kingdom in eternity, “before the world was” (Jn. 17:5), and “before the foundation of the world” (Jn. 17:24, Mic. 5:2, Matt. 25:34). It is difficult to overstate the importance of this momentous occasion in eternity! Ordinances of salvation were decreed “before the foundation of the world” (1 Pet. 1:20). The will of God the Father for the Son of God was revealed in a “commandment” (Gal. 1:4-5; Jn. 17:24; Jn. 10:17-18). promises of love were made “before the world began” (Tit. 1:2). purposes of grace were given to the elect “before the world began” (2 Tim. 1:9).
All this happened when the chosen ones were foreknown and publicly elected in the Courtroom of Heaven “before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4). “God hath from the beginning chosen [them] to salvation” (2 Thess. 2:13-14). Audibly, the voice of divine sovereignty called out the names of the elect for the record book, and hereby these souls were called unto the “eternal glory” of the “Kingdom” in Heaven (1 Thess. 2:12, 1 Pet. 5:10-11). The record book of divine sovereignty, the Book of Life, is a living testimony of predestination because the book was already completed “from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 17:8).
If God was so preoccupied with mankind in eternity, even before the world began, then the whole host of Angels in Heaven were absorbed into the same preoccupation. Shouts of joy were ringing out in eternity as the stary host heard and comprehended the plans of divine sovereignty! Clearly, the Angels didn’t know everything that God was going to do with mankind on Earth, but they knew enough to be stricken with longing to know more (1 Pet. 1:10-12, 1 Tim. 3:16, Eph. 3:8-11).
These compelling revelations then led to the employment of the Angels as the ministers of the elect (Heb. 1:14, Ps. 34:7; 91:11-12, Matt. 18:10). Their preoccupation with mankind is so intense that they take time to rejoice in Heaven at the repentance of every elect sinner on Earth (Matt. 18:13, Lk. 15:7)! No wonder. By virtue of hearing the decrees, ordinances, appointments, counsels, covenants, and promises of election being divinely declared, all the Angels in attendance on that fateful day of eternal glory acquired a bare minimum understanding of the proceeding scriptures.
Apparently, according to 1 Peter 1:18-21, the Angels heard how the Son of God was “foreordained” as a sacrificial “Lamb” to accomplish an Atonement! It stands to reason that this ordination came with a public commandment in the courts of glory. Remember how the Son of God spoke of a “commandment” that He received of the Father? Remember how the Son of God was compelled to pray, “Thy will be done” (Matt. 26:39, 42, Heb. 5:7)? Remarkably, according to John 10:17-18, this “commandment” is closely associated with the love that was being bestowed upon the Son by the Father (Jn. 10:17-18).
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it againThis commandment have I received of my Father
It is a well-known fact that the Father speaks to the Son publicly before different audiences for the glorification of the Son of God (Ps. 110:1, Jn. 12:28). Understandably, the Angels would have been shocked to hear about this plan for the second Person of the Godhead. Similarly, they would have been astonished to behold the love of the Father being showered upon the Son of God! As Jesus Christ said, “for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world” (Jn. 17:24). We can assume that this had something to do with the ordinances, commandments, and promises that were coming from the dread Sovereign of eternity.
The heavenly proclamation of these things would have been incomprehensible to the Angels without some degree of knowledge about the fate of mankind on Earth in the near future. Namely, how they would fall into sin and death, and that this would necessitate the incarnation and sacrifice of Jesus Christ as a Lamb (1 Pet. 1:18-21). However, even as the Angels came to understand something about the fall of mankind, in the same breath, the Angels came to know about God’s “promise” of “eternal life” to mortal man (Titus 1:1-3). Amazingly, the Angels were witnesses to how this promise was audibly declared “before the world began” (Tit. 1:1-3).
Believe it or not, these ordinances and promises are enforced by the power of divine sovereignty. In real time, “the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God” conducted Jesus Christ to the Cross of Calvary (Acts 2:23). This means that Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, and the Jews cannot exclusively take responsibility for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. They all did their part, as it is written, “For to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done.” (Acts 4:28). Can you believe it? Believers see the mighty work of divine sovereignty while acknowledging it as a mystery. Even this wisdom was “ordained before the world unto our glory” (1Co 2:7-8)
Chosen Ones Who Will be Holy & Blameless in Christ Before the Throne
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:predestinatedthe adoptionof children
A “promise” of “eternal life” to mankind would have been incomprehensible to the Angels without some knowledge of mortality, sin, and death. Similarly, a divine “purpose” of “grace” given to the elect “before the world began” would be meaningless without some knowledge of divine justice as it will be executed upon sinners for the satisfaction of eternal wrath (2 Tim. 1:9-10). Literally, grace is incomprehensible and nonexistent without accusations of justice demanding divine punishment! Hence, the Angels came to know that the “chosen” ones are elected for “salvation” to escape this punishment (2 Thess. 2:13-14). Their destiny, since “before the foundation of the world”, was to stand holy and blameless in Christ before the Throne of God in eternity (Eph. 1:3-6).
Divine Sovereignty Over the Heathen
The sovereignty of God rules over all! Nothing and no one is exempt. God “worketh all things after the counsel of His own will” (Eph. 1:11; Rom. 8:28). Certainly, many things were spoken about in eternity. However, even more things were divinely planned and unspoken in the courtroom of Heaven. Scripture speaks of innumerable ordinances, appointments, determinations, and callings of divine sovereignty that pertain to heathen people worldwide.
And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determinedthe times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation
The rulers of every nation worldwide were “ordained” by God (Rom. 13:1). The habitations, boundaries, and bloodlines of every race and nation were “appointed” and “determined” by God (Acts 17:26, Job 14:5). The lifetimes of sinners were “appointed” to everyone; literally, each person has been appointed a specific number of days that they will live upon the Earth (Job. 7:1, 14:14). All this and more was done for everyone who would ever live in every generation throughout all time (Isa. 41:4). The sovereignty of God over the heathen became especially clear when the LORD spoke to or about various heathen Kings.
Cyrus King of Medo-Persia
calledWho hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the First, and with the Last; I am he
God humbles these Kings by taking credit for thier actions and achievements. Divine sovereignty does not make void man’s responsibility, nevertheless, hearing God take responsibility for the mighty exploits of these heathen Kings is truly shocking. Meanwhile, in the same sentence, the LORD called the King of Assyria a hewing “axe” (Isa. 10:15), the King of Babylon a “bird” (Isa. 46:11), and the King of Medo-Persia a “shepherd” (Isa. 44:28). The King of Assyria is a tool in the toolbox of divine sovereignty. The King of Babylon is a pet in the cage of divine sovereignty. Being commission for a nobler task, the King of Medo-Persia is then referred to as a poor, base, and lonely sheep herder of the countryside. The divine point was coming through loud and clear. God, “the First”, is working and doing things in every generation after having decided upon the “calling” of everyone in each generation “from the beginning” (Isa. 45:4).
Divine Sovereignty in Callings and Elections
God wasn’t making things up in the process of time with each new up-and-coming generation. “Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.” (Acts 15:18; Eph. 1:11, Rom. 8:28). Through omniscience God can easily navigated through an infinite amount of information. Effortlessly, the LORD was fully decided upon the purposes of divine sovereignty “from the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18). This is especially relevant when it comes to the divine calling of the elect in every generation (Isa. 41:4).
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The testimony of Scripture forces mortals to gaze upon the irresistible and unstoppable calling of divine sovereignty. Credit is given to divine sovereignty in the conversion of sinners to Christ through simply referring to them as “the called” (Rom. 1:6-7, 8:28). These are “the Christians” in the New Testament (Rom. 1:6-7, 1 Cor. 1:2, 24, 26, 1 Cor. 7:17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, Gal. 5:8). It can also be said that these elect souls were sovereignly “called” through the “Gospel” (2 Thess. 2:13-14, Gal. 1:6). The preaching of the Gospel came with power as it was accompanied with the Holy Ghost, and therefore these people were born again (1 Thess. 1:4-5, Jn. 3:3, 6; Matt. 13:19-23). Hereby, Paul discerned the “election” of the Christians of Thessalonica (1 Thess. 1:4-5). The sealing of the Spirit is the token of election (1 Thess. 1:4-5, Eph. 1:13-14, 4:29-30, 2 Cor. 1:19-22, 5:5; 1 Pet. 1:2).
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All the results of soul winning can be traced back to divine sovereignty. When people get saved, “as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” (Acts 13:48). “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” (Rom. 9:16). When people are unsaved, they “were before of old ordained to this condemnation” (Jude 1:4). These appointments are irresistible! They are for salvation and condemnation, or for obedience and disobedience (1 Thess. 5:9, 1 Pet. 2:8). Blinded souls are unable to believe in the Gospel, and persist in disobedience, because it is “whereunto also they were appointed” (1 Pet. 2:8). “Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.” (Rom. 9:18). Let all mortal flesh be silent before the Potter of Eternity.
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The workmanship of the Potter in real time prevails upon the vessels. The hands of the Potter mold and form the clay. However, the sovereign purposes of the Potter were fixed and settled in eternity. Accordingly, some of the vessels were “fitted to destruction” (Rom. 9:22). Other vessels were “afore prepared unto glory” (Rom. 9:23). The Potter of Eternity works on the wheel of divine sovereignty from age to age (Eph. 2:7-10, 3:20-21). Speaking of this, Paul said, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10). This humble vantage point of believers is an upward looking gaze to the sovereignty of God in eternity.
Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity
“Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the First, and with the Last; I am he. The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.” – Isa. 41:4-5
“Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yea, there is none that sheweth, yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that heareth your words. The First shall say to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem One that bringeth good tidings.” – Isa. 41:26-27
“Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?” – Isa. 43:13
First of all, before the creation of everything else in the physical universe, the whole assembly of Heaven witnessed the majesty of divine sovereignty over all things. All of creation should stand in awe at divine sovereignty in eternity governing everything in time, even as the Angels of Heaven were made so to do. In eternity, at the beginning, at the creation of Heaven, and before the creation of the world, “the First” spoke the names of the elect of every generation. By interpretation, this means that in eternity, “from the beginning” (Isa. 41:4-5, 26-27), at the creation of Heaven, “before the day was” (Isa. 43:13), the grand scheme of divine sovereignty was unveiled to the holy angels for the writing of the Book of Life. Subsequently, in time, many Prophets and Apostles arose and declared the matter in the ears of mankind, and Isaiah was chief among them.
