The actual phrase 'eternal purpose’ occurs once in scripture;
Eph 3:10 “to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church
to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,
according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord”
The objective of this work is to explain what exactly is God’s ‘eternal purpose’, and then how this was accomplished in Christ Jesus, thereby providing the essential foundation for the Christian faith. As an introduction, the following can be noted;
‘Eternal’ is before time and creation, from eternity. Phrases in scripture that refer to ‘before the foundation of the earth’ directly relate to God's eternal purpose.
‘Purpose’ is the reason, or objective for something. In the context of scripture, creation begins in God, is purposed by God, and is the expression of God. ‘Purpose’ can be understood in God’s self-expression as creation.
This is God’s ‘game plan’ for man and creation, giving the reason for, and therefore the meaning to, the whole universe. Understanding of creation comes from within, and only from within this context. God’s Eternal Purpose is the ‘unifying principle’ for all creation, and the understanding of this is essential for ‘full assurance’ of the Christian faith.
Rarely mentioned and seldom taught, God’s Eternal Purpose should be the bedrock of Christian faith today, as it was for the apostles. This is Life according to Him!