God's Will versus Man's Will

by Dora Van Assen

GOD'S HIDDEN INTENTION vs. GOD'S REVEALED WILL

The Revealed Will In Our Lives Brings Forth God's Intention

At first glance it would seem that God's Intention and God's Will are identical. but after consideration it became clear that there is a world of difference between them. God's Intention is His ULTIMATE PLAN which is often hidden and obscured from our vision and understanding. Nothing can hinder, halt, or alter this pre-determined intention. It flows silently and irrevocably behind the scenes until it reaches its own ultimate goal. But GOD'S WILL is revealed gradually and can be resisted. We are to walk in this revealed will as it shines upon our pathway. God is using this REVEALED WILL in our lives to bring forth his own HIDDEN INTENTION. May we point our some scriptures which by comparison show forth this difference."

"For who hath resisted (withstood) his will (intention)." Rom. 9:19
versus:
"Ye do always resist (clash with) the Holy Ghost." Acts 7:51

"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will (shall) draw all unto me." John 12:32
versus:
"How often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not." Matt. 23:37

"For the Lord of Hosts hath purposed, and who shall disanul it? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?..."Declaring the end from the beginning, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure." Isa. 14:27 43:13 and 46:10
versus:
"In many separate revelations--each set forth a portion of the truth- and in different ways God spoke of old to our forefathers in and by the prophets. But in the last of these days He has spoken to us in a Son." AMP Heb. 1:1-2

By a comparison of these scriptures, we can plainly see that God's original intention, though often hidden from our view will continue until all is accomplished according to his own plan. His own counsel will endure, and he will do all he intended from the very beginning. In the ultimate of God none can withstand or resist the effect of his will, as ALL WILL BE DRAWN UNTO HIMSELF. This is by God's own decree. But with his revealed will it is different. This is a gradual revelation, drawing and wooing which can be resisted or disobeyed. But each one will come to understanding, and be drawn unto him in his own order and time.

Under the law, God revealed himself in types and shadows; a piecemeal revelation; a little here and a little there, line upon line. He spoke to the prophets in dreams and visions. Even in the days of Jesus, the Word was hidden in parables and dark sayings; and also today, though the Holy Spirit has been outpoured, old men still dream dreams, and young men still see visions. It is still the in-part ministry. The greater revelation comes through the SON. This SON is a COMPANY OF SONS, being transformed into the very image of his first completed SON; who knowing his will became fully obedient, even unto death! It takes maturity to know his will. "See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise....Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the WILL OF THE LORD IS. Eph. 5:15-17 From the context it would seem only the foolish, the unwise, and the childish lack the knowledge of God's will for their lives. Knowing God's will requires growth into obedience and wisdom. Sons know and co-operate in the will of God.

GROWTH, A PRE-REQUISITE FOR KNOWING GOD'S WILL

All creation will come into the light and knowledge of God's purpose by growth and development, which brings with it discipline, (a disciple or trained one). Jesus is our greatest example. He grew in wisdom, and knowledge, and in favor of God and man. his ministry was to the circumcision, therefore, limited in types and shadows. As he matured into full Sonship his ministry not only increased, but changed, as he came into the light of God's perfect plan for his life. Leaving the spectacular ministry of miracles, etc., he began to teach the deeper truths of EONIAN LIFE, which none were able to receive at that time. Even his very disciples murmured at his words. But he being faithful to God's revealed will, fulfilled the law thus breaking out of this limited realm into the great expanse of the Spirit. He was declared the Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Rom. 1:4 And he obtained a more excellent ministry in the order of Melchizedek writing his law in the mind and heart of all mankind.

Paul's ministry also changed, as he increased in the revelation of God's purpose, hidden in his own heart as a secret before time began. As Paul matured in these truths, he walked in the Spirit and did not fulfill the lusts of the flesh as he admonished in Galatians 5:16. Through experience he knew the constant warfare between the flesh and the spirit, but also by experience he knew how to keep under his body that he might win the prize of the high-calling. Compare these scriptures:
Phil. 3:10-14; Gal.5:17; 1Cor9:26-27. At one time he classified himself as a child, but now in maturity, he put away childish things, for he had begun to KNOW as he was KNOWN! This is a full knowledge of God's Will for us NOW, and his plan for us in the ages to come.

A child has limited knowledge of the nature and plan of his Father. He is sheltered and carried about by his parents, living from moment to moment in his own little world, hardly conscious of himself or his surroundings. Only as he matures can he begin to share in the plans of the family. How our children love to help in our work, enjoying to share in any family project. How patiently we teach them and long to see them become capable and self-sufficient, able to make their own decisions. Mothers will set their children on a stool so they can reach the kitchen sink, because they WANT to help wash the dishes! Then when they are really old enough to do it right, the fun is gone, and they DON'T WANT to do it anymore. Here is when discipline comes in!

Now I want to ask you, will our great heavenly Father do less with his children? Will he not train them to become responsible sons, able and willing to share with him in his government? This takes maturity, and maturity brings knowledge; and knowledge brings accountability. Only the Father knows the Son and only the Son knows the Father, and to whomsoever he will reveal him. When the Son reveals the Father to us in his true nature of love, we will be glad to learn his will for our lives and LOVE TO WALK IN IT! As a child we were excused and carried along, by grace, but now as a Son we have come under the judgement of our Father; being partakers of his holiness and divine nature; becoming a very part of God Himself. Being born of His spirit, shall not this NEW CREATION MAN share in the responsibility of completing God's Plan? Is it not written that he is the complement by which all in all is being completed. Eph.1:23 Concordant Version. How shall be be able to do this if he does not know God's will NOW, or if he is not trained NOW to use his endowed spiritual senses to discern between good and evil? Thank God we are being awakened to these truths, and our need to mature into responsible Sons.

A CONCORDANT STUDY OF THE WORD, "WILL"

Perhaps it would be good to make a concordant study of the word, "WILL" as it has been rendered in the Greek by three different words. Often seeing how these words are used in the Greek, will give us a greater understanding of their true meaning. We will notice a slightly different shade of meaning in each word which cannot be expressed in English by our one word, "WILL".

1. THELO, a meaning to form a decision, choice, purpose or wish. We find a good example in Mark 1:40. "If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean." And Jesus saith unto him, "I WILL, be thou clean." Again in his prayer in the garden. "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thous WILT." Matt. 26:39. In these instances Jesus was making a decision or choice, and acted it out immediately.

2. THELEMA, meaning the PROCESS by which the subject, effect, result of a decision, choice or purpose is FINALLY attained. This mostly speaking of GOD'S WILL as in the Lord's Prayer: "Thy WILL be done in earth as it is in heaven." A process. It also speaks of the "good pleasure of his will, the "mystery of his will", or the "counsel of his will." These were all determined before the foundation of the world, and are slowly coming into effect (in the earth) gradually throughout the ages.

3. BOULEMA, meaning the FINAL effect, result or goal of any counsel, which anyone has determined before and had in their own minds. This word has been rendered, "INTENTION", in the CCV (Concordant Version). We find a good example of this word in Act. 27:43, regarding Paul's shipwreck. "Now came the soldiers' counsel that they would kill the prisoners, lest anyone swimming out, may flee away. Yet the centurion INTENDING to bring Paul safely through, prevents them from their INTENTION."

Iin the KJV, INTENDING AND INTENTION have been rendered WILLING AND PURPOSE. This in my mind does not give the true meaning, as the soldiers had taken counsel, coming to the INTENTION of killing all the prisoners including Paul. But even so the centurion INTENDING to save Paul had also come to his final INTENTION. Therefore he hindered the INTENTION of the soldiers. As their INTENTION was only of man it could be stopped, but GOD'S INTENTION cannot be thwarted, otherwise, he would not be sovereign. Thus we read in the CCV, "Who hath withstood his INTENTION? No one has ever resisted the INTENTION, but many (if not us all) have at one time or another resisted his REVEALED WILL. This is confirmed in many scriptures:

"Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves judgment (correction). Rom. 12L2. "So do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the truth." 2 Tim. 3:8. "And ye will not come to me, that ye may have life." John 5:40.

Though many may be resisting the revealed truth for this day, it does not finalize their utter condemnation. But through further judgment, chastening and correction, they will brought into the truth, and in to a loving acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. For he is able to subdue all unto himself in loving obedience. Yet there is the possibility of retardation and disqualification regarding winning the highest prize of SONSHIP GLORY in the coming Kingdom Age. This is the preparation time for Kingdom assignment:

1 Cor. 9:27 " But [like a boxer] I buffet my body - handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships - and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit - not stand the test and be unapproved - and rejected [as a counterfeit].

Also the passages in 1 Cor. 3:12-15 and Rev. 20:5,6

HARMONIZING GOD'S INTENTION WITH HIS REVEALED WILL

To keep this scriptures in balance, it is necessary to see both God's Revealed Will NOW, and his final Ultimate Intention, which is presently hidden to the nominal Christian. it is being revealed to those called unto Sonship. These need to know, as rulers in the Kingdom, the final and complete plan of God from beginning to ending.

Those seeing only God's revealed will, rob God of his sovereignty. And others seeing only his ultimate intention, which nothing can change, rob the New Creation Man of his divinely given discernment and choice, making him a mere puppet. This tends toward making God into a respecter of persons or a cruel tyrant. Therefore it is so imperative to be able to reconcile these two extremes in God's great plan of redemption.

The difficulty lies in not being able to harmonize God's character with the presence of sin; that it is needed in his plan for the attainment of his ultimate purpose. Regarding God's revealed will, sin is never a good thing, but regarding his ultimate intention sin can be good, not in itself, please understand, but in the effect that it can work in individual lives. It is wonderful to know that our own wickedness and backslidings will correct us; that we learn by our mistakes. God will not utterly let us be lost, but will chastise us, even with punishment if necessary to bring us into line with his intention for us. Jer. 2:19

But God is beginning to show us that there is a better way!! How much more wonderful to come into that place of maturity that brings a knowledge of God's Will, and a DESIRE TO DO HIS WILL, without having to be punished. When we are caught breaking the speed law, we are punished by having to pay a fine. This teaches us to be more careful, which is really good for us and for others, but how much more wonderful to have obeyed the law without having had to pay the fine. Jesus learned obedience, not through the punishment of his sins, but he learned and matured through experiences - or that is, by discerning good and evil and knowing God's Will daily for his life. And he chose to do God's Will. "I come to do thy will, O God." He went the higher way! The higher way of obedience!

GOD IS MORE THAN A POTTER MOLDING A LUMP OF CLAY

"Nay but, O man who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why has thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, another unto dishonor?" Rom. 9:20-21. "
"But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." 2 Tim. 2:20,21.
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." 2 Cor. 4:7

By comparing these scriptures, we can plainly see that two metaphors are being used. The first vessel molded by the hand of God, is speaking of his ULTIMATE INTENTION WHICH NOTHING CAN ALTER, but the second vessels are speaking of his REVEALED WILL which must be obeyed for further purging and growth into useful vessels, ready for every good word. Notice these vessels of honor and dishonor are all the same house, but if dishonorable they do not have to remain that way, for we read the injunction, "IF a man purge himself from these, he SHALL BE a vessel unto honor."

Though this lump of clay is molded into either vessels of honor or dishonor, it has a treasure within, even the very life of Christ. it is not dust a dead, dumb thing, but a living organism from the hand and life of God himself.

Slowly it is dawning on us that God is more than a Potter, and we are more than lumps of clay. In fact God is more than a creator, and we are more that just creatures made of dust. Yes, and even more than all God is more than a Judge, and we are more than just "sinners saved by grace." BUT GOD IS OUR FATHER AND WE ARE HIS SONS, being birthed by and out of his Spirit, we are given (as we mature) spiritual capabilities and qualities to share in his divine plan. Being made in his own image and likeness, we are given his own qualities of discernment, choice and will to order his government. The SONS rule the nations. Rev. 12:5 They are not just puppets on a string! But in maturity God empowers them to pull the strings!! Praise God, this SONSHIP COMPANY IS NOT JUST A FIGURE OF SPEECH. But they rule with Christ upon his throne in reality. The full overcomers who suffer with him here and now shall rule with him in his kingdom. For the joy that is set before them they gladly take up their cross daily, despising the shame, and follow his as their example. "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an EXAMPLE, that ye should follow in his steps." 1 Pet. 2:21

Kingdom privilege and glory can be lost in the coming ages. For we walk from faith to faith, from victory to victory, from glory to glory. He made the captain of our salvation perfect (mature) through suffering, even so, the many sons he is bringing into glory! There is not other route. Because we are all out of one, Father, he is not ashamed to call us brethren. Heb. 2:10-11

Let me emphasize again. Opposition to God's revealed will here and now is this age does not mean we forever forfeit any share in his ultimate intention. In the unlimited universal illumination of his ultimate intention, all resistance will be seen to have been working toward a loving willing obedience by all creation. For we see every knee bowing, and we hear every tongue confessing that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. This is a willing, loving bowing and confessing in deepest adoration, praise and knowledge.

[my comment: and Praise God He is Lord of lords, and King of kings....that means unless we know ourselves in union with him as a lord and a king, what other lords and kings is he Lord and King of? :)

GOD'S MASTERPIECE

Deep within the secret of his plan
Hidden from the casual glance of man
God has reserved a work so rare
His masterpiece beyond compare.

In his season God will expose
That which only now his Sonship knows;
As rosebuds open, fold on fol,
His masterpiece shall all behold.

In this special hand-wrought company
Through the coming ages shall be seen
That in this present day of sin
God worked such beauty deep within.

The whole universe shall stand amazed
Beholding the Sons whom God has raised
To sit within his throne-room seat,
His finished masterpiece complete.

Dora Van Assen 5-15-74

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to devote ourselves to the good deeds for which God has designed us. Eph. 2:10 The New English Bible

GOD'S TWO-FOLD WORK

GOD'S HIDDEN INTENTION actually speaks of God's Purpose made before hand which nothing can hinder, alter or swerve. This purpose flows on silently, secretly and irrevocably to its ultimate goal for all creation. While GOD'S REVEALED WILL speaks of that portion of his INTENTION which he reveals NOW, little by little, as we mature in him. We are exhorted to walk in this light in obedience and love. Paul enjoins us that, "If we LIVE in the spirit, let us also WALK in the spirit." then we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. Gal. 5:25

We must see both sides of God's Intention and Will. One side speaks of the absolute sovereignty of God concerning the salvation, and growth of every man into his own image and likeness which he determined in his own heart before creation. The other side speaks of the union of God with man to fulfill this original plan. This NEW MAN is not to be a passive nonentity but he is to play an active and important part in this wonderful INTENTION of God. These Sons, partaking of the divine holiness and nature of God himself, share in the great and glorious EMMANUEL! CO-HEIRS, which includes: CO-WORKERS, CO-SAVIORS, CO-JUDGES, CO-PRIESTS, CO-KINGS, and CO-LORDS of all the universe!

"Eye hath not see, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God: that we MIGHT KNOW THE THINGS THAT ARE FREELY GIVEN TO US OF GOD." 1 Cor. 2:9-16

Our place and position, and our active cooperation in the progressive attainment of God's Goal for the universe, is revealed gradually, as we mature into full SONSHIP. In God who is light, "there is no variableness neither shadow of turning." God never changes, neither does his plan or nature; no not so much as by one hair's breadth! We are the ones who are being turned. Coming out the Old into the New, growing in revelation and knowledge, we are beholding different aspects, shades ans sides of his overall plan for mankind. Hear the words of Ephraim while under the chastening rod of God.

"I have sure heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus: Thous has chatised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned: for thou art my Lord and God. Surely after that I was turned. I REPENTED: and after that I was instructed, I SMOTE UPON MY THIGH: I WAS ASHAMED yea, even confounded, BECAUSE I DID BEAR THE REPROACH OF MY YOUTH." Jer. 31:18-19

In this scripture we see a two-fold work. God does the correcting, and turning for instructin into his will, and we do the REPENTING! This is a God-given, Godly repentance not to be repented of. 2 Cor. 7;10

It is very essential that we have a clear concept of the manifold wisdom of God. The church right now is making known unto all realms the many-sided wisdom of God. Making known, not only the beginning of his HIDDEN INTENTIONS, and the glorious ending of this same INTENTION, but also making known what God is revealing and doing NOW, IN AND THROUGH, this great SONSHIP COMPANY, in order to reach his finsal goal. One of our favorite verses declaring the ultimate reconciliation of all is found in Romans 11:36:

"For of Him and through Him, and to Him are all things."

How we delight in knowing all is out of God, and all is going back into God. This is so glorious, that we seem to have forgotten the long interval between. This long process of growth and development between these two extremes is going on right NOW in those called unto Sonship. In this day we are in the long "through him" process. Nothing is going back into God which has not first been cleansed and filtered through God himself. He is consuming fire. All that goes into the fire is changed and made like unto the fire itself. Therefore only he that has gone through the purifying fire of God shall go back into God. Only what is like himself goes back into God.

This "through process" takes long periods of growth through working of good and evil from the hazy past ages to the far ages still in the dim future. Only the "through him" is actually being revealed to us now, and becoming a very part of us. Certainly we know that we were called and chosen before the ages began, and we know without a doubt that we shall all be back in God when the ages have completed their purpose - but this is the age in which we are being processed to be conformed into the image of his Son, "that he be the firtborn of many brethren." Rom. 8:29. We are not only called and chosen! We are also being made FAITHFUL!

All are on God's assembly line headed back into himself. Each one is fitted, adjusted, corrected, and polished as he moves along in his own time and order until he comes forth a finished project made in the very image of his Creator.

THE THOUGHT AND WAYS OF GOD

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an end and expectation." Isa 55:8, Jer. 29:11

It is very important that we have a knowledge of God's WAYS, not always be looking for some mighty act or miracle. To know his ways is to know his very nature. It is to know his inmost secret thoughts and desires...It is to know the purpose of why he is acting and doing what he is doing in this age, to bring forth his own chosen body, who fulfills his ultiimate plan.

In Job 26, it is declared that all the power and wisdom displayed by God in the marvels of creation, even to the glories of the heavens are but "parts of his ways."

"By his spirit he haath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent. Lo, these are PARTS OF HIS WAYS; BUT HOW LITTLE A PORTION IS HEARD OF HIM?" Job 26:13,14

Here it is implied that God by his own Spirit garnished the heavens. These heavens declare the glory of God and his own handiwork. Night and day speak forth knowledge. There is no speech or languarge, where their voice is not heard. Psa. 19The vaious constellations show forth the "good news" of the gospel. A study we cannot go into now, only to mention that the constellation called "Draconis", depicting the crooked serpent or dragon, is also formed by the hand of God. The Hebrew word for "formed" is "Chul", which has within it the meaning of calve (travail as in giving birth). In this we see that God's Spirit gladly garnished (decorated and beautitied) the heavens, but his hand pained or travailed in bringing forth the serpent,(type of evil), though it was needed to bring forth his own hidden intention.

People love to delve into mysteries of nature. Some make it their whole life study. And others more spiritual minded love to search into the deep secrets of God, especially the workings of good and evil. BUT WHAT A LITTLE PORTION IS REALLY KNOWN OF HIM! To know him is life eonian! It is good to know that God has created all things, both good and evil, and that he uses both for his own ultimate purpose. It is good to know that even our own sins will correct us, but these are but "parts of his ways". As we mature both good and evil will be swallowed up in LIFE.

"For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." Rom. 5:10

This verse gives us an example of both good and evil. It was evil for us to be enemies, though it was good to be reconciled. And yet acturally the means God used in reconciling us was evil, as he sacrificed his only begotten son, who had done no wrong. And yet another thing we must notice, is that this use of both good and evil did not save us. We are being saved by the life of the Son of God who lives within us! Because we know that God created evil, we also know that he is using it for his own purpose, and when that purpose is complete, we know that he is able and will remove it from his universe. His thoughts and ways are higher than the false ideas and imaginations of man.

"Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee: whose heart are thy ways! Psa. 84

God made his way known unto Moses, who had a "face to face" ministry. Only God's acts were made known unto the children of Israel, who all died in the wilderness. Psa. 103:7 and Hebrews 3:9-10. This is the areas in which pentecostalism has operated, bringing only confusion (his acts) In this hour God is raising up a prophet like unto Moses, with a personal "face to face" ministry - knowing even as they are known. Knowledge of God's will and having an active part in his plan brings life. Only to an inner circle did Jesus reveal his special secrets.

"Verily I say unto you, there be some standing here which shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart. And was transfigured before them." Matt. 16:28 and 17:1

Only these disciples were given a preview of the Son of Man coming into his kingdom glory and power by the transfiguring of his body into a body of light. Jesus reavealed and proved openly before them that he had attained unto full redemption and transforming power, though he cautioned them to keep it a secret until after his resurrection as he was commmanded to lay THIS LIFE down for the sins of the whole world. John 10:17 In his resurrection, he would raise it up into an even higher glory.

Another secret of the Mystery of Godliness and Iniquity working together was disclosed to John the beloved as he lay on Jesus breast. Only to him did Jesus indicate who would betray him by handing Judas the sop, and saying "what thou doest do quickly." John 13. And later in the garden calling him, "Friend" (comrade or fellow worker).

Jesus said he had many more things to say to them which they could not receive then, but after the Holy Ghost was given, He would guide them into all truth. Many of these mysteries are falling into place as we come into a greater knowledge of the working together of his HIDDEN INTENTION AND REVEALED WILL for this present age.

EXAMPLES OF GOD'S HIDDEN INTENTION IN CONSTRAST TO HIS REVEALED WILL

Romans the ninth chapter gives us some examples of the predetermined intention of God. We need a revelation of the spirit to fully understand this chapter. In the New English Bible this chapter is entitled, "The purpose of God in history". Of course, it is always easier to see the purpose of history after it is finished. While in the process of making history we can see only confusion; all seems jumbled and aimless, yet out of it all there finally appears a definite age and cosmic order. Let us look at our first example.

EASAU AND JACOB - BOTH WENT THROUGH CORRECTION

"For the children being not yet born, neither having done good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth; It was said unto to her, The elder (greater) shall serve the younger (lesser), As it is writtern, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. (loved less)

Though Jacob was the chosen of God, he did not jump right into the birthright blessing. He went through a long drawn out period of pain and suffering, meeting his greatest experience at Peniel, before his name was changed from Jacob (supplanter) to Israel (a Prince with God having power with God and men). In the hidden intention of God, Jacob was chosen before he was born, but in his revealed will from day to day, God processed him to learn to walk as a Prince. God brought him to the place of true repentance. He apologized to his brother, Esau. Jacob's desire for the birthright blessing was right, but his method to attain them were wrong. God used these wrong actions to reach his own hidden purpose, yet he had to punish jacob for willfully deceiving his father. Jacob was acting against his own conscious. Therefore it was necessary that God correct and discipline him to bring him into his appointed birthright order.

We want you to notice that Esau was not utterly rejected. He received a lesser blessing. Heb. 11:20, Deut. 2 We know that he actually sinned against revealed light, for he despised his birthright. He had knowledge of it. In Hebrews 12:16, he is called a fornicator and proface person, being held up as an example of warning to the sons of God. This is the great chapter on the judgment of the sons in order to bring them into God's own divine nature and holiness.

MOSES AND PHARAOH: BOTH USED OF GOD TO REVEAL HIS GLORY

"For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore, hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth." Rom. 9:18

Here again we find a scripture hard to understand. First let us note that without this opposition of Pharaoh we would not have such a great Moses! Second, God needed this oppositin that in it his own glory and power would be revealed to all the world. Third, both Moses and Pharaoh were ignorant of the real intention of God, which was to use this interplay of good and evil that his own name be cleclared through all the earth.

Moses followed out his instructions step by step. God said, "Go tell Pharaoh to let my people go." Moses did just this, but he did not know that behind the scenes God was hardening Pharaoh's heart. I wonder how long Moses would have stood up to Pharaoh if he had known this! In his ingnorance Moses jfaithfully executed the revealed will of God for him. He just walked in the light as it was reveled to him day by day; doing HIS PART in bringing the plagues upon Egypt that finally delivered the children of Israel.

Now let us look at Pharaop's position. Not realizing God's real intention, he really imagined tht he was doing his own will in resisting Moses' request to lt the children of Israel go free. This ignorance did not excuse him, as he thought that he was acting upon his own volition in resisting Moses with all his might. Not knowing the real intention behind the scenes, as vessels of dishonor fitted for destruction, he and his army were destroyed in the Red Sea, that the glory of God would be revealed, in that day and through all ages. This does not mean they were utterly lost, just for the age, until Jesus also descended to preach to the spirits in prison. 1 Pet. 3:18. In the ultimate of God all will be reconciled and regenerated through the Lord Jesus Christ. All will finally come into the same glory reserved for all mankind which is: God all in all.

We believe in the absolute sovereignty of God. His Hidden Intention shall not fail, though often it is hidden to our limited veiw. We can heartily sing: "Nothing can happen outside of his will". For in him there is no accident or mistake. All is in his control. And knowing this truth (or this Revealed Will) we can and do give thinks for all things.

NO ETERNAL PAIN

You may think it a passing fancy
But since I was a child of ten,
I have hated that awful doctrine,
That taught unending pain for men.

I could never believe in heaven,
As a place of joy and and of peace,
While thousands upon thousands suffered
In a hell that will never cease.

Oh, my God is a God mercy,
He is a God of justice too
But the frightful stain of endless sin,
I could never believe it true.

My Father in heaven, forgive them,
Those who teach such a crime as true,
And wilt Thou in kindness remember
That "they know not what they do."

For eternal life - "the gift of God",
Is to be shared with Him who died.
That eternal sin might never be
A stain on eternity's tide.

R. H. Judd

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GOD'S CORPORATION

"A Body endued with Authority to act as One."

Mystery of mystery!
That we could ever be-
Sons of God incorporated
With His power invigorated
And in love so elevated,
That we're seated in the heavellies
Expressing one great company.

Mystery of mystery!
That we could ever be-
With His own seed impregnated
With His wisdom permeated
Thus in glory radiated
We're hidden in His corporate Body
Till manifested openly.

Mystery of mystery!
That we could ever be-
Our minds in Him illuminated
And our lives so integrated
We in one are consummated
God's Corporation, Authority!
Creating perfect harmony.

Dora Van Assen 8-2-74

"Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utternce to speak the mystery of Christ." Col. 4:3, Eph. 3:4.

MYSTERY: What is known only to the initiated.

WORKING IN HARMONY WITH GOD

Seeing the ultimate fulfillment of his intention throughout the whole universe, when every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father, will inspire us to work in harmony with him in full assurance of faith, knowing we shall not fail. We know, as Sons, that we are getting prepared and shall be used in Christ to bring everything into harmony with God. He has given us the Word and Ministry of Reconciliation. That we have a part in God's wonderful intention, and that it is being revealed to us now, is plainly revealed in a very well known scripture which exalts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of all - and our part as his body in bringing it into effect.

"That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow...And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but much more in my absence, WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION...for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure....That ye may be blameless and harmless, THE SONS OF GOD...holding forth the word of life." Phil 2:10-16

These scriptures are in context. Please notie the "wherefore", uniting the veses as one whole. Here Paul is stating that because we KNOW by revelation that ultimately in loving obedience every knee shall bow and every tongue shall acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, we should therefore WORK OUT OUR OWN SALVATION, in order that we might qualify to have part in this glorious climax of the ages. In other words, this KNOWLEDGE of God's Intention should inspire us to work out what He is working in us, for it is God working IN US both to WILL and TO DO for his own chosen purpose. We do not understand all his plan for us, but what IS BEING REVEALED TO US NOW, we should delight to work out! The more we work out, the more he works in. Give and ye shall receive! This is an unalterable law. God desires that we be blameless and harmless, THE SONS OF GOD, who shine as lights in a darkened world, HOLDING FORTH THE WORD OF LIFE TO ALL!

We have shown that there is a great difference in God's Hidden Intention, (which nothing can change or hinder), and His Revealed Will, (which may be attained at the close of the ages). The SONS, maturing now, are glad to walk in this revealed will, knowingly, and not just as puppets. Knowing God's will entails involvement and responsibility, which in turn requires obedience and faithfulness. Through growth and development, the SONS are learning by the higher route of love.

We want to give some more examples showing this difference in the workings of God. These illustrations can be applied allegorically for our admonition and learning. 1 Cor. 10:11, Gal. 4:24.

Since we have already shown God's real hidden intention in his dealing with Jacob and Esau, and Moses and Pharaoh, we will continue this line of thought on God's hidden ways in the lives of others:

ABRAHAM AND ISAAC: BOTH WALKED BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT

"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." Heb. 1:8

In calling Abraham, God gave the promise that he would inherit the land of Canaan, though this was never realized during his life time. God, also promised that he would become the father of many nations; that in him and in his seed all the families of the earth would be blessed. This promise finally came into evidence when Isaac was born; for it was to be in Isaac that his seed shoud be called, even Christ, who came to bless all humanity. Then when Isaac was about 13 years old, God brought Abraham into his greatest test of faith. This is recorded in Gen. 22.

It was at this time that Abraham was commanded by God to offer up his only begottern Son, Isaac, (whom he loved, and through whom the seed line was to come) as a sacrifice unto God. Abraham could well have questioned God, even doubted that he had heard God correctly, or that some other spirit had spoken unto him. Because it was a well known fact that God had declared that he would require a human sacrifice.

"They have built also the high places of Baal to burn their sons with fire for burnt offering unto Baal, WHICH I COMMANDED NOT, NOR SPAKE IT, NEITHER CAME IT INTO MY MIND." Jer. 19:5

Yes, Abraham could well have thought he was mistaken, but he KNEW THE VOICE OF THE LORD. Though he did not undestand the reason or intention of God, he still prepared himself to obey. He believed that God, (in order to keep his promise) would have to raise up Isaac, "For in Isaac shall thy seed be called.!" (he was resurrected in a figure). Heb. 11:17-19

Neither id Isaac realize the full significance of what was taking place, for he said: "Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering, so they went up together." Gen. 22:7,8 Do you fully realize the obedience and teh submission of Isaac? He could have easily overpowered his father, who was an old man by this time. But he willingly surrendered and walked in the revealed will of God.

Now let us make some deductions from this strange command of God. Behind the scenes it was never GOD'S INTENTION to slay Isaac upon an altar of sacrifice. That would be going againsy his own law. But he implied this to TRY both Abraham and Isaac. God knew what was in them, but it was necessary for them to be PROVEN, so that they themselves would know what was in their own heart. We deduct this from the words of the Angel when he called Abraham the second time.

"And said, by myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed: BECAUSE THOU HAST OBEYED BY VOICE." Gen. 22:18 and Heb. 6:13-20

Through this test, God was giving Abraham and Isaac the honored privilege of submitting and working in harmony with his divine plan! They were not just to be maneuvered as puppets, but they were to be tested and qualified to enter into partnership with God. This extends to the SONS of this day, who are the heirs of this promise. Heb. 6:17, Gal. 4:28 They, too, are being tested in strange ways, being fully developed unto full participants in the purpose of God.

JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS - BOTH SUFFERED INTENSE MENTAL AGONY

"Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life."..."but as for you, ye thought evil against me: but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to SAVE MUCH PEOPLE ALIVE...and he comforted them." Gen. 45:5, 51:2-21

In these words of Joseph to his brothers, he is not condoning what they had done to him and his father Jacob, but he is explaining the Hidden Intention of God, moving behind the scenes which is far beyond the comprhension of man. God had taken all their evil thoughs and actions and actually used them for his own purpose to bring Joseph to Egypt before them, that he could be used to save much people alive, during the coming famine. And so he comforts them, telling them not to live in fear and self accusation any longer. He understood their remorse. There is no greater suffering than the mental anguish of regret. Sinning against right! Jesus called this regret, weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.

We read that Joseph languished in chains which bit deep into his soul. Psa. 105:18 (margin). Seemingly God had forsaken him; all his dreams seemed idle and vain. There he lay not knowing why as he had done no wrong! In all this suffering of mind and soul, God was preparing him for his position next to Pharaoh in all the land of Egypt. During all this time, his brothers did not go scott free. They were full of anxiety and worry. In fact, they were tied in chains of deceit. Can you visualize their consternation when they say to their father Jacob, pining away in grief for the loss of his son, Joseph whom they had said was killed by some wild beast. As proof, they presented his coat of many colors torn and covered with blood. Now their hands were tied by their own conniving, as they stood helplessly by watching their father go sorrowing to his grave. How they must have feared one another, accusing one another. What secrets they had to keep from their wives and children. I believe they suffered more than Joseph! As least his heart did not condemn him. He had confidence that God would work it all out for good, though he did not understand the reason why he had to go that route.

So, we see a change wrought out in the hearts of his brothers. They show their compassion for their father, and great love for Benjamin. And they admit that they are being justly punished for their misdeeds. We also see Joseph mature from a mere stripling (who may have boasted about his dreams), into a mature, patient, and wise man, ables to be the prime minister of all Egypt. God needed a MAN there at that precise time, and it took him thirteen years to mature and fit that man for the job. Joseph did not jump right into that position. He was qualified for it through testings. Can we expect to become SONS in any other way??

JONAH AND THE BELLY OF THE WHALE: A SIGN TO THIS GENERATION

"Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights...and there shal no SIGN be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: for as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whal'e belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the HEART OF THE EARTH." John 1:17, Matt. 12:40-41

God prepared this large fish, not to destroy Jonah, but to preserve him. Jonah went through severe punishment for his disobedience, which was God's loving correction to deliver him from his SELF-LIFE. In the BELLY OF HELL he was brought into truth, for he cried: "Salvation is of the Lord." God saved Jonah because it was in his predistined plan that Jonah become a SIGN OF JESUS' DESCENT INTO HELL. Jonah 2 and Eph. 4:8-10.

We see three SIGNS in the story of Jonah.

1. His casting into the sea was a SIGN OF THE CASTING AWAY OF ISRAEL AMONG THE NATIONS. The sea being a type of the milling multitudes of the earth.

2. He was a SIGN OF THE CHURCH going into the dark ages, a HELL of darkened minds. Hades or hell means imperceptible. We do not know what or where it is. But in God's Hidden Intention it is doing its refining work.

3. Jonah is a SIGN OF CHRIST IN HIS SONS, hidden in their earth, doing his own strange work within to bring into effect God's Hidden Intention.

These HIDDEN ONES are being fed the HIDDEN MANNA kept for the maturing SONS of this day. In the HIDDEN PART he shall make them to know TRUTH. They are being made in SECRET (in the lowest parts of the earth) for he is a God that hides himself. Psa. 51:6, 83:3m 139:15.

THE LAW - ITS HIDDEN PURPOSE

"Moreover the law entered (intruded) that the offence might abound...that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful...Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgression TILL THE SEED SHOULD COME TO WHOM THE PROMISE WAS MADE...Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ." Rom. 5:20, 7:15, Gal. 4:19-24.

From these scriptures we can see that the law was given temporarily, as a schoolmaster, not only to hold sin in check, but in the very fact that it could not be obeyed (it could not bring life), sin whould be exposed and become exceeding sinful.

At first, Moses put a veil over his face to hide its brillant glory. Later as this glory began to fade, he kept it on, so that the Israelites could not see that this glory of the law was only inserted temporarily until Chirst came to fulfill it. If this was known, who would want to obey this fading glory.

Looking back from this side of the cross, we can (by the revelation of the spirit) plainly see that God in his hidden purpose never intended anyone to keep the law, for it could not produce life. Life and immortality came by Jesus Christ.

[my comment: It was in God's Hidden Intention or purpose that he never intended anyone to keep the law but it was in was in his Revealed Will that they were to attempt to for that was the light that was being given to them at that time.]

ISRAEL: HER CASTING AWAY FOR THE SALVATION OF THE NATIONS

"For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead...For I would not, brethern that ye be ignorant of this mystery...that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the nations be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved." Rom. 11:15, 25,26.

Again we see the hidden mysterious plan of God at work behind the scenes in casting away of Israel. If they had known that their failure was the very man by which God was going to bring in the Gentiles, they could have said: "Let's go on sinning, for God is going to use it for good!" But since it was hidden from them, they sinned willfully. Therefore God could justly punish them for correction and growth.

God had to blind them in part, until his own hidden purposes were fullfilled. That is why Jesus taught in parables, so only the chosen for that time would hear and understnd. See Matt. 13:13-17. But we also know that they were not cut off forever, for we see a DELIVERS (SONS) arising out of Zion (church) "which shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sin...And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said utno them, Ye are not my people: there shall they be called the children of the living God." Rom. 9;26, 11:26,27

THE CROSS: ITS FULL INTENTION

"God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Gal. 6:14

Here we see three crucifixions: Jesus, the world, and every believer. The crucifixion of Jesus reconciled the world unto God. As wonderful as this was, it does not bring full redemption of the whole men: spirit, soul and body. The death of Jesus removed the enmity between God and man, but we live through his life. Rom 5:10. It is not enoubh to believe that Jesus died literally upon the cross and that he arose liteally, but it is essential that we also believe that he returned in the form of the Spirit entering into us in order to bring a crucifixion to our self-life. This entalis that we be crucified to the world, and that the world be crucified to us.

This is the mysterious work of the cross in process within us now. We died with him, we rose with him, and we are seated with him in heavenly places. This is all done in the Intention of God. And yet it is a process as it is being revealed to us. 2 Cor. 1:10 It is all with him. As the forerunner, he opened the way out of death into life, and we are running after to also enter this same life, not by ourselves, but through his life within us. I call this the greatest CO-OP in the universe. THE EMMANUEL- GOD WITH MAN.

In closing this article  we want to look into some scriptures revealing the united cooperation of God and the New Creation Man bringing to pass his hidden intention conceived in his own heart before creation.

GOD'S CORPORATION: A GROUP WITH THE AUTHORITY TO ACT AS ONE

1. Man Working with the Holy Spirit.

"He( the Comforter) shall testify of me: AND YE ALSO shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginnig." John 15:26,27. "And THEY were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and THEY began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave THEM utterance." Acts 2:4

We can see that this is a united work of God and man. We have a part to do even in the receiving of the Holy Spirit. There is the asking, yielding and obeying. Acts 5:32 The Holy Spirit is given for OUR EDIFICATION. Paul said, "I will pray as I am inspired to pray, but I will also pray intelligently (with understanding). 1 Cor. 14:15 NEB

2. Man Working With God In the Crucifixion

"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, YE HAVE TAKEN, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain...But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of Life, whom God has raised from the dead...Both Herod, and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and counsel determined before to be done. Act. 2:23, 3:14,15; 4:27-28.

Isaiah says he was smitten of God, yet God used wicked men to execute his own Son. Jesus prayed for these very enemies because they really did not know what they were doing. 1 Cor. 2:8. In their ignorance they brought suffering upon themselves and their children. Even though they were forgiven, a corrective work still had to be done in their lives. In fact, it was because they did not know the full intention of God that they stood condemned. For in themselves they thought that they were making their own deison against the Holy One of Israel, when they said, "Away with Him, and give us Barrabas!" In their own minds they were openly rejecting Him. That is why God could hold them accountable, thoguht he was using their evil deeds for his own ultimate intention of salvation for the whole world. Judas is a good example of this thought. When he realized what he had done, he again took things in his own hands, judging himself unworthy to live, taking his own life. Matt. 27: 3-5 So going to his own PLACE for further correction. Acts 1:25 (our booket on Judas called: Righteous Judgment can be obtained. It explains some these hidden secrets in more detail) Through the interplay of good and evil, God is bringing forth his own Hidden Intention.

3. Man Working With God For Good

"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase...For we are laborers together WITH GOD...I haave laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon...We then as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain."

Of course, we know that in ourselves we can do notherin; that all is of God! We cannot even add one step to our life's span, or decide what we will do tom tomorrow, but rather we say, "The Lord willing!" And yet we are also admonished, "to him that KNOWETH TO DO GOOD, AND DOETH IT NOT, TO HIM IT IS SIN." James 4:13-17

Herin lies a great mystery. We know that we are God's Workmanship, and that God is workign in us to will and to do above what we can even ask or think; and yet we find Paul, laboring to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus, in accord with the mighty power of God working in him. Eph. 2:10, Phil. 2:12-13; Eph. 3:20; Col. 1:29. So where does the work of God end and the work of the New Creation Man begin? Jesus prayed that we be ONE! We do not displace God, and neither does he displace the real us!! But of the twain makes one NEW GODMAN. These very bodies are being changed and fashioned like unto his glorious body, which he has alread taken up into the Godhead. The Sons are destined to be like him in every way. They have been given the glorious privilege to be CO-RECONCILERS OF THE UNIVERSE. 2 Cor. 5:18-21.

It is vitally important that the MATURING SONS KNOW HIS HIDDEN INTENTION, AND BEGIN TO WALK IN HARMONY ALSO WITH HIS REVEALED WILL.