Ephesians | Session 4 | 1:10-12

In our study today, we take a look at the dispensation of the fullness of times when God gathers all things together in him and the inheritance that we have been predestined to that we might be the praise of his glory.

Verse 10: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:  There is a lot of disagreement about when the fullness of times is or will be. By its very definition, it can't be referring to time that still needs to be fulfilled...at least that we know about. It would seem that it must be referring to time that we don't know about it which would be beyond the 1000 year reign of Christ, i.e., beyond Revelation 22. 

So, Paul seems to be referring to what is beyond the Messianic Kingdom. The NIV translates it to be 'put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment.' It will be during this time that he will gather together in one all things in Christ. This will include both which are in heaven and which are on earth; even in him. It will be under his leadership, both the earthly promises made to Israel and the heavenly promises made to the Body of Christ. 

Philippians 2:9-11 seems to be referring to this time because it will only be then that this will be fulfilled. Colossians 1:16 may be referring to this as well. Hebrews 2:5-8 seems to be describing this future event as well. The writer is referring to Psalms 8:5-6. Again, this seems to be describing a time after the 1000 reign of Christ. 

The Word Dispensation 

Interestingly, other than the NKJV, all of the other translations avoid the word dispensation in this verse and I believe so for obvious reasons, i.e., the subject would have to be dealt with otherwise, and most have rejected it, i.e., the Reformed types. 

Verse 11: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:  Inheritance concerns place, possession, and position that are received by heredity. Some hints as to this inheritance are found in Ephesians 3:6-8. 

Paul goes on to say that we have an inheritance as joint-heirs now because we have been predestined to it by the counsel of his own will. We have this inheritance because we are now children of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:14-18). 

Again, the word predestined is not referring to heaven or hell, but to the things He has for us who have been called, responded, and chosen as we mentioned earlier. It is all about destiny and purpose (cf. Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 3:11; 2 Timothy 1:9). 

What is the counsel of his own will? A council is in essence a meeting of the minds. We also see it in Acts 2:23. It is speaking of a time in eternity past when the Godhead set everything in motion (Genesis 3:15). In other words, it was all predetermined by God. So, God not only knows everything that it going to happen, but He also has predetermined everything that is going to happen. 

Notice also according to the purpose of him. What is the purpose of God? 2 Timothy 1:8-9 used the same language. It all happened in the predetermined counsel of God before the world began (Acts 2:23). He also mentioned this in Ephesians 1:4. 

Verse 12: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Why has God determined all of this for us? - That those of us who have trusted in Christ might be to the praise of his glory!