612. EPH 1:10. THE FULNESS OF THE TIMES

Eph_1:10. The Fulness of the Times

By Rev. John Hey, Of Bristol.

"That in the dispenstaion 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."’97Eph_1:10.

In the discussion of this subject, our thoughts will be employed, firstly, in meditating on the important period specified in the text; and, secondly, on that glorious work which will be accomplished during the same.

I. The important period specified in the text.

The apostle calls it, "The dispensation of the fulness of times;" by which he intends, a marvellous season of grace, which has not yet taken place’97at least, in the fullest sense of the words. To discover the import, strength, and beauty of these expressions, we must fix our attention,

1. On the times referred to. The Bible speaks of various times: such as, times appointed, times predicted, "times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power," Act_1:7.

(1.) We read of times of ignorance. Our world has been most awfully afflicted with times of mental obscurity: "Darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people," Isa_60:2.

(2.) A time of error and general defection from the primitive faith. The author of the second Epistle to the Thessalonians, describes this event in the predictive language of "falling away," 2Th_2:3. This almost universal declension had a surprising effect on the professors of Christianity, and produced an astonishing alteration both in the state and the appearance of things; for from this alarming apostasy resulted’97

(3.) A time of awful superstition. The most ridiculous, not to say blasphemous modes of worship, were now invented; an almost endless train of contemptible, unmeaning, and useless ceremonies, were introduced into the pretended worship of God.

(4.) A time of tremendous persecution began under the reign of the papal beast. This persecution raged with unabating fury for several ages.

(5.) The time of the glorious Reformation. This was a time of joy and prosperity to the Church of God. Truth now began to shine in its native lustre and beauty.

(6.) We are now brought to that period, referred to in the text. We have glanced at times of almost every description: times of ignorance, defection, superstition, persecution, light, and reformation; at length we are arrived at the period called "the fulness of times!" God, "who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will," hath, in his unerring wisdom, given permission to new and false prophets’97sin and hell, popes and devils’97to exert their utmost rage and influence in opposition to his cause and interest in the world. And now, to confound these mighty adversaries of his Church, he will bring on, in the end of those times, a dispensation of incomparable glory. This is styled in our text, "The dispensation of the fulness of times." This thought Introduces the subsequent part of the subject:

II. That glorious work which will be accomplished during this wonderful dispensation.

The nature of this work is expressed under the idea of gathering "together in one all things in Christ," &c.; viz., to incorporate in one body, or unite in one complete system, all things in heaven and on earth. This presupposes that a disunion and disagreement have taken place between the various ranks of beings which God hath made. Several considerations unite to corroborate this idea. But, notwithstanding these awful breaches, the Lord Jehovah will fulfil his gracious purpose, to "gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth."

(1.) When the apostle asserts, that God will "gather together in one all things in Christ," he means, that all things in creation, together with every event of Divine Providence and effect of sovereign grace, are, and will be, so connected, as to compose one grand system of universal economy; in which all the perfections of Deity will shine forth with ineffable splendor and glory.

(2.) The inhabitants of different climes, customs, colors, habits, and pursuits, both in Christian and Pagan lands, shall be united in one large society under the genial influence of gospel grace, so that "there shall be one fold, and one shepherd," Joh_10:16.

(3.) These words may signify further, that human and angelic intelligences will be associated in harmony and love. Our adorable Immanuel has informed us, that the time will come, when the millions of redeemed men shall be as the angels of God in heaven, Mat_22:30. The grand instrument by which this amazing work will be accomplished, is the glorious gospel of God our Saviour. All things are to be gathered together in Christ, even in him; viz., in his name, through his mediation, and by his power. The great commission with which the heralds of salvation are invested, is to go and preach repentance and remission of sins, in Immanuel’s name, among all nations. To inform them, "that God was (and still is) in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them," 2Co_5:19.

There are weighty reasons to be assigned, why this important work will be effected by the instrumentality of the gospel of Christ.

1. It is superior to all other systems. The superiority of the Christian system appears,

(1.) In the excellency of its doctrines. They are remarkably perspicuous, simple, and plain; though, at the same time, inconceivably sublime.

(2.) In the glory of its promises. It insures to all who embrace it, inviolable security, strong consolation, and ample support under all the trials of the present state. It promises hope and joy in death; and beyond the grave, "an inheritance, incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away," 1Pe_1:4.

(3.) In the purity of its precepts. The threatenings contained in the Bible render it a fit instrument for converting the heathen.

2. The success which has heretofore attended the preaching of the gospel, evinces it to be the proper instrument for the conversion of mankind.

3. Our expectations, as to the spread and prevalence of the gospel, are greatly encouraged by the promises which the Divine Father has made to his incarnate Son. "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." "It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth," Psa_2:8; Isa_49:6. Can everlasting veracity fail to accomplish such promises as these? No! "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled," Mat_5:18.

Application

1. From a review of what has passed under our notice at this time, we may derive encouragement as to our present momentous undertaking. That Arm which stands engaged to bring salvation to the heathen, is omnipotent. He that hath promised to gather the outcasts of the people is Jehovah, and his designs cannot fail. "He is the Rock, his work is perfect," Deu_32:4.

2. But with all this encouragement, let us not forget our province, as to a vigorous, diligent, and persevering use of means. The means are now before us; and that important plan, by which our active endeavors will be regulated, is now formed.

3. In order to animate our minds and stimulate our efforts, we ought to contemplate the delightful effects which will result from our united exertions, when succeeded by the blessing of God!

What a pleasing change now takes place! How different the aspect of those countries where the gospel hath come with invincible energy. The seed of life is sown’97heavenly dews descend upon it’97it takes root’97springs forth, and produces "some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred fold," Mar_4:8.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS