Ephesians 1:9-10
“Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ.”
King James Version
God's ultimate purpose to sum up all things in Christ, the cosmic reconciliation and unification of creation.
Fulfillment References
Colossians 1:20 John 12:32 Revelation 21:5
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalGod's purpose, the mystery of His will, is 'that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ.' All things in heaven and earth are summed up and united under one head — the Lord Jesus. The one God's whole plan converges on Christ, in whom He gathers and reconciles everything; this is the very thesis of all prophecy.
JewishThe hope of God's purposes consummated and creation set right resonates with the prophetic vision, though the headship of Christ is the Christian claim.
CatholicThe recapitulation (anakephalaiosis) of all things in Christ as Head — a central theme of Pauline and Irenaean theology (cf. the Catechism).
ProtestantGod's eternal plan to unite all things under Christ's headship at the fulness of times; the cosmic scope of redemption.
AcademicEphesians' 'summing up' of all things in Christ is a signature concept, developed by Irenaeus into recapitulation theology.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.