If that is what is purposed in Christ Jesus, how great is our joy and confidence.

It is not our intention to attempt to examine the whole purpose of God as it is unfolded

in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, but we do feel some attempt is justified

in considering under the three heads the references to Purpose, Promise and Performance

that run through the Prison Epistles, and belong so intimately with our high calling and

hope. Purpose is written large across Eph. 1: 3-14, and is implied in such words as

"chosen", "predestinate", "good pleasure of His will", "His good pleasure which He hath

purposed in Himself", "Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will".

Arising out of this tremendous emphasis on "purpose" in these opening verses of

Ephesians, comes the `seal', `promise', `earnest', `hope' and `inheritance' (Eph. 1: 13-18)

concluding with that most wonderful characteristic and title of the Church which is His

Body, namely: