Definition: According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Ephesians 3:11. It’s a really important and poetic passage! Here's what it means, explained simply: Basically, this verse is saying that God has a big plan for us – a purpose – through Jesus Christ. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Ephesians 3”: This refers to a specific book in the Bible. It's a letter written to the church in the first century, focusing on spiritual growth and our relationship with God. “3”: This is just a number – it’s like saying "this section" or “this part.” “11”: This is the verse itself. “According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:” This is where it gets interesting! Let's break that down even further: “According to…”: This means God’s plan . He has a specific goal for us. “eternal purpose”: This refers to God’s ultimate design for humanity – something beyond our own lives, and lasting forever. Think of it as a roadmap for the future. “which he purposed in Christ Jesus…” This is crucial . It means that God has already created this plan before we were born, and He specifically chose Jesus Christ to be the central focus of this purpose. So, putting it all together: God isn’t just planning for us to live our lives. He’s planned for us to become like Him through Jesus Christ. He wants us to grow into a spiritual body – a community of believers – and ultimately be transformed into the kind of people He is. It's about becoming more like God, and that happens through Jesus. In simpler terms: God has a specific goal for us – to become a part of His family through faith in Jesus Christ. Why it’s important: This verse speaks to the idea of spiritual growth and transformation. It's about moving beyond ourselves and embracing a relationship with God. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps explore how this verse relates to other Bible passages? For example, are you curious about: The concept of “eternal purpose”? What does it mean to be "like God"? How does this verse relate to the idea of salvation (being saved from sin)?