MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
October 1, 2025
God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration
To better comprehend and advance even more in grateful appreciation the unfathomable depths of God’s love for fallen man, revealed in His stated purposes in the different yet unifying aspects of the plan of redemption, hereunder is a comprehensive and definitive meaning of the word ‘Purpose’ according to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Fifth Edition, Merriam-Webster, 1942:
“Purpose: To propose as an aim to oneself; to intend; resolve.
N. 1.a. That which one sets before himself as an object to be attained; intention. 1.b. Resolution. 2. The object or result aimed at. 3. The immediate subject or action;—in, to the purpose, with relevancy. —Syn. End, aim, plan.” Furthermore, it recommends looking up the word, Intention. So here it is:
“Intention: A determination to act in a certain way or to do a certain thing. The Object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim, specifically, Purpose as to marriage; End for which prayers are offered; intent or import. Logic. A concept or notion, esp. a concept considered as a product of attention directed to the object conceived.”
Bearing in mind this comprehensive and definitive meaning of ‘Purpose,’ we now return to quotes from the inspired pen:
THE PURPOSE OF THE GOSPEL AND ITS PLAN
First, we repeat a succinct, simple, accurate, and scripturally pure definition of what the gospel is, and what it was divinely-designed to do and achieve for mankind lost in sin:
“The gospel is a system of practical truths destined to work great changes in human character. If it does not work the transformation in life, in habits, and practice, it is no truth to those who claim to believe it. Man must be sanctified through the truth. And said Jesus, ‘Thy word is truth’ (John 17:17). Unless the truth of God shall lift up man out of his depravity, his intemperate and profligate habits, and make him reflect the image of God, he is lost.” E. G. White, Letter 14, Mar. 13, 1885.
Now these:
“By sin [the transgression of the law] the [original] image of God in man has been marred and well-nigh obliterated. It is the work of the gospel to restore that which has been lost.” -ibid, Vol. 5 Testimonies for the Church, p. 743.
“When Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity, freedom from sin. The glory, fhe fulness, the completeness of the Gospel Plan is fulfilled in the life.” -ibid, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 420.
As Paul wrote:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the POWER of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. . .”Rom. 16.
The Mystery of the Riches of the Glory of the Gospel Revealed:
“Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: to whom God would make known what is the RICHES OF THE GLORY OF THIS MYSTERY among the Gentiles, which is CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY. Whom we preach, warning every man in all wisdom; that we may present EVERY MAN PERFECT IN CHRIST JESUS.” Col. 1: 25-28, A.V.
To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.