His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 3:10-11 NIV
Why did God create the universe? What was his purpose in doing so? These are questions that I have pondered periodically over the years. Ephesians, and this passage in particular, offer the best answer to this that I am aware of.
The Church is God’s Masterpiece
It appears that the church is at the heart of what God is doing in his creation. And not so much our local congregations, but the church as a whole, the body of the redeemed. This passage paints a picture of God, pointing to the church, and saying to the heavenly rulers and authorities, “Look at what I have done.” It is in the church that God’s wisdom is most fully revealed within the heavenly realm. We rightly marvel at the physical creation. It is clearly a demonstration of God’s power and intelligence. But it would appear to be just a staging ground for producing something even greater; the church. And it was in order to produce the church that Christ offered himself as a sacrifice for sin.
God’s purpose in creation and in the development of his church will be accomplished according to his eternal purpose. But I have to wonder sometimes how pleased he is with his church today. Are we an effective demonstration of his manifold wisdom to the spiritual realm?