Paul wrote:
Does John 17:20 speak of me, as if Jesus knew of me 2000 years ago as he was talking to his father? Can this be connected to His intercession before the throne now spoken of in Romans 8, and the ongoing perfecting of the saints?
Paul
Dear Paul,
God bless you, and thank you for your question. The answer is greater than anyone could ever imagine in that God has always known those who are His and even after seeing all of man's failings, He sent His Son to save us and make us one with Him. Look at that wonderful Truth in Ephesians:
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Before this world, God knew us by name in Christ Jesus, and He made us through the work of the Saviour to be holy and without blame. It does not say we will not make mistakes; it tells us because of the Saving Grace of His Son, we will not be blamed for them and will be holy in His sight. Because of this, look at the results:
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
We already have ALL spiritual blessings and:
Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Eph 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Eph 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
All far beyond what mortal men could conceive. Now, a question to consider is if Eph 1:11 says He does everything after the counsel of His own will, how can one counsel? But God is One. He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, proving once again that Jesus Christ is God and that The Very God, Who knows everything from everlasting to everlasting, knew each of us by name and predestinated us to His purpose. Now, don't get caught up in that word predestinated as Calvin did; we are not dominos, but realize that God in His infinite wisdom foreknew you and that you would believe, and so called you by name in Christ to be His. The Lord Christ Jesus, Who created all things purposed you and all who believe to be His inheritance:
Eph. 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
All God's Blessings,
The Believers
