Discussion hints: ELTBefore Zayin ז

Discussion hints: ELTBefore Zayin ז [∞]

Zayin as the Symbol of the Bride

1. What does it mean that the church, represented by ז (Zayin), was chosen before the foundation of the world?
   • The idea that the church was chosen before the foundation of the world underscores God’s eternal purpose in selecting a people for Himself. The letter ז (Zayin), symbolizing the bride, represents a relationship established by God before creation. This speaks to God's sovereign choice, indicating that He had a plan for the church (the bride) even before the world began, showing His intentionality in the divine relationship between Christ and the church. This is often linked to passages like Ephesians 1:4, where it is stated that believers were "chosen in Him before the foundation of the world," affirming the preordained nature of this relationship.
2. How does this idea show that the church was always part of God’s eternal plan?
   • The concept of the church being chosen before the foundation of the world emphasizes that the church was never an afterthought or a contingency plan. Instead, it was always part of God's eternal design. God's plan to bring a bride (the church) to His Son, Christ, was set from eternity past. This foreknowledge demonstrates that God's redemptive plan unfolded progressively in history but was rooted in a purpose He had from the very beginning.

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Progressive Revelation of God’s Plan

1. Why do you think God’s plan for the church was revealed after the cross rather than earlier?
   • The church’s role as the bride was revealed after the cross to highlight the completion of Christ’s work. The church, as the body of Christ, could only be fully understood in light of His sacrifice and resurrection. Before the cross, the understanding of a unified body of believers was obscure. After Jesus' work on the cross, the mystery of the church was unveiled (Ephesians 3:9), showing that the church was established not just as a continuation of Israel, but as a new entity with Christ as its head. The cross was the pivotal moment in history that allowed the church to be revealed as a vital part of God's plan of redemption.
2. Can you think of other examples in the Bible where God’s plans were revealed over time?
   • One prominent example is the revelation of God's plan of salvation. Initially, God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:3) spoke to a specific lineage, but the full extent of salvation was progressively revealed through the Law, the prophets, and ultimately through Christ. The establishment of the kingdom of God is another example. Although God’s reign was declared early (e.g., Psalm 2), the fullness of His kingdom is revealed progressively, from Israel’s earthly kingdom to the spiritual kingdom inaugurated by Jesus. The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2) also revealed God’s plan for empowerment and mission, which was not fully understood before the resurrection.

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The Mystery of the Church

1. Why is the church described as a mystery in the Bible?
   • The church is described as a mystery because its full revelation was not known in previous generations. While God’s covenant with Israel was clearly understood, the inclusion of Gentiles into the body of Christ and the formation of a new spiritual community (the church) was not fully revealed until the New Testament (Ephesians 3:6). The church, as the bride of Christ, was a hidden aspect of God’s plan that was unveiled through the gospel after the cross. It is called a mystery because it was not comprehended by previous generations, but now, through the work of Christ, it has been made known.
2. How does the resurrection of Christ reveal the church's role as His bride?
   • The resurrection of Christ plays a pivotal role in revealing the church's identity as the bride because it confirms Christ’s victory over death and sin, which makes the church's union with Him possible. The church, as the bride, is united with Christ through His death, burial, and resurrection. The resurrection demonstrates that Christ is alive, and as the living Head, He calls His bride to live in Him. The relationship between Christ and the church, as revealed in passages like Ephesians 5:25-27, parallels the intimacy and sacrificial love between a husband and wife, with the resurrection marking the reality of that relationship.

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Scriptural Connections

1. How do the verses above show that the church was both chosen and revealed at specific times in history?
   • The verses above demonstrate that the church was both a part of God’s eternal plan (chosen before the foundation of the world) and also revealed in specific times of history. For example, Ephesians 1:4 affirms the church’s eternal election, while passages like Ephesians 3:9 and Colossians 1:26 reveal that the church’s identity as the bride and its role in God’s redemptive plan were revealed progressively, especially after Christ’s resurrection. The church’s identity was both an eternal truth and a historical revelation, showing God's perfect timing in making this mystery known.
2. What can these verses teach us about God’s timing and purpose in His plans?
   • These verses teach that God’s timing is perfect, and His purposes unfold according to His sovereign will. While the church’s role was always part of God’s eternal plan, its full revelation came at the appointed time—after the cross and resurrection of Christ. God’s plans are not hurried or random; instead, they unfold in a carefully timed sequence that reflects His wisdom. These verses encourage believers to trust in God’s timing, knowing that His purpose for His church is being fulfilled according to His divine calendar. God’s purpose is always unfolding, and we are part of His ultimate, eternal plan.