The Eternal Purpose of Christ

Ephesians 3:11 says, "According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:" I read that and began to wonder what was God's eternal purpose for Christ? If you read Ephesians 1 and 2 we have a list of things He has already done for us:

• Blessed us (1:3)
• Chosen us (1:4)
• Predestinated us (1:5) (Predestinated according to foreknowledge, I'm not a calvinist)
• Accepted us (1:6)
• Redeemed us (1:7)
• Forgiven us (1:7)
• Shown us His will (1:9)
• Given us purpose (1:11)
• Quickened us (2:1)
• Loved us (2:4)
• Again, quickened us (2:5)
• Raised us up (2:6)
• Made us sit in heavenly places (2:6)
• Given us a heavenly home (2:7)
• Shown us kindness (2:7)
• Saved us (2:8)

!!!! Why?? Why did He do all of these things for us? Because God is rich in mercy and LOVES US!!! (2:4). This is an encouraging thought. Verse 5 tells us how he loved us even though we were dead in sins! 

I know we're going through some hard times right now, but don't be discouraged. God loves us and sent His only Son to die for us, so that He could do all those things above for us.