The Ultimate Intention: Chapter 3 – One Ultimate Theme
"When each strand finds its place in the Father’s eternal design."
In this chapter, DeVern Fromke graciously confronts a subtle error that pervades much of our theological vision: the confusion of means with ends. We often latch onto the significant strands of God's work—creation, providence, redemption, sanctification—as if they were the whole cord. But Fromke reminds us that all these magnificent expressions are only methods and means, not the central theme. The true and ultimate purpose, he argues, is paternal: that God the Father, from eternity past, lovingly chose and formed a family to be His own in Christ. Everything else—every doctrine, event, and divine intervention—flows from this one eternal heartbeat: a Father desiring sons before Him, in His presence, for His pleasure.
Fromke anchors this in Ephesians 1:3–10, a passage that provides six key components of this paternal theme: WHO—He (the Father), WHAT—chose us, HOW—in Christ, WHEN—before the foundation of the world, WHY—for Himself, and WHERE—before Him. These truths realign our view so that redemption is no longer central but instrumental. The redemptive strand, though glorious, is only one thread in the eternal fabric. When we see from God's eternal viewpoint, we no longer live in fragmented doctrines but in unified purpose. This larger view not only lifts our understanding of doctrine but measures our lives in new dimensions—length (living with eternity in view), breadth (living fully by God’s dedication), depth (living devotedly unto the Father), and ultimate purpose (living governed by His eternal intention).
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit
Beloved, you are not the centerpiece of My plan—yet you are the focus of My love. All things were made through Christ and for Him, and in Him, I have chosen you before the world was ever formed. You are not here merely to be redeemed; redemption was always part of the provision, not the end. I made you to be Mine—to walk before Me, in My presence, in love. Can you see how all the events of your life, the doctrines you cherish, and even your sufferings, are woven into something far greater? My intention is not random repair but eternal relationship.
You were never meant to live from one spiritual strand to the next, as though you walk a chain of disconnected experiences. Instead, rest in the whole tapestry of My heart. See with My eyes: creation is a setting, providence a provision, redemption a restoration, sanctification a preparation. But all of these are simply the means by which I draw you into the eternal family I always desired. Let Me lift your gaze. Let Me deepen your devotion. You were not merely saved—you were chosen, in love, to stand before Me in Christ.
Let My Fatherhood define every strand you see. Let eternity set the rhythm of your earthly steps. Walk as one who lives not just from Me, but unto Me. For I have not only revealed My plan—I have invited you into it.
(References: Ephesians 1:3–10, Colossians 1:16, Romans 8:29, John 1:12–13)
Prayer
Father, thank You for drawing me into something far deeper than I imagined. You have not simply rescued me, but lovingly placed me in Christ before time began. Today I rejoice that You are not just Creator or Redeemer, but my Father—and I am Your son, chosen to walk before You in love. May my heart stay anchored in Your eternal purpose and live each moment unto You, not for what I can gain but for who You are. Thank You for the light that now shines through the mystery and reveals Your heart. I rest in the completeness of Your plan, knowing that every strand finds its place in You.
Your eternal purpose is like the loom of heaven—each doctrine a colorful thread, but only in Your hands do they become the tapestry of divine sonship.
Credits
Based on Chapter 3 of "The Ultimate Intention" by DeVern Fromke
Photo on Unsplash