Page 32 - Gods Plan of the Ages

the end (the remainder), when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when
He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.

It is worth our time to study this passage patiently, seeking to "rightly divide the word
of truth." The context and focus of this passage is the end of the reign of Christ, the end of
the ages. If we want to understand these subjects, then we ought to focus on passages that
specifically address them.
Paul understood that Christ's work of reconciliation would be accomplished in a
precise order. He states, "For as in Adam all die, so also in the Christ all will be made alive.
But each in his own order." We do not see all men reconciled to God at the same time. At
this time, Christ is working to bring the anointed firstfruits to a full and complete
reconciliation to God.
The Greek word translated as "order" can provide us some insight. It is the Greek
word "tagma." Strong's Dictionary defines it in the following manner:

NT:5001tagma (tag'-mah); from NT:5021; something orderly in arrangement (a troop),
i.e.(figuratively) a series or succession:

What Paul is communicating is that Christ's work of reconciling mankind back to the
Father will be "something orderly in arrangement." It will be conducted as "a series or
succession" of works until all has been brought under subjection to the Father. First we will
see the anointed firstfruits reconciled to God. Then we will see those who belong to Christ,
but who were not firstfruits. Then comes the end, or the remainder, when those who were
enemies of Christ are brought under subjection to Him.
There is an order to the work of Christ. This age is not the end of the reconciling work
of Christ. It is merely the beginning. Christ will continue to rule, the saints laboring with
Him as ambassadors, entreating all men to be reconciled to God the Father.
Are you sometimes daunted as you perceive the darkness covering the earth, and the
gross darkness over the people? Do you perceive that the true disciples of Christ are indeed
a "little flock" at this time? The Scriptures entreat us to "not despise the day of small
beginnings" (Zechariah 4:10).
There was a day when a small remnant returned from Babylonian captivity to Zion.
They were led of the Spirit to rebuild the temple. The task was great and their strength was
small. There were many enemies, and the work progressed slowly. Many became
discouraged and for a season they laid the work aside, but God sent prophets, and His Spirit
to stir them up once more.
The present hour bears great resemblance to that time. A small remnant are heeding
the call to depart from Babylon. The work of building up a fit habitation for Yahweh from
living stones proceeds slowly. There are many enemies, and our own strength is small. We
are in the day of small beginnings.
Do not be discouraged. Do not think that this is all there ever will be. Do not listen to
the voices of ignorance and unbelief that proclaim that the creation will never be restored
to the Father, that righteousness will never reign over all. Yahweh has spoken, and He will
perform it. What a day it will be when every knee bows before Him, and every tongue
confesses that righteousness and strength are found only in Yahweh!