1  God eternal has a purpose,

    Formed in His eternal past,

    Spreading to eternal future;

    'Twixt these ends all time is cast.

    For with time there is the process,

    Time for His accomplishment;

    And in time we're merely travelers —

    For eternity we're meant.

 2  God would have a group of people

    Built together in His plan,

    Blended, knit, coordinated

    As His vessel — one new man.

    God would come into this vessel

    With His nature, life and ways,

    Mingling Spirit with our spirits

    For His joy and to His praise.

 3  God has worked in three directions

    For His plan so marvelous:

    As the Father, Son, and Spirit

    To dispense Himself to us!

    All creation gives the setting —

    Heav'n and earth are for this plan;

    'Tis for this God made a body,

    Soul and spirit — three-part man.

 4  As the center, as the kernel,

    Of God's plan our spirit is;

    Calling on the name of Jesus

    Makes our spirit one with His.

    From the center to circumference

    God would saturate each part;

    Feeling, mind, and will renewing,

    Making home in all our heart.

 5  Thus in life we're built together,

    Then in love we're knit as one;

    God is now His plan fulfilling,

    Finishing what He's begun.

    Lord, increase Thyself within us

    That we might be built by Thee

    Into that great corporate vessel

    Filled with God exclusively.

 6  As the product, the fulfillment,

    Will the church in glory stand,

    Consummation of the purpose

    In eternal ages planned.

    God will have His corporate vessel,

    All his glory to contain;

    Lord, we're wholly for Thy purpose

    All Thy goal in us attain.