What comes next? Why all this grace?
Read now our Ephesian’s passage.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:7-10–ESV)
Why all this grace?
Those answers are still in development. The wisdom and insight of God were behind the scenes at all times, Paul says. From before the creation of the world, back when he saw the fall and the need for personal redemption, God was there. All through the history of the Jewish people, God was there. Each part of history was an unpacking of more and more of the picture. Gradually his pattern for forever has been assembled and as such revealed. His will was and still is so mysterious, but more of it is put on display as the centuries, millennia even, carry on.
What is the answer to the question I started this section with? The answer simply is that God wanted it. He decided upon the people-project and having decided it put his will and purpose into play. All along the way, he finds us. Each of us in our own way is a little Valjean. He matched our rebellion step-by-step with grace upon grace, blood-drop upon blood-drop.
Why? That answer remains in him. He wanted it and was willing to go to the farthest extreme to obtain it. Eventually, all things will be united in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Who are you? Where are you?
- Are you like the prostitute still out a-sinnin’?
- Are you like Paul religious in the extreme, but proud, haughty?
- Are you like Valjean in prison finding satisfaction in hating other men, other women because of the acts foisted upon you?
- Are you like Valjean in the Bishop’s house stubbornly resisting the grace of God?
- Are you like Valjean in a thicket, in the absolutely desserted large russet plain with no horizon but the Alps hearing Petit Gervais come along?
- Or, are you like that woman at the feet of Jesus?
- Like Paul ready for Ananias to arrive?
- Like Paul the mature Christian writing of all the wisdom and insight that have come from the years of walking the redeemed life?
It is safe to say that none of us yet see all things united in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth, but…, but…, those times are coming. Paul and that woman know it, those Christians among your family and friends who have passed on into eternity know it. How about you and I? It is yet a point of faith for us, but don’t doubt that the sun also rises for us.
Richard A. Ulrich, MD says
Regarding “progressive understanding (and maybe, revelation)?” [Luther wrote of Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)] – “Augustin did more than all the bishops and popes who cannot hold a candle to him (XXXI. 358 sq.), and more than all the Councils (XXV. 341). If he lived now, he would side with us, but Jerome would condemn us (Bindseil, III. 149). Yet with all his sympathy, Luther could not find his “sola fide.” Augustin, he says, has sometimes erred, and is not to be trusted. “Although good and holy, he was yet lacking in the true faith, as well as the other fathers.” “When the door was opened to me for the understanding of Paul, I was done, with Augustin” (da war es aus mit ihm. Erl. ed., LXII. 119). From “History of The Christian Church” by Philip Schaff [Kindle Edition — location 76331]
This comment from Luther exposes a mental and spiritual highlight that many Christians experience in one way or another. To me, it is grace and growth in action — just like learning and habits develop in the several areas of our lives. God doesn’t change, but we see more of Him and his ways.