THE AGES TO COME

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of
works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:4-9)

Devotion 1 of 17

INTRODUCTION

How great is the salvation we experience in Jesus Christ? There is no language capable of accurately stating its magnitude! The message of salvation has attracted the attention of angelic hosts--and they are not drawn to mere novelties! Holy prophets who spoke of the "day of salvation" made diligent inquiry concerning the time and the One through Whom salvation was to come (1 Pet 1:11). God revealed they were speaking of something beyond their time; something reserved for another people of another time. Notwithstanding their keen minds and sensitive hearts, they foretold something they themselves could not grasp. Even angels, with all of their wisdom and spotless character, are challenged by the message of reconciliation. It is written, "Unto whom [the Prophets] it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into" (1 Pet 1:10-12). Truly, it is a "great salvation" (Heb 2:3)!

Little wonder we are admonished, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed" (1 Pet 1:13, NIV). It is unbecoming, to say the least, for any professed believer to approach salvation casually. The investment the Father, Son, and Spirit have made, and are making, in our reconciliation should confirm it is anything but ordinary! Who will fail to take seriously this challenging question from the Holy Spirit. "For if the word spoken by angels (The Law from Sinai, Gal 3:19) was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him" (Heb 2:2-3).

PRAYER POINT: Father, In the name of Jesus, I ask for grace to see the magnitude of Your salvation--and then to participate in it in the fullest measure possible.

-- TOMORROW: A BIG BACKGROUND --