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 11 of 17

THE GREATNESS OF GRACE

In this world, the grace of God has never been comprehended in its fulness. There is even indication that this is the case among created personalities in the eternal realm. Little wonder God's grace has drawn the attention of angelic hosts. Angels have never received the grace of God, or had a message of its effectuality declared particularly to and for them. How tragic it is that men have chosen to dispute about grace rather than receive it! You will find wherever the grace of God is denied or minimized unusual levels of variance and enmity exist. It is as though God will not allow spiritual advancement where His grace is neglected.

Here is an aspect of the Divine Nature that is the basis of His "eternal purpose." In reconciling the world to Himself, God is displaying this hitherto little known aspect of His Person--GRACE. The statement of our text is this: "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" (Eph 3:7- 9). The Lord's objective in our redemption is large. It is not limited to our time, or to our persons.

The marvelous complexities of nature unfold God's "power and Godhead (Divinity)," Rom 1:20. The administration of the Law convicted the world of sin by comparatively showing the impeccable holiness of God. But grace shows humanity a side of God not adequately seen prior to Christ. It also reveals to heavenly hosts the exceeding greatness of the One they serve.

Note this marvelous statement: "That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace . . . " Stated another way, "show the incomparable riches of His grace" (NIV), still another way, "the surpassing riches of His grace" (NASB), and yet another way "the immeasurable riches of His grace" (NRSV). Vivid phrases like this cannot be used to describe any created person or thing:
"exceeding," "incomparable," and "immeasurable." We are speaking of something that goes beyond the capacity of the human intellect! At the best, we only touch the border of this magnificent garment! However, we do well to give ourselves heartily and completely to grasping more of the grace of God. If God is showing it, we can see it. God has purposed to reveal Himself through those who are in Christ Jesus. Let us join the heavenly hosts in the perusal of His matchless grace. Be like Barnabas who, "when he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad" (Acts 11:23). If evidence of the grace of God can be perceived in people, let every believer determine to be a vehicle through which God's grace can be known. After all, in salvation God is showing this aspect of His Person!

It is no wonder early believers were exhorted to "continue in the grace of God" (Acts 13:43). Not only would they be preserved by that means, thereby they became participators in the purpose of God Almighty.

From this perspective, the Gospel is truly "the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). It is "the grace of God" that is "given" to us "by Christ Jesus" (1 Cor 1:4). The grace of God "brings salvation," and then effectively teaches us to "say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Tit 2:12-13, NIV). Peter admonishes us to remain firm in God's grace, not allowing ourselves to be drawn away from it. "I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it" (1 Pet 5:12, NIV).

PRAYER POINT: Father, I Jesus name, make me a minister of Your matchless grace.

-- TOMORROW: EXCEEDING RICHES OF HIS GRACE --