That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7
Rules have changed for the tenure of Canadian senators. It used to be that senators held their position until they died. But no more; they now must retire by age 75. Very few jobs exist now in which people remain there for the rest of their lives. The king is one, unless he abdicates. Maybe certain judges or other officials. Otherwise, there is a day in which everybody retires, resigns, or is fired. The same goes for every project that people are involved in. They either complete the project, quit the project, or are removed from the project. Software developers, for example, keep working on an application until they use up all the money allocated to it. Reporters keep working on a story until it goes to air. That’s the way it is in this world. But in the world to come, we will have a job to do that will never come to an end, and from which we will never want to be removed: exploring the riches of God’s grace.
The first mention of grace in the Bible is with Noah, who found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8). The first expression of grace in the Bible occurred in the Garden of Eden, after our first parents fell into sin, and the Lord God made coats of skins and clothed them (Genesis 3:21). But that was not the beginning of God’s grace. The hymn writer perhaps sums it up best with the following words: ‘Before Thy hands had made the sun to rule the day, or earth’s foundations laid, or fashioned Adam’s clay, what thoughts of peace and mercy flowed in Thy great heart of love, O God!’ I don’t know about you, but that is one aspect of God’s grace that I would love to know more about. And our text declares that we will have that opportunity.
Today, we have opportunity to experience and explore God’s grace in our own lives. In addition to the ‘amazing grace that saved a wretch like me’, John Newton wrote ‘Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home’. And yet, you and I know very little of the exceeding riches of God’s grace, grace that preserves us from perils, grace that directs our lives into spiritual prosperity, grace that sweetens our souls into the image of Christ. So much of this grace is extended to us without our even being aware. That will make a wonderful study in eternity, for sure.
If it was God’s grace that drew salvation’s plan, and God’s grace that brought us to faith in Christ, it will surely be God’s grace that takes us into the glorious mansions with our Saviour. David knew about this when he wrote, ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me’ (Psalm 23:4). The exceeding riches of God’s grace do not end with death, in fact, they are barely beginning.
The grace of God is exceedingly rich. What does that mean? We are going to find out! – Jim MacIntosh