“So that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:7).
Why does God raise us to the heavenly places in Christ? He wants to show us and demonstrate in us the “surpassing riches of His grace.” What an incredible thought!
The phrase “the ages to come” looks forward to our uninterrupted, face-to-face dwelling with Christ. Thus with this phrase Paul lifts the life of the believer and the work of the church (see on 3:10) into the heavenly places. Since our life is already viewed as secured “in Christ” in the heavenly places we are not only given assurance of our eternal security we are given confidence that what we do in this present life will have eternal consequences.
The topic of God’s grace is so overwhelming that it is constantly qualified with terms like “exceeding, abounding, and overflowing.” This grace was expressed by God in the sending of His Son for the redemption of mankind. The phrase “in kindness” reminds us that God’s grace was seen in action. God’s grace was no sentimental “feeling” it was the greatest act of kindness that one could ever conceive. “But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of our deeds…but according to His mercy…” (Titus 3:4-5a).
Prayer: Father, Your grace is amazing. Amen.