What is the ultimate reason for our rescue from sin and inclusion into the glories of Christ?Ephesians two gives a concise answer. Paul is describing the great salvation given to us in Christ. He says, 'By grace you have been saved' (v5). Then he describes our sharing of Christ's life and victory: "and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus..." (2:6).
Then Paul tells us the reason:
“so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:7, ESV
For what purpose are we placed in Christ and given every spiritual blessing? What is the reason behind all the aspects of this salvation Paul has mentioned so far in Ephesians? Why have we been chosen by God the Father (1:4) and predestined to adoption as sons (1:5) and redeemed by Christ’s blood (1:7) and forgiven of our sins (1:7) and sealed with the Holy Spirit (1:13) and guaranteed our future inheritance with God (1:14)? Why were we made alive when we were dead in sin (2:5), and raised with Christ (2:6) and seated with him in the heavenly places (2:6)?
So that through the church God might SHOW his glorious attributes. Like an artist, God is expressing himself - putting his amazing characteristics on display. The ‘riches of his grace’ and ‘kindness’ given here in verse 7 are added to his ‘rich…mercy’ and ‘great love’ mentioned in verse 4. It is all “to the praise of his glorious grace” (1:6)! God is glorified in our salvation, and we are...saved! We are granted access to the most satisfying and eternal treasure - God himself!
As Paul will say later on, “God…created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” (3:9b-10). We are saved to show off the glory of God!
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