THE HOPE OF GOD’S GRACE IN ETERNITY
The final hope for the believer will be the ultimate, continued expression of grace that will last with and for us in eternity. The powerful effect of God’s grace toward us will have a continuing impact on us throughout eternity. In Romans 15:13 (NKJV), Paul makes this statement, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Depending fully on His grace for our lives means an enduring walk with God. This seemingly endless journey of peace and surrender allows us to experience the freshness and fullness of His grace every moment of every day. Since God’s Grace is a characteristic or an attribute of God it is eternal as He is eternal.
The headline read, “A Little Respect.” The article, by Marcus Thompson II, a beat writer for the San Jose Mercury News republished in the Riverside Press Enterprise Monday, May 30, 2016, concerned the results of the final semi-final game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors. The article read, “Oakland, Stephen Curry, the game ball cupped in his left hand, embraced Kevin Durant amid the chaos, cameras, and confetti. Oklahoma City’s 6-foot-11 superstar hunched over, so, the two MVPs could funnel encouragement into each other’s ear. Curry, having worked his magic in a game 7, was fully aware of what just happened. Two of the league’s best players faced off; Curry and Durant. They exchanged haymakers and produced a classic. ‘That is what it’s all about,” Curry said as he whispered to Durant. “This is what we play for.”[1]
In the life of a Christian, hope in the continued grace of God is what it’s all about. This is what we pray for.
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand (John 10:28, KJV). We shall have to give you hints rather than a long exposition, so kindly take the first sentence, which speaks of a gift received. “I give unto them eternal life.” This gift is, first of all, life. You will make strange confusion of God’s Word if you confuse life with existence, for they are very different things. All men will exist forever, but many will dwell in everlasting death; they will know nothing whatever of life. Life is a distinct thing altogether from existence, and implies in God’s Word something of activity and of happiness.[2] – Charles Spurgeon
[1] Marcus Thompson II, A Little Respect, Riverside Press Enterprise, Monday, May 30, 2016, Front page, Sports section.
[2] Charles Spurgeon, Eternal Life, spurgeongems.com, P. 3
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