Most of you are reading this article because you are curious about someone else’s perspective on the kingdom of God. Others because you are passionate about your relationship with God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. Perhaps these are two points on a spectrum (just an observation).
Perspective and passion are important considerations when we ask ourselves this question. There are at least two perspectives to consider. First, there is God’s perspective and our perspective. For the sake of brevity, we will put aside our perspective and consider His.
From His perspective, there are two additional perspectives related to the meaning of “why”? This is where I want to focus our attention.
“Why?” can mean, “What was His motivation?” It can also mean, “What is His purpose?” Someone might argue that these are ultimately the same. However, there is much to learn in considering them apart from one another.
When we ask ourselves, “Why would God save a wretch like me?” the automatic response is almost always, “Because He loved me.” We get this from John 3:16. God’s motivation is love. That’s true; and it sounds so good, we want to stop there and enjoy the moment (go ahead; feel free).
The experience of God’s love is an awesome thing. However, failing to move on – as many in the Church have (been taught) – leaves us with a woefully incomplete answer.
Do me a favor: Go and read Ephesians 2:8-9. Most of it will be familiar. We are saved by grace, through faith; and it is not of our works. But, why are we saved; for what purpose? The answer is found in the very next verse.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
God’s purpose for saving us is for our walking in the good works that He has prepared. Let that sink in. God has a purpose FOR EACH OF US that is beyond our being saved.
Furthermore, those good works are not the end of God’s purpose.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
God’s purpose for good works is His glory. This is why we say, “Man was created to glorify God.”
So, why is this so important? It seems to me that many well intended church members have assumed that God is glorified by saving them – that their salvation is God’s end game. In so doing, they are (dis)missing a critical component for the accomplishment of what is truly His ultimate purpose.
Put another way, God good work – for His glory – is not limited to His work in our salvation. There is good work that we are to walk in, so that He will be glorified all the more.
That is where passion (and our perspective) comes in. Are we passionate for God’s glory? Are we passionate enough to surrender to the good works He has prepared? Are we passionate enough to lay down the works that we have prepared to glorify ourselves?
God bless you with wisdom to know the difference; and courage to walk accordingly.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob