“For I think about that the sufferings of this current time usually are not price evaluating with the glory that’s to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with keen eager for the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:18,19).
IF THE GOSPEL IS THE “GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD,” IT’S IMPORTANT TO SEE THAT THE STORY HAS A PLOT OR STORY LINE. In essence, the gospel is about one thing being repaired that had been ruined. What makes it the best of all tales is that God is the Repairer, and we, His creatures, are these being repaired.
Perfection. When He had completed creating the world, God “noticed all the things that he had made, and behold, it was superb” (Genesis 1:31). It was an ideal creation, and human beings have been the top of its perfection. They have been private beings, made in God’s picture and blessed with skills far past another creatures on this world (Genesis 1:26,27). We are able to solely think about the enjoyment of Adam and Eve’s perfection — unspoiled by any disobedience, riot, alienation, or estrangement. With all the things completely related, Creator and creation have been a symphony of goodness.
Corruption. Tragically, the creation was damaged when Adam and Eve yielded to the tempter (Genesis 3:1-24). Disregarding the need of God, their Creator, they went in opposition to what they knew He had commanded them — and after they did, they found the horrors of “dying” and separation from God. What had been stunning was now ugly. What had been joyful was now dreadful. What had been good was now corrupt. And like Paul many centuries later, Adam might need cried out, “Wretched man that I’m! Who will ship me from this physique of dying?” (Romans 7:24).
Restoration. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the story of God persevering with to jot down the story of the human race. Though He might need let justice run its course, God was not keen to go away us in our hopeless situation. If we had ruined the perfection He had created us to take pleasure in, He would enable us to return again to Him — even when it meant taking upon Himself the punishment for our sin. For these keen to simply accept this restoration, the “glory that’s to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18) is a hope past all hopes. For these reconciled to God in Jesus Christ, one of the best is but to return.
Jesus is risen! he shall the world restore!
Awake, ye useless! boring sinners, sleep no extra!
(John Wesley)
Gary Henry – WordPoints.com + AreYouaChristian.com
