I have asked the question what is the Gospel, and to be certain the Gospel is far more than the word I have put to page. Its depth cannot be known, for within the Gospel is the revelation of God, at its end is the gift of “knowing and we are known,” for this reason we cannot now know the full details of the Gospel, even though God has given us the Bible.
In the Gospels we have an account of Christ during His incarnation. He came and lived as a man, fully vested in both the human form, as it was in the garden prior to the fall, and all of the attributes of God. John in his Gospel, tells us of the deity of Christ, of His goodness and service to a rebellious people, a people His father had determined to use as a vessel of His mercy, delivering to them the revelation of Scripture, the ordination of priests, and the conduit of delivery through which Christ was born in the flesh.
John tells us many great things about Christ, and some things omits which he says,
And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written. (NASB95)
(John 21:25)
So many things which He did, even miracles which are not recorded (John 20:30.) I want us to think about these words. Given by God to us, inspired Scripture and a deep truth reflected throughout the context of Scripture.
Let us reflect for a moment on these passages,
From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy. For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. (NASB95)
(Romans 11:28-36)
Here in these inspired passages we find the Mercy, Wisdom and Grace of God spoken of and given to us in terms which are almost foreign. No they are foreign. How do we comprehend, the casting away of some for the salvation of others? How do we comprehend, all things, those from Him, all through Him, and all to Him. If there is any doubt this is Christ of which is being spoken then compare,
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. (NASB95)
(Colossians 1:13-20)
There is no doubt. Christ is the “author and finisher” not only of the Faith of men, but all things.
The passages presented here are only a small reflection given in small words to men, to invoke the correct response of “fear and trembling.” We can no more comprehend the universe than a single blade of grass, or the horrific scent of war, or the overwhelming beauty of a single human iris, unique, sorrowful, and amazing. All these things cannot be written for the space of our world would be too small to contain these, and the details of all things, which God has done.
Think about it, for this is what meditation upon the word is. Thinking about it for an extended time.
Hmmmmm, maybe I have my next article.
Blessings!
