In salvation GOD has wrought to the extreme limit of His might (Ephesians 1:19). He spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all (Romans 8:32). He could do no more.
In the Bible, three motives are assigned to GOD for the salvation of sinners. These motives are to be considered in what seems to be the order of their importance; beginning with that which seems to be the least and moving on to that which seems to be the greatest.
1. Men are Said to be Saved that “Good Works” may Result
A statement of this truth is found in Ephesians 2:10:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Few portions of the Scriptures present more of the essentials of salvation than this passage. Never is the sinner created in CHRIST JESUS by good works. Good works are possible only to those who are “created in Christ Jesus.” Titus 2:14; 3:18:
“Who gave himself for us, that he, might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, ZEALOUS OF GOOD WORKS”;
“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.”
Good works serve as an expression of the attitude of heart toward the grace of GOD. – 2 Cor. 9:8; Col. 1:10; 1 Tim. 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:21; 3:17
2. Men are Said to be Saved Because of the Benefits to be bestowed upon Them.
This motive is stated in John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
By this Scripture, GOD is said to be moved in man’s salvation because of two priceless blessings which will thus be bestowed on the one who believes:
§ That he “SHOULD NOT PERISH” – Salvation
§ That he shall “HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.” – Blessing
These personal benefits are the expression of the very essence of the love and favor of GOD.
3. Men are Said to be Saved for the Manifestation of Divine Grace.
“That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” – Eph. 2:7
GOD’s supreme motive is nothing less than His purpose to demonstrate before all personalities, principalities and powers, celestial beings, and terrestrial beings,- the exceeding riches of His grace. This transformation will measure and demonstrate the “exceeding riches of his grace.” It is “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved “(Eph. 1:6).
The out-calling of the “church which is his body” from both Jews and Gentiles is the outworking of GOD’s purpose to gather into one heavenly company all the redeemed of this age. The supreme purpose is realized in their salvation and this design was the “mystery,” or sacred secret, which was hid in other ages, but which is now revealed to “holy apostles and prophets” of this dispensation (Eph. 3:1-6). The ministry entrusted to the Apostle Paul was,
“To make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus Our Lord” (Ephesians 3:9-11).
This sacred secret is, according to the preceding context, the calling out and saving in this age of a company from both Jews and Gentiles, which company is the true “church which is his body.” By the salvation of these, He purposes to unveil before all heavenly hosts His greatest display of wisdom as it is seen in the manifestation of His bosom of love through the coming of CHRIST into the world to redeem the lost. For we read:
“To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The complete manifestation of divine grace which is to be revealed in the glory will be by means of all that combines in CHRIST – the Glorious Head, together with His redeemed Body, every member of which will have been transformed into His very image (Ephesians 1:11). What a spectacle for angels and archangels, principalities and powers, mankind and demons (1 Cor. 4:9; 2 Cor. 2:14; 3:1-3). Yea, what a spectacle for GOD Himself; for He will then gaze on that surpassing manifestation of His grace to His own “exceeding joy” (Jude 24)!
Through creation, the wisdom, power, and glory of God had been disclosed; but through Redemption his Grace, love, mercy, and kindness manifested before all!
If the supreme motive of GOD is to reveal His grace, then salvation must be by grace alone, or the eternal purpose of GOD must fail. On no other basis can grace be manifested than by salvation which is wholly unrelated to human merit or works (Ephesians 2:8-10).
“Where is boastings then? It is excluded.” – Romans 3:27
Evangelsit Rodgie Quirante
The Workman’s Treasure Study Series