"In relationship with mystery"
Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the L ord ’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. (Romans 11:33-36 NLT)
Paul has just concluded a chapter in Romans about God's sovereign choice of grace. He followed that up with a chapter that includes the statement, "Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." So which one is it? Does God choose or do we?
Paul's conclusion to God's work of salvation is found at the end of chapter 11. We cannot in our finite minds comprehend the mysterious workings of a infinite God. We cannot fully know his ways. We cannot fully fathom his work. We cannot completely discern his person. God is a mystery & to know him is not to be able to put our finger on him. To know him is to live in the tension & paradox that is God.
We have to die in order to live. We do not work for our salvation & yet we must have faith. We are responsible to choose & God is sovereign in his choice. Jesus is truly God & truly man.
This is the paradox that is God. He is a glorious mystery & yet has made himself known in his Son.
What's more, he doesn't owe anyone anything. The only thing we deserve from this God is eternal hell. And yet, in his mysterious grace he has reached down to do for us what we can't do for ourselves.
What a great mystery. What a great Savior.
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