But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
-Ephesians 2:13
In his book, “The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God,” D. A. Carson talks about the love of God. On pages 61-63 he gives a great picture specifically about God’s love for us:
And in the case of the elect, God adds, “I have set my affection on you from before the foundation of the universe, not because you are wiser or better or stronger than others but because in grace I chose to love you. You are mine, and you will be transformed. Nothing in all creation can separate you from my love mediated through Jesus Christ” (Rom. 8).
The point Carson is making through Scripture is that there was nothing attractive about you and me that caused God to say, “Hmm, I think I’m falling in love with him,” or, “Wow, she is so fantastic, such a good person, I’ve got to have her with me.” Rather we were quite unattractive and repulsive to our Holy God because of our sin. We were “far off” from him and his liking.
Yet still, in His love, he chose to set His affections on each of us, and He brought us near to Him by the blood of Christ. He calls us by name and we are His through what Christ has done on our behalf. What amazing love!
My prayer for you is this: That we would enjoy deep times of refreshment from being in the presence of the One who calls us His. (Acts 3:19-20)
I love you guys. Press on!
