So the inquiry went something like this. “Tell me about your spiritual journey. How did it develop? How did you get to where you are today?”
I am eager for such inquiry for many reasons. First, to gain the common ground of most modern conceptions of spiritual formation; it is journey and not punctilious. Second, my questions are open ended and allow thought wandering (and Holy Spirit intersection). Another reason, and perhaps somewhat selfish, is the mutual encouragement when there is shared discovery of God’s redemptive work. Yes, I never grow weary of hearing how God draws men and women to Himself.
This tenant of “redemption” is integral to an accurate understanding about the God of the Bible. The Ancient Text records story after story of God drawing people into relationships with Himself though His forgiveness, their need, His providential workings, and their response in trust.
But may it not be overlooked that God purposes to not stop with a sole individual. Not with you or just me. His glorious Gospel of forgiveness is the outworking of His purposes to redeem a people for Himself1. From Genesis through Revelation, God is forming a people for Himself.2
He does so for no other reason than His own glory—displaying His perfections so that He is known.3
Oh, would that I embrace this truth fully?! He purposes to redeem and establish a new people. No longer Jew or Greek, male or female, C-suite or 2nd shift, Nepali or Aussie. And if you share in His redemption story, may you embrace this truth with me. This is, after all, that to which we are called and commissioned this side of heaven…to announce and declare together, plead and make clear together, the glorious Gospel of what God has done and is still doing.4
1 Evangelical Convictions, EFCA 2nd Edition, p.19
2 Genesis 12:2-3; 18:18: 22:18, Psalm 72:17; Ephesians 2:11-22; Revelation 7:9-10
3 Romans 9:22-24, 1 Chronicles 17:21; Psalm 106:7-8
4 Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
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