GRACE AND GLORY IN GOD ARE ONE
"According to the
Gospel of the glory of the blessed God" 1 Tim. 1:11
This is another instance
where the Revision has added greatly to the understanding and beauty of a
phrase. In a previous article we observed the difference between "the might
of His glory" and "His glorious might" (Col. 1:11). See article GLORIOUS
STRENGTH FROM GOD. Here we have the same kind of change. Instead of reading
"the glorious Gospel," we have "the Gospel of the Glory." That
the Gospel is glorious we know, but the apostolic phrase draws our attention to
the fact that the good news is that of "the Glory of the blessed God."
Knowing that it is the GOSPEL OF HIS GRACE, we are thus reminded that GRACE
AND GLORY IN GOD ARE ONE. That which is the very essence of His splendor and
beauty is the infinite love of His heart. Also we may, with perfect accuracy,
render the description of God as "the happy God." What unfathomable
depths of suggestiveness there are in the words: “The Gospel of the Glory of the happy
God"! But now observe how the words are introduced. Immediately
before them are the words "according to." When we go back to
see what this Gospel is the standard of, we find a remarkable denunciation of
evil things, some of the most fearful being named, and all others being
included in the words, "and if there be any other thing."
All these things are contrary to the sound doctrine, “according to the Gospel of the glory of
the happy God”. Thus again, as so constantly in the New Testament,
we are reminded that the Gospel makes no excuse for sin, makes no terms with
it.
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