GraceNäide

Before the beginning of time

Have you tried to picture what was going on before God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1)? I try not to try too hard to speculate about all that because my brain hurts as soon as I have a go at such unfathomable guesswork. Still, there are glimpses of answers throughout the Bible.

Writing from a cell, imprisoned for his ministry, the apostle Paul’s second letter to protégé Timothy states that ‘grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time’ (v9 NIV).

Yes, the clarity of God’s grace was ultimately realised in ‘our Savior appearing’ (v10 NIV) and illuminating eternal life through His death and resurrection. But notice Paul points way, way, way back to beyond the beginning to indicate when God’s grace was given.

I’m definitely not saying I can firmly grasp such a forever truth. How wonderful it is, though, to know amazing grace always has been there. Always. Plus, read all of 2 Timothy to be inspired by living our lives in the power of God’s eternal grace.

Written by BEN McEACHEN