(7) That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
I admire what the Apostle saith, in the first of these verses, of God's design, in the display of his grace, by the permission of evil. Let men soften the subject as they please; but certainly, the introduction of evil into the creation of God, though none will make God the author of it, is nevertheless, made subservient to the promotion of God's glory. And this is among the highest proofs of God's sovereignty. When God makes good spring out of evil; and that, which in itself strikes deepest against the Lord's glory, even sin, is ultimately made, by his overruling wisdom, and power, to produce the very reverse to what is intended by Satan. This manifests a divine hand, and is to the Lord's praise!
The principal feature in the great points of our holy faith, is of this, kind; and beautifully illustrates the whole. The Church, during her time-state falling into sin, and, consequently, sorrow; only afforded a better opportunity for the manifestation of Christ's love. Jesus had married her from all eternity. And, when he married her, she was presented to him, in all that original glory and holiness in himself, which she had derived from him, and in which she appeared most lovely before him. When, therefore, Christ's Church falls, as she did immediately fall, soon after creation, into sin, and sorrow; this afforded a blessed occasion to her Husband to bring her out of both. And which he did, most completely and effectually. And this is what Paul calls, the exceeding riches of his grace; and fully proves, that all salvation is of grace, and the gift of God. Not of works indeed; for the very idea, wholly sets aside free grace: but it is wholly of God. Yea, saith Paul, we are his workmanship. Beautiful thought! because the whole Persons of the Godhead, concur in the gracious design; and, from the drawings of the Father, the manifestations of the Son, in his visits to his people; and the indwelling residence of the Holy Ghost, the best, yea, the only way, of securing the fruits and effects of the Holy Ghost, is most effectually provided for!