That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Parallel translations
- WEB that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus;
- BSB in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
- NKJV that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
- NASB so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
- NLT So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
God's purpose is to display the surpassing riches of his grace forever in Christ. It shows that our salvation eternally showcases God's kindness.
Overview
Paul names God's far-reaching goal: 'in the ages to come' to put on eternal display 'the exceeding riches of his grace.' Saved sinners become the showcase of God's kindness in Christ Jesus throughout eternity. Salvation is thus not merely for our benefit but ultimately for the everlasting praise of God's grace.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 11
- 1 Tim 1:16–17Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
- Titus 3:4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
- 2 Th 1:12That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Eph 2:4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
- Isa 60:15Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.
- Rev 5:9–14And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
- Eph 3:5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
- Ps 106:48Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
- Ps 41:13Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.
- Eph 3:21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
- 1 Pet 1:12Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
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Original language
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