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Himself this mighty love must ever be beyond our full knowledge. The words of
Eph. 2: 7 suggest possibilities that submerge the mind with their immensity:--
"That in the ages to come He may shew the EXCEEDING riches of His grace in His
kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
For redemption, and that by His blood, including the forgiveness of sins, "riches of
grace" have been shewn. What will it be then when exceeding riches of grace are
brought into operation? While this love of Christ is so vast as to exceed knowledge, the
apostle does not hesitate to apply that love in the practical section of the epistle.
"Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us" (5: 2).
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church" (5: 25).
While we may not be able to endorse the teaching of some, we would nevertheless
avoid the error of others who certainly do assume that they know the breadth and length
and depth and height of the love of Christ. We stand upon the shore of an ocean that
stretches away beyond the horizon. Instead of devouring one another because we cannot
agree as to its cubic measurement, let us rather trust ourselves upon puny denominational
and theological computations will be gladly thrown aside as we learn to appreciate a little
more what is the breadth and length and depth and height of that love that passeth
knowledge.
"To know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge"
(Eph. 3: 19).
How shall we sing the love that sought?
It s Breadth and Length, its Depth and Height:
Its fulness passes all our thought
As midday sun surpasses night.
Its breadth takes all in its embrace,
The middle wall no longer stands:
To Gentiles now of every race
God's grace is preached in many lands.
What shall for us its length define?
No measure can to this extend:
The love that died to make us Thine
Has no beginning and no end.
What terms its soundless depth can tell?
True bottomless abyss, wherein,
Deeper than lowest depths of hell,
Lies buried, all Thy peoples' sin.
Its height no angel wing can soar,
Far, far above all power and might;
Yet such His grace, for us in store:
To share the Holiest in the light.
(The Foregoing hymn, written by one of our readers who attends the Bible Studies in
London, is one of a number which form a collection used at such meetings.)