Future Grace
“The Bible says that Jesus endured the cross “for the joy that was set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). In other words, the greatest act of loving sacrifice that was ever performed was sustained by the confidence that God would bring Jesus through it into everlasting joy with a redeemed and worshiping people. That is the way our love is sustained as well.
But there is a difference. Our willingness to endure the sacrifices of love ‘for the joy that is set before us’ was purchased by Jesus’ willingness to do the same. His suffering covers our sins and sets us free to love. Our suffering in the path of love is based on his. His future joy came to him as his right. Ours comes to us as blood-bought grace. His suffering is not just a model. It is the ground of our hope. We are saved from sin and judgment by his suffering. Nevertheless, both his and ours are endured ‘for the joy that is set before us.’ His joy was a future right. Ours is future grace.”
Excerpted from Battling Unbelief by John Piper
Daily Reflection: How can you live today differently, knowing the day has already been covered by Christs grace?