IMMANUEL: the grand story of God

IMMANUEL: the grand story of God

The grand story of God throughout the pages of holy Scripture could be summed up in Immanuel - the God who has made a way to dwell with His people. The One who created the universe, purposed from the very beginning of time to dwell in that creation, with the image-bearers that He created. His creation was very good (Genesis 1:31), and the One True God literally dwelt with His people (Genesis 3:8). Yet when sin enters the picture (Genesis 3:6), the Righteous One can no longer dwell with His people for they are unrighteous (Genesis 3:22-24). From Genesis 3:15 through the rest of God’s Holy Word, the story is one of Immanuel. How is this good, righteous, holy, just, and loving God going to be able to dwell with His people again? This is the story of God. The story of God doing everything necessary to redeem, reconcile, and restore sinful humanity to Himself. The story of God setting right human rebellion. The story of God’s eternal plan unfolding on the human stage. It is the story of Immanuel - a God who is absolutely committed to dwelling with His people, that they might know and enjoy Him forever. This grand story of God finishes with Immanuel - redeemed humanity dwelling for all eternity in the very presence of God (Revelation 21:3).