"So that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:7-10
What we have said about the word 'saved' being in the perfect tense and referring to the believer's present condition as the continuing result of his conversion is further underlined now by Paul in what he says in 7. Paul's thought is multi-dimensional and speaks of the work of grace having vast repercussions and ramifications not only in this life but also in the ages to come. We can put it this way: Inherent in the biblical doctrine of creation there is the basic truth that God is continuously present in His creation maintaining it in being and sustaining it every moment by the word of His power. 'By Him', as the apostle says in Colossians 1:17, 'all things consist,' are maintained in being. And so it is also in the new creation. Grace is never a once-for-all operation but continues without respite 'until the day of Jesus Christ' - and, if this word in 7 is any indication, long after the coming of that day. It continues 'in the ages to come' - not only
Till we cast our crowns before Thee
Lost in wonder, love and praise,
but throughout all the ages of eternity. There is ample evidence in Scripture that the years of this life - long though they may be - are as a drop in the ocean compared with the endless ages of eternity, only an incident, compared with the timeless future that lies ahead. The word 'show' in 7 means 'to exhibit fully'. The idea seems to be that only in the ages to come will it be seen - will be possible to be seen - just how great and marvellous and glorious this wonderful salvation is.
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.