Good Will Toward Men

There is a reason that churches are full on Christmas. It is that time of year that even the heathen crash we believers’ party over the incarnation of Christ. It’s rather like Americans in 1943 celebrating Pearl Harbor. I suspect that they can’t help themselves because the truth is that the coming of Jesus is a boon to each and every human. The angels said as much when their song rang out, “Peace on earth, good will to men.” Of course there’s dispute there. Is it peace on earth, good will to men, or is it peace on earth among those with whom He is pleased?” It’s an interesting debate, but even the second, more restrictive understanding must account for the prior verse, “I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people” (Luke 2:10).

The answer is found in God’s common grace. It is true enough that God’s saving grace, which He pours out on all those who are His, is vastly more significant than common grace. Such doesn’t however, undo the graciousness of grace. While all men who do not rest in Christ will spend eternity in everlasting torment, God’s common grace rains on us all. God has always been patient with the wicked, which never forget, once were we, calling them to repent. He provides for their needs. He reveals His message of salvation. These manifestations of His grace began in the Garden and will continue to the end of days.

Which doesn’t change the truth that His coming brought radical change even in the lives of unbelievers. From the fall of Adam to the resurrection of the Last Adam the world was in the grip of moral entropy. Which means not only that each of us was getting worse and worse but that each of us suffered more and more hardship through the sins of others. There was less restraint and therefore more warfare among men before His coming. As He receives all authority in heaven and on earth, that all begins to change. There is now more restraint, more peace among men through the mustard seed growing, through the rock uncut by human hands expanding, through the power, glory and beauty of His reign becoming more manifest.

The world, while still in rebellion, while still filled with folly and temptation and injustice and evil, is better than it was. Because He came, lived a perfect life, died a vicarious death, was raised incorruptible and ascended to His throne as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the world is closer to what it is supposed to be. His kingdom is most certainly not consummated, but it has just as certainly been inaugurated. All of which redounds to His glory, the believer’s comfort and the temporal well-being of unbelievers.

Let them join our celebration as they too have something to celebrate. Let us never forget, however, why we celebrate, that His Gift for us isn’t just for the here and now but for there and forever.