ANTE FACIEM DEI
READING BEFORE THE FACE OF GOD
The Old Testament Scriptures are replete with references to the “Faciem Dei” - the face of God. The Hebrew word for the face of God is "panim," and it often refers to God’s holy and favorable presence. In Exodus 33, the cloud of God’s glory descended at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and the LORD spoke to Moses "face to face." In Psalm 27:8-9, we read that King David sought the face of God, meaning that his heart’s desire was for deep, abiding communion with God. And because of Jesus Christ, who is the gospel, we are guaranteed intimate, loving relationship with the Triune God forever (Hebrews 9:24; Colossians 1:19). Jesus Christ is the dwelling place of God’s glory. 2 Corinthians 4:6 states, "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." As we read God’s holy word, we seek to live all of life before him under his authority and for his glory in humility, gratitude, and worship.
READING ONE: ETERNITY // GOSPEL REDEMPTION
In the first reading of word of God, we will encounter the eternal Word who became flesh. In his Gospel, the Apostle John wrote that the otherwise unknowable God has been revealed to us in Jesus Christ (John 1:18). And that Revelation has been recorded in the Holy Scriptures. The Bible teaches that our sins have alienated us from our Creator. But the gospel is the good news that we can be forgiven and redeemed through faith in the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. As you read, meditate on God’s holiness and your sinfulness, ask the Holy Spirit to arouse within you awe of God and a greater appreciation for the person and work of Jesus. ( Romans 3:23-24, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:13-14)
- Consider the context of this passage, the author’s original intent, and how it relates to the rest of Scripture.
- What does this passage reveal to us...
- About God (his character and nature, redemptive plan, purposes, promises, commands, etc.)?
- Our sin (thoughts, affections, deeds, motives)?
- Our need for God’s love and grace?
- The gospel (Jesus’ perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection from the grave)?
READING TWO: IDENTITY // GOSPEL TRANSFORMATION
As we read the word of God a second time, we want Jesus to recalibrate our minds (thoughts) and hearts (affections) by the gospel (Romans 12:1-2). Deal honestly with your journey of faith. Think deeply about the full implications of the gospel (Titus 2:11–12) in your life and what it means to “keep in step” with the gospel (Galatians 2:14-16). Is the Holy Spirit's illumination of the Scripture revealing areas of your life that have remained untouched by the gospel? God desires that we learn His truth and grow to understand our new identity as his blood-bought children. We are always pursuing greater transformation, renewal, and rediscovery of the gospel along with new implications and applications.
- What does this passage reveal about my union with Christ (new creation, adopted child, reconciled, etc.)?
- Does this passage reveal areas of my life that are not aligned with the gospel?
- How do the truths of the gospel change how I think, feel, and live?
READING THREE: COMMUNITY // GOSPEL RESTORATION
During our third reading, we seek to learn how the gospel shapes and restores community. We are a people/family with a shared identity - the Bride and Body of Jesus Christ who gathers to live out the full implications of the gospel together (John 13:34-35; Romans 12:3-18). The church also scatters to accomplish the “Missio Dei - the mission of God - by demonstrating and declaring the good news in love to all people everywhere (John 20:21; Matthew 28:19–20). As you read God’s word and experience his life-giving truths, consider how you can reflect God’s grace and truth to those in the world. Seek wisdom from God’s word to help you understand how to engage people in your culture with the saving power of the gospel.
- How does this text shape my understanding about what it means to live together in gospel community?
- How does this passage create a greater desire to love and serve all people with the gospel?
- In what way(s) does this text challenge you to rethink how you participate in the Mission of God?
READING ONE: ETERNITY // GOSPEL REDEMPTION
In the first reading of word of God, we will encounter the eternal Word who became flesh. In his Gospel, the Apostle John wrote that the otherwise unknowable God has been revealed to us in Jesus Christ (John 1:18). And that Revelation has been recorded in the Holy Scriptures. The Bible teaches that our sins have alienated us from our Creator. But the gospel is the good news that we can be forgiven and redeemed through faith in the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. As you read, meditate on God’s holiness and your sinfulness, ask the Holy Spirit to arouse within you awe of God and a greater appreciation for the person and work of Jesus. ( Romans 3:23-24, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:13-14)
- Consider the context of this passage, the author’s original intent, and how it relates to the rest of Scripture.
- What does this passage reveal to us...
-
About God (his character and nature, redemptive plan, purposes, promises, commands, etc.)?
-
Our sin (thoughts, affections, deeds, motives)?
-
Our need for God’s love and grace?
-
The gospel (Jesus’ perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection from the grave)?
-
READING TWO: IDENTITY // GOSPEL TRANSFORMATION
As we read the word of God a second time, we want Jesus to recalibrate our minds (thoughts) and hearts (affections) by the gospel (Romans 12:1-2). Deal honestly with your journey of faith. Think deeply about the full implications of the gospel (Titus 2:11–12) in your life and what it means to “keep in step” with the gospel (Galatians 2:14-16). Is the Holy Spirit's illumination of the Scripture revealing areas of your life that have remained untouched by the gospel? God desires that we learn His truth and grow to understand our new identity as his blood-bought children. We are always pursuing greater transformation, renewal, and rediscovery of the gospel along with new implications and applications.
-
What does this passage reveal about my union with Christ (new creation, adopted child, reconciled, etc.)?
-
Does this passage reveal areas of my life that are not aligned with the gospel?
-
How do the truths of the gospel change how I think, feel, and live?
READING THREE: COMMUNITY // GOSPEL RESTORATION
During our third reading, we seek to learn how the gospel shapes and restores community. We are a people/family with a shared identity - the Bride and Body of Jesus Christ who gathers to live out the full implications of the gospel together (John 13:34-35; Romans 12:3-18). The church also scatters to accomplish the “Missio Dei - the mission of God - by demonstrating and declaring the good news in love to all people everywhere (John 20:21; Matthew 28:19–20). As you read God’s word and experience his life-giving truths, consider how you can reflect God’s grace and truth to those in the world. Seek wisdom from God’s word to help you understand how to engage people in your culture with the saving power of the gospel.
- How does this text shape my understanding about what it means to live together in gospel community?
- How does this passage create a greater desire to love and serve all people with the gospel?
- In what way(s) does this text challenge you to rethink how you participate in the Mission of God?
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