Unveiling the Truth: The Origin of our Existence - Face to Face with Our Father

Let's explore the fascinating topic of our origin and how, even before time began and prior to the foundation of the world, God was already at work crafting a divine plan. This plan encompasses our origin in Christ, highlighting that we were created in His image and likeness. The relationship that exists among God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is not just a theological concept; it is the very essence of our origin, and it serves as a glimpse into our destiny.

This notion can be articulated in another way: it signifies how we are learning to understand our identity in relation to God, particularly in the context of a face-to-face relationship that is both intimate and profound.

As I reflect on this, I recall a moment when you mentioned something rather striking during one of our discussions. You pointed out that when Adam opened his eyes for the very first time, he found himself in the presence of God, gazing directly into His face. This thought resonated deeply with me, as it encapsulates a sense of wholeness and purity that is often overlooked. It is indeed true that this is where our journey begins—not only in Adam but in the very fabric of our existence as beings made in the image of God.

Additionally, I was reminded of the opening verses of the Book of John, where it states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God." The term "with" in this context is derived from the Greek word "pros," which conveys the idea of being face to face or in close proximity. This indicates that the Word was not just alongside God but was in an intimate relationship with Him. The passage continues to affirm that all things were made through Him, reinforcing the idea that our very creation is rooted in Christ. Acts 17:26 further emphasizes this connection by stating that "in Him we live and move and have our being." This relationship in Christ positions us in a place of intimacy, suggesting that we are meant to exist in a face-to-face communion with our Creator.

It is often challenging for us to grasp the depth of what it means for God to be so intimately involved in our lives, to be "in your face," as it were. The imagery and language surrounding "face to face" convey a profound truth about our existence. It signifies that this is not merely a fleeting encounter but rather the essence of the life we share with God. It is the foundation upon which we build our understanding of how to live in a relationship with Him.

When I think about the concept of being face to face, several images come to mind that illustrate the depth of this relationship. One powerful image is that of a husband and wife embracing, sharing a kiss, which signifies the ultimate expression of love and intimacy. In the Scriptures, we see this mirrored in the relationship between Christ and the Church, where His love for His people is likened to a husband’s love for his bride. This metaphor reveals a great mystery: we are indeed "bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh," indicating that we are part of His body, intricately connected to Him in a way that transcends mere understanding.

Another poignant image is that of a newborn baby. When a child is born, the instinct is to bring them face to face, to hold them close and gaze into their eyes. This is a moment filled with joy and wonder, not just for the child, who may not fully comprehend the significance of the encounter, but also for the parent or grandparent who experiences an overwhelming sense of love and connection. This relationship is characterized by a deep joy that is hard to articulate, reflecting the dynamic between us and God.

We, as His children, may not fully grasp our identity or the depth of our relationship with Him, but He, as the mature one, is filled with joy as He delights in us.

For instance, I think about my grandson, Eli, who always reaches out with his arms up, exclaiming, "Hold me, hold me!" He desires to be in that close, intimate space, wanting to be face to face. This longing for connection continues even as they grow older; children often seek our attention, saying, "Watch me, watch me!" They crave acknowledgment and validation, reflecting a deep-seated need to be seen and known.

This desire for recognition is a fundamental part of our human experience, and it mirrors our relationship with God, who is always attentive and present, eager to celebrate our existence. As I observe my grandchildren performing their little somersaults, I am filled with joy, not because of their skill level but simply because of who they are. I don’t criticize their attempts or measure them against some standard of excellence; instead, I cheer them on, celebrating their efforts with genuine pride and encouragement.

This dynamic illustrates how we often hinder ourselves by believing we must achieve perfection to gain God’s approval. However, God invites us into a face-to-face relationship where love is unconditional, and acceptance is not based on performance. The reality is that we often feel the pressure to prove our worthiness, measuring ourselves against external standards such as success, status, or the opinions of others. Yet, we must remember that our value is inherent, rooted in our identity as beloved children of God.

Even a newborn, who may not yet contribute anything tangible to the family, brings immeasurable joy and love simply by existing. Reflecting on this, I am reminded that all things come into being through Christ. As it is written, "In Him was life," and it is through Him that God created everything that exists. The Word was indeed face to face with God, and in that divine relationship, we find our true identity. Jesus made it clear that no one has seen the Father except the Son, who is in the bosom of the Father. He has come to reveal the true nature of God to us, showing us that God is not distant but intimately involved in our lives.

As we consider this profound truth, we are called to embrace our identity in Christ and to live from this reality. We must learn to believe what Jesus believes about us and to accept the truth of what He has accomplished for us. In John 14:20, Jesus states, "In that day, you will know that I am in the Father, you are in me, and I am in you." This declaration emphasizes our interconnectedness with the divine, highlighting that we are not separate from Him but rather intricately woven into the fabric of His being.

It is essential to understand that we often spend our lives striving to attain a position or a state of being that we already possess. Just as it would be absurd for someone to yell at me to "get into this truck" when I am already inside this truck, so too is our frantic pursuit of validation from God. We are already united with Him, and He invites us to learn how to live from that reality. We must accept that we are loved, forgiven, and cherished, regardless of our performance.

In this journey, we must also recognize that the Father sees us through the lens of grace and love. Our acceptance before Him is not contingent upon our actions or achievements; it is rooted in our identity as His beloved children. We are accepted wholly and completely, just as we are, and nothing we do can change that.

Moreover, as we delve deeper into the Scriptures, we find that God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus. This truth, articulated in Ephesians 1, signifies that we no longer need to strive or earn our place in His presence. Instead, we are called to receive these blessings by faith, embracing the fullness of our identity in Him.

As we reflect on the imagery presented in the Bible, we often find ourselves overly focused on the material aspects of our faith, such as the idea of mansions in heaven or the streets of gold. While these images can be captivating, they can also distract us from the core message of the Gospel, which centers on our relationship with God. The essence of our faith is not about merely reaching a destination but about engaging in a dynamic relationship with our Creator, who loves us unconditionally.

In conclusion, we must remember that we were created for intimacy with God. He is not just a distant figure; He is actively present in our lives, desiring to be in our face, to connect with us in a deeply personal way. As we learn to see ourselves through His eyes, we begin to understand the profound truth of our existence: we are loved, accepted, and invited into a face-to-face relationship with the One who created us.

This is the essence of our faith, and it is a beautiful journey of discovering the immeasurable love that God has for each of us. Thank you for joining us in this exploration of our identity and relationship with God. We hope that our discussion helps you find your way in experiencing the goodness of our heavenly Father, the abundant life that Jesus shares with us now, and the immeasurable love He has for everyone.