God Draws Near Me

“The living God draws near me, in such a way as to draw me near to Himself, to draw me into the circle of His knowing of Himself.” (Experiencing the Trinity. Darrell w. Johnson. Chapter 3) Johnson continues in his book describing God drawing us to Himself in such a way that the Holy Trinity Himself draws us “into the inner relatedness” of the divine relationship. (Johnson is actually quoting the work of Thomas Torrance, from Trinitarian Perspectives.) The living God, Father, Son, and Spirit, grants us entry to His inner fellowship, into His very own presence. Johnson also quotes Galatians 4:4-6 describing redemption (God’s salvation and our adoption into God’s family) as the work of the Trinity. We are “co-lovers of God.” Even this description is another quote from James Torrance’s Worship, Community, and the Triune God of Grace.

There is so much treasure in this little book. One thought that stood out for me is Johnson’s application of the Trinity in the area of Christian love. With so much simplicity (and profound truth), he explains our love for each other as founded in the Trinity. He quotes 1 John 1:3 that our fellowship is first with God and second only to each other. He continues. “I am to love you not as much as He loves, but with Him as He loves you.” (Emphasis mine.)  This simply means that we love the brothers and sisters as we participate in God’s love. He explains that this is what is meant by “co-lovers of God” and the implications of our friendship with the Trinity. 

Simple, right? And yet, it is theologically deep. As the Triune God moves and acts in this world, we also move with Him. Not moving the way God moves, but moving with God in this world. Not acting like God, but participating in God’s action in our communities and through this world.