Frank Viola describes the relationship God wants with his people by putting forward three pictures. These pictures become the three parts of the book, From eternity to here : rediscovering the ageless purpose of God (David C Cook, 2009).
Firstly there is the picture of the bride of Christ. Mostly we are familiar with this picture from Ephesians 5:25-26 “…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy…” However Viola starts at Genesis and shows how this thought has been on God’s heart from the very beginning of time. Viola continues through the Old Testament showing how many of the stories we are familiar with fit in with this theme.
Secondly there is the picture of the house of God. Again we are familiar with the Scripture from Revelation 21:3 “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them”. And again Viola starts at Genesis and reveals how God has always desired to dwell with men.
Thirdly there is the picture of the body of Christ and the family of God. These are also well known images and yet Viola is able to bring new insights and further truths to these pictures.
By putting together all these images Viola has given us the opportunity to gaze at the “big picture” of God’s ageless purpose. The book teaches us so much about God’s desire for his people and puts our minor irritations and frustrations into a much better perspective.
This is a great read with so many helpful thoughts and interesting concepts.
