The Denouement

W. Carl Ketcherside

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     Christianity brought a living hope to a tired and jaded world. This may be one of the chief factors in its eager acceptance by slaves and social outcasts. The message of the resurrection thrilled the hearts of those whose lives and earthly lots were drab and dreary.

     The threefold basis of our hope seems to be summed up in Colossians 3:4, "When Christ, who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory." Christ is our life. He will appear. We will appear with him. A realization of these facts transformed the lives of the primitive disciples.

     It is most interesting to note the translation of this passage by J. B. Phillips, who has it, "One day, Christ, the secret center of our lives, will show himself openly, and you will share in that magnificent denouement." This final word, borrowed from the French, has puzzled many readers, yet it is probable that it is the very best term available for portraying the real meaning involved.

     I like the translation of Phillips at this point. The Christian life is the Christ-centered life. He is the hub around which all else revolves. Every relationship is governed by Him. The world can-

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not see him in our heart but every thought, word and deed reflects his secret presence. The man in whom Christ dwells is a member of the new humanity. As far as the world is concerned he is already dead. His true life is hidden in God.

     But it will not always be so, for Christ is destined to show himself openly. "To those who look for him, he will appear a second time, not this time to deal with sin, but to bring to full salvation those who eagerly await him" (Hebrews 9:28).

     The faithful will share in "that magnificent denouement." This is from de, to undo or untie; and nodus, a knot. It referred to the final act of untying a knot, and thus came to mean, "the final revelation or occurrence which clarifies the nature and outcome of a plot." The coming of Jesus will make all else in God's great program for the universe fit into place. It is the key to all of the mysteries of life through the ages.

     Those who do not eagerly await Jesus have no explanation for what is transpiring. Andre Maurois wrote, "The universe is indifferent. Who created it? Why are we here on this puny mud-heap spinning in infinite space? I have not the slightest idea, and I am quite convinced that no one has the slightest idea."

     G. N. Clark, during his inauguration ceremonies at Cambridge, said "There is no secret and no plan in history to be discovered. I do not believe that any future consummation could make sense of all the irrationalities of preceding ages. If it could not explain them, still less could it justify them."

     The beauty of the Way is that it is not a way of extinction but of resurrection. It is the way of the blessed hope, the glorious hope. I am convinced of the reality of the promises of God. I freely admit that I am on this earth as an exile and a foreigner. I long for a better country, a heavenly one. I want to share in the magnificent denouement. I am glad that I have caught the meaning of grace, or that it has caught me, for therein lies the only ground of my hope!