“The Lord has an elect people,” someone may be saying, “and
this discourages me.” Why should
it? Do not contradict that truth;
believe it as you read it in God’s Word.
Instead, hear how Jesus put it:
“I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because
thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them
unto babes. (Matthew 11:25).
To you who are as weak, simple, and trustful as a baby, the
doctrine is full of comfort. If the Lord
will save a multitude that no person can number, why should He not save me? It is true that it is written, “All that the
Father giveth me shall come to me” (John 6:37), but that statement continues, “And
him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out (v. 37). Let the second half of the verse be accepted
as well as the first.
Some people are puzzled by the sovereignty of God. We see in Scripture that “He [will have]
mercy on whom he will have mercy” (Romans 9:18). God may justly ask, “Is it not lawful for me
to do what I will with mine own?”
(Matthew 20:15). Beloved, do not
dispute the rights of the eternal God. “It
is the LORD; let him do what seemeth him good” (1 Samuel 3:18). Do not quarrel with the King, but come humble
to Him and plead with Him in this way: “O
Lord, You alone have the right to pardon.
Your Word declares that “if we confess our sins, [You are] faithful and
just to forgive us our sins” (1John 1:9).
And You have said that whoever believes in the Lord Jesus Christ will be
saved.” This pleading will prevail.
When you read, “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7), do not be
angry. It is true that to be born again
is a work beyond your power, for it is the work of the Holy Spirit. Your need of a work beyond your reach may
very well distress you, but the same chapter that says, “Ye must be born again,”
also says, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (v.
16). Thus, it is clear that he who
believes in Jesus is born again.
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