The workings of grace in the heart are utterly mysterious and unsearchable.
We cannot explain why the Word produces effects on one person in a congregation, and not upon another.
We cannot explain why, in some cases; with every possible advantage, and in spite of every entreaty people reject the Word and continue dead in trespasses and sins.
We cannot explain why in other cases; with every possible difficulty, and with no encouragement people are born again and become decided Christians.
We cannot define the manner in which the Spirit of God conveys life to a soul, and the exact process by which a believer receives a new nature.
All these are hidden things to us.
We see certain results, but we can go no further.
This is deeply instructive. It is humbling no doubt to ministers, and teachers of others.
The highest abilities,
the most powerful preaching,
the most diligent working,
cannot command success.
God alone can give spiritual life!
But it is a truth at the same time, which supplies an admirable antidote to excessive anxiety and despondency. Our principal work is to sow the seed. That done, we may wait with faith and patience for the result. We may leave our work with the Lord. He alone can, if He thinks fit, give success.
[J. C. Ryle]
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John 3:8 ... The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Romans 9:15 ... For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. ❤
