Free Agency and Predestination

I believe the doctrine of election to be as certainly true as the doctrine of the existence of God. I am not about to attempt to clear up all of the endless philosophic difficulties which could be suggested by a subtle thinker. 

If I were to venture upon such a labor, I would only be like Sisyphus who rolled a large round rock uphill, which always rolled down again. The difficulties about the compatibility of free agency and predestination have existed, do exist, and will exist to the world's end. To my mind both facts are certain but where they meet, none knows but God Himself. Yet there is a practical, common-sense way out of the difficulty. 

I do not know any better way of practically treating the matter, than of saying, "I will go to Jesus because He bids me, and because He has said, 'Whoever comes to Me, I will never cast out.' If I sincerely go to Him and He casts me out, then He has broken His promise; but He never can do that. So now I venture to trust in His sin-atoning death and leave my soul's salvation in His hands." 

In all other matters you act so: When you are sick, you do not know whether you are ordained to get well, but you send for the doctor. You cannot tell whether you are predestined to be rich, but you endeavor to make money. You do not know whether God has decreed that will live through the day, but you work to provide food for yourself. 

Thus, common sense cuts the knot which mere theory can never untie! Leave the philosophic arguments alone, and act as sensible men. Go to Jesus, and you will be saved! 

[Charles H. Spurgeon] 

John 6:37 ... All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

Practical Predestination!

There are no guesses, conjectures, or contingencies with God as to the future. Not only does He know all, but He has fixed, appointed, and ordered "all things after the counsel of His own will." (Ephesians 1:11)

It would seem impossible to form any correct idea of God, disassociated from the idea of predestination. The sole basis of predestination is the 'practical' belief that God is eternal and infinite in and over --- all. Predestination is God's pre-determined appointment and fore-arrangement of all things beforehand, according to His divine and supreme will. God prearranges, predetermines, and supremely rules in all the concerns of our world. 

He fixes a constellation in the heavens, guides the gyrations of a bird in the air, directs the falling of an autumn leaf in the pathless desert, and conveys the seed borne upon the wind, to the spot where it should fall. In predestination we see the everlasting love of God to, and His most free choice of, His people to be His special and peculiar treasure. 

What doctrine is more emptying, humbling, and therefore sanctifying than predestination? It lays the axe at the root of all human boasting! In the light of this truth, the most holy believer sees that there is no difference between him and the vilest sinner who crawls the earth but what the sovereign grace of God has made. 

 

One blessing accruing from the doctrine of predestination is the sweet and holy submission into which it brings the mind under all afflictive dispensations. Each step of his pilgrimage, and each incident of his history the believer sees appointed in the everlasting covenant of grace. He recognizes the 'discipline' of the covenant to be as much a part of the original plan as any positive mercy that it contains. That all the hairs of his head are numbered; (Matthew 10:30) that affliction springs not out of the earth, and therefore is not the result of accident or chance but is in harmony with God's purposes of love; and thus, ordained and permitted, must work together for his good. (Romans 8:28)

The radiance which predestination reflects upon the entire history of the child of God, and the calm repose which it diffuses over the mind in all the perplexing, painful, and mysterious events of that history can only be understood by those whose hearts have fully received this doctrine. Whatever betides him; inexplicable in its character, enshrouded in the deepest gloom as may be the circumstance the believer in this truth can stand still, and calmly surveying the scene, exclaim: "This also comes forth from the Lord almighty, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working. He who works all things after the counsel of His own will has done it and I am satisfied that it is well done!" 

[Octavius Winslow]

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

His Special People!!

God highly prizes His people. Yes, it is impossible to say how highly He prizes them. Those are wondrous words, "For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His own special treasure!" (Psalm 135:4) Did the shepherd prize his flock? God calls His people, "His flock, His beautiful flock." Does the miser prize his wealth? God says of His people, "You shall be a special treasure unto Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine." Does the prince prize his jewels? 

God says of His people, "They shall be Mine, in that day when I make up My jewels!" (Malachi 3:17)   Does the bridegroom prize his beloved and dearly purchased bride? It is written, "As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you!" (Isaiah 62:5) Does the reigning monarch prize his crown? God has said, "You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God." (Isaiah 62:3) 

What wondrous love, such expressions as these represent! How precious must the Lord's people be to Him! Truly they are His special treasure! God chose them to be special unto Himself. He chose them out from among others. He chose them in preference to others. He chose them out from others, on purpose that they may be a special people unto Himself. And in so doing, He acted FREELY. It was not on account of anything He saw in them, or on account of anything He expected from them; but in the exercise of His most free and holy sovereignty, He chose them to participate in the glory of His Son! 

In choosing them, He acted also DELIBERATELY. It was no hasty choice. His thoughts had been eternally filled with them. His heart had been eternally set upon them. Therefore, He chose them in Christ before the foundation of the world! In choosing them, He acted WISELY, as He really desired to have them. For each one of them is ready to confess that if God had not chosen them, that they would never have chosen Him! The nature regulates the choice; and as our nature is carnal and impure, we would never have chosen God who is spiritual and holy. His choice was just an early expression of His LOVE. The love which chose them, would do anything for them, and give anything to them! 

Therefore, God spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for them all; and in so doing, gave them the assurance that He will also freely give them all things in Christ. O the wonders couched in electing love! This act of choosing such creatures as we are, to be a special people unto Himself, displays such grace, such condescension, such infinite wisdom and love! God's election says, "The Lord loves you!" Loves us! Yes, and with a love that is eternal, immutable, sovereign, infinite, and free! 

All the love of God is lavished upon us as His special people in Christ. Oh, those wondrous words of Jesus, "You have loved them, even as You have loved Me!" (John 17:23) But few among the worldly wise, but few of nobler race, Obtain the favor of Your eyes, Almighty King of grace! 

[James Smith] 

Deuteronomy 7:6 ... For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

"Those Who Are Called"

These are called to know themselves as guilty before God and deserving of eternal condemnation. These are called to know the all-sufficiency of Christ to save. These are called to trust in His sin-atoning death as their only hope of salvation. These are called out of the world. They no longer revel in the world's gaieties or are swayed by its corrupt principles. These are called to be followers of the despised Lord Jesus, treading in His footsteps. This is the calling which distinguishes those who love God, and for whose good God causes all things to work together. 

Yes, "God causes all things to work together for good" It is not said that they work singly or alone, but in relationship to one another, they "work together." One little thing which we cannot at all understand or see the reason of the Lord sees is necessary to make several other things properly work for our good. Without that one very unpleasant thing all the rest would not be for our benefit. We are too apt to look at things singly, and therefore our mind often becomes perplexed. A single thread is not of much importance in itself but if left out in the weaving, the pattern in the loom would be rendered imperfect. 

These "all things" are so many shuttles running to and fro, weaving the web of goodness and blessing for the children of God. The hand that throws the shuttles is the hand of Jesus. In the web which He weaves, no thread will be found misplaced, when the weaving is over. Therefore, let us leave all things in the hands of Jesus, who has the whole plan of the life of each believer always before Him, and who in His infinite wisdom causes all things to work together for good to them, so as to produce the best results and accomplish all His purposes of love. Let us trust Him at all times, even when our expectations of earthly things are disappointed, or when our plans are frustrated, or when darkness surrounds our path, or when trials and affliction are our portion. 

Be assured that when we have attained a keener vision and a fuller understanding than our pilgrim state affords us, we shall see that God caused all things to perfectly work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose! We will then testify to the wisdom, power, and love of Him who does all things well! 

 [Thomas Moor] 

Romans 8:28-30 ... And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

"I Have Chosen You"

  ✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

John 15:16 ... Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

Absolute Predestination!

Without a due sense of predestination, we shall lack the surest and the most powerful inducement to patience, resignation and dependence on God under every spiritual and temporal affliction. How sweet must the following considerations be to a distressed believer!

(1) There most certainly exists an almighty, all-wise and infinitely gracious God.

(2) He has given me in times past, and is giving me at present (if I had but eyes to see it), many and signal intimations of His love to me, both in a way of providence and grace.

(3) This love of His is immutable; He never repents of it nor withdraws it.

(4) Whatever comes to pass in time, is the result of His will from everlasting, consequently:

(5) my afflictions were a part of His original plan, and are all ordered in number, weight and measure.

(6) The very hairs of my head are (every one!) counted by Him, nor can a single hair fall to the ground but in consequence of His determination. Hence:

(7) my distresses are not the result of chance, accident or a fortuitous combination of circumstances, but:

(8) the providential accomplishment of God's purpose, and

(9) designed to answer some wise and gracious ends, nor

(10) shall my affliction continue a moment longer than God sees fit.

(11) He who brought me to it, has promised to support me under it, and to carry me through it.

(12) All shall, most assuredly, work together for His glory and my good, therefore:

(13) "The cup which my heavenly Father has given me to drink, shall I not drink it?" Yes, I will, in the strength He imparts, even rejoice in tribulation. I will commit myself and the event to Him, whose purpose cannot be overthrown, whose plan cannot be disconcerted; and who, whether I am resigned or not, will still go on to work all things after the counsel of His own will.

[Jerome Zanchius]

Ephesians 1:11 ... In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

Sovereign Love

Christ's declaration involves the doctrine of election there are some whom the Father gave to Christ.  Christ's declaration involves the doctrine of effectual calling, those who are given, must and shall come. However stoutly they may set themselves against it yet they shall be brought out of the darkness of sin, into God's marvelous light.

Christ's declaration teaches us the indispensable necessity of faith for even those who are given to Christ are not saved unless they come to Jesus. Even they must come, for there is no other way to Heaven but by the door, Christ Jesus. All whom the Father gives to our Redeemer, must come to Him. Therefore none can come to Heaven unless they first come to Christ.

Oh! the power and majesty which rest in the words "shall come." He does not say that they have power to come, nor they may come if they wish but they "shall come."

The Lord Jesus does by His messengers, His Word, and His Spirit, sweetly and graciously compel men to come in, that they may eat of His marriage supper. And this He does, not by any violation of the free agency of man but by the power of His grace. Jehovah Jesus knows how, by irresistible arguments addressed to the understanding, by mighty reasons appealing to the affections, and by the mysterious influence of His Holy Spirit operating upon all the powers and passions of the soul so to subdue the whole man, that whereas he was once rebellious, he now yields cheerfully to His government, subdued by sovereign love.

But how shall those whom God has chosen be known? By this result that they do willingly and joyfully receive Christ, and come to Him with simple and sincere faith, resting upon Him as all their salvation and all their desire.

Reader, have you thus come to Jesus?

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

John 6:37 … All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.❤

He Conquers and Cleanses

The Holy Spirit is the administrator of God's grace. Without the gracious operation of the Holy Spirit in conversion, no sinner would ever become a beneficiary of saving grace. The blessed Spirit quickens all whom the Father chose in eternity past,  leads to Jesus, all the sheep for whom the dear Shepherd laid down His life,  conquers the stoutest hearts, and cleanses the foulest spiritual leper,  opens sin-blinded eyes, and unstops sin-closed ears!

Redemption was effectually accomplished for God's elect by Christ at Calvary; and it is effectually applied to all the redeemed by the Holy Spirit in effectual calling. The Spirit applies Christ's work of redemption, in calling, convicting, regenerating, sanctifying, and preserving all for whom Christ died.

Every one whom God chose in Christ, is effectually drawn by the Spirit to Christ. Everyone predestined to be saved, is called by the Spirit in time, justified in time, and will be glorified in eternity when time will be no more!

[C. D. Cole]

Titus 3:5 … Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 🕊

How is it That Some of Us Are Converted?

No doctrine in the whole Word of God has more excited the hatred of mankind, than the truth of the absolute Sovereignty of God! Some men cannot endure to hear the doctrine of election. I suppose they like to choose their own wives but they are not willing that Christ should select His bride, the Church!  How is it that some of us are converted while our companions in sin are left to continue in their godless course? Was there anything good in us that moved the heart of God to save us? God forbid that we should indulge the blasphemous thought!  "By the grace of God I am what I am!" (1 Corinthians 15:10) 

From the Word of God I gather that damnation is all of man, from top to bottom and that salvation is all of grace, from first to last. He who perishes, chooses to perish; but he who is saved, is saved because God has chosen to save him.  Electing love has selected some of the worst people, and made them into the best!

Whatever may be said about the doctrine of election it is written in the Word of God as with an iron pen, and there is no getting rid of it. To me, it is one of the sweetest and most blessed truths in the whole of Scripture. Those who are afraid of it are so, because they do not understand it. If they could but know that the Lord had chosen them, it would make their hearts dance for joy!

Do not stagger at the truth of electing love, it is one of the highest notes of heavenly music! Do not be afraid of such a verse as this, "I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you." (Jeremiah 31:3)

God's electing love has, in many cases, selected great fools and great sinners: "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the strong; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen so that no one may boast before Him!" (1 Corinthians 1:29)

I can never cease to be astonished that God has elected me!

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

✞ ✞ ✞

Romans 9:13-16 … As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.  What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.  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.  So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.❤

God's Decree

From all eternity God decreed all that would happen in time and this He did freely and unalterably, consulting only His own wise and holy will. Yet in so doing He does not become in any sense the author of sin, nor does He share responsibility for sin with sinners. In this decree God's wisdom is displayed in directing all things and His power and faithfulness are demonstrated in accomplishing His decree.

God's decree is not based upon His foreknowledge of the future but is independent of all such foreknowledge.  By His decree, and for the manifestation of His glory, God has predestined (or foreordained) certain men and angels to eternal life through Jesus Christ, thus revealing His grace. Others, whom He has left to perish in their sins, manifest the terrors of His justice.

These predestined and foreordained angels and men are individually and unchangeably designated and their number is so certain and definite, that it can neither be increased or decreased.  Before the world was made, God's eternal, immutable purpose, which originated in the secret counsel and good pleasure of His will, moved Him to choose (or to elect), in Christ certain men to everlasting glory. Out of His mere free grace and love, He predestinated these chosen ones to life, although there was nothing in them to cause Him to choose them.

Not only has God appointed the elect to glory in accordance with the eternal and free purpose of His will but He has also foreordained the means by which His purpose will be effected.   Therefore, those who are elected, being fallen in Adam are redeemed by Christ and effectually called to faith in Christ by His Spirit working at the appropriate time. They are justified, adopted, sanctified, and kept by His power through faith to salvation. None but the elect are redeemed by Christ, or effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved.

The doctrine of the high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care so that those heeding the will of God revealed in His Word and obeying Him may be assured of their eternal election, by the certainty of their effectual calling. In this way the doctrine of predestination will give reasons for praise, reverence, and admiration of God as well as humility, diligence and rich comfort to all who sincerely obey the gospel.

[1689 Baptist Confession of Faith]

Romans 8:29-30 … For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Ephesians 1:5 …  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Ephesians 1:11 … In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

1 Peter 1:5 … Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.❤

Not a World of Chance

This is not a world of chance, it is our Father's world! Events do not happen without divine order and direction. There is a great divine plan running through the ages which includes all things, and subordinates all forces and all experiences to itself. Our Scripture passages above are full of this great thought.

We will never fully understand these great truths, with their tremendous reach of meaning. We may say, however, at least, that they assure us of a divine plan for the elect, a divine love, a divine purpose of mercy, dating from the infinite past, and running through the eternal ages to come!

All of the elect are eternally secure in Christ the Redeemer!

[J. R. Miller]

✞ ✞ ✞

Romans 8:33-34 ... Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Ephesians 1:4-5 ...  According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Ephesians 1:11 ...  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:❤

Doctrine of Election

Whatever may be said about the doctrine of election, it is written in the Word of God as with an iron pen, and there is no getting rid of it, there it stands!

Long before time had begun, God loved His chosen ones, and predestined them unto eternal life.

I can never understand why a man should cavil at another's being chosen when he himself does not himself wish to be saved!

Some men cannot endure to hear the doctrine of election. I suppose they like to choose their own wives but they are not willing that Christ should select His bride, the Church!

Those who cavil at the doctrine of election should answer this question: "Why is it that God has left devils without hope and yet has sent His Son to redeem mankind? Is not divine sovereignty manifested here?" Answer me, you that deny God's sovereignty, and hate His election, how is it that angels are condemned to everlasting fire while to you, the fallen children of Adam, the gospel of Christ is freely preached? The only answer that can possible be given is this: God wills to do it.

If the Lord should choose to show mercy to only one man in the world. He has the perfect right to do so. If He chooses to show mercy to a few, or if He chooses to show mercy to all. He has the right to do so.

How is it that some of us who were once drunkards, swearers, and the like are now sitting here to praise God this day? Was there anything good in us which moved the heart of God to save us? God forbid that we should indulge the blasphemous thought! I never met with any Christian who ever thought that he deserved to be chosen unto salvation; the very fact of the choice, proves that it must have been all of grace.

Electing love has selected some of the worst to be made the best!  I shall never understand, even in Heaven, why the Lord Jesus should ever have loved me!

There is no more humbling doctrine in Scripture than that of election none more promoting of gratitude, and, consequently, none more sanctifying. To me, election is one of the sweetest and most blessed truths in the whole of Revelation, it is one of the highest notes of heavenly music!

The man who is not willing to submit to the electing love and sovereign grace of God, has great reason to question whether he is a Christian at all for the spirit that kicks against election is the spirit of the devil, and the spirit of the unhumbled, unrenewed heart.

[Charles Spurgeon]

Ephesians 1:4-5 ... According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

2 Thessalonians 2:13 ... But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

Romans 8:29 ... For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. ❤

What Other Doctrine?

What doctrine is more emptying, humbling, and therefore sanctifying, than predestination? It lays the axe at the root of all human boasting!

In the light of this truth, the most holy believer sees that there is no difference between him and the vilest sinner that crawls the earth but what the sovereign grace of God has made!

[Octavius Winslow]

1 Corinthians 1:27-28 ... But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

1 Corinthians 15:10 ... But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Romans 8:29 ... For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. ❤

Unmistakable Grace

No man has any 'right' to be a child of God, it is an act of pure unmistakable grace!

If we are born into God's family, it is a miracle of mercy. It is one of the ever-blessed exhibitions of the infinite love of God, that has set itself upon us.

If you are this day an heir of Heaven, remember, man, you were once the slave of Hell. Once you wallowed in the mire of sin!

If you would adopt a swine to be your child, you would not then have performed an act of greater compassion, than when God adopted you.

And if an angel could exalt a gnat to equal dignity with himself yet this would not be as great a privilege as that which God has conferred on you.

He has taken you from the dunghill and He has set you among princes!

Remember that this is pure grace! Look back to the hole of the pit from where you were dug, and the miry clay from where you were drawn.

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

Ephesians 1:5 ...Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

1 John 3:2 ... Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Ephesians 2:8 ... For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.❤

The Providence of God

Predestination is the sovereign, eternal, immutable, unalterable purpose of God almighty, by which He ordained and ordered, according to His own will and good pleasure, all things that come to pass in time.

Divine providence is the daily, constant, sovereign rule of our God over all things for the accomplishment of His eternal purpose of grace in predestination. Divine providence is the accomplishment of God's sovereign will and purpose. Providence is God bringing to pass in time (sovereignly, absolutely, and perfectly) what He purposed in eternity.

Predestination is God's purpose.   Providence is God's execution of His purpose. Nothing in the universe happens by luck, chance, fortune, accident or by blind fate! Everything that comes to pass in time was purposed by our God in eternity, and is brought to pass by His wise, adorable, good Providence.

Nothing comes to pass in time that God did not purpose in eternity, in sovereign predestination. Nothing comes to pass in time except that which God sovereignly brings to pass in His Providence. And that which God predestined in eternity and brings to pass in his Providence is for the good of His elect, and the glory of His name. This is clearly and incontrovertibly the teaching of Holy Scripture (Psalm 76:10; Proverbs 16:4, 9, 33; 21:1; Daniel 4:34, 35, 37; Isaiah 46:9-11; Romans 11:33-36).

Providence is God's government of the universe. If we have a proper view of God's Providence, we will see the hand of God and the heart of God in everything in all the experiences of our lives. Believers ascribe their sorrows, and even the cursing of their enemies to the hand of their heavenly Father's wise and good Providence.

God is not idle. He never needs to rest, recuperate, or regroup. God almighty, our God and heavenly Father is always at work, governing the world. I have frequently heard preachers and religious leaders speak of sickness, poverty and war, sin, crime and cruelty, famine, earthquakes and death as things over which God has no control. Nonsense!

God's Providence is as 'minute' as it is 'mysterious.'   Our God has ordained the number of hairs on the heads of all. Not even a worthless sparrow falls to the ground without His decree.

God's Providence is 'all inclusive'. God rules everything, great and small, everywhere, and at all times.

He who created all things, rules all things!

Nothing in God's universe breathes or wiggles contrary to God's decree.  As a wise, skilled pharmacist mixes medicine so our heavenly Father wisely mixes exactly the right measure of bitter things and sweet, to do us good. 

Too much joy would intoxicate us.
Too much misery would drive us to despair.
Too much sorrow would crush us.
Too much suffering would break our spirits.
Too much pleasure would ruin us.
Too much defeat would discourage us.
Too much success would puff us up.
Too much failure would keep us from doing anything.
Too much criticism would harden us.
Too much praise would make us proud.
Our great God knows exactly what we need. By His grace, if we are His we will bow to His Providence, accept it, and give thanks for it.

God's Providence is always executed in the 'wisest manner' possible. We are often unable to see and understand the reasons and causes for specific events in our lives, in the lives of others, or in the history of the world. But our lack of understanding does not prevent us from believing God. We bow to His will, which is evident in His works of Providence, and say, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!"

The God of Providence rules all things well. How we ought to trust Him! Ever remember, our heavenly Father is God all wise, good, and omnipotent. He is too wise to err,  too good to do wrong,  and too strong to fail!

[Don Fortner]

Romans 8:28-30 ... And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.



Isaiah 46:9-10 ... Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Matthew 10:30 ... But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Job 1:21 ... And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.❤

Practical Predestination

There are no guesses, conjectures, or contingencies with God as to the future. Not only does He know all, but He has fixed, appointed, and ordered "all things after the counsel of his own will."

It would seem impossible to form any correct idea of God, disassociated from the idea of predestination. The sole basis of predestination is the 'practical' belief that God is eternal and infinite in and over all.

Predestination is God's pre-determined appointment and fore arrangement of all things beforehand, according to His divine and supreme will.

God prearranges, predetermines, and supremely rules in all the concerns of our world. He fixes a constellation in the heavens, guides the gyrations of a bird in the air, directs the falling of an autumn leaf in the pathless desert, and conveys the seed, borne upon the wind, to the spot where it should fall.

In predestination we see the everlasting love of God to, and His most free choice of, His people, to be His special and peculiar treasure. What doctrine is more emptying, humbling, and therefore sanctifying, than predestination? It lays the axe at the root of all human boasting. In the light of this truth, the most holy believer sees that there is no difference between him and the vilest sinner that crawls the earth, but what the mere grace of God has made.

[Octavius Winslow]

✞✞✞

 

 

Ephesians 1:5 ... Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,


Ephesians 1:11 ... In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:



Ephesians 1:4 ... According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:


Romans 8:29 ... For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.❤

God's Chain and God's Plan

God's ways are unsearchable.

God's judgments are past finding out.

God's compassions are infinite.

God's power is almighty.

God's wisdom is unerring.

Providences are long chains with many links in them. If one link were missing, the event would fail. But it is God's chain and God's plan. The thing is fixed. The outcome is not doubtful.

 

[William S. Plumer]

 

 

 ✞✞✞

 

 

Job 42:2 ... I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.

 

 

Isaiah 46:10-11 ...  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

 

 

Ephesians 1:11 ... In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: ❤

God's Special Treasure

God highly prizes His people. Yes, it is impossible to say how highly He prizes them. Those are wondrous words, "For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His own special treasure!" (Psalm 135:4)

Did the shepherd prize his flock? God calls His people, "His flock, His beautiful flock." (Jeremiah 13:20)

Does the miser prize his wealth? God says of His people, "You shall be a special treasure unto Me above all people; for all the earth is mine." (Deuteronomy 7:6)

 

Does the prince prize his jewels? God says of His people, "They shall be Mine, in that day when I make up My jewels!" (Malachi 3:17)

Does the bridegroom prize his beloved and dearly purchased bride? It is written, "As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride so shall your God rejoice over you!" (Isaiah 62:5)

Does the reigning monarch prize his crown? God has said, "You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God." (Isaiah 62:3)

What wondrous love, such expressions as these represent! How precious must the Lord's people be to Him!  Truly they are His special treasure!

God CHOSE them to be special unto Himself. He chose them out from among others. He chose them in preference to others.

He chose them out from others, on purpose that they may be a special people unto Himself. And in so doing, He acted FREELY. It was not on account of anything He saw in them, or on account of anything He expected from them; but in the exercise of His most free and holy sovereignty, He chose them to participate in the glory of His Son!

[James Smith]

 ✞ ✞ ✞

Romans 8:30 ... Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.


John 15:16 ... Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.


Ephesians 1:4 ... According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:❤

There is No ‘Chance’ in God’s World

Believer, are you tried, perplexed, and troubled? God is faithful to His Word, for He has said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.”

 

Have you to pass out of one trouble into another, and is one trial but introductory to another? God is faithful, for He has said, “We must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.”

 

Are your trials of a fiery, consuming, and parching character? It but confirms His word, for He has said, “I will bring them through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold.”

 

Every trial you meet with, every trouble you pass through, and all the temptations you experience–but serve to confirm the truth of God’s Word; and if rightly viewed, and properly improved, would strengthen your faith.

 

There is no ‘chance’ in God’s world. There is no mistake in God’s dealings. There is nothing really severe in God’s dispensations.

 

All has been arranged by infinite wisdom, all is brought to pass by a special providence, and all is, at the darkest moment, working together for your eternal good!

 

Let us then mind His “Fear nots.” Let us confide in His unalterable promises. Let us rely on His immutable faithfulness.

 

He set His love upon His people freely at the beginning, and having loved them, He will love them to the end. To every one of His chosen and redeemed people, He gives everlasting life, and assures them that they shall never perish. The love that made them His, will keep them His, and keep them His forever.

 

Cheer up then, poor tempted tried believer, God is faithful to His Word, and He will not fail you, nor forsake you, but will make all things work together for your good, and glorify Himself in you.

 

[James Smith]

 

 

✞✞✞

 

 

 

Numbers 23:19 ...  God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
 

 

Joshua 1:5 ... There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Romans 8:28-29 ... And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. ❤