The Sovereignty Of God # 3

 The Sovereignty Of God # 3

Certain conditions were set before the Mediator. He was to be made in the likeness of sin's flesh; He was to magnify the law and make it honorable; He was to bear all the sins of all God's people in His own body on the tree; He was to make full atonement for them; He was to endure the outpoured wrath of God; He was to die and be buried. On the fulfillment of those conditions, He was promised to reward: (Isaiah 53:10-12.) He was to be the Firstborn among many brethren; He was to have a people who would share His glory. Blessed be His name forever, He fulfilled those conditions, and because He did so, the Father stands pledged, on solemn oath, to preserve through time and bless throughout eternity, everyone of those for whom His incarnate Son mediated.

Because He took their place, they now share His. His righteousness is theirs, His standing before God is theirs, His life is theirs. There is not a single condition for them to meet, not a single responsibility for them to discharge in order to attain their eternal bliss. "By one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified (or set apart)" (Hebrews 10:14). Here then is the sovereignty of God openly displayed before all, displayed in the different ways in which He has dealt with His creatures. Part of the angels, Adam and Israel, were placed upon a conditional footing, continuance in blessing being made dependent upon their obedience and fidelity to God. But in sharp contrast from them, the "little flock" (Luke 12:32), have been given an unconditional, an immutable standing in God's covenant, God's counsels, God's Son; their blessing being made dependent upon what Christ did for them. The foundation of God stands sure, having this seal. The Lord knows those who are His" (2 Timothy 2:19). The foundation on which God's elect stand is a perfect one; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it (Ecclesiastes 3:14).

Here, then, is the highest and grandest display of the absolute sovereignty of God;. Truly, He has "mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardens" (Romans 9:18).

~A. W. Pink~

(The End)