From the desk of Pastor Ben
God’s Sovereign Work In Salvation – Part 1

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, ad the one who comes to Me, I will certainly not cast out.”         (John 6:37)

Jesus was not discouraged, even though the crowd responded negatively to Him. The all-powerful sovereignty of the Father anchored Jesus’ confidence in His mission’s success. He was certain that everyone whom His Father gave Him — the collective body chosen before the foundation of the world — would come to Him. The story of redemption is one of calling this bride (the church) for the Son as a love gift from the Father. Every soul given by God to Christ is an expression of the Father’s irresistible love; thus, everyone given “will come” to the Son.

From the perspective of human responsibility, “God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent” (Acts 17:30; Romans 10:13). Yet, salvation does not depend on “the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13; Romans 9:16). God is the One who grants both repentance (Acts 11:18) and faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). If that were not so, nobody would come to Him, since “there is none who seeks for God” (Romans 3:11; Ephesians 2:1-3).

God’s sovereignty in salvation is foundational to Christianity:

“When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” (Acts 13:48)

“He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.”     (2 Timothy 1:9; John 6:44; Romans 8:28-30)

Ask Yourself:
 “Cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved” (Psalm 80:19). Think about the magnificent grace of God in rescuing us from ourselves and our sin! How could you make this a day to really celebrate this . . .in ever new ways and expressions of praise?