THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD Devotion #7 of 17

"For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and He is the governor among the nations" (Psalm 22:28); "For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods" (Psalm 95:3); "One God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:6); "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11)

PROCLAMATIONS OF JESUS

The words of our Lord are vital to our understanding. Here is the ultimate Spokesman, the final Authority on any subject. Although God spoke "at sundry times and divers manners . . . in time past unto the fathers by the prophets," He has, "in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, Whom He hath appointed Heir of all things, by Whom also He made the worlds" (Heb. 1:2).

Coming to Christ

Why and how do people come to Christ? There are a variety of reasons, depending upon the perspective you have. Considering the appointed means, they come because of the power of the Gospel (Rom. 1:16). From the standpoint of their personal involvement, they come because they have believed the Gospel (John 3:16,18). From another view, they flee to Jesus for refuge because of the cursed world in which they reside (Heb. 6:18). Our blessed Lord viewed it from still another viewpoint. He saw men coming to Him because they were drawn to Him by the Father. It is good not to attempt to explain away this affirmation. Whatever you may think about your acceptance of Christ, the Father's work preceded your acceptance. If that conflicts with certain settled persuasions, simply abandon them in favor of the words of Christ. His words are "spirit and life" (John 6:63). Any contrary views are flesh and death! NO MAN COMES UNLESS GOD DRAWS. (John 6:44-45) "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me." I understand that the Lord uses means (i.e., the Gospel preaching, etc.). The use of means, however, does not obviate the fact that God Himself draws. It is a dangerous doctrine that represents the Person of God as withdrawn from involvement with the processes of salvation and sanctification.

Security in Christ

There is a lot of controversy in the religious world concerning our security in Christ. Many have elected to view the subject without regard to Jesus Himself, taking the position once we are in Christ, the door is locked, and we cannot possibly return to a lost condition. Thus union with Christ is thought to be maintained without our personal involvement--an absurdity worthy only of condemnation. Others have viewed security independently of God, supposing that we lose or maintain our acceptance on the basis of personal effort alone. The words of Christ are powerful on this subject. NO MAN IS ABLE TO PLUCK THEM OUT! (John 10:27-30) "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one." God is Sovereign in our salvation. Those that are in the hand of Christ, or in His care, cannot possibly perish while in that condition. No person or force is capable of extracting them from His care and protection. But Jesus does not end there. He leads us into a consideration of the Father Himself. He is Sovereign, or "greater than all." He is the One that gave you to Christ, and no person or power is capable of removing you from Christ. The reason for this declaration is to lead you into deeper faith in Christ and God. Rather than theorizing what can take you out of the hands of Christ and the Father, Contemplate the sovereignty of God in maintaining your safety. The difference in the two approaches is marvelous. While unduly Considering your liabilities and enemies, unbelief lurks near the door of your heart, and faith steps into the background. However, while surveying the affirmation of our Lord, faith becomes dominant and unbelief shrinks into the background. Examine your heart, and see if this is not the case with you.

-- TOMORROW: OPPOSITION IS CONTROLLED --