WE ARE NOT IN HEAVEN YET

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-13)

Devotion 24 of 37

DOES GOD OVERPOWER MEN?

One point on which the Christian community has been sharply divided regards the manner in which God works with men in salvation. A wide variety of persuasions are espoused, with some of them having greater consequences than others. One extreme position says that God, by Sovereign election, saves men in spite of anything they do. What men do is thus viewed as completely inconsequential. On the opposite extreme, some view salvation as totally dependent upon men, with little or no regard to Divine working in the matter. This view leaves its adherents without confidence, and waffling continually between hoping everything works out in the end, and being in total despair. Between these two extremes are a vast variety of opinions. Some believe it is a blessing to be overpowered by God, while others see such as impossible because of, what they call, the "free will of man" – a phrase that is not found in any major translation of Scripture.

GOD CAN, AND HAS OVERPOWERED MEN
Considering who God is, it should be evident to any honest soul that God is in no way intimidated by man, His own creation. He can overrule the will of man, making him act in contradiction of his own preferences, and occupy a place he does not desire. A few examples will serve to confirm this is true.

Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden of Eden. They did not volunteer to go, and there is no indication they preferred to go (Gen 3:24). Cain received a punishment from God that was, in his judgment, greater than he could bear. It was a judgment imposed upon Cain, with no regard to whether he willed to have it or not (Gen 4:13). In the time of Noah, the entire world, with the exception of eight persons, was forced through the gates of death by the Almighty God. He emphatically imposed His will upon them (Gen 7:21). The Lord also dictated His will upon the nation of Egypt, overthrowing their gods, bringing unwanted plagues upon them, and finally slaying their firstborn–all against their will (Ex 7-12). There was also king Nebuchadnezzar who was overpowered by God. His mind departed from him, and he became like a wild beast, consuming the grass of the field (Dan 4:32-34). Jesus can strike down a Saul of Tarsus while he is en route to work mayhem among His own people (Acts 22:6-16). Finally, in the "great and notable day of the Lord," all who have been stout against Him will be overpowered, reduced to absolute insignificance, and finally punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power (2 Thess 1:7-9).

Whatever one may think about the "free will of man" or his ability to make choices, there are limitations placed upon both their expression and time. God Himself will eventually close the door for making choices, thereby sealing the destiny of all men. Until then, there are even times in this world when some "cannot believe" (John 12:39), while those who are "ordained to eternal life" do believe (Acts 13:48).

DIVINE APPEALS
Throughout the Word of God, Divine appeals were made to men. The very presence of these appeals reveal that in the matter of blessing men, or delivering them from the power of darkness, He does not overpower them. Salvation is an enterprise of Divine wisdom in which He draws men to Himself.

There is a most remarkable statement in the Psalms–one that is more a prophesy than an observation. "Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth" (Psa 110:3). This expression is translated in a number of different ways. The NKJV reads, "Your people shall be volunteers in the day of Your power." That this Psalm is Messianic, addressing aspects of the day of salvation, is evident from the first two verses: "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of Thy strength out of Zion: rule Thou in the midst of Thine enemies." Jesus specifically referred this Psalm to Himself (Matt 22:42-45).

The salvation of God, as administered by His Son, is characterized by willingness on the part of the people. That willingness is the result of Divine influence, but not Divine coercion or overpowering. In marvelous wisdom, He "draws" the individual to Christ (John 6:44). Later, Jesus referred to the same statement, saying "Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father" (6:65). God, as Solomon knew, can "incline" hearts to Himself (1 Kgs 8:58). He can "allure" people into a place where He can speak comfortably to them, and they will be glad to hear (Hos 2:14).

Working through the Holy Spirit, He convicts men of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-11). He "opens" their heart so they can respond to the gracious message of the Gospel (Acts 16:14). He "gives" them repentance (Acts 11:18; 2 Tim 2:25), and is able to "make" those who are weak in the faith to "stand" (Rom 14:4).

All of this is wrought within the context of willingness–willingness that results from God's inscrutable wisdom. At the point the individual is unwilling, the Spirit has been quenched, resisted, and grieved. It is possible to be like Israel and "reject" God, even though His kindness was beyond all question (1 Sam 8:7). People who are identified with God can "reject" the knowledge He offers them (Hos 4:6). The "builders" can "reject" the Stone God has placed before their eyes (Matt 21:42). Specialists in the law of God can "reject the counsel of God" (Lk 7:30), and Jesus can be "rejected" by an entire generation (Lk 17:25). It will do no good for such people to depend on God overpowering their obstinacy. That is not the manner of salvation.

By Divine design, everything about salvation is marvelous. "Wine" and "milk" for the soul can be obtained "without money." Men can "eat that which is good," finding rich satisfaction for their soul (Isa 55:1-4). Those tender persons who respond to Divine overtures bring great glory to the Lord. They will be the first to confess "salvation is of the Lord." They will also be the first to tell you there came a point in time when they wanted His salvation. Until that time came, they did not receive it.

And what ought we to say about such things? "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out! ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?' ‘Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?' For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen" (Rom 11:33-36). It is marvelous, indeed, that men are saved without God compromising His character or ignoring the Divine imagery within mankind.

PRAYER POINT: Father, it is with a thankful heart that I acknowledge Your working in my salvation--both in its beginning and bringing it to a conclusion. In Jesus' name, I thank You for giving me a will, and wisely appealing to it and strengthening it to choose Your Son.

-- Tomorrow: THE NECESSITY OF RECONCILATION --