FROM THE PULPIT: WHATSOEVER THE LORD PLEASED

There are numerous and marvelous truths taught in the Bible, but perhaps none seems to radiate forth from the pages of divine script as that of God's absolute sovereignty. That is, God is God. Our text clearly defines this fact and truth.

Let us look at five other passages of scripture that show us what God is pleased to sovereignly do.

First, I Samuel 12:22, God is pleased to make the elect His people. Israel of old is an excellent picture of God's free electing love towards an undeserving people. Did the children of Israel merit God's favor? Certainly not (Deut. 7:7-8). Likewise, all who are chosen in Christ are done so because it pleased the Father to place us in His Son, Jesus Christ! That love and grace is based upon covenant mercies found only in Christ (Hebrews 7:22). Salvation has never been, nor ever shall be, left up to sinners to "decide" something for God, but rather, God doing everything for us through the beloved Son.

Secondly, Isaiah 53:10, It pleased the Lord to bruise His Son. Jesus the Christ, the great martyr lamb stood as His people's mediator as He suffered and bled and died on Calvary. The sinners' iniquity is so against God's law and God's Holiness that he or she deserves death (Ez. 18:20). This bruising or crushing blow by the Father was laid upon the son in order that His name (God's) is upheld, His law honored, His justice satisfied and sinners are redeemed. (John 6:37, II Cor. 5:21, I John 3:5 and Heb. 2:17).

Third, I Corinthians 1:17-24, It has pleased God, by preaching the Gospel, to call out the elect. God in His wisdom has picked the very means the world calls foolishness, to call out His sheep (II Cor. 4:5-7). This is and should always be the business of Gospel preachers to speak the truth in love and always seek to honor and glorify God's name in their message.

Fourth, Galatians 1:15 It pleased God to save His people by His grace. When will a sinner be saved? Only when it pleases God to do so and this He always does by free grace (II Timothy 1:9). The Old Testament saints were redeemed this way (I Peter 1:10-12). The New Testament saints were quickened this way (Acts 15:11). Salvation has always been by the absolute free grace of God, consummated in Christ Jesus-never by the free will of depraved, sinful creatures (Romans 9:10-16)

Lastly, Colossians 1:19, It has pleased God to put all spiritual blessings in Christ. I hear of, or see people, trying to receive spiritual blessings in all other ways but by the only correct way. They will walk an aisle, rededicate themselves, be re-baptized or try to do something for God or the church. All acts of religious service done outside of the grace of Christ are unacceptable to God.

Only in Christ is all the fullness of righteousness, reconciliation and forgiveness to be found. If you have Him, or rather, if He has you, you have all you can or ever will need.