The conventional wisdom of the religious world is that the LORD has created the world as a grand experiment and proving ground into which HE placed mankind just to see what might happen. Then, lo and behold, a serpent, entered the picture (they are not certain from where) and ruined this utopia which HE had intended to prosper for the good of HIS creation. Now instead of being able to have fellowship (because some say HE was lonely) with this man in the midst of utopia, HE is now confronted with a plan gone awry.
O what to do, what to do. Aha, now they tell us that HE happened upon a plan that HE hoped would result in the complete restoration of this mess that had now occurred, (completely as they tell us, beyond HIS control and certainly not according to HIS purpose). If HE could not bless mankind with HIS original intent for the world, HE would go to plan B and devise a scheme of redemption wherein HE would agree to pardon the sin of all who would recognize HIS intention and accept the remedy which HE graciously provided.
Of course HE being a “perfect gentleman”, (as they tell us and we do not doubt) HE would (according to their thinking) never “violate” the “free will” of men, but would patiently (and hopefully) wait on men to make a choice allowing HIM to be their LORD. There is no telling how many countless tears HE has shed as HE waits helplessly by hoping for men to make their choice but ultimately being forced (against HIS own will, as they tell us) to send multitudes of them to fry like French fries in an unending pit of fire and brimstone, which HE was forced to create since HE had no other choice.
Many of these religious leaders tell us that they believe GOD is “sovereign” but they continue to picture HIM as one who reacts to what men do and that HIS remedy is ineffectual apart from man’s participation and ratification. They tell us that GOD can only bless men who perform in a certain manner and who walk in obedience to HIS precepts. In reality they really believe that man is the sovereign and ultimately decides if he will be rescued or fry forever
Now this is a completely contrary picture to the manner in which the LORD is pleased to reveal HIMSELF. HE makes no apologies for doing exactly what HE determines to do, without any input advice, or aid from men. “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.” (Psa 50:10-12)
The LORD spoke to Job from a whirlwind; posing to him a vast array of withering questions, beginning with, “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.” (Job 38:2-4) HE continued HIS declarations throughout the next three chapters which ultimately stripped Job of all pretence of knowledge of the ways or supposed limitations of GOD. (See Job chapters 38-41)
There is nothing that man can know about GOD or HIS purpose except that which HE is pleased to reveal by HIS SPIRIT through HIS WORD. Every philosophy and theory which men may adhere to is nothing but dung apart from that revelation. The LORD has made it abundantly clear that which David declared, “Our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.” (Psa 115:3) HE revealed the same unto Nebuchadnezzar, “that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” (Dan 4:17,25,32) “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”(Dan 4:35)
Everything that transpires in the earth is exactly according to HIS will and purpose and HE waits upon none nor depends upon any other power but HIS own. As Isaac Watts penned in his epic hymn, “Chained to his throne a volume lies, With all the fates of men, With every angel’s form and size, Drawn by the eternal pen. His providence unfolds the book, And makes his counsels shine; Each opening leaf, and every stroke, Fulfils some deep design.” (#4 Gadsby’s Hymns)
It is sheer folly when men would propose that they have some standing upon which to judge the actions of GOD and determine if HE would be right if HE did one thing or wrong if HE did something else. The LORD says in no uncertain terms that HE does exactly as HE pleases and dares men to say anything about it. “There is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? (Isa 45:6-9)
It is this GOD who says that HE has created both the “smith” (i.e.; blacksmith or toolmaker) and the “waster” (i.e.; destroyer). HE has appointed the building of HIS creation as well as its demise according to HIS own will and purpose which can in no wise be overturned. HE uses the children of evil (i.e; seed of the serpent) to perform his will as much as HE appoints the righteous (i.e.; the chosen seed) to manifest the glory of HIS grace. “The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.” (Prov 16:4) “For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.” (Psa 37:22-24)
Now who is sufficient for such things? We can but place our hands upon our mouths and worship HIM who made the heavens and the earth and has in HIS rich mercy revealed HIMSELF to the sons of men, in the LORD JESUS CHRIST who has a NAME which is above all names. HE alone is able to declare the truth of GOD to a sin darkened creation. For we see HIM reveal the purpose of GOD in the creation of the world as John saw in his vision on Patmos, “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” (Rev 5:5)
CHRIST has declared the end from the beginning since HE is the ALPHA and the OMEGA. This world exists solely for the display of the glory of JESUS CHRIST as the REDEEMER of that blessed people which HE loved from before its creation. “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Rev 5:9-10)
This is the song of Moses and the LAMB. This is that place of rejoicing. JESUS CHRIST has come into the world clothed in the likeness of sinful flesh to procure the redemption of that Bride which is HIS. This redemption is accomplished not out of cosmic necessity but because HE would demonstrate to men and angels the glory of HIS grace, the magnitude of HIS mercy, and the greatness of HIS faithfulness, May HE ever be praised as the SAVIOR of sinners.
mam