One of the chief ways that natural men seek to deny the glory of the ONE TRUE GOD is in failing to recognize HIS complete control of all events and happenings in the world. When men use words such as coincidental, accidental, or GOD’s intervention, (though many do so in ignorance) they deny that the LORD is working all things according to the good pleasure of HIS will. Most would confess that GOD is in control of things but only in a general sense; much like a child winds up a toy, and watches it careen upon its random path, only rushing to change its course if disaster looms, and even then not always able to do so. David contrasted the True and Living GOD, with the gods of the heathen, (which exist only in the minds of those who will not worship GOD ALMIGHTY) by saying, “But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.” (Psa 115:3)
It seems absurd to even have to debate this subject with those who claim to worship at the LORD’s footstool, yet there are many who take offense when this subject is set forth and rail against it. How odd it is that some would deny GOD’s absolute predestination of all things when they claim to believe the Bible which makes no equivocation about it and which quotes the LORD’s own declaration. “That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that 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.” (Isa 45:6-7) “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (Isa 46:9-11)
I can completely understand the hatred of such TRUTH by those whose hearts are in rebellion against the LIVING GOD, but I am baffled to find many who make every claim of serving HIM, and yet are holding the same view as those who hate HIM. Have they never read the comforting words of the SAVIOR to HIS disciples, “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7)? Was HE speaking in jest or generalities?
The very basis upon which all of our confidence rests in CHRIST the LORD, is in HIS IMMUTABILITY, (i.e.; unchangeableness) (see Titus 1:2; Heb.6:17,18). HIS IMMUTABILITY is manifested by HIS determination to do as HE revealed to Nebuchadnezzar, “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) HE is able to humble the heart of a heathen king and teach him things which he would in no wise have ever understood or gloried in. How else could he have done so? Where was his “free will”?
As glorious as the doctrine of predestination by the hand of a SOVEREIGN GOD may be to our awakened minds, it is not the “doctrine” itself that is so glorious, but rather the revelation of the glory of HIM who is the SAVIOR of sinners in it. For when we truly are made to see our innate rebellion and hatred of HIM, we are caused to see that it is only by HIS grace and the application of HIS mercy to our minds and hearts that we could have ever been caused to call upon HIS NAME. HE sought us before we ever sought HIM. To consider that HE who knows the end from the beginning has created the world to bring glory to HIS NAME in the sending of HIS SON into the world as the REDEEMER of sinners is indeed a glorious truth. Yet, the manifestation of JESUS CHRIST as that REDEEMER to the souls of those who dwelt in darkness and the shadow of death, is even more glorious. ”For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2Cor 4:6) Oh, what condescension on the part of HIM who thought it not robbery to be equal with GOD, taking upon HIMSELF the likeness of sinful flesh and becoming sin for us. HE has now, by HIS work, reconciled us (who were HIS enemies in our minds by wicked works). Can anyone describe its wonder or fathom the depths of HIS mercy?
In this most beloved parable of the “Good Samaritan” we see the LORD’s illustration of HIS sovereign mercy visited upon a hopeless individual, who was robbed, beaten, and left for dead. There are, no doubt, many lessons to be learned from this parable but the “certainty” of these events stand out before us. This hopeless and dying man was not just a random actor but rather the LORD pointed him out as a “certain man”. I can imagine that many before him and many after him had suffered the same injuries at the hand of these bandits. Yet it is this “certain man” that the LORD would use to illustrate the bestowal of HIS mercy upon. This “certain man” was no more worthy (nor even less worthy) than many others who died upon this road from their injuries. His injuries were so great that he was unable to seek aid, and he would have perished had not this “certain SAMARITAN” seen his plight and stooped to help him in his hour of great need. “None eye pitied thee, to do any of these unto thee, to have compassion upon thee; but thou wast cast out in the open field, to the lothing of thy person, ---- And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live.” (Eze 16:5-6)
The power to help or pass by this “certain man” was clearly in the hands of this “certain SAMARITAN”. HE was surely under no “obligation” to stop and help this man, who no doubt, had gotten himself into this situation due to his own carelessness or perhaps even some former participation in the endeavors of these thieves. Yet this “certain SAMARITAN”, had no regard to the reason for this man’s plight (nor did he pass judgement upon him). HE saw him naked and dying, stripped of all dignity and having no possessions and HE “visited” him. This was the time of love. Our SAVIOR plainly declared that HE came to seek and to save that which was lost (see Matt.18:11). Now HE did not say HE just came to save in some random fashion, but rather to seek and save “that which was lost”.
HE demonstrated this truth with this “certain Samaritan” seeking and saving this “certain man” which had “fallen among thieves”. In order to “lose” something, one has to have had it in his possession at one time. The LORD clearly speaks of calling HIS own sheep by name. (see John 10:3) “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.” (2Tim 2:19)
Just as this “certain Samaritan”, would not abandon this “certain man” in the hour of his need, neither will the LORD JESUS CHRIST ever forsake those that are given to HIM from the beginning. (see Eph.1:4-7; Rom.8:28-39) HE is the SAVIOR of those who are in need. The DELIVERER of those who call upon HIS NAME. The RESCUER of the hopeless and dying. Such men are hard to find. The world is full of those who have a religious profession of one type or another. There is an abundance of those who tell us how much faith they have or how dedicated they are, but it is difficult to find a man who knows himself to be totally devoid of anything that could give him an entrance into the presence of a Holy GOD. There are many who are satisfied with the “knowledge” that the LORD looketh on the heart, never considering that such “knowledge” is their condemnation. To be made aware of the unrighteousness of one’s very best conduct is the greatest blessing which the LORD can ever visit a man with. For those whom HE convinces of their worthiness to be destroyed, HE also grants them grace to call upon HIM who is the SAVIOR of sinners. “Nothing in my hand I bring; Simply to thy cross I cling; Naked, come to thee for dress; Helpless, look to thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Saviour, or I die.” (by Toplady, #143 Gadsby’s) This is the prayer of a “certain man” who shall be saved by a “CERTAIN SAVIOR.” Has HE seen your plight and met your need?
mam