Praising God

(John 15:19) “I have chosen you out of the world.”

I believe this doctrine, which happens to be true will be debated until we, the elect make it to heaven. Once all the Father's chosen have been ushered into His eternal plan we will no longer debate this truth but rather bask in His mercy for all eternity. It is then that we will see His brilliance like never before. We will know what it meant when Paul quoted verses like this; “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” We will grasp that it was not so much our ability and wise choices that kept us saved but rather in spite of ourselves we were kept saved by God’s grace and mercy. And by the power of His spirit in the finished work of Calvary. When any believer makes a brash statement like, “when I chose God” he has not thought it through very well. Look at our text, “I have chosen you out of the world.” Yes I agree He was addressing the disciples but look at our Saviours prayer to His Father and some of the statements He makes which will prove my point. “I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.” It is clear to see that the world or the people in it are not the Lord’s concern but rather those whom the Father has given Him. “I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” (John 17:12)

It was God’s will for someone to betray the Lord and Judas did as it was written, in other words according to His plan. Judas nevertheless is accountable for his actions. What a scary thought! But while the Lord Jesus was on earth surrounded by trial and purpose to fulfil His Father’s will, He amazingly still had time to remember you and me in His prayer; "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.” (John 17:20)

All those who confess Jesus as Lord will be saved the Bible is our teacher.

The reason I stress this point; it is at times like these when we have moments of weakness, when uncertainty surround our lives and we are unable to find the “joy of our salvation.” We need to understand the intricacies of God’s plan and more importantly God’s plan for his chosen. It is a must! Grasp this truth as it constrains us to walk in victory as we lay down our lives for one another. It gives us confidence to believe in His ability and not our failures. If only the strong make it then God will receive glory, but when the stragglers who have been chosen, make it, imagine the shouts of admiration our Saviour will receive for His keeping power.

“Here is distinguishing grace and discriminating regard; for some are made the special objects of divine affection. Do not be afraid to dwell upon this high doctrine of election. When your mind is most heavy and depressed, you will find it to be a bottle of richest cordial. Those who doubt the doctrines of grace, or who cast them into the shade, miss the richest clusters of Eshcol; they lose the wines on the lees well refined, the fat things full of marrow. There is no balm in Gilead comparable to it. If the honey in Jonathan’s wood when but touched enlightened the eyes, this is honey which will enlighten your heart to love and learn the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Eat, and fear not a surfeit; live upon this choice dainty, and fear not that it will be too delicate a diet. Meat from the King’s table will hurt none of his courtiers. Desire to have your mind enlarged, that you may comprehend more and more the eternal, everlasting, discriminating love of God. When you have mounted as high as election, tarry on its sister mount, the covenant of grace. Covenant engagements are the munitions of stupendous rock behind which we lie entrenched; covenant engagements with the surety, Christ Jesus, are the quiet resting-places of trembling spirits.” (C.H. Spurgeon)

It was the Lord Jesus who purposed to do His Father’s will and it is the Fathers will and promise to give us (all who seek out the Fathers will bringing Him ultimate glory) to His son, in fact this all took place before the foundation of the earth. “And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world...” (Revelation 17:20)

I am so secure in this promise that until the Lord changes His character and becomes unfaithful I am eternally secure. I am protected because I know that He cannot change His character, for He is light and in Him is no darkness. How I love you my God and I am forever thankful. Help all your children see this truth so that they may rejoice in you, bringing glory to your great name.

Even David danced before the ark telling Michal that election made him do it. Let us go forth today, leaping and jumping and praising God.

Signing off

Tyrone