The Sovereignty of God in Saving Sinners by J.C. Ryle

Matthew chapter 11 verses 25 and 26. At that time, Jesus said, I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

We here observe the sovereignty of God in saving sinners. You have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children. The meaning is clear. There are some from whom salvation is hidden. There are others to whom salvation is revealed.

The truth here is deep and mysterious. O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and his paths beyond tracing out! Romans chapter 11 verse 33

We can merely acknowledge that the words of our Lord Jesus Christ supply the only explanation which can be given. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

Let us, however, never forget that God's sovereignty does not destroy man's responsibility. That same God who does all things according to the counsel of his own will, always addresses us as accountable creatures, as beings whose blood will be on our own heads if we are lost.

I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. Romans 9 15-16