Thy mercy, my God, is the theme
of my song. The unfolding of mysteries and
prophecies is a sure way to gain a following and sell books and
trinkets related to such. For many modern-day prophets,
this formula is like the goose that laid the golden egg. They
write one book abounding with explanations of the hairs on
the horse's tails, the spots on the frog's nose, and the names
of the nations represented by the bears and lions. Then they
follow it up with a sequel, going even deeper and with great technicalities
explained and interpreted to the amazement and awe of their
readers. Those stories and mysteries have mesmerized men in all generations. When you mix that in with a few
Bible verses and claim to be an expert on these matters, you
have a winning combination that cannot fail, especially when
you interject that into a religious world which is almost bereft
of sound doctrinal teaching concerning Christ and His redemptive work.
Most who call themselves Christians are easily impressed and swayed
by these medicine men and soothsayers. that we henceforth be no more
children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind
of doctrine by the slight of men and cunning craftiness whereby
they lie in wait to deceive. All of the scripture from beginning
to end is not written primarily for man's enlightenment on world
events or proper conduct in the midst of it. The primary purpose
of the Bible is as a textbook which testifies of the Lord's
purpose to redeem his people out of every tribe, kindred,
and tongue on the earth. This redemptive work has always
been present in the types, foreshadows, and prophecies found in its pages.
However, it has not always been clearly revealed as to who this
one was who would be that Redeemer. Jesus Christ of Nazareth has
come into the world as the revealer of those mysteries which had
been hidden from the beginning. But we speak the wisdom of God
in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before
the world unto our glory. Those to whom God is pleased
to manifest this knowledge can now rejoice in Him as their hope
of glory. God has always seen His elect
as with Christ and always shall see them as such. They are chosen. The doctrine of unconditional
election is one which will always bring consternation to natural
men. Man naturally hates it because
he believes that he can do something to make himself acceptable to
God, and he rightly views this doctrine as that which would
be contrary to such a notion. He has no problem believing that
God should save men, but he does have a problem with God choosing
who he will save. The man who is not acquainted
with his own corrupt nature and innate ability to seek after
God will rail against God's sovereign election of some. Yet those who
know themselves to be lost and undone, with no ability to do
anything to bring themselves into favor before his face, will
rejoice that it has pleased God to save some when he should have
destroyed us all. The sons of God are called. Romans
8.30 says, moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called. And whom he called, them he also
justified. And whom he justified them, he
also glorified. Many people confuse predestination
and election. They are indeed closely related
because the same God who does one also does the other. God's
election precedes his predestination in that he chose the people in
Christ and then predestined them that they would be conformed
to the image of Christ. To fulfill the purpose of that predestination,
He does call them unto Himself. Now we are quite certain that
this calling has already taken place, even before they were
born as to the certainty of it. But the calling which the Scripture
has reference to in Romans is one which occurs in time. God
is faithful by whom ye were called, unto the fellowship of His Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. The Lord is determined to make
his salvation known to them. Beloved of God, call to be saints.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ. The sons of God are those who
are said to be faithful. The father judges his elect faithful
because he sees them in his son, who is that one whom John was
privileged to see, saying, And I saw heaven opened, and behold,
a white horse. And he that sat upon him was
called faithful and true. And in righteousness he doth
judge and make war. He who is faithful has trod the
winepress of God's wrath in their behalf. He has waged war for
them and has triumphed over all of their enemies, leaving none
who can bring an accusation against them. And having spoiled principalities
and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over
them in it. What shall we then say to these things? If God be
for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own son,
but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also
freely give us all things? Who shall lay anything to the
charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who
is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea,
rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand
of God, who also maketh intercession for us. What is your hope? For
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