Thy mercy, my God, is the theme
of my song. Some have opined that Christ
will someday rule upon the earth, but they are actually 2,000 years
too late. It is clear that Christ was sent
into the earth with all power in his hands and declared to
be the king without rival. He came for the purpose of establishing
and manifesting his kingdom in the earth, and he has in no wise
failed. The kingdom of Christ is not
one of flesh and blood, does not occupy real estate, nor can
it be observed by men apart from divine revelation. Since God
is complete and perfect in himself, he cannot either diminish or
gain stature, so it is impossible that the increase of Christ's
kingdom should be related to an actual accrual of glory or
status, since he is already higher than the heavens and dwelling
in the light to which no man can approach. Yet there is a
constant unfolding of that glory to the minds of those whom he
is pleased to give eyes to see. This shall have no end, for his
people shall rejoice in that which he has accomplished in
their behalf throughout the ages to come. The kingdom of Christ
is a mediatorial kingdom, and its dominion stretches as far
as the eye can see and encompasses men from every tribe, nation,
and tongue upon the earth. None of those who are the subjects
of this kingdom can ever perish nor be plucked out of the hand
of him who gives them eternal life. This is that kingdom against
which the gates of hell cannot prevail. The number of those
for whom Christ shed his precious blood in obtaining eternal redemption
can neither be increased nor diminished, but the manifest
mercies and blessings which have been purchased for them as a
result shall ever increase as God is pleased to give them the
kingdom. revealing them heirs and joint heirs with Christ.
They have been appointed heirs of this kingdom and predestined
to be conformed to the image of Christ. It has pleased the
Lord to send the proclamation of His kingdom to the four corners
of the earth, as He sends men to preach the gospel of this
kingdom. It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save
them that believe. In the present hour, the Lord
has ordained men to lift up the name of Christ and has sent them
into the earth to declare the appearing of our Savior, Jesus
Christ, who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality
to light through the gospel. Is this not what Paul means when
he says, How then shall they call on him of whom they have
not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have
not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And
how shall they preach except they be sent? How beautiful upon
the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings,
that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth
salvation, that saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth. What a glorious
privilege it is to the sons of God to hear the blessed good
news that Christ has set the captives free, that he presently
reigns, having destroyed all powers and principalities, triumphing
openly over them all, and is mighty to save. That man who
is convinced of his own depravity and helplessness to escape the
wrath to come can do nothing but rejoice at the sweet sound
which foretells his deliverance. The only salvation that is fitted
for sinners is one which is fully accomplished by the reigning
King, Jesus Christ. Come ye sinners, poor and wretched,
weak and wounded, sick and sore. Jesus ready stands to save you,
full of pity, joined with power. He is able, he is willing, doubt
no more. Let not conscience make you linger,
nor of fitness fondly dream. All the fitness he requireth
is to feel your need of him. This he gives you, tis the Spirit's
rising beam. Come ye weary, heavy laden, lost
and ruined by the fall. If you tarry till you're better,
you will never come at all. Not the righteous, sinners Jesus
came to call. Lo, the incarnate God ascending
pleads the merit of His blood. Venture on Him, venture freely,
let no other trust intrude. None but Jesus, none but Jesus,
none but Jesus can do helpless sinners good. Is this the grounds
upon which your hope is built? Christ alone can save a sinner.
Are you a sinner, or do you stand in your own righteousness, clinging
to your religious profession and confident in your faith and
obedience? To trust in anything but Christ
and Him crucified is to perish in your sins. Flee to Christ. He saves those who call upon
His name. If you would like a free transcript
of this broadcast, email us at forthepoor at windstream.net.