Thy mercy, my God, is the theme
of my song. But no man can stand before God
and ever say that the reason he did not walk according to
His commandments is that he did not know what his requirements
were. Willful ignorance is not real ignorance, for the wrath
of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness
of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness, because that
which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God hath
showed it unto them. The apostle goes on to say, For
the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are
clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made,
even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.
Because when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither
were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their
foolish heart was darkened. This is the place that all men
are in by nature, fully accountable for their every thought, deed,
and ultimate action, yet wandering in complete darkness, which they
have embraced with a glad heart. And this is the condemnation,
that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness
rather than light, because their deeds were evil. It is in the
midst of this scenario that the wondrous grace of God is manifested
as the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, did appear
in flesh and blood to redeem his own possession by offering
himself as a substitute for them. In doing so, he made atonement
for their sins and demonstrated his willingness and ability to
justify them in the sight of men and angels and before the
law, having loved them from before the foundation of the world.
In appearance, this possession could not be distinguished from
those who were appointed unto condemnation. Paul describes
the condition of the sons of God in the flesh as being identical
to those who perish. In time past he walked according
to the course of this world, according to the prince of the
power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children
of disobedience, among whom also we had our conversations in time
past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the
flesh and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath,
even as others. In his own time he does see fit
to manifest his purchased possession by calling them out of darkness
and into the light, by and through an effectual call. For the promise
is unto you and to your children, and to all that are far off,
even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Though the sons
of God are scattered far and wide upon the face of the earth,
yet there is a gathering of them out of every kindred, tribe,
and tongue. This call is not something that can be predicted
or anticipated, cannot be precipitated or aided by men, nor can it be
prevented, nor in any wise hindered by them. Neither is it the result
of the preaching of men. Rather, it is completely the
work of the Holy Ghost, who quickens dead sinners, awakening them
to recognize the state that they are in by nature. In this awakened
state they are given ears to hear and eyes to see the revelation
of Jesus Christ, which is declared in the gospel, which they are
made to hear and believe. Those who are the called, according
to his purpose, are called unto his purpose as well. For we are
his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. The sons
of God are ordained or called to offer up the sacrifice of
praise unto the Lord in all things. Though the fallen sons of God
are the beneficiaries of the salvation which is wrought for
them, the primary purpose of that salvation, as are all things,
is to bring glory to him who alone is worthy of praise. The
two-edged sword is a symbol of the Word of God, most especially
as it manifests the righteous judgment of God. This is the
vision of Christ which John had. And he had in his right hand
seven stars, and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword.
And his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
This sword is given to those for whom the Son of God prayed,
saying, I have given them thy word, and the world hath hated
them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of
the world. The Lord manifests His word in
the people of His choice, revealing them as a separate people, even
as Peter says, a peculiar people. The world hates the children
of God because their election unto salvation serves as a witness
against the unrighteous deeds of men and testifies of the Lord's
sovereign right to do with his own as he wills. Do you not know
that the saints shall judge the world? In this the children of
God are manifest and the children of the devil. Whosoever doeth
not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his
brother. One edge of this sword slays the pride of the sons of
God to their delight, while the other edge slays the wicked unto
their consternation. Have you tasted that the Lord
is gracious? If you would like a free transcript
of this broadcast, email us at forthepoor at windstream.net.