skip to main |
skip to sidebar
The first effect of the spiritual life in the soul is that its recipient is convicted of his impurity and guilt. The conscience is quickened and there is a piercing realization of both personal pollution and criminality. The illumined mind sees something of the awful malignity of sin, as being in its very nature contrary to the holiness of God, and in its essence nothing but high-handed rebellion against Him.
From that arises an abhorrence of it as a most vile and loathsome thing. The demerit of sin is seen, so that the soul is made to feel it has grievously provoked the Most High, exposing him to Divine wrath. Made aware of the plague of his he...art, knowing himself to be justly liable to the awful vengeance of the Almighty, his mouth is stopped, he has not a word to say in self-extenuation, he confesses himself to be guilty before Him; and henceforth that which most deeply concerns him is, What must I do to be saved? in what way may I escape the doom of the Law? (selected)
This has nothing to do with reprobate politics, but everything to do with redeemed people! So fear not!
The
doctrine of election is hated by the religious world, and always will
be. If you believe in divine, unconditional election, you indeed are a
rare soul among professing Christians. Most will not tolerate the
scriptural doctrine of God's sovereign choice of His people, but we
nonetheless declare it with the utmost confidence once again. It is not
our gift to be an editor of Scripture.
"According to the election of grace" (Romans 11:5). There it is as plain as language can be, with no ifs and buts about it! "The election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded" (Romans 11:7). What? Yes, salvation is of sovereign election, and all "To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved" (Ephesians 1:6). It is not our choice anymore than it is the devil's!
Rejoice, rejoice for free and unconditional election to an eternal salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ!
How happy are we our election who see,
And venture, O Lord, for salvation on thee!
In Jesus approved, eternally loved,
Upheld by his power, we cannot be moved.
Augustus Toplady
