EXCEPT THE FATHER WHICH SENT ME DRAW HIM
By John C. Carpenter
The apostle John tells us, when even was now come, his disciples
went down unto the sea [of Galilee], And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus
was not come to them. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty
furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I;
be not afraid. Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went. The day
following, when the people [Jews] which stood on the other side of the sea [of Galilee] saw that there was none other boat there,
save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples
were gone away alone; (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord
had given thanks:) When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came
to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest
thou hither. Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because
ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting
life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that
we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did
eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say
unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is
he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And
Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh
to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this
is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at
the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting
life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from
heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came
down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me, except the Father
which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught
of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me (John 6:16-45). Within these verses, the
apostle John makes it clear that an individual cannot be saved unless the heavenly Father draw them to faith in Christ, and that God
the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit are all involved from the beginning in this salvation.
WITH MEN THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE
In
order to more fully understand salvation and God the Father's role in it, we should review some of the characteristics of salvation.
First, the holy scriptures teach that salvation involves the miraculous, the supernatural, the spiritual, and is not possible through
the simple efforts or power of man, but only through the supernatural power exercised by God the Father. Holy scriptures give us an
interesting story: After Jesus told His disciples That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven, and then added It
is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples
heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is
impossible; but with God all things are possible (Mat 19:23-26).
The supernatural dynamics of salvation were questioned by Nicodemus,
a Jewish ruler, and then answered by Jesus. Christ said to Nicodemus, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again,
he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into
his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit,
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but
canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit (John 3:3-8). One point of this
parable is that with the physical wind, we do not see it, but we do see the effects of the wind. According to Christ, it is the same
with the operation of the Holy Spirit in salvation; we do not see the operation of the Spirit, but we can see the effect it has on
the individual, hopefully resulting in faith and salvation.
Second, we should acknowledge that God envisioned and engineered
salvation because of His great love for the world. God the Father so loved he world, that he gave [brought forth, granted, offered,
revealed] his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Love is God's nature and
character. The apostle John referred to the love of God when he wrote, we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God
is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16). God the Father even loved us when we were sinners
and were completely undeserving of his love and salvation. Paul wrote to the church in Rome, God commendeth his love toward us, in
that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath
through him (Rom 5:8-9). Because God the Father so loves those in the world, He is not willing that any should perish, but that all
should come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9).
Third, we should also acknowledge that, as humans, we do not naturally have a love for
God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, a love that could result in salvation. Our love for God develops only after God has first
loved us. Our love for God is secondary to His love for us. As the apostle John taught, Truly, We love him, because he first loved
us (1 John 4:19). Paul explained to the church in Corinth that the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for
they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Cor 2:14). The things of God can
only be understood through the ministry and operation of the Holy Spirit.
Fourth, scriptures pointedly teach we do not initiate
our own faith; nor do we humans complete or perfect our faith. It is Jesus Christ who is the founder and completer of our faith. We
should always be Looking unto Jesus the author [cause to commence, beginning] and finisher [to bring to completion, to make perfect
and complete] of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the
right hand of the throne of God (Heb 12:2); and we must remain confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work
in you will perform accomplish, execute, complete, finish, fulfill] it until the day of Jesus Christ (Php 1:6). As Christ teaches,Be ye therefore perfect [complete, fully developed in mental, moral, and spiritual character], even as your Father which is in heaven
is perfect (Mat 5:48).
Fifth, we must also recognize that the salvation of one who comes to faith in Christ is not the result
of the works or efforts of man, but is based entirely upon the workings and grace of God, For the grace [favor, gift, liberality] of
God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people (Titus 2:11). Paul also instructed Timothy, Be not thou therefore ashamed of the
testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which
was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began (2 Tim 1:8-9). The psalmist even acknowledges that it is God alone who can save
when he prays, Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity (Psa 118:25).
Sixth, the apostle
Paul taught that it is the power of God which brings salvation to the Jew and Gentile alike, and that authority and power to save
is found only within the gospel of Christ. Paul personally said, I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power [miraculous power,
strength, might] of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Rom 1:16). As the voice from
heaven exclaimed, surely Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, [belong] unto the Lord our God (Rev 19:1). Clarifying that it
is the gospel alone which supplants death with immortality and death, the apostle Paul exhorted Timothy, Be not thou therefore ashamed
of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power
of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace,
which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Tim 1:8-10).
Seventh, salvation
through faith in Christ is nothing other than a gift from God. Salvation is neither deserved, nor earned. The great apostle Paul instructs
us that God the Father hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to
come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through
faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift [free offering] of God (Eph 2:6-8). Elsewhere, Paul adds, For the wages of sin is
death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom 6:23).
Eighth, we must recognize that, in addition
to the Father in heaven, Jesus Christ is also intimately involved in our salvation. The Lord, Himself, instructs us, Behold, I stand
at the door [portal, entrance, gate], and knock [make a noise, or speak with voice]: if any man hear [understand] my voice [speaking,
words], and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit
with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne (Rev 3:20-21). It is Christ who first
knocks, and then we either respond to His love and offer of salvation, or we do not. While chastening some unbelieving Jewish Pharisees,
the Lord pointedly explained, I am the door [to the sheepfold or kingdom]: by me if any man enter in [through the only entrance],
he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture (John 10:9).
Ninth, we must also understand that the operation,
speaking, flowing, and movement of the Holy Spirit is intricately and essentially involved in the salvation process. Christ told His
own disciples It is the [operation of the Holy] spirit that quickeneth [brings new life]; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words [Greek
rhema; i.e., the speaking and working of the Holy Spirit] that I speak unto you, they are [the workings of the Holy] spirit, and they
are [bring] life. But there are some of you that believe not [in Me or the operation of the holy Spirit]. For Jesus knew from the
beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come
unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father [via faith in Me and believing in the operation of the Holy Spirit] (John 6:63-65).
The apostle Paul wrote the believers in Corinth, Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as
ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written [inscribed and described] not with ink, but with
the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to
God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath
made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter [what is written], but of the [operation of the Holy] spirit: for the
letter killeth, but the [speaking, movement, operation of the Holy] spirit giveth [vitalizes, makes alive, results in] life. But if
the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold
the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration [attendance, aid,
service, functioning, operation, movement] of the spirit be rather glorious? (2 Cor 3:2-8).
Paul clearly instructed the Galatian
believers, he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the [ministration of the Holy] Spirit
shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting (Gal 6:8).
Tenth, the apostle John teaches us that salvation is available only one
way, that is, through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no other way, no other option, by which man can receive salvation. John wrote,He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth
not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life (1 John 5:10-12). Speaking to Jewish elders, and
referring to Jesus Christ, the apostle Peter said, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be saved (Act 4:12). Paul wrote the church in Ephesus, in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far
off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition
between us [and God the Father]; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for
to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace [between God the Father and man]; And that he might reconcile both unto God in
one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby (Eph 2:13-16). Elsewhere, Christ clearly said, I am the way, the truth, and
the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6). Salvation requires knowledge of and access to God the Father, and
that access is available only through faith in Christ.
FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD
How and where
does the process of salvation begin. It is God the Father who begins the salvation process within us. For example, the apostle Paul
wrote believers in Rome, Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness
which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on
this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend
into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and
in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe
in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and
with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there
is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall
call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in 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? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Rom
10:4-15). In verse 17, Paul explains the entirety of this process with this simplification: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing
by the word of God (Rom 10:17). Within this process of salvation, Paul explains that the saved call upon the name of the Lord (Rom
10:13) because they believer (verse 14), they believe on Christ because they have heard of Christ (verse 14), they have heard of Christ
because preachers have preached to them about Christ (verse 14), and preachers preach about Christ because they have been sent by
God via the workings of the Holy Spirit (verse 15). In verse 15, the word word does not refer to the bible or scriptures; the word
is translated here from the Greek word rhema, which refers to the utterance, speaking and movement of the Holy Spirit. Additionally,
our common sense should tell us that it is not the bible [the word as many call it] which sends men to preach, but only the power
and working of the Holy Spirit. The overall point, though, of these verses is that our salvation is initiated by God the Father, who,
through the operation of the Spirit of God, sends preachers to preach, eventually resulting in the salvation of those who hear. The
initial step in our salvation, that is, sending preachers to preach, is not performed by the saved or any other man, including preachers,
but by God the Father alone.
I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I WILL HAVE MERCY
In another example of the sovereignty of God regarding
salvation, we again find verses within the scriptures which indicate that those who experience eternal life and glory are predetermined
to this salvation according to the mind, will, and working of God alone. God the Father, alone, is in charge of this process of salvation
from the beginning. Man has no say in this process. The apostle Paul instructs us about a conversation God had with Moses about salvation:For he [God the Father] saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have
compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith
unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared
throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto
me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the
thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make
one vessel unto honour [and righteousness and salvation], and another unto dishonour [and shame and damnation]? What if God, willing
to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that
he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared [to fit up in advance] unto glory (Rom
9:15-23). God says He will have mercy [resulting in salvation] on who He wills, and compassion on those for whom He has compassion.
The heavenly Father plainly says in verse 16 that it is not the individual who desires or wills to be saved that shall experience
the glory of the Father, but salvation is the direct result of the application of the love, mercy and salvation of God the Father
to the life of an individual. In justifying His own will being done, the Father adds, hath not the potter power over the clay, to
make one vessel unto honor [and salvation and glory] and another to dishonor [shame and eternal damnation]. In other words, is it
not up to God the Father, creator of all things, to do as He wishes regarding man? The overall point of these verses is, again, that
the scriptures plainly teach that the salvation of the individual is determined only and completely by the mind and will of God the
Father, and no one else.
GOD SENT ME BEFORE YOU TO PRESERVE YOU A POSTERITY IN THE
EARTH, AND TO SAVE YOUR LIVES
God the
Father's initiation of our salvation may be seen in an old testament story. Many are familiar with the story of Joseph in the book
of Genesis. At the beginning of the story, Joseph's brothers sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they
brought Joseph into Egypt (Gen 37:28). Joseph was later imprisoned (Gen 39:20), but while in prison was summoned to interpret a dream
that Pharoah had had (Gen 41:14). After correctly interpreting Pharoah's dream, Joseph was then made governor and ruler over all of
Egypt, second only to Pharoah (Gen 41:38-41; Gen 42:6). At God's appointed time, Joseph's brothers came to Egypt, and the scriptures
instruct us that Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from
me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the
house of Pharaoh heard. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer
him; for they were troubled at his presence. And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And
he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold
me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are
five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the
earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father
to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt (Gen 45:1-8). Eventually understanding the overall
will and plans of God the Father, Joseph explained to his brothers that God had sent him into Egypt before his brothers in order to
save their lives by a great deliverance. Likewise, Christ has already been sent into Egypt (the world) to preserve His chosen a posterity
in the earth, and to save those lives that He wishes to save by a great deliverance. Within the context of this article, one point
of the story is that God planned in advance the journey of Joseph into Egypt in order to save Joseph's brothers. This old testament
story is yet another example of how God initiates in advance the salvation of His chosen in Egypt. Again, it is apparent that it is
God the Father who acts first, and not man. Through the movement of His Holy Spirit, it is God the Father who loves mankind, and who
initiates and carries out in advance the necessary plans that will result in the salvation of those he predestines to life and glory.
A
SOWER WENT OUT TO SOW HIS SEED
A new testament example in which God the Father initiates salvation may be found in the parable
of the sower.. The scriptures tell us: And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he [Jesus] spake
by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls
of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare
fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked
him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others
in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word
of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should
believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for
a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth,
and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are
they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience (Luke 8:4-15). In this
parable, one reasonable interpretation is that the sower is God the Father, the seed is the gospel word of Christ and the salvation
that is available through faith in Him, and the four soils represent the hearts of men. The heart consisting of way-side soil hears
the gospel message, but the devil steals the gospel message from this heart. The heart consisting of rocky soil hears and receives
with joy the gospel message, but because this heart has no depth, it believes temporarily for a season and then falls away from Christ.
The heart which contains soil full of thorns hears and initially accepts the gospel message, and goes forth, but, because these hearts
lust after the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life, bring no fruit to perfection. The heart which contains good ground, which
is an honest and good heart, hears the gospel message, keeps and treasures it, and in time, and with patience, brings forth beneficial
fruit. Within this parable, it is very clear that the process of salvation is started by the sower, which is God the Father, who has
sown Christ into the world and continues to sow the gospel message into the hearts of men. Again, the point, in context, is that it
is God the Father who sows, or initiates, the gospel of salvation through faith in Christ.
MANY ARE CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN
God
the Father's initial intention of drawing an individual to salvation is reflected in a simple term referred to as a call, or calling.
The scriptures teach that men and women are invited or called by God and Christ to become children of the kingdom. Christ, Himself,
revealed His ministry when He said, I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance [of their continued rejection of
Me] (Mat 9:13). The Lord later added, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent
forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come (Mat 22:2-3).
Christ referred to those
that are called into the Kingdom when He gave the parable of the wedding feast to the Jewish leaders, the chief priests and Pharisees.
He said, Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid [command, invite, urge] to the marriage. So those servants
went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with
guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him,
Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him
hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called,
but few are chosen (Mat 22:9-14).
Christ called one of His first disciples named Levi: as he [Christ] passed by, he saw Levi
the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow [be on the same path with, accompany] me. And he arose
and followed him (Mark 2:14). Christ similarly called Peter and his brother Andrew: walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren,
Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me,
and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him (Mat 4:18-20). God the Father initially
desires and invites individuals to be involved with Him in the issues of life and death. He calls, or invites, us to have a relationship
with Him, and following this invitation, we either, in a simplified manner, respond and permanently follow Him, or we do not.
FROM
HIM COMES MY SALVATION
David knew the true and only source of his salvation. The psalmist spoke, For God alone my soul waits
in silence; from him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken (Psalms 62:1-2).
In Capernaeum, some Jews, who did not understand that salvation is available only from God the Father through faith in Christ, approached
Christ and asked Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of
God, that ye believe on him [Christ] whom he [God the Father] hath sent. (John 6:28-29).
The great apostle Paul clearly refers
to God the Father's early desires and plans to save mankind, plans devised even before the creation of earth. The apostle wrote the
church in Ephesus, According as he hath chosen us [for salvation] in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy
and without blame before him in love (Eph 1:4). God's love and salvation were intimately connected, For God so loved the world, that
he gave [bestowed, committed, granted, offered, ministered unto] his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not
perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Paul also explained to the church in Ephesus, God, who is rich in mercy, for his
great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened [reanimated, revitalized, brought new life in] us together
with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus (Eph 2:4-7).Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, wrote to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Seeing
ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth [of the gospel of Christ] through the [operation, movement, and working of the Holy] Spirit
unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible
seed, but of incorruptible, by the word [Greek logos; i.e., the revelation and speaking of Jesus Christ] of God, which liveth and
abideth for ever (1 Peter 1:22-23).
God the Father was involved very early on with the salvation and calling of John the Baptist.
Nothing with the baptizer was left to chance. The heavenly Father had a plan for John's life, and that plan could not be derailed.
God was in control of the life of John before he was even born into the world. The scriptures tell us, the angel said unto him, Fear
not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou
shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink
neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb (Luke 1:15).
Referring
to the nation of Israel, the psalmist prayed, Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth
for ever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise? Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he
that doeth righteousness at all times. Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy
salvation; That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.
We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt;
they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. Nevertheless he saved them for
his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known (Psa 106:1-8). God saved Israel then, and is saving new testament
Israel now. The psalmist later added, And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the
enemy (Psa 106:10). Notice that it is only God the Father who saves and redeems.
Completely understanding that God the Father
is the total source of salvation in those who believe, the apostle Paul wrote the Philippian believers For it is God which worketh
in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Php 2:13), and ...that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it
until the day of Jesus Christ (Php 1:6). Isaiah reflects on the salvation which comes from the hand of God the Father. Referring to
Israel, Isaiah wrote, I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD
hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and
according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was
their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he
redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old (Isa 63:7-9).
With great humility, Paul encouraged Titus
about God's saving mercy when he wrote, For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts
and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour
toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed [poured forth, bestowed, spilled] on us abundantly [abounding, copiously, richly, wealthy] through
Jesus Christ our Saviour (Titus 3:3-6). It is only God the Father who richly shed His love and mercy upon us unto regeneration and
salvation. As John summarized, No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the
last day. AMEN.
THE CHRISTIAN HERALD
A
Judeo-Christian Bible Study
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto
God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren,whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things
are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those
things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you"
(Philippians
4:6-9).
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled
to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of
God in him"
(2 Corinthians
5:20-21).
"I charge THEE therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and
his kingdom; Preach
the word [of truth, the gospel]; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering
and
doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves
teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be
turned unto fables
(2 Timothy 4:1-4).
