Below is a selection from one of James Smith's works (Volume 4) that we wanted to share. Oh what a blessing to rest in the sovereignty of God!
The sinners whom Jesus loves, were chosen by God from eternity, as the effect of his infinite grace. They were chosen to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Election separates them from the rest, by writing their names in the Lamb's book of life; it provides for their effectual calling, sanctification, and glorification. Election distinguishes them from others, by conferring special favors upon them, but in no sense injures the rest.
Jehovah loved them with an everlasting love; he chose them in Christ of his free favor; he gave them to Jesus to be his portion, care, and charge, and so made them a special people unto himself, above all people who dwell on the face of the earth. This choice was entirely an act of grace, a manifestation of his infinite kindness towards them, an expression of his good will to them. It was not for anything which the Lord foresaw would be in them, or done by them, but only because the Lord loved them! They are called his jewels, his delight, his portion, and his love. Jesus calls them his sheep, his bride, his friends, and his brethren!
Election was God's first act of grace towards them, and is the foundation of all his following acts of grace. It is the opening of the fountain of life for them; the giving of all-spiritual blessings to them; and the appointing of them to a kingdom and a crown.
To be chosen by God, is to be honored in the highest possible manner, and all his saints have this honor. All who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, who pant for holiness and seek to be found in him, are chosen of God, and are the objects of the Redeemer's love! They were chosen for him, as well as chosen by him; and he says to them, "You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. Herein is my Father glorified, that you bring forth much fruit, so shall you be my disciples."
The Father loves the elect, just as he loves Christ! "May they be brought to complete unity, to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them, even as you have loved me!" John 17:23. He loves the elect in Christ, and will love them as long as he loves Christ, even forever! Happy are the people who are in such a case; yes, happy are the people who are chosen of God, and beloved of Jesus.
But, reader, do not pervert this doctrine, nor allow Satan to make it a stumbling block to your soul. It throws no impediments in a sinner's way, it prevents no one from coming to Jesus. It is only the love of God intervening on behalf of myriads of the fallen race of Adam; intervening to prevent their everlasting destruction. It ought not to discourage anyone, nor would it, if it were rightly understood; but it is a source of unspeakable comfort to the believer who has made his calling and his election sure; and it brings great glory to God.
There is salvation provided for every one who is willing to be saved in God's way; the invitation of the gospel is, "Whoever will, let him come and take the water of life freely." No one is excluded from the gospel feast, but he who refuses to come; and because God determined to make some willing, and in accomplishing his purpose actually does make them willing, shall it be said that his doing so discourages or prevents any from accepting the free invitation of the gospel? Surely it ought not. Reader, if you are willing to be saved by Christ Jesus, he is willing to save you. If you will submit to receive, wear, and plead the righteousness of God, it is yours.
If, clothed in the wedding garment which is presented to you, you are willing to come in, and sit down, and partake of the gospel feast, you are heartily welcome; no one can be more welcome; nor shall you ever be thrust out. But if indeed you are willing, then God by his Holy Spirit has made you so, and this is the effect of his electing love; for when his servants are sent to others, they will not come; they say unto God, "Depart from us!" And of the Savior, "We will not have this man to rule over us!"
How free, how glorious, was the grace,
How wonderful Jehovah's love,
That chose our souls, our time, our place,
Before he bade the planets move!
No claim had we who now enjoy,
The smiles of our redeeming God,
He only knows who chose us, why
Our hearts are his divine abode.
When he shall call us up above,
And we shall stand before his throne,
We will ascribe it to his love,
His sovereign, saving love, alone!
Comments