Sovereign Mercy

We live in a generation when it seems that many (most) evangelical preachers are preaching a savior and christ that is not the Savior and Christ of the Holy Scripture. This christ that is commonly preached is a christ that is sovereign over all of creation but not over the will of man. It is said that he loves us so much he would never impose his will on us in regards to our salvation. It must be our choice. Can you picture it? This loving savior is begging and pleading that his creation (man) will choose to love him and accept him as lord. He would love to save you if you will just let him. Well who is really sovereign is this setting? Obviously, it is the will of the man.

THIS IS NOT THE CHRIST OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURE. Nowhere in scripture do we see such a weak attribute of our God and Savior. He is omnipotent from Genesis to Revelation. He is Author and Finisher. He is Alpha and Omega. He is Almighty and Glorious and worthy of infinitely more glory and honor than the vast majority of professing believers even attempt to ascribe to Him. He is not a God in bondage to the will of man. He will have mercy on whom He will and He will harden whom he will. To be Sovereign is to be sovereign over all! And friends, all means all.

In his book, The Sovereignty of God (Chapter 4), A. W. Pink stated:

What was there in the elect themselves which attracted God's heart to them? Was it because of certain virtues they possessed? because they were generous-hearted, sweet-tempered, truth-speaking? in a word, because they were "good," that God chose them? No; for our Lord said, "There is none good but one, that is God" (Matt. 19:17). Was it because of any good works they had performed? No; for it is written, "There is none that doeth good, no, not one" (Rom. 3:12). Was it because they evidenced an earnestness and zeal in inquiring after God? No; for it is written again, "There is none that seeketh after God" (Rom. 3:11). Was it because God foresaw they would believe? No; for how can those who are "dead in trespasses and sins" believe in Christ? How could God foreknow some men as believers when belief was impossible to them? Scripture declares that we "believe through grace" (Acts 18:27). Faith is God's gift, and apart from this gift none would believe. The cause of His choice then lies within Himself and not in the objects of His choice. He chose the ones He did simply because He chose to choose them.

"Sons we are by God's election
Who on Jesus Christ believe,
By eternal destination,
Sovereign grace we now receive,
Lord Thy mercy,
Doth both grace and glory give!"

I understand that the Lord Jesus Christ is also a gentle Shepherd. I understand that He exemplifies what it means to truly love. I understand that He has many tender qualities. But, to focus on some of His attributes without considering all of His attributes which are revealed in scripture is misrepresent who He really is (remember the golden calf incident?). To misrepresent Him is to make an idol out of what becomes of the remaining attributes. It is likely that most churches on Sunday morning are paying homage to an idol that they have created in order to appease what their itching ears want to hear. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but {wanting} to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. (2 Timothy 4: 3-4, NASB).

Here are some recommended sermons for more on Sovereign Mercy:



Soli Deo Gloria!