Seattle, October 27, 2005. (114)
THE GODHEAD UNIFIED IN THE SALVATION OF MAN. A work accomplished in the elect of the Lord. 1 Peter 1:2 The Father in His mercy and grace is, “not willing that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9b Paul said that the Lord would “have ALL men to be saved.” The extent of the offer of salvation may be understood by the words of the Lord Jesus. ” That WHOSOEVER believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:15 Also, according to His word, “many are called, but few are chosen.” Mt.22:14 Now, who are the elect? They are those whom the Father, in His foreknowledge, would call His elect, because He was aware of their response to the gospel. They are the persons who are chosen in Christ. We were chosen “in Him.” Eph. 1:4 Being “in Christ” enables one to be among the elect. Election is not a situation where the Lord in eternity scanned the history of man on earth and chose one person above another. In His foreknowledge He saw the whole life span of mankind on the earth and named those who would believe, His elect.
THE MOST GRACIOUS WORK OF THE SON IN REDEMPTION. He gave His life’s blood for the salvation of mankind. 1 Pet. 1:2 Life to Him was as precious as it is to us. His whole being was repulsed by the death that He was to die. The guilt of sin that He was to bear was most nauseating and totally revolting to His righteous being. He prayed, “if it be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless not as I will, but as THOU wilt.” Mt. 26:39 Perfect submission, total surrender, to the purpose for which He had come into this world. The only ransom price that has ever been paid or can be paid is the blood of Christ. None can gain eternal life but by His blood. 1 Peter 1:18-19.
THE SPIRIT OF SANCTIFICATION. Because the Spirit, is Holy, He will lead all who associate with Him into the Holiness of the Lord. He will sanctify or purify the hearts and lives of all who will submit to His leading. Without His work of separation from the sinful elements of this world there can be no revelation of the Word from Him. Sanctification leads to an exposure to the truth of the Lord. 2 Thess. 2:13b He is the communication of the Holiness of the Lord to His people. He is responsible for the New Birth, the baptism of the Spirit, and for the revelation of the Word. He makes known the things of Christ. John. 14:26.