Copyright©MonergismBooks

TheAttributesofGod

byA.W.Pink

TABLEOFCONTENTS

1.TheSolitarinessofGod

2.TheDecreesofGod

3.TheKnowledgeofGod

4.TheForeknowledgeofGod

5.TheSupremacyofGod

6.TheSovereigntyofGod

7.TheImmutabilityofGod

8.TheHolinessofGod

9.ThePowerofGod

10.TheFaithfulnessofGod

11.TheLovingkindnessofGod

12.TheGoodnessofGod

13.ThePatienceofGod

14.TheGraceofGod

15.TheMercyofGod

16.TheLoveofGod

17.TheWrathofGod

18.TheContemplationofGod

19.TheBountiesofGod

20.TheGiftsofGod

21.TheGuidanceofGod

22.TheBlessingsofGod

23.TheCursingsofGod

24.TheLoveofGodtoUs

25.TheGospeloftheGraceofGod

Copyright

TheSolitarinessofGod

PerhapsTheTitleofthechapterisnotsufficientlyexplicittoindicateitstheme.ThisispartlybecausesofewareaccustomedtomeditateuponthepersonalperfectionsofGod.ComparativelyfewwhooccasionallyreadtheBibleareawareoftheawe-inspiringandworship-provokinggrandeurofthedivinecharacter.ThatGodisgreatinwisdom,wondrousinpower,yet full of mercy is assumed by many as common knowledge. But toentertain anything approaching an adequate conception of His being,nature, andattributes, as revealed in theScripture, is somethingwhich

veryfewpeople in thesedegenerate timeshavedone.God is solitary inHisexcellency."WhoislikeuntoThee,OLORD,amongthegods?whoislike Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doingwonders?" (Ex.15:11).

"In the beginning, God" (Gen. 1:1). There was a time, if "time" itcouldbecalled,whenGod,intheunityofHisnature(thoughsubsistingequallyinthreepersons),dweltallalone."Inthebeginning,God."Therewasnoheaven,whereHisgloryisnowparticularlymanifested.Therewasno earth to engage His attention. There were no angels to sing Hispraises.Therewasnouniverse tobeupheldby thewordofHispower.Therewasnothing,noone,butGod;andthatnotforaday,ayear,oranage,but "fromeverlasting."DuringapasteternityGodwasalone—self-contained,self-sufficient, inneedofnothing.Hadauniverse,orangels,orhumansbeennecessarytoHiminanyway,theyalsowouldhavebeencalledintoexistencefromalleternity.CreatingthemwhenHedidaddednothing to God essentially. He changes not (Mal. 3:6), therefore Hisessentialglorycanbeneitheraugmentednordiminished.

Godwasundernoconstraint,noobligation,nonecessity to create.ThatHechosetodosowaspurelyasovereignactonHispart,causedbynothing outside Himself, determined by nothing but His own goodpleasure; forHe "worketh all things after the counsel ofHis ownwill"(Eph.1:11).ThatHedidcreatewassimplyforHismanifestativeglory.Dosome of our readers imagine thatwe have gone beyondwhatScripturewarrants?ThenweappealtotheLawandthetestimony:"StandupandblesstheLORD,yourGod,foreverandever;andblessedbethygloriousname,whichisexaltedaboveallblessingandpraise"(Neh.9:5).Godisnogainerevenfromourworship.HewasinnoneedofthatexternalgloryofHisgracewhicharisesfromHisredeemed,forHeisgloriousenoughinHimselfwithout that.Whatwas it thatmovedHim topredestinateHiselecttothepraiseofthegloryofHisgrace?Itwas"accordingtothegoodpleasureofHiswill"(Eph.1:5).

We arewell aware that the high groundwe tread here is new andstrange toalmostallofour readers, so it iswell tomoveslowly.Letusappeal again to the Scriptures. As the apostle brings to a close a longargumentonsalvationbysovereigngrace,heasks,"Forwhohathknown

themindof theLORD?OrwhohathbeenHis counselor?Orwhohathfirstgiven tohim,and itshallberecompenseduntohimagain?"(Rom.11:34-35).Theforceofthisisthatit is impossibletobringtheAlmightyunderobligationtothecreature.Godgainsnothingfromus."Ifthouberighteous, what givest thou him?Or what receivethHe of thine hand?Thywickednessmayhurtamanasthouart;andthyrighteousnessmayprofit the son ofman" (Job 35:7-8). But it certainly cannot affectGod,who isall-blessed inhimself. "Whenyeshallhavedoneall those thingswhich are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants" (Luke17:10)—ourobediencehasprofitednothing.

Wego farther: ourLordJesusChrist addednothing toGod inHisessential being and glory, either by what He did or suffered. True,gloriously true, He manifested that glory of God to us, but He addednothingtoGod.HeHimselfexpresslydeclaresso,andthereisnoappealfrom His words, "My goodness extendeth not to thee" (Ps. 16:2). Thewhole of that psalm is a psalm of Christ. Christ’s goodness orrighteousnessreacheduntoHissaintsintheearth(Ps.16:3),butGodwashighaboveandbeyonditall.

It is true thatGod isbothhonoredanddishonoredbymen, not inHis essential being, but inHis official character. It is equally true thatGod has been glorified by creation, by providence, and by redemption.Wedonotdaredisputethisforamoment.ButallofthishastodowithHismanifestativegloryand therecognitionof itbyus.Yet,hadGodsopleased,Hemighthavecontinuedaloneforalleternity,withoutmakingknown His glory unto creatures. Whether He should do so or not Hedetermined solelybyHisownwill.Hewasperfectlyblessed inHimselfbefore the first creature was called into being. And what are all thecreaturesofHishandsuntoHimevennow?TheScriptureagainanswers:

Behold,thenationsareasadropofabucket,andarecountedasthesmalldustof thebalance;behold,He takethup the islesasavery littlething. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereofsufficientforaburntoffering.AllnationsbeforeHimareasnothing;andtheyarecounted toHim less thannothing,andvanity.Towhom, then,will ye liken God? Or what likeness will ye compare unto him? (Isa.40:15-18).

ThatistheGodofScripture;but,Heisstill"theunknownGod"(Acts17:23)toheedlessmultitudes."Itishethatsittethuponthecircleoftheearth,andtheinhabitantsthereofarelikegrasshoppers;thatstretchouttheheavensasa curtain, and spreadeth themout as a tent todwell in:Whobringeththeprincestonothing;hemakeththejudgesoftheearthasvanity"(Isa.40:22-23).HowvastlydifferentistheGodofScripturefromthegodoftheaveragepulpit!

NoristhetestimonyoftheNewTestamentanydifferentfromthatoftheOld.HowcoulditbesincebothhaveoneandthesameAuthor?Theretoowe read, "Which inhis timeshe shall show,who is theblessedandonly Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hathimmortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;whom no man hath seen, nor can see; to whom be honor and powereverlasting. Amen" (1 Tim. 6:15-16). Such a One is to be revered,worshipped, adored. He is solitary in His majesty, unique in Hisexcellency, peerless in His perfections. He sustains all, but is Himselfindependentofall.Hegivestoallandisenrichedbynone.

SuchaGodcannotbefoundoutbysearching.HecanbeknownonlyasHeisrevealedtotheheartbytheHolySpiritthroughtheWord.It istrue that creation demonstrates a Creator, and so plainly thatmen are"withoutexcuse."YetwestillhavetosaywithJob,"Lo,thesearepartsofHisways;buthowlittleaportionisheardofhim?ButthethunderofHispower,whocanunderstand?"(Job26:14).Theso-calledargumentfromdesign by well-meaning apologists has, we believe, done much moreharmthangood.IthasattemptedtobringthegreatGoddowntothelevelof finite comprehension, and thereby has lost sight of His solitaryexcellence.

Analogyhasbeendrawnbetweenasavagewho findsawatchuponthesands,andfromacloseexaminationofitinfersawatchmaker.Sofarsogood.Butattempt togo farther.Suppose thesavagesitson thesandand endeavors to form a conception of this watchmaker, his personalaffections and manners, his disposition, acquirements, and moralcharacter,allthatgoestomakeupapersonality.Couldheeverthinkorreasonoutarealman,themanwhomadethewatch,sohecouldsay,"I

amacquaintedwithhim"?Itseemstriflingtoask,butistheeternalandinfinite God so much more within the grasp of human reason? No,indeed.TheGodof Scripture canbe knownonlyby those towhomHemakesHimselfknown.

NorisGodknownbytheintellect."GodisaSpirit"(John4:24),andthereforecanonlybeknownspiritually.Butfallenmanisnotspiritual,heis carnal. He is dead to all that is spiritual. Unless he is born again,supernaturallybroughtfromdeathuntolife,miraculouslytranslatedoutofdarkness into light,hecannotevensee the thingsofGod(John3:3),stilllessapprehendthem(1Cor.2:14).TheHolySpirithastoshineinourhearts(notintellects)togiveus"theknowledgeofthegloryofGodintheface of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6). But even that spiritual knowledge isfragmentary. The regenerated soul has to grow in grace and in theknowledgeoftheLordJesus(2Pet.3:18).

TheprincipalprayerandaimofChristiansshouldbeto"walkworthyof the LORD unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, andincreasingintheknowledgeofGod"(Col.1:10).

TheDecreesofGod

TheDecreeOfGodisHispurposeordeterminationwithrespecttofuturethings.WehaveusedthesingularnumberasScripturedoes(Rom.8:28;Ephesians3:11),becausetherewasonlyoneactofHisinfinitemindaboutfuturethings.Butwespeakasiftherehadbeenmany,becauseourmindsareonlycapableofthinkingofsuccessiverevolutions,asthoughtsandoccasionsarise,orinreferencetothevariousobjectsofHisdecree,beingmany,theyseemtoustorequireadistinctpurposeforeach.Butaninfinite understanding does not proceed by steps, from one stage toanother:"KnownuntoGodareallHisworks, fromthebeginningof theworld"(Acts15:18).

TheScripturesmentionthedecreesofGodinmanypassages,andinavarietyofterms.Theword"decree"isfoundinPsalm2:7.InEphesians

3:11weseeHis"eternalpurpose;"inActs2:23,His"determinatecounseland foreknowledge;" in Ephesians 1:9, the mystery of His "will;" inRomans8:29thatHealsodid"predestinate;"inEphesians1:9,His"goodpleasure." God’s decrees are called His "counsel" to signify they areconsummatelywise.Theyare calledGod’s "will" to showHewasundernocontrol,butactedaccordingtoHisownpleasure.Whenaman’swillisthe rule of his conduct, it is usually capricious and unreasonable; butwisdom is always associated with will in the divine proceedings, andaccordingly, God’s decrees are said to be "the counsel of his ownwill"(Eph.1:11).

The decrees of God relate to all future things without exception;whatever is done in time, was foreordained before time began. God’spurposewasconcernedwitheverything,whethergreatorsmall,whethergoodorevil.Butwithreferencetothelatterwemustbecareful tostatethatwhileGodistheOrdererandControllerofsin,HeisnottheAuthorofitinthesamewaythatHeistheAuthorofgood.Sincouldnotproceedfrom aHolyGod by positive and direct creation, but only by decretivepermissionandnegative action.God’s decree, as comprehensive asHisgovernment,extendstoallcreaturesandevents.Itwasconcernedaboutour lifeanddeath;aboutourstate intime,andourstate ineternity.AsGodworksallthingsafterthecounselofHisownwill,welearnfromHisworks what His counsel is (was), as we judge an architect’s plan byinspectingthebuildingerectedunderhisdirection.

Goddidnotmerelydecreetomakeman,placehimupontheearth,thenleavehimtohisownuncontrolledguidance.Instead,Hefixedallthecircumstances in the lot of individuals, and all the particulars whichcomprisethehistoryofthehumanracefromcommencementtoclose.Hedid not merely decree that general laws should be established for thegovernmentoftheworld,butHesettledtheapplicationofthoselawstoallparticularcases.Ourdaysarenumbered,andsoare thehairsofourheads.Wemay learnwhat is the extent of the divine decrees from thedispensations of providence in which they are executed. The care ofProvidence reaches to the most insignificant creatures, and the mostminuteevents—thedeathofasparrow,thefallofahair.

Let us now consider some of the properties of the divine decrees.

First,theyareeternal.Tosupposeanyofthemtobemadeintime,istosupposethatsomenewoccasionhasoccurred,someunforeseeneventorcombination of circumstances has arisen, which has induced theMostHighto formanewresolution.Thiswouldargue that theknowledgeoftheDeity is limited, and thatHe growswiser in the progress of time—whichwouldbehorribleblasphemy.Nomanwhobelievesthatthedivineunderstanding is infinite, comprehending thepast, thepresent,and thefuture, will ever assent to the erroneous doctrine of temporal decrees.God is not ignorant of future events whichwill be executed by humanvolitions;Hehasforetoldthemin innumerable instances,andprophecyisbutthemanifestationofHiseternalprescience.Scriptureaffirmsthatbelieverswere chosen in Christ before theworld began (Eph. 1:4), yes,thatgracewas"given"tothemthen(2Tim.1:19).

Second, the decrees of God are wise. Wisdom is shown in theselection of the best possible ends and the fittestmeans to accomplishthem.That thischaracterbelongs to thedecreesofGod is evident fromwhatweknowofthem.Theyaredisclosedtousbytheirexecution,andeveryproofofwisdomintheworksofGodisaproofofthewisdomoftheplan, in conformity to which they are performed. As the psalmistdeclared, "O LORD howmanifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thoumade themall" (Ps. 104:24). It is indeedbut a very smallpartof themwhichfallsunderourobservation,yet,weoughttoproceedhereaswedoin other cases, and judge of the whole by the specimen, of what isunknownbywhatisknown.Hewhoseestheworkingsofadmirableskillin the parts of a machine which he has an opportunity to examine isnaturallyledtobelievethattheotherpartsareequallyadmirable.Inlikemanner should we satisfy our minds as to God’s works when doubtsobtrude themselves upon us, and repel the objections which may besuggested by something we cannot reconcile to our notions of what isgoodandwise.Whenwereachtheboundsofthefiniteandgazetowardthemysteriousrealmofthe infinite, letusexclaim,"O,thedepthof therichesbothofthewisdomandknowledgeofGod!"(Rom.11:33).

Third, theyare free."WhohathdirectedtheSpiritof theLORD,orbeinghiscounsellorhathtaughthim?Withwhomtookhecounsel,andwhoinstructedhim,andtaughthiminthepathofjudgment,andtaught

him knowledge, and showed to him the way of understanding?" (Isa.40:13-14). God was alone when He made His decrees, and Hisdeterminations were influenced by no external cause. He was free todecree or not to decree, and to decree one thing andnot another. Thisliberty we must ascribe to Him who is supreme, independent, andsovereigninallHisdoings.

Fourth,theyareabsoluteandunconditional.Theexecutionof themis not suspended upon any condition which may, or may not be,performed.IneveryinstancewhereGodhasdecreedanend,Hehasalsodecreedeverymeanstothatend.TheOnewhodecreedthesalvationofHiselectalsodecreedtoworkfaithinthem(2Thess.2:13)."Mycounselshallstand,andIwilldoallMypleasure"(Isa.46:10);butthatcouldnotbe, if His counsel depended upon a condition which might not beperformed.ButGod"workethallthingsafterthecounselofhisownwill"(Eph.1:11).

SidebysidewiththeimmutabilityandinvincibilityofGod’sdecrees,Scripture plainly teaches that man is a responsible creature andanswerableforhisactions.IfourthoughtsareformedfromGod’sWord,themaintenanceoftheonewillnotleadtothedenialoftheother.Thatthere is a real difficulty in defining where the one ends and the otherbegins is freely granted. This is always the case where there is aconjunctionofthedivineandthehuman.RealprayeriscomposedbytheSpirit, yet it is also the cry of a human heart. The Scriptures are theinspiredWordofGod,yettheywerewrittenbymenwhoweresomethingmore thanmachines in the hand of the Spirit. Christ is both God andman. He is omniscient, yet "increased in wisdom" (Luke 2:52). He isalmighty, yetwas "crucified throughweakness" (2Cor. 13:4).He is thePrince of life, yet He died. Highmysteries all—yet faith receives themunquestioningly.

Ithasbeenpointedoutofteninthepastthateveryobjectionagainstthe eternal decrees of God applies with equal force againstHis eternalforeknowledge.JonathanEdwardssaid:

WhetherGodhasdecreedallthingsthatevercometopassornot,allthatownthebeingofaGod,ownthatHeknowsall thingsbeforehand.

Now, it isself-evidentthat ifHeknowsall thingsbeforehand,Heeitherdothapproveof themordothnotapproveof them;that is,Heeither iswillingtheyshouldbe,orHeisnotwillingtheyshouldbe.Buttowillthattheyshouldbeistodecreethem.

Finally, attempt to assume and then contemplate the opposite. Todenythedivinedecreeswouldbetopredicateaworldandallitsconcernsregulated by undesigned chance or blind fate. Then what peace, whatassurance,whatcomfortwouldtherebeforourpoorheartsandminds?What refuge would there be to fly to in the hour of trial? None at all.Therewouldbenothingbetterthantheblackdarknessandabjecthorrorofatheism.Howthankfulweshouldbethateverythingisdeterminedbyinfinitewisdomand goodness!What praise and gratitude aredueuntoGod forHis divine decrees. Because of them, "We know that all thingsworktogetherforgoodtothemthatloveGod,tothemwhoarethecalledaccording to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).Well may we exclaim, "For ofhim, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be gloryforever.Amen"(Rom.11:36).

TheKnowledgeofGod

God Is Omniscient. He knows everything; everything possible,everything actual; all events, all creatures, of thepast, the present, andthefuture.Heisperfectlyacquaintedwitheverydetailinthelifeofeverybeing in heaven, in earth, and in hell. "He knoweth what is in thedarkness" (Dan. 2:22). Nothing escapes His notice, nothing can behiddenfromHim,nothingisforgottenbyHim.Wellmaywesaywiththepsalmist, "Suchknowledge is toowonderful forme; it is high, I cannotattainuntoit"(Ps.139:6).Hisknowledgeisperfect.Henevererrs,neverchanges,neveroverlooksanything."Neitheristhereanycreaturethatisnotmanifest inhis sight:butall thingsarenakedandopenedunto theeyesofhimwithwhomwehavetodo"(Heb.4:13).SuchistheGodwithwhomwe"havetodo"!

"Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou

understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path andmylyingdown,andartacquaintedwithallmyways.Forthereisnotawordinmytongue,but,lo,OLORD,thouknowestitaltogether"(Ps.139:2-4).What a wondrous Being is the God of Scripture! Each of His gloriousattributesshouldrenderHimhonorableinouresteem.InapprehensionofHis omniscienceweought to bow in adorationbeforeHim.Yet howlittledowemeditateupon thisdivineperfection! Is it because the verythoughtofitfillsuswithuneasiness?

Howsolemnisthisfact:nothingcanbeconcealedfromGod!"ForIknow the things that come into yourmind, every one of them" (Ezek.11:5). ThoughHe be invisible to us,we are not so toHim.Neither thedarknessofnight,theclosestcurtains,northedeepestdungeoncanhidethesinnerfromtheeyesofOmniscience.Thetreesofthegardenwerenotabletoconcealourfirstparents.NohumaneyebeheldCainmurderhisbrother,buthisMakerwitnessedhiscrime.Sarahmightlaughderisivelyintheseclusionofhertent,yetJehovahheardit.Achanstoleawedgeofgoldandcarefullyhid it in theearth,butGodbrought it to light.Davidtookgreatpainstocoveruphiswickedness,buttheall-seeingGodsentone of His servants to say to him, "Thou art theman!" To writer andreaderalsoissaid,"Besureyoursinwillfindyouout"(Num.32:23).

Men would strip Deity of His omniscience it they could—what aproof that "the carnal mind is enmity against God" (Rom. 8:7). Thewicked do as naturally hate this divine perfection asmuch as they arenaturally compelled to acknowledge it. They wish there might be noWitnessoftheirsins,noSearcheroftheirhearts,noJudgeoftheirdeeds.TheyseektobanishsuchaGodfromtheirthoughts:"Theyconsidernotin theirhearts that I remember all theirwickedness" (Hosea 7:2).Howsolemn is Psalm 90:8. Good reason has every Christ-rejecter fortremblingbefore it."Thouhastsetour iniquitiesbefore thee,oursecretsinsinthelightofthycountenance."

But to thebeliever, the factofGod’somniscience isa truth fraughtwith much comfort. In times of perplexity he says with Job, "But heknoweth the way that I take" (Job 23:10). It may be profoundlymysterious to me, quite incomprehensible to my friends, but "heknoweth"! In times of weariness and weakness believers assure

themselves "He knoweth our frame; he remembereth thatwearedust"(Ps. 103:14). In times of doubt and suspicion they appeal to this veryattribute, saying "Searchme, O God, and knowmy heart: try me, andknowmythoughts:Andseeiftherebyanywickedwayinme,andleadmeinthewayeverlasting"(Ps.139:23-24).Intimesofsadfailure,whenouractionshavebeliedourhearts,whenourdeedshaverepudiatedourdevotion,andthesearchingquestioncomestous,"LovestthouMe?";wesay,asPeterdid,"Lord,thouknowestallthings;thouknowestthatIlovethee"(John21:17).

Hereisencouragementtoprayer.Thereisnocausetofearthatthepetitionsoftherighteouswillnotbeheard,orthattheirtearswillescapethenoticeofGod,sinceHeknowsthethoughtsandintentsoftheheart.There is no danger of the individual saint being overlooked amidst themultitude of supplicants who hourly present their petitions, for aninfiniteMindisascapableofpayingthesameattentiontomillionsas ifonly one were seeking its attention. So, too, the lack of appropriatelanguage, the inability to give expression to the deepest longing of thesoul, will not jeopardize our prayers, for "It shall come to pass, thatbefore they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I willhear"(Isa.65:24).

"GreatisourLord,andofgreatpower:Hisunderstandingisinfinite"(Ps.147:5).Godknowswhatsoeverhashappenedinthepastineverypartof His vast domains, andHe is thoroughly acquainted with everythingthat now transpires throughout the entire universe. But He also isperfectlycognizantwitheveryevent, fromthe least to thegreatest, thatwillhappeninagestocome.God’sknowledgeofthefutureisascompleteasHisknowledgeofthepastandthepresent,becausethefuturedependsentirelyuponHimself.Wereitinanywisepossibleforsomethingtooccurapart from either the direct agency or permission of God, then thatsomethingwouldbeindependentofHim,andHewouldatonceceasetobesupreme.

Nowthedivineknowledgeofthefutureisnotamereabstraction,butsomethinginseparablyconnectedwithandaccompaniedbyHispurpose.Goddesignedwhatsoevershallyetbe,andwhatHehasdesignedmustbeeffected.AsHismostsureWordaffirms,"Hedoethaccordingtohiswill

inthearmyofheaven,andamongtheinhabitantsoftheearth:andnonecanstayhishand"(Dan.4:35).Again,"Therearemanydevicesinaman’sheart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand" (Prov.19:21). The wisdom and power of God being alike infinite, theaccomplishmentofwhateverHehathpurposedisabsolutelyguaranteed.It is nomore possible for the divine counsels to fail in their executionthanitwouldbeforthethrice-holyGodtolie.

NothingrelatingtothefutureisuncertainsofarastheactualizationofGod’scounselsareconcerned.NoneofHisdecreesareleftcontingenteitheruponcreaturesorsecondarycauses.Thereisnofutureeventwhichisonlyamerepossibility,thatis,somethingwhichmayormaynotcometo pass, "KnownuntoGod are allHisworks from the beginning" (Acts15:18).WhateverGodhasdecreedisinexorablycertain,forHeiswithoutvariableness,orshadowofturning(James1:17).Thereforewearetoldattheverybeginningofthatbookwhichunveilstoussomuchofthefuture,"thingswhichmustshortlycome:topass"(Rev.1:1).

TheperfectknowledgeofGodisexemplifiedandillustratedineveryprophecy recorded in His Word. In the Old Testament, scores ofpredictions concerning the history of Israel were fulfilled to theirminutestdetail,centuriesaftertheyweremade.Scoresmoreforetoldtheearthly career of Christ, and they, too, were accomplished literally andperfectly.SuchpropheciescouldonlyhavebeengivenbyOnewhoknewthe end from the beginning, whose knowledge rested upon theunconditionalcertaintyoftheaccomplishmentofeverythingforetold.Inlike manner, both Old and New Testaments contain many otherannouncements yet future. They, too, "must be fulfilled" (Luke 24:44),becausetheywereforetoldbyHimwhodecreedthem.

Itshould,however,bepointedoutthatneitherGod’sknowledgenorHis cognition of the future, considered simply in themselves, arecausative. Nothing has ever come to pass, or ever will,merely becauseGodknewit.ThecauseofallthingsisthewillofGod.ThemanwhoreallybelievestheScripturesknowsbeforehandthattheseasonswillcontinuetofolloweachotherwithunfailingregularitytotheendofearth’shistory(Gen. 8:22), yet his knowledge is not the cause of their succession. SoGod’sknowledgedoesnotarisefromthingsbecausetheyareorwillbe,

but because He has ordained them to be. God knew and foretold thecrucifixion of His Son many hundreds of years before He becameincarnate,andthis,becauseintheDivinepurpose,HewasaLambslainfromthefoundationoftheworld:hencewereadofHisbeing"deliveredbythedeterminatecounselandforeknowledgeofGod"(Acts2:23).

Awordortwoofapplication.TheinfiniteknowledgeofGodshouldfilluswithamazement.HowfarexaltedabovethewisestmanistheLord!Noneofusknowswhatadaymaybringforth,butallfuturityisopentoHisomniscientgaze.TheinfiniteknowledgeofGodoughttofilluswithholy awe.Nothingwe do, say, or even think, escapes the knowledge ofHimwithwhomwehavetodo:"TheeyesoftheLORDareineveryplace,beholdingtheevilandthegood"(Prov.15:3).Whatacurbthiswouldbeto us, if we meditated upon it more frequently! Instead of actingrecklessly,weshouldsaywithHagar,"ThouGodseestme"(Gen.16:13).The apprehension of God’s infinite knowledge should fill the Christianwith adoration. The whole ofmy life stood open to His view from thebeginning.Heforesawmyeveryfall,myeverysin,myeverybacksliding;yet,He fixedHisheartuponme.Oh,howtherealizationof thisshouldbowmeinwonderandworshipbeforeHim!

TheForeknowledgeofGod

What Controversies have been engendered by this subject in thepast! Butwhat truth ofHoly Scripture is therewhich has not been theoccasionoftheologicalandecclesiasticalbattles?ThedeityofChrist,Hisvirgin birth, His atoning death, His second advent; the believer’sjustification,sanctification,security;thechurch,itsorganization,officers,discipline; baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and a score of other precioustruthsmightbementioned.Yet,thecontroversieswhichhavebeenwagedoverthemdidnotclosethemouthsofGod’sfaithfulservants.Why,then,should we avoid the vexing question of God’s foreknowledge, becausesomewillchargeuswithfomentingstrife?Letotherscontendiftheywill,ourdutyistobearwitnessaccordingtothelightgivenus.

There are two things concerning the foreknowledge of God aboutwhichmanyareinignorance:themeaningoftheterm,anditsScripturalscope.Because this ignorance is sowidespread, it is easy forpreachersandteacherstopalmoffperversionsofthissubject,evenuponthepeopleofGod.Thereisonlyonesafeguardagainsterror,thatistobeestablishedin the faith. For that there has to be prayerful, diligent study, and areceivingwithmeekness the engraftedWord of God.Only then arewefortifiedagainsttheattacksof thosewhoassailus.Thereare thosewhomisuse thisvery truth todiscreditanddeny the absolute sovereigntyofGodinthesalvationofsinners.Justashighercriticsrepudiatethedivineinspiration of the Scriptures, and evolutionists, the work of God increation,sosomepseudoBibleteacherspervertHisforeknowledgetosetasideHisunconditionalelectionuntoeternallife.

When the blessed subject of divine foreordination is expounded,whenGod’seternalchoiceofcertainonestobeconformedtotheimageofHis Son is set forth, the enemy sends along someone to argue thatelectionisbasedupontheforeknowledgeofGod.This foreknowledge isinterpreted tomean thatGod foresawcertainoneswhowouldbemorepliablethanothersandtheywouldrespondmorereadilytothestrivingsoftheSpirit.So,becauseGodknewtheywouldbelieve,Hepredestinatedthemuntosalvation.Butsuchlogic isradicallywrong. It repudiates thetruthoftotaldepravity,foritarguesthatthereissomethinggoodinsomemen.IttakesawaytheindependencyofGod,foritmakesHisdecreesrestuponwhatHediscoversinthecreature.

It completely turns things upside down, for in sayingGod foresawcertain sinners who would believe in Christ, and because of this Hepredestinated them unto salvation, is the very reverse of the truth.ScriptureaffirmsthatGod,inHissovereignty,singledoutcertainonestobe recipients of His distinguishing favors (Acts 13:48); therefore Hedeterminedtobestowuponthemthegiftof faith.False theologymakesGod’s foreknowledge of our believing the cause of His election tosalvation. However, God’s election is the cause, and our believing inChristtheeffect.

Beforeweproceedfurtherwiththismuchmisunderstoodtheme,letus define our terms. What is meant by "foreknowledge"? "To know

beforehand" is the ready reply of many. But we must not jump toconclusions,normustweturntoWebster’sdictionaryasthefinalcourtofappeal, for it isnotamatterof theetymologyof the termemployed.WhatweneedistofindouthowthewordisusedinScripture.TheHolySpirit’s usage of an expression always defines its meaning and scope.Failuretoapplythissimpleruleisresponsibleforsomuchconfusionanderror. Somany people assume they already know the significance of acertain word used in Scripture, then they are too dilatory to test theirassumptionswithaconcordance.Letusamplify.

Take the word "flesh." Its meaning appears so obvious thatmanywouldregard itasawasteof time to lookup itsvariousconnections inScripture. It is hastily assumed that the word is synonymous with thephysical body, so no inquiry is made. But, in fact, flesh in Scripturefrequentlyincludesfarmorethanwhatiscorporeal;allthatisembracedby the term can only be ascertained by a diligent comparison of everyoccurrenceofitandbyastudyofeachseparatecontext.

Taketheword"world."TheaverageBiblereaderimaginesthiswordis theequivalent for thehuman race, andconsequently,many passageswhere the term is found are wrongly interpreted. Take the word"immortality."Surely it requiresnostudy!Obviously ithasreference tothe indestructibilityof the soul.Ah,but it iswrong toassumeanythingwheretheWordofGodisconcerned.Ifthereaderwilltakethetroubletocarefully examine each passage where "mortal" and "immortal" arefound,itwillbeseenthesewordsareneverappliedtothesoul,butalwaystothebody.

Nowwhathas justbeensaidon"flesh," the"world,""immortality,"applieswithequalforcetotheterms"know"and"foreknow."Insteadofimagining that these words signify no more than a simple cognition,carefully weigh the different passages in which they occur. The word"foreknowledge" is not found in theOldTestament.But "know" occurstherefrequently.WhenthattermisusedinconnectionwithGod,itoftensignifies to regard with favor, denoting not mere cognition but anaffection for theobject inview. "Iknow theebyname" (Ex.33:17). "Yehave been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you"(Deut.9:24). "Before I formed thee in thebelly I knew thee" (Jer. 1:5).

"Theyhavemadeprinces,andIknewnot"(Hosea8:4)."YouonlyhaveIknown of all the families of the earth" (Amos 3:2). In these passages"knew"signifieseither"loved"or"appointed."

In like manner, the word "know" is frequently used in the NewTestament, in the same sense as in the Old. "Then will I profess untothem,Ineverknewyou"(Matthew7:23)."Iamthegoodshepherd,andknowmysheep,andamknownofmine"(John10:14)."IfanymanloveGod, the same is knownofhim" (1Cor.8:3). "TheLordknoweth themthatarehis"(2Tim.2:19).

Nowtheword"foreknowledge"asitisusedintheNewTestamentislessambiguousthaninitssimpleform"toknow."Ifyoucarefullystudyeverypassageinwhichitoccurs,youwilldiscoverthatitisamootpointwhetheriteverhasreferencetothemereperceptionofeventsyettotakeplace. The fact is that foreknowledge is never used in Scripture inconnectionwitheventsoractions;instead,italwaysreferstopersons.ItispersonsGodissaidto"foreknow,"nottheactionsofthosepersons.Toprovethiswewillquoteeachpassagewherethisexpressionisfound.

The first occurs in Acts 2:23: "Him, being delivered by thedeterminate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and bywickedhandshavecrucifiedandslain."Carefulattentiontothewordingof this verse shows that the apostle was not speaking of God’sforeknowledgeof the act of the crucifixion, but of thePerson crucified:"Him(Christ)beingdeliveredby."

ThesecondisRomans8:29-30:"Forwhomhedidforeknow,healsodidpredestinatetobeconformedtotheimageofhisSon,thathemightbe the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he didpredestinate,themhealsocalled."Weighwellthepronounusedhere.ItisnotwhatHedidforeknow,butwhomHedid.Itisnotthesurrenderingoftheirwillsnorthebelievingoftheirhearts,butthepersonsthemselves,whichisinview.

"Godhathnotcastawayhispeoplewhichheforeknew"(Rom.11:2).Oncemoretheplainreferenceistopersons,andtopersonsonly.

The last mention is in 1 Peter 1:2: "Elect according to theforeknowledge of God the Father." Who are "elect according to theforeknowledge of God the Father?" The previous verse tells us thereferenceistothe"strangersscattered,"i.e.,thediaspora,thedispersion,the believing Jews. Thus, the reference is to persons, and not to theirforeseenacts.

Now in view of these passages (and there are no more) whatscriptural ground is there for anyone to sayGod "foreknew" theacts ofcertain ones, i.e., their "repenting and believing," and that because ofthoseactsHeelectedthemuntosalvation?Theansweris,Nonewhatever.Scripture never speaks of repentance and faith as being foreseen orforeknownbyGod.Truly,Hedidknowfromalleternitythatcertainoneswouldrepentandbelieve,yet this isnotwhatScripture refers to as theobject of God’s foreknowledge. The word uniformly refers to God’sforeknowingpersons;thenletus"holdfasttheformofsoundwords"(2Tim.1:13).

Anotherthingwewanttocallparticularattentiontoisthatthefirsttwopassagesquotedaboveshowplainlyand teach implicitlythatGod’sforeknowledgeisnotcausative,thatinstead,somethingelseliesbehind,precedes it—something that is His own sovereign decree. Christ was"deliveredbythe(1)determinatecounseland(2)foreknowledgeofGod"(Acts2:23).HiscounselordecreewasthegroundofHisforeknowledge.So again inRomans8:29.That verse openswith theword "for,"whichtellsustolookbacktowhatimmediatelyprecedes.What,then,doesthepreviousversesay?This,"all thingsworktogetherforgoodtothem. . .who are the called according to His purpose." Thus God’s"foreknowledge"isbaseduponHis"purpose"ordecree(seePsalm2:7).

GodforeknowswhatwillbebecauseHehasdecreedit.ItisthereforeareverseorderofScripture,putting thecartbefore thehorse, toaffirmthatGodelectsbecauseHeforeknowspeople.Thetruthis,HeforeknowsbecauseHehaselected.Thisremovesthecauseofelectionfromoutsidethecreature,andplacesitinGod’sownsovereignwill.GodpurposedinHimselftoelectacertainpeople,notbecauseofanythinggoodinthemorfromthem,eitheractualorforeseen,butsolelyoutofHisownpleasure.

WhyHechose theonesHedid,wedonotknow.Wecanonlysay,"Evenso,Father,forsoitseemedgoodinThysight."TheplaintruthofRomans8:29isthatGod,beforethefoundationoftheworld,singledoutcertainsinnersandappointedthemuntosalvation(2Thess.2:13).Thisisclear from the concluding words of the verse: "Predestinated to beconformed to the image of His son." God did not predestinate thosewhomHe foreknewwere conformed.On the contrary, those whomHeforeknew (i.e., loved and elected)He predestinated "to be conformed."Their conformity to Christ is not the cause, but the effect of God’sforeknowledgeandpredestination.

God did not elect any sinner because He foresaw that he wouldbelieve, for thesimplebutsufficientreasonthatnosinnereverbelievesuntilGodgiveshimfaith;justasnomanseesuntilGodgiveshimsight.SightisGod’sgift,seeingistheconsequenceofmyusingHisgift.SofaithisGod’sgift (Eph.2:8-9),believing is the consequenceofmyusingHisgift.IfitweretruethatGodhadelectedcertainonestobesavedbecausein due time they would believe, then that would make believing ameritorious act. In that event the saved sinner would have ground for"boasting,"whichScriptureemphaticallydenies(Eph.2:9).

SurelyGod’sWordisplainenoughinteachingthatbelievingisnotameritorious act. It affirms that Christians are a people "which hadbelieved through grace" (Acts 18:27). If, then, they have believed"throughgrace,"thereisabsolutelynothingmeritoriousaboutbelieving;ifnothingmeritorious,itcouldnotbethegroundorcausewhichmovedGodtochoosethem.No!God’schoiceproceedsnotfromanythinginus,or anything fromus,but solely fromHis own sovereignpleasure.Oncemore,we read of "a remnant according to the election of grace" (Rom.11:5). There it is, plain enough; election itself is of grace, and grace isunmerited favor, something for which we had no claim upon Godwhatsoever.

ItishighlyimportantforustohaveclearandscripturalviewsoftheforeknowledgeofGod.Erroneousconceptionsaboutit leadinevitablytothoughts most dishonoring to Him. The popular idea of divineforeknowledgeisaltogetherinadequate.Godnotonlyknewtheendfromthebeginning,butalsoHeplanned,fixed,predestinatedeverythingfrom

the beginning. And, as cause stands to effect, so God’s purpose is thegroundofHisprescience. If thenthereader isa realChristian,he is sobecauseGodchosehiminChristbeforethefoundationoftheworld(Eph.1:4); and chose not because He foresaw you would believe, but simplybecause it pleased Him to choose; chose you notwithstanding yournaturalunbelief.Thisbeingso,allgloryandpraisebelongsalonetoHim.Youhavenogroundfortakinganycredittoyourself.Youhave"believedthroughgrace"(Acts18:27),andthat,becauseyourveryelectionwas"ofgrace"(Rom.11:5).

TheSupremacyofGod

In One OfHis Letters to Erasmus, Luther said, "Your thoughts ofGod are too human." Probably that renowned scholar resented such arebuke,themoreso,sinceitproceededfromaminer’sson.Nevertheless,itwasthoroughlydeserved.We,too,preferthesamechargeagainstthevastmajorityofthepreachersofourday,andagainstthosewho,insteadof searching theScriptures for themselves, lazilyaccept their teachings.ThemostdishonoringconceptionsoftheruleandreignoftheAlmightyarenowheldalmosteverywhere.Tocountlessthousands,evenprofessingChristians,theGodofScriptureisquiteunknown.

Ofold,GodcomplainedtoanapostateIsrael,"ThouthoughtestthatIwasaltogethersuchanoneasthyself"(Ps.50:21).SuchmustnowbeHisindictmentagainstapostateChristendom.MenimaginetheMostHighismoved by sentiment, rather than by principle. They suppose HisomnipotencyissuchanidlefictionthatSatancanthwartHisdesignsoneveryside.Theythinkthat ifHehas formedanyplanorpurposeatall,then it must be like theirs, constantly subject to change. They openlydeclare that whatever power He possesses must be restricted, lest Heinvade thecitidelofman’s freewillandreducehimtoamachine.Theylowertheall-efficaciousatonement,whichredeemseveryoneforwhomitwasmade,toamereremedy,whichsin-sicksoulsmayuseiftheyfeelsodisposed. They lessen the strength of the invincible work of the HolySpirittoanofferoftheGospelwhichsinnersmayacceptorrejectasthey

please.

The god of this century nomore resembles the Sovereign of HolyWritthandoesthedimflickeringofacandlethegloryofthemiddaysun.The god who is talked about in the average pulpit, spoken of in theordinarySundayschool,mentionedinmuchofthereligiousliteratureofthe day, and preached in most of the so-called Bible conferences, is afigmentofhuman imagination,an inventionofmaudlin sentimentality.The heathen outside the pale of christendom form gods of wood andstone,whilemillionsofheathen inside christendommanufacture a godoutoftheircarnalminds.Inreality,theyarebutatheists,forthereisnoother possible alternative between an absolutely supreme God, and noGod at all. A god whose will is resisted, whose designs are frustrated,whose purpose is checkmated, possesses no title to deity, and far frombeingafitobjectofworship,meritsnothingbutcontempt.

ThesupremacyofthetrueandlivingGodmightwellbearguedfromthe infinite distance which separates the mightiest creatures from theCreator.HeisthePotter,theyarebuttheclayinHishands,tobemoldedintovesselsofhonorortobedashedintopieces(Ps.2:9)asHepleases.Were all the denizens of heaven and all the inhabitants of earth tocombineinopenrevoltagainstHim,itwouldcauseHimnouneasiness.Itwould have less effect upon His eternal, unassailable throne than thesprayofMediterranean’swaveshasuponthetoweringrocksofGibraltar.SopuerileandpowerlessisthecreaturetoaffecttheMostHigh,Scripturetells us that when the Gentile heads unite with apostate Israel to defyJehovahandHisChrist,"Hethatsittethintheheavensshalllaugh"(Ps.2:4).

TheabsoluteanduniversalsupremacyofGodisplainlyaffirmedinmanyScriptures."Thine,OLORD, is thegreatness,andthepower,andtheglory,and thevictory,and themajesty: forall that is in theheavenand in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom,OLORD, and thou artexaltedasheadaboveall...Andthoureignestoverall"

(1 Chron. 29:11-12). Note "reignest" now, not "will do so in theMillennium.""OLORDGodofourfathers,artnotthouGodinheaven?and rulestnot thouover all thekingdomsof theheathen?and in thine

hand is there not power and might, so that none [not even the Devilhimself] is able to withstand thee"? (2 Chron. 20:6). Before Himpresidentsandpopes,kingsandemperors,arelessthangrasshoppers.

"But he is in onemind, andwho can turn him? andwhat his souldesireth,eventhathedoeth"(Job23:13).Myreader,theGodofScriptureisnomake-believemonarch,noimaginarysovereign,butKingofkings,and Lord of lords. "I know that thou canst do everything, and that nothoughtofthinecanbehindered"(Job42:2);or,anothertranslator,"nopurposeofthinecanbefrustrated."AllthatHehasdesigned,Hedoes.AllthatHehasdecreed,Heperfects.AllthatHehaspromised,Heperforms."ButourGodisintheheavens:hehathdonewhatsoeverhehathpleased"(Ps.115:3).WhyhasHe?Because"thereisnowisdomnorunderstandingnorcounselagainsttheLORD"(Prov.21:30).

God’ssupremacyover theworksofHishands isvividlydepictedinScripture. Inanimate matter, irrational creatures, all perform theirMaker’s bidding. At His pleasure, the Red Sea divided and its watersstoodupaswalls(Ex.14);theearthopenedhermouth,andguiltyrebelswent down alive into the pit (Num. 14).WhenHe so ordered, the sunstoodstill(Josh.10);andonanotheroccasionwentbackwardtendegreesonthedialofAhaz.ToexemplifyHissupremacy,HemaderavenscarryfoodtoElijah(1Kings17);irontofloatonthewaters(2Kings6:5);lionsto be tamewhenDanielwas cast into their den; fire to burn notwhenthreeHebrewswereflunginto its flames.Thus, "Whatsoever theLORDpleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deepplaces"(Ps.135:6).

God’s supremacy is also demonstrated inHis perfect rule over thewillsofmen.PondercarefullyExodus34:24.Threetimes intheyearallthe males of Israel were required to leave their homes and go up toJerusalem.Theylivedinthemidstofhostilepeople,whohatedthemforhaving appropriated their lands. What, then, was to hinder theCanaanitesfromseizingtheopportunity,duringtheabsenceofthemen,toenslavethewomenandchildrenandtakepossessionoftheirfarms?IfthehandoftheAlmightywasnotuponthewillsevenofwickedmen,howcouldHemake this promise beforehand, that none should somuch as"desire"theirlands?"Theking’sheartisinthehandoftheLORD,asthe

riversofwater;Heturnethitwhithersoeverhewill"(Prov.21:1).

But, somemayobject,dowenot readagainandagain inScripturehow men defied God, resisted His will, broke His commandments,disregardedHiswarnings,andturnedadeafeartoallhisexhortations?Certainlywedo.Doesthisnullifyallwehavesaid?Ifso,thenplainlytheBiblecontradictsitself.Butthatcannotbe.WhattheobjectorreferstoissimplythewickednessofmenagainsttheexternalwordofGod.WehavementionedwhatGodhas purposed inHimself. The rule of conductHehasgivenustowalkbyisperfectlyfulfilledbynoneofus.Hisowneternalcounselsareaccomplishedtotheirminutestdetails.

TheabsoluteanduniversalsupremacyofGodisaffirmedwithequalpositiveness in the New Testament.We are told that God "worketh allthings after the counsel of His own will" (Eph. 1:11)—the Greek for"worketh"means"toworkeffectually".For this reasonwe read, "Forofhim, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be gloryforever.Amen"(Rom.11:36).Menmayboasttheyarefreeagents,withawilloftheirown,andareatlibertytodoastheyplease.ButScripturesaystothosewhoboast,"wewillgointosuchacity,andcontinuethereayear,andbuyandsell...yeoughttosay,IftheLordwill"(Jam.4:13,15).

Herethenisasureresting-placefortheheart.Ourlivesareneithertheproductofblindfatenortheresultofcapriciouschance.Everydetailofthemwasordainedfromalleternityandisnoworderedbytheliving,reigning God. Not a hair of our heads can be touched without Hispermission."Aman’sheartdevisethhisway,buttheLORDdirectethhissteps" (Prov. 16:9). What assurance, what strength, what comfort thisshould give the real Christian! "My times are in thy hand" (Ps. 31:15).Thenletme"RestintheLORD,andwaitpatientlyforhim"(Ps.37:7).

TheSovereigntyofGod

The Sovereignty Of God may be defined as the exercise of Hissupremacy(seeprecedingchapter).Infinitelyelevatedabovethehighest

creature,HeistheMostHigh,Lordofheavenandearth;subjecttonone,influencedbynone,absolutelyindependent.GoddoesasHepleases,onlyas He pleases, always as He pleases. None can thwart Him, none canhinder Him. So His own Word expressly declares: "My counsel shallstand,andIwilldoallmypleasure"(Isa.46:10);"Hedoethaccordingtohiswill in thearmyofheaven,andamong the inhabitants of the earth,andnonecanstayHishand"(Dan.4:35).DivinesovereigntymeansthatGod isGod in fact, aswell as inname, thatHe is on the throneof theuniverse,directingallthings,workingallthings"afterthecounselofHisownwill"(Eph.1:11).

RightlydidthelateCharlesHaddonSpurgeonsayinhissermononMatthew20:15:

There isnoattributemorecomforting toHischildrenthanthatofGod’sSovereignty.Underthemostadversecircumstances, in the most severe trials, they believethat Sovereignty has ordained their afflictions, thatSovereignty overrules them, and that Sovereigntywillsanctify them all. There is nothing for which thechildren ought more earnestly to contend than thedoctrineoftheirMasteroverallcreation—theKingshipof God over all the works of His own hands—theThroneofGodandHisrighttosituponthatThrone.

Ontheotherhand,thereisnodoctrinemorehatedbyworldings,notruthofwhichtheyhavemadesuchafootball,asthegreat,stupendous,butyetmostcertaindoctrineof theSovereigntyof the infiniteJehovah.Men will allow God to be everywhere except on His throne. They willallowHimtobeinHisworkshoptofashionworldsandmakestars.TheywillallowHimtobeinHisalmonrytodispenseHisalmsandbestowHisbounties.

They will allow Him to sustain the earth and bear up the pillarsthereof,orlightthelampsofheaven,orrulethewavesoftheevermovingocean;butwhenGodascendsHisthrone,Hiscreaturesthengnashtheirteeth,andweproclaimanenthronedGod,andHisrighttodoasHewillswith His own, to dispose of His creatures as He thinks well, without

consultingtheminthematter;thenitisthatwearehissedandexecrated,andthenitisthatmenturnadeafeartous,forGodonHisthroneisnottheGodtheylove.ButitisGoduponthethronethatwelovetopreach.ItisGoduponHisthronewhomwetrust.

"WhatsoevertheLORDpleased,thatdidheinheaven,andinearth,intheseas,andalldeepplaces"(Ps.135:6).SuchisthemightyPotentaterevealed in Holy Writ: unrivalled in majesty, unlimited in power,unaffectedbyanythingoutsideHimself.ButwearelivinginadaywheneventhemostorthodoxseemafraidtoadmittheproperGodhoodofGod.They say that to press the sovereignty of God excludes humanresponsibility; whereas human responsibility is based upon divinesovereignty,andistheproductofit.

"But our God is in the heavens: he hath donewhatsoever he hathpleased"(Ps.115:3).HesovereignlychosetoplaceeachofHiscreatureson that particular footing which seemed good inHis sight. He createdangels; some He placed on a conditional footing, others He gave animmutablestandingbeforeHim(1Tim.5:21),makingChrist theirhead(Col.2:10).Letitnotbeoverlookedthattheangelswhichsinned(2Pet.2:5),wereasmuchHiscreaturesastheangelsthatsinnednot.YetGodforesaw they would fall. Nevertheless He placed them on a mutable,creature, conditional footing, and suffered them to fall, thoughHewasnottheauthoroftheirsin.

Too, God sovereignly placed Adam in the Garden of Eden upon aconditionalfooting.HadHesopleased,Hecouldhaveplacedhimuponanunconditionalfooting;Hecouldhaveplacedhimonafootingasfirmasthatoccupiedbytheunfallenangels;HecouldhaveplacedhimuponafootingassureandasimmutableasthatwhichHissaintshaveinChrist.Instead, He chose to set him in Eden on the basis of creatureresponsibility,sothathestoodorfellaccordingtohowhemeasuredupor failed to measure up to his responsibility—obedience to his Maker.AdamstoodaccountabletoGodbytheLawwhichhisCreatorhadgivenhim.Herewasresponsibility,unimpairedresponsibility,testedunderthemostfavorableconditions.

God did not place Adam upon a footing of conditional, creature-

responsibility, because it was rightHe should so place him.No, itwasrightbecauseGoddidit.GoddidnotevengivecreaturesbeingbecauseitwasrightforHimtodoso,i.e.,becauseHewasunderanyobligationstocreate;but itwas rightbecauseHedid so.God is sovereign.Hiswill issupreme.SofarfromGodbeingunderanylawofright,HeisalawuntoHimself,sothatwhateverHedoesisright.WoebetotherebelthatcallsHis sovereignty into question: "Woe unto him that striveth with hisMaker!Letthepotsherdstrivewiththepotsherdsoftheearth.Shalltheclaysaytohimthatfashionethit,Whatmakestthou?"(Isa.45:9).

Again,theLordsovereignlyplacedIsraeluponaconditionalfooting.Exodus19,20,and24affordafullproofofthis.Theywereplacedundera covenantofworks.Godgave themcertain laws.National blessing forthem depended upon their observance of His statutes. But Israel wasstiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart. They rebelled against Jehovah,forsook His Law, turned unto false gods, apostatized. In consequence,divine judgment fell upon them, theywere delivered into the hands oftheirenemies,dispersedabroadthroughouttheearth,andremainundertheheavyfrownofGod’sdispleasuretothisday.

ItwasGodintheexerciseofHissovereigntythatplacedSatanandhisangels,AdamandIsraelintheirrespectiveresponsiblepositions.ButsofarfromHissovereigntytakingawayresponsibilityfromthecreature,it was by the exercise of it that He placed them on this conditionalfooting, under such responsibilities asHe thought proper. By virtue ofthis sovereignty, He is seen to be God over all. Thus, there is perfectharmony between the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of thecreature. Many have more foolishly said that it is quite impossible toshowwheredivine sovereigntyendsandcreatureaccountabilitybegins.Hereiswherecreatureresponsibilitybegins:inthesovereignordinationoftheCreator.AstoHissovereignty,thereisnot,andneverwillbe,anyendtoit!

Let us see further proofs that the responsibility of the creature isbased upon God’s sovereignty. How many things are recorded inScripturewhichwererightbecauseGodcommandedthem—whichwouldnothavebeenrighthadHenotsocommanded!WhatrighthadAdamtoeatofthetreesofthegarden?ThepermissionofhisMaker(Gen.2:16);

withoutsuch,hewouldhavebeenathief!WhatrighthadIsraeltoborrowof theEgyptians’ jewelsandraiment (Ex.12:35)?None,unlessJehovahhadauthorizedit(Ex.3:22).WhatrighthadIsraeltoslaysomanylambsforsacrifice?None,exceptthatGodcommandedit.WhatrighthadIsraelto kill off all the Canaanites?None, only as Jehovah had bidden them.Whatrighthasthehusbandtorequiresubmissionfromhiswife?None,unlessGodhadappointedit.Sowemightgoon.Humanresponsibilityisbasedondivinesovereignty.

OnemoreexampleoftheexerciseofGod’sabsolutesovereignty:GodplacedHiselectuponadifferentfootingthanAdamorIsrael.Heplacedthemuponanunconditional footing.In theEverlastingCovenantJesusChrist was appointed their Head, took their responsibilities uponHimself, and wrought out a righteousness for them which is perfect,indefeasible,eternal.Christwasplaceduponaconditionalfooting,forHewas"madeunderthelaw,toredeemthemthatwereunderthelaw,"butwiththisinfinitedifference:theothersfailed,Hedidnot,andcouldnot.WhoplacedChristuponthatconditionalfooting?TheTriuneGod.Itwassovereign will that appointed Him, sovereign love that sent Him,sovereignauthoritythatassignedHiswork.

CertainconditionsweresetbeforetheMediator.Hewastobemadein the likeness of sin’s flesh; He was to magnify the Law andmake ithonorable;HewastobearallthesinsofallGod’speopleinHisownbodyonthetree;Hewastomakefullatonementforthem;Hewastoendurethe outpoured wrath of God; He was to die and be buried. On thefulfillmentofthoseconditionsHewaspromisedareward(Isa.53:10-12).He was to be the firstborn among many brethren; He was to have apeople who should share His glory. Blessed be His name forever, Hefulfilledthoseconditions.

BecauseHe did so, the Father stands pledged, on solemn oath, topreserve through timeandbless throughouteternityeveryoneof thoseforwhomHisincarnateSonmediated.BecauseHetooktheirplace,theynow shareHis.His righteousness is theirs.His standing before God istheirs,Hislifeistheirs.Thereisnotasingleconditionforthemtomeet,nota single responsibility for themtodischarge inorder toattain theireternalbliss. "ByoneofferingHehathperfected for ever them that are

sanctified(Heb.10:14).

Here then is the sovereignty of God openly displayed before all,displayedinthedifferentwaysinwhichHehasdealtwithHiscreatures.Partoftheangels,Adam,Israel,wereplaceduponaconditionalfooting.Continuedblessingwasdependentupon their obedience and fidelity toGod.Butinsharpcontrast,the"littleflock"(Luke12:32)havebeengivenan unconditional, an immutable standing in God’s covenant, God’scounsels,God’sSon;theirblessingisdependentuponwhatChristdidforthem."ThefoundationofGodstandethsure,havingthisseal,TheLordknoweththemthatareHis"(2Tim.2:19).ThefoundationonwhichGod’select stand is a perfect one; nothing can be added to it, nor anythingtakenfromit(Eccl.3:14).Here,then,isthehighestandgrandestdisplayoftheabsolutesovereigntyofGod.Hehas"mercyonwhomhewillhavemercy,andwhomhewillbehardeneth"(Rom.9:18).

TheImmutabilityofGod

This Is One of the divine perfections which is not sufficientlypondered.ItisoneoftheexcellenciesoftheCreatorwhichdistinguishesHim fromallHis creatures.God is perpetually the same: subject to nochange in His being, attributes, or determinations. Therefore God iscompared to a rock (Deut. 32:4) which remains immovable, when theentireoceansurroundingitiscontinuallyinafluctuatingstate.Evenso,though all creatures are subject to change, God is immutable. BecauseGod has no beginning and no ending, He can know no change. He iseverlastingly"theFatherof lights,withwhomisnovariablenessneithershadowofturning"(James1:17).

First, God is immutable in His essence. His nature and being areinfinite,andso,subjecttonomutations.ThereneverwasatimewhenHewasnot;thereneverwillcomeatimewhenHeshallceasetobe.Godhasneitherevolved,grown,nor improved.All thatHeis today,Hehaseverbeen, andeverwill be. "I am theLord, I changenot" (Mal. 3:6), isHisownunqualifiedaffirmation.Hecannotchange for thebetter, forHe is

alreadyperfect;beingperfect,Hecannotchangefortheworse.AltogetherunaffectedbyanythingoutsideHimself,improvementordeteriorationisimpossible.Heisperpetuallythesame.Heonlycansay,"IAMTHATIAM"(Ex.3:14).Heisaltogetheruninfluencedbytheflightoftime.Thereisnowrinkleuponthebrowofeternity.ThereforeHispowercanneverdiminish,norHisgloryeverfade.

Second,GodisimmutableinHisattributes.Whatevertheattributesof God were before the universe was called into existence, they areprecisely the samenow, andwill remain so forever.Necessarily so; fortheyaretheveryperfections,theessentialqualitiesofHisbeing.Semperidem(alwaysthesame)iswrittenacrosseveryoneofthem.Hispowerisunabated, His wisdom undiminished, His holiness unsullied. Theattributes of God can nomore change than deity can cease to be. Hisveracity is immutable, forHisWord is "forever settled in heaven" (Ps.119:89).His love iseternal: "Ihave loved theewithaneverlasting love"(Jer.31:3)and,"Havinglovedhisownwhichwereintheworld,helovedthem unto the end" (John 13:1). His mercy ceases not, for it is"everlasting"(Ps.100:5).

Third, God is immutable in His counsel, His will never varies.Perhapssomeare ready toobjectwhenweread"It repented theLORDthatHehadmademan"(Gen.6:6).Ourfirstreplyis,DotheScripturescontradict themselves? No, that cannot be. Numbers 23:19 is plainenough: "God isnot aman, thathe should lie;neither the sonofman,that he should repent." The explanation is simple. When speaking ofHimself, God frequently accommodates His language to our limitedcapacities.HedescribesHimselfasclothedwithbodilymembers,aseyes,ears,hands.

HespeaksofHimselfas"waking"(Ps.78:65),as"risingearly"(Jer.7:13);yetHeneitherslumbersnorsleeps.WhenHeinstitutesachangeinHis dealings with men, He describes His course of conduct as"repenting."Yes,GodisimmutableinHiscounsel."ThegiftsandcallingofGodarewithoutrepentance"(Rom.11:29).Itmustbeso,for"Heisinonemind,andwhocanturnhim?andwhathissouldesireth,eventhathedoeth"(Job23:13).

Changeanddecayinallaroundwesee,MayHewhochangethnotabidewiththee.

God’s purpose never alters. One of two things causes a man tochange hismind and reverse his plans: want of foresight to anticipateeverything, or lack of power to execute them. But as God is bothomniscientandomnipotent,thereisneveranyneedforHimtoreviseHisdecrees.No,"ThecounseloftheLORDstandethforever,thethoughtsofhis heart to all generations" (Ps. 33:11). Therefore we read of, "theimmutabilityofhiscounsel"(Heb.6:17).

Here we may perceive the infinite distance which separates thehighest creature from the Creator. Creaturehood and mutability arecorrelativeterms.Ifthecreaturewasnotmutablebynature,itwouldnotbeacreature;itwouldbeGod.Bynaturewetendtonothing,aswecamefromnothing.NothingstaysourannihilationbutthewillandsustainingpowerofGod.Nonecansustainhimselfasinglemoment.WeareentirelydependentontheCreatorforeverybreathwedraw.Wegladlyownwiththepsalmist,"thouholdethoursoulinlife"(Ps.66:9).TherealizationofthisoughttomakeusliedownunderasenseofourownnothingnessinthepresenceofHim"inwhomweliveandmove,andhaveourbeing."

Asfallencreatureswearenotonlymutable,butalsoeverythinginusisopposedtoGod.Assuchweare"wanderingstars"(Jude13),outofourproperorbit.Thewickedare"likethetroubledsea,whenitcannotrest"(Isa. 57:20). Fallenman is inconstant. The words of Jacob concerningReubenapplywith full force toall ofAdam’sdescendants, "unstable aswater"(Gen.49:4).Thusitisnotonlyamarkofpiety,butalsothepartofwisdom to heed that injunction, "cease ye from man" (Isa. 2:22). Nohumanbeingistobedependedon."Putnotyourtrustinprinces,norinthesonofman,inwhomisnohelp"(Ps.146:3).IfIdisobeyGod,thenIdeservetobedeceivedanddisappointedbymyfellows.Peoplewholikeyoutoday,mayhateyoutomorrow.Themultitudewhocried,"HosannatotheSonofDavid,"speedilychangedto"Awaywithhim,crucifyhim."

Hereissolidcomfort.Humannaturecannotbereliedupon;butGodcan!Howeverunstable Imaybe,however ficklemy friendsmayprove,Godchangesnot.IfHevariedaswedo,ifHewilledonethingtodayand

anothertomorrow,ifHewerecontrolledbycaprice,whocouldconfideinHim?ButHeiseverthesame.Hispurposeisfixed,Hiswillstable,Hiswordissure.Herethenisarockonwhichwemayfixourfeet,whilethemighty torrent sweeps away everything around us. The permanence ofGod’s character guarantees the fulfillment of His promises: "For themountainsshalldepart,andthehillsberemoved;butmykindnessshallnotdepartfromthee,neithershallthecovenantofmypeaceberemoved,saiththeLORDthathathmercyonthee"(Isa.54:10).

Hereisencouragementtoprayer."Whatcomfortwoulditbetoprayto a god that, like the chameleon, changed color every moment?Whowould put up a petition to an earthly prince thatwas somutable as togrant a petition one day, and deny it another?" (S. Charnock, 1670).Should someone ask what is the use of praying to One whose will isalreadyfixed,weanswer,becauseHerequiresit.WhatblessingshasGodpromisedwithoutourseekingthem?"Ifweaskanythingaccordingtohiswill,hehearethus"(1John5:14).HehaswilledeverythingthatisforHischild’s good.Toask for anything contrary toHiswill isnotprayer, butrankrebellion.

Hereisterrorforthewicked.ThosewhodefyHim,breakHis laws,havenoconcern forHisglory,but live their livesas thoughHedidnotexist,mustnot suppose that,whenat the last they shall cry toHim formercy, He will alter His will, revoke His word, and rescind His awfulthreatenings. No, He has declared, "Therefore will I also deal in fury:mineeyeshallnotspare,neitherwillIhavepity:andthoughtheycryinmineearswitha loudvoice,yetwillInothearthem"(Ezek.8:18).GodwillnotdenyHimselftogratifytheirlusts.Godisholy,unchanginglyso.Therefore God hates sin, eternally hates it. Hence the eternality of thepunishmentofallwhodieintheirsins.

Thedivineimmutability,likethecloudwhichinterposedbetweentheIsraelites and the Egyptian army, has a dark as well as a light side. ItinsurestheexecutionofHisthreatenings,aswellastheperformanceofHispromises;anddestroysthehopewhichtheguiltyfondlycherish,thatHewillbealllenitytoHisfrailanderringcreatures,andthattheywillbemuch more lightly dealt with than the declarations of His own Wordwouldleadustoexpect.Weopposetothesedeceitfulandpresumptuous

speculations the solemn truth, that God is unchanging in veracity andpurpose,infaithfulnessandjustice(J.Dick,1850).

TheHolinessofGod

"Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? for thouonlyartholy"(Rev.15:4).Heonlyisindependently,infinitely,immutablyholy. In Scripture, He is frequently styled "The Holy One." He is sobecausethesumofallmoralexcellencyisfoundinHim.Heisabsolutepurity,unsulliedevenbytheshadowofsin."Godislight,andinhimisnodarknessatall"(1John1:5).Holinessistheveryexcellencyofthedivinenature; thegreatGod is "glorious inholiness" (Ex. 15:11).Thereforeweread,"Thouartofpurereyesthantobeholdevil,andcanstnot lookoniniquity"(Hab.1:13).

As God’s power is the opposite of the native weakness of thecreature,asHiswisdomis incompletecontrast fromthe leastdefectofunderstandingorfolly,soHisholinessistheveryantithesisofallmoralblemish or defilement. Of old God appointed singers in Israel "thatshouldpraisethebeautyofholiness’"(2Chron.20:21). "Power isGod’shand or arm, omniscience His eye, mercy His bowels, eternity Hisduration,butholinessisHisbeauty"(S.Charnock).Itisthis,supremely,which renders Him lovely to those who are delivered from sin’sdominion.

AchiefemphasisisplaceduponthisperfectionofGod.

GodisoftenerstyledHolythanAlmighty,andsetforthbythispartofHisdignitymorethanbyanyother.ThisismorefixedonasanepithettoHisnamethananyother.Youneverfinditexpressed"Hismightyname"or"Hiswisename,"butHisgreatname,andmostofall,Hisholyname.This is the greatest title of honor; in this latter doth the majesty andvenerablenessofHisnameappear(S.Charnock).

This perfection, as none other, is solemnly celebrated before the

throneofheaven,theseraphimcrying,"Holy,holy,holy,istheLORDofhosts" (Isa. 6:3).GodHimself singles out this perfection, "Once have Iswornbymyholiness" (Ps.89:35).GodswearsbyHisholinessbecausethatisafullerexpressionofHimselfthananythingelse.

Thereforeweareexhorted,"SinguntotheLORD,Oyesaintsofhis,and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness" (Ps. 30:4). "Thismay be said to be a transcendental attribute, that, as it were, runsthrough the rest, and casts lustre upon them. It is an attribute ofattributes" (J.Howe, 1670).Thuswe readof "thebeauty of theLORD"(Ps.27:4),whichisnoneotherthan"thebeautyofholiness"(Ps.110:3).

As it seems to challenge an excellency above all His otherperfections, so it is the glory of all the rest: as it is the glory of theGodhead, so it is the glory of every perfection in the Godhead; as Hispoweristhestrengthofthem,soHisholinessisthebeautyofthem;asallwould be weak without almightiness to back them, so all would beuncomelywithoutholinesstoadornthem.Shouldthisbesullied,alltherestwouldlosetheirhonor;asatthesameinstantthesunshouldloseitslight, it would lose its heat, its strength, its generative and quickeningvirtue.AssincerityisthelustreofeverygraceinaChristian,soispuritythe splendor of every attribute in the Godhead. His justice is a holyjustice,Hiswisdomaholywisdom,Hispowera"holyarm"(Ps.98:1).Histruthorpromisea"holypromise"(Ps.105:42).Hisname,whichsignifiesallHisattributesinconjunction,"isholy,"(Ps.103:1)(S.Charnock).

God’sholinessismanifestedinHisworks."TheLORDisrighteousinallHisways,andholyinallhisworks"(Ps.145:17).NothingbutwhatisexcellentcanproceedfromHim.HolinessistheruleofallHisactions.AtthebeginningHepronouncedall thatHemade"verygood"(Gen.1:31),which He could not have done had there been anything imperfect orunholy in them. Man was made "upright" (Ecclesiastes 7:29), in theimageandlikenessofhisCreator.Theangelsthatfellwerecreatedholy,for we are told that they "kept not their first habitation" (Jude 6). OfSatanitiswritten,"Thouwastperfectinthywaysfromthedaythatthouwastcreated,tilliniquitywasfoundinthee"(Ezek.28:15).

God’sholinessismanifestedinHisLaw.ThatLawforbidssininall

ofitsmodifications—initsmostrefined,aswellasitsgrossestforms,theintentofthemindaswellasthepollutionofthebody,thesecretdesireaswell as the overt act. Therefore we read, "Thy law is holy, and thecommandment holy, and just, and good" (Rom. 7:12). Yes, "thecommandment of theLORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear oftheLORDisclean,enduringforever:thejudgmentsoftheLORDaretrueandrighteousaltogether"(Ps.19:8,9).

God’sholinessismanifestedatthecross.Wondrously,andyetmostsolemnly does the atonement display God’s infinite holiness andabhorrenceofsin.HowhatefulmustsinbetoGodforHimtopunishittoitsutmostdessertswhenitwasimputedtoHisSon!

Notall thevialsof judgmentthathaveorshallbepouredoutuponthewickedworld,nor the flaming furnaceof a sinner’s conscience,northeirreversiblesentencepronouncedagainsttherebelliousdemons,northegroansofthedamnedcreatures,givesuchademonstrationofGod’shatred of sin, as the wrath of God let loose upon His Son. Never didDivine holiness appearmore beautiful and lovely than at the time ourSavior’scountenancewasmostmarredinthemidstofHisdyinggroans.This Himself acknowledges in Psalm 22. When God had turned HissmilingfacefromHim,andthrustHissharpknifeintoHisheart,whichforced that terrible cry from Him, "My God, My God, why hast thouforsaken me?" He adores this perfection—"Thou art holy," (v. 3) (S.Charnock).

BecauseGodisholyHehatesallsin.Heloveseverythingwhichisinconformity to His laws, and loathes everything contrary to them. HisWord plainly declares, "The froward is an abomination to the LORD"(Prov.3:32).Andagain,"Thethoughtsofthewickedareanabominationto the LORD" (Prov. 15:26). It follows, therefore, that He mustnecessarily punish sin. Sin can no more exist without demanding HispunishmentthanitcanwithoutrequiringHishatredofit.Godhasoftenforgivensinners,butHeneverforgivessin;thesinnerisonlyforgivenonthe ground of Another having borne his punishment; for "withoutshedding of blood is no remission" (Heb. 9:22). Therefore we are told"The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reservethwrath forHis enemies" (Nah. 1:2). For one sin God banished our first

parents fromEden; for one sin all the posterity of Canaan fell under acurse which remains over them to this day; for one sin Moses wasexcludedfromthepromisedland;Elisha’sservantsmittenwith leprosy;AnaniasandSapphirawerecutofffromthelandoftheliving.

Herewe findproof for thedivine inspirationof theScriptures.TheunregeneratedonotreallybelieveintheholinessofGod.TheirconceptofHis character is altogetherone-sided.They fondlyhope thatHismercywill override everything else. "Thou thoughtest that Iwas altogether asthyself" (Ps. 50:21), isGod’s charge against them. They think only of agod patterned after their own evil hearts, hence their continuance in acourseofmadfolly.Suchistheholinessascribedtothedivinenatureandcharacter in Scripture that it clearly demonstrates their superhumanorigin.

Thecharacterattributed to thegodsof theancientsandofmodernheathendom are the very reverse of that immaculate purity whichpertains to the true God. An ineffably holy God, who has the utmostabhorrence of all sin, was never invented by any of Adam’s fallendescendants! The fact is that nothing reveals more of the terribledepravity ofman’s heart andhis enmity against the livingGod than tohavesetbeforehimOnewhoininfinitelyandimmutablyholy.Hisownideaofsin ispractically limitedtowhat theworldcallscrime.Anythingshort of that, man palliates as "defects," "mistakes," "infirmities." Andevenwheresinisownedatall,manmakesexcusesandextenuationsforit.

The God which the vast majority of professing Christians love, islookeduponverymuch like an indulgent oldman,whohimself hasnorelishforfolly,butlenientlywinksattheindiscretionsofyouth.ButtheWord says, "Thou hatest all workers of iniquity" (Ps. 5:5). And again,"God is angrywith thewicked every day" (Ps. 7:11). Butmen refuse tobelieve in this God, and gnash their teeth when His hatred of sin isfaithfullypressedupontheirattention.No,sinfulmanwasnomorelikelyto devise a holyGod than to create the lake of fire inwhich hewill betormentedforeverandever.

BecauseGodisholy,acceptancewithHimonthegroundofcreature

doingsisutterlyimpossible.AfallencreaturecouldsoonercreateaworldthanproducethatwhichwouldmeettheapprovalofinfinitePurity.Candarkness dwell with light? Can the Immaculate One take pleasure in"filthyrags"(Isa.64:6)?Thebestthatsinfulmanbringsforthisdefiled.Acorrupt treecannotbeargood fruit.GodwoulddenyHimself,vilifyHisperfections,wereHetoaccountasrighteousandholythatwhichisnotsoin itself;andnothing is sowhichhas the least stainupon it contrary tothenatureofGod.ButthatwhichHisholinessdemandedHisgracehasprovidedinChristJesusourLord.EverypoorsinnerwhohasfledtoHimforrefugestands,"acceptedinthebeloved"(Eph.1:6).

BecauseGodisholy,theutmostreverencebecomesourapproachestoHim."Godisgreatlytobefearedintheassemblyofthesaints,andtobe had in reverence of all about him" (Ps. 89:7). Then, "Exalt ye theLORDourGod,andworshipathisfootstool;heisholy"(Ps.99:5).Yes,"atHisfootstool,"inthelowestpostureofhumility,prostratebeforeHim.WhenMoseswouldapproachuntotheburningbush,Godsaid, "putoffthyshoesfromoffthyfeet"(Ex.3:5).Heistobeserved"withfear"(Ps.2:11).OfIsraelHisdemandwas,"Iwillbesanctified inthemthatcomenighMe, and before all the people I will be glorified" (Lev. 10:3). ThemoreourheartsareawedbyHisineffableholiness,themoreacceptablewillbeourapproachestoHim.

BecauseGodisholy,weshoulddesiretobeconformedtoHim.Hiscommandis,"Beyeholy,forIamholy"(1Pet.1:16).WearenotbiddentobeomnipotentoromniscientasGodis,butwearetobeholy,andthat"inall manner of deportment" (1 Pet. 1:15). "This is the prime way ofhonoring God. We do not so glorify God by elevated admirations, oreloquentexpressions,orpompousservicesofHim,aswhenweaspiretoaconversingwithHimwithunstainedspirits,andlivetoHiminlivinglikeHim" (S. Charnock). Then as God alone is the source and fount ofholiness,letusearnestlyseekholinessfromHim;letourdailyprayerbethatHemay"sanctifyuswholly;andourwholespiritandsoulandbodybe preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1Thess.5:23).

ThePowerofGod

WECANNOTHAVE a right conception of God unlesswe think ofHimasall-powerful,aswellasall-wise.HewhocannotdowhathewillandperformallhispleasurecannotbeGod.AsGodhasawilltoresolvewhatHedeemsgood,soHehaspowertoexecuteHiswill.

ThepowerofGodisthatabilityandstrengthwherebyHecanbringto pass whatsoever He pleases, whatsoever His infinite wisdom maydirect,andwhatsoevertheinfinitepurityofHiswillmayresolve . . .AsholinessisthebeautyofallGod’sattributes,sopoweristhatwhichgiveslifeandactiontoalltheperfectionsoftheDivinenature.Howvainwouldbetheeternalcounsels,ifpowerdidnotstepintoexecutethem.WithoutpowerHismercywouldbebutfeeblepity,Hispromisesanemptysound,Histhreateningsamerescare-crow.God’spowerislikeHimself:infinite,eternal, incomprehensible; it can neither be checked, restrained, norfrustratedbythecreature(S.Charnock).

"God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this, that powerbelongethuntoGod"(Ps.62:11)."Godhathspokenonce";nothingmoreis necessary! Heaven and earth shall pass away, but His word abidesforever. "Godhath spokenonce"; howbefittingHis divinemajesty!Wepoormortalsmayspeakoftenandyetfailtobeheard.HespeaksbutonceandthethunderofHispowerisheardonathousandhills.

TheLORDalsothunderedintheheavens,andtheHighestgavehisvoice; hailstones and coals of fire. Yea, he sent out his arrows, andscatteredthem;andheshotout lightnings,anddiscomfitedthem.Thenthechannelsofwaterswereseenandthefoundationsoftheworldwerediscovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thynostrils"(Ps.18:13-15).

"Godhathspokenonce."BeholdHisunchangingauthority."ForwhointheheavencanbecompareduntotheLORD?whoamongthesonsofthe mighty can be likened unto the LORD?" (Ps. 89:6). "And all theinhabitantsof theeartharereputedasnothing:andhedoethaccordingtohiswillinthearmyofheaven,andamongtheinhabitantsoftheearth:

andnone can stayhishand,or sayuntohim,Whatdoest thou?" (Dan.4:35). This was openly displayed when God became incarnate andtabernacledamongmen.TotheleperHesaid,"Iwill,bethouclean,andimmediately his leprosywas cleansed" (Matthew8:3). To onewho hadlaininthegravefourdaysHecried,"Lazarus,comeforth,"andthedeadcame forth. The stormy wind and the angry waves hushed at a singleword fromHim. A legion of demons could not resist His authoritativecommand.

"PowerbelongethuntoGod,"andtoHimalone.NotacreatureintheentireuniversehasanatomofpowersavewhatGoddelegates.ButGod’spower isnotacquired,nordoes itdependuponany recognitionbyanyotherauthority.ItbelongstoHiminherently.

God’s power is like Himself, self-existent, self-sustained. Themightiestofmencannotaddsomuchasashadowofincreasedpowertothe omnipotent One. He sits on no buttressed throne and leans on noassistingarm.His court isnotmaintainedbyHis courtiers,nordoes itborrow its splendor fromHis creatures.He isHimself thegreatcentralsourceandOriginatorofallpower(C.H.Spurgeon).

NotonlydoesallcreationbearwitnesstothegreatpowerofGod,butalso toHisentire independencyofall created things.Listen toHisownchallenge: "Wherewast thouwhen I laid the foundations of the earth?declare,ifthouhastunderstanding.Whohathlaidthemeasuresthereof,ifthouknowest?orwhohathstretchedthelineuponit?Whereuponarethe foundations thereof fastened or who laid the cornerstone thereof?"(Job38:4-6).Howcompletelyistheprideofmanlaidinthedust!

PowerisalsousedasanameofGod,"theSonofmansittingattherighthandofpower"(Mark14:62),thatis,attherighthandofGod.Godandpoweraresoinseparablethattheyarereciprocated.AsHisessenceisimmense,nottobeconfinedinplace;asitiseternal,nottobemeasuredin time; so it is almighty, not to be limited in regard of action (S.Charnock).

"Lo,thesearepartsofhisways:buthowlittleaportionisheardofhim?but the thunder ofHis powerwho can understand?" (Job26:14).

WhoisabletocountallthemonumentsofHispower?EventhatwhichisdisplayedofHismightinthevisiblecreationisutterlybeyondourpowersofcomprehension,stilllessareweabletoconceiveofomnipotenceitself.There is infinitely more power lodged in the nature of God than isexpressedinallHisworks.

"Parts of hisways"webehold in creation, providence, redemption,butonlya "littlepart"ofHismight is seen in them.Remarkably this isbroughtoutinHabakkuk3:4;"andtherewasthehidingofHispower."Itis scarcely possible to imagine anything more grandiloquent than theimageryofthiswholechapter;yetnothinginitsurpassesthenobilityofthis statement. The prophet (in a vision) beheld the mighty Godscattering the hills and overturning the mountains, which one wouldthink afforded an amazing demonstration of His power. Nay, says ourverse,thatisratherthe"hiding"thanthedisplayingofHispower.Whatdoes it mean? So inconceivable, so immense, so uncontrollable is thepower of deity, that the fearful convulsions which He works in natureconcealmorethantheyrevealofHisinfinitemight!

It is very beautiful to link together the following passages: "Hewalketh upon the waves of the sea" (Job 9:8), which expresses God’suncontrollablepower."Hewalkethinthecircuitofheaven"(Job22:14),whichtellsoftheimmensityofHispresence."Hewalkethuponthewingsof the wind" (Ps. 104:3), which signifies the amazing swiftness of Hisoperations. This last expression is very remarkable. It is not that "Heflieth,"or"runneth,"butthatHe"walketh"andthat,onthevery"wingsofthewind"—onthemostimpetuousoftheelements,tossedintoutmostrage,andsweepingalongwithalmostinconceivablerapidity,yettheyareunderHisfeet,beneathHisperfectcontrol!

LetusnowconsiderGod’spowerincreation."Theheavensarethine,theearthalsoisthine,asfortheworldandthefullnessthereof,thouhastfounded them. The north and the south thou hast created them" (Ps.89:11-12).Beforemancanworkhemusthaveboth toolsandmaterials.ButGodbeganwithnothing, andbyHiswordaloneoutofnothingHemadeallthings.Theintellectcannotgraspit.God"spakeanditwasdone,Hecommandedanditstoodfast"(Ps.33:9).PrimevalmatterheardHisvoice. "Godsaid,Let therebe . . . and itwasso" (Gen. 1).Wellmaywe

exclaim, "Thouhastamightyarm: strong is thyhand,high is thy righthand"(Ps.89:13).

Who, that looks upward to the midnight sky; and, with an eye ofreason,beholdsitsrollingwonders;whocanforbearenquiring,Ofwhatwere theirmighty orbs formed?Amazing to relate, theywereproducedwithoutmaterials.Theysprung fromemptiness itself.Thestately fabricofuniversalnatureemergedoutofnothing.Whatinstrumentswereusedby the Supreme Architect to fashion the parts with such exquisiteniceness, and give so beautiful a polish to the whole? How was it allconnected intoone finely-proportionedandnobly finished structure?Abarefiataccomplishedall.Letthembe,saidGod.Headdednomore;andat once the marvelous edifice arose, adorned with every beauty,displaying innumerable perfections, and declaring amidst enrapturedseraphs its great Creator’s praise. "By the word of the LORDwere theheavens made, and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth,"Psalm150:1(JamesHervey,1789).

Consider God’s power in preservation. No creature has power topreserveitself."Cantherushgrowupwithoutmire?Cantheflaggrowupwithoutwater?"(Job8:11)Bothmanandbeastwouldperishiftherewerenotherbsforfood,andherbswouldwitheranddieiftheearthwerenotrefreshedwithfruitfulshowers.Therefore isGodcalledthePreserverof"manandbeast"(Ps.36:6).He"upholdethall thingsbythewordofhispower"(Heb.1:3).

ThepreservationoftheearthfromtheviolenceoftheseaisanotherplaininstanceofGod’smight.Howisthatragingelementkeptconfinedwithin those limits where He first lodged it, continuing its channel,withoutoverflowingtheearthanddashinginpiecesthelowerpartofthecreation? The natural situation of the water is to be above the earth,because it is lighter, and to be immediately under the air, because it isheavier.Whorestrainsthenaturalqualityofit?Certainlymandoesnot,andcannot.ItisthefiatofitsCreatorwhichalonebridlesit:"Andsaid,Hithertoshaltthoucome,butnofurther:andhereshallthyproudwavesbestayed"(Job38:11).WhatastandingmonumentofthepowerofGodthepreservationoftheworldis!

Consider God’s power in government. Take His restraint of themalice of Satan. "The devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seekingwhomhemaydevour"(1Pet.5:8).HeisfilledwithhatredagainstGod,and with fiendish enmity against men, particularly the saints. He whoenviedAdaminparadise,enviesusthepleasureofenjoyinganyofGod’sblessings.Couldhehavehiswill,hewouldtreatusall thesamewayhetreated Job; hewould send fire fromheaven on the fruits of the earth,destroythecattle,causeawindtooverthrowourhouses,andcoverourbodieswithboils.But, littleasmenmayrealize it,Godbridleshimtoalarge extent, prevents him from carrying out his evil designs, andconfineshimwithinHisordinations.

Too, God restrains the natural corruption of men. He sufferssufficientoutbreaksofsintoshowwhatfearfulhavochasbeenwroughtbyman’s apostasy from hisMaker. But who can conceive the frightfullengths towhichmenwouldgowereGodtoremoveHiscurbing hand?"Theirmouthisfullofcursingandbitterness,theirfeetareswifttoshedblood"(Rom.3:15)isthenatureofeverydescendantofAdam.Thenwhatunbridled licentiousness and headstrong folly would triumph in theworld,ifthepowerofGoddidnotinterposetolockdowntheflood-gatesofit.SeePsalm93:3-4.

ConsiderGod’spowerinjudgment.WhenHesmites,nonecanresistHim(seeEzekiel22:14).Howterriblythiswasexemplifiedat theflood!Godopenedthewindowsofheavenandbrokeupthegreat fountainsofthedeep,and(exceptingthoseintheark)theentirehumanrace,helplessbefore the storm of His wrath, was swept away. A shower of fire andbrimstone from heaven, and the cities of the plain were exterminated.Pharaohandall hishostswere impotentwhenGodblewupon thematthe Red Sea. What a terrific word is in Romans 9:22: "What if God,willing to show wrath, and to make His power known, endured withmuch long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction." God isgoing to display His mighty power upon the reprobate, not merely byincarcerating them in Gehenna, but by supernaturally preserving theirbodiesaswellassoulsamidtheeternalburningsofthelakeoffire.

WellmayalltremblebeforesuchaGod.TotreatwithdisrespectOnewhocancrushusmoreeasilythanwecanamoth,isasuicidalpolicy.To

openly defy Him who is clothed with omnipotence, who can rend inpieces or cast into hell any moment He pleases, is the very height ofinsanity.Toput it on its lowest ground, it is but thepart ofwisdom toheedHiscommand,"Kiss theSon, lesthebeangry,andyeperishfromtheway,whenhiswrathiskindledbutalittle"(Ps.2:12).

Well may the enlightened soul adore such a God! The wondrous,infinite perfections of such a Being call for fervent worship. If men ofmight and renown claim the admiration of theworld, howmuchmoreshouldthepowerof theAlmighty filluswithwondermentandhomage."Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods, who is like thee,gloriousinholiness,fearfulinpraises,doingwonders"(Ex.15:11).

Well may the saint trust such a God! He is worthy of implicitconfidence.NothingistoohardforHim.IfGodwerestintedinmightandhada limit toHisstrengthwemightwelldespair.ButseeingthatHeisclothedwithomnipotence,noprayer is toohard forHimtoanswer,noneed too great for Him to supply, no passion too strong for Him tosubdue,no temptation toopowerful forHimtodeliver from,nomiserytoodeepforHimtorelieve."TheLordisthestrengthofmylife;ofwhomshallIbeafraid?"(Ps.27:1)."Nowuntohimthatisabletodoexceedingabundantly above all thatwe ask or think, according to the power thatworketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesusthroughoutallages,worldwithoutend.Amen"(Eph.3:20-21).

TheFaithfulnessofGod

UnfaithfulnessIsOneofthemostoutstandingsinsoftheseevildays.Inthebusinessworld,aman’swordis,withrareexceptions,nolongerhisbond.In thesocialworld,marital infidelityaboundsoneveryhand, thesacredbondsofwedlockarebrokenwithaslittleregardasdiscardinganold garment. In the ecclesiastical realm, thousands who have solemnlycovenanted to preach the truth have no scruples about attacking anddenyingit.Norcanreaderorwriterclaimcomplete immunityfromthisfearfulsin.HowmanywayshavewebeenunfaithfultoChrist,andtothe

lightandprivilegeswhichGodhasentrustedtous!Howrefreshing,then,andhowblessed,toliftoureyesabovethissceneofruin,andbeholdOnewhoisfaithful,faithfulinallthings,atalltimes.

"KnowthereforethattheLORDthyGod,heisGod,thefaithfulGod"(Deut.7:9).ThisqualityisessentialtoHisbeing,withoutitHewouldnotbeGod.ForGodtobeunfaithfulwouldbetoactcontrarytoHisnature,whichisimpossible."Ifwebelievenot,yetheabidethfaithful;hecannotdenyhimself’(2Tim.2:13).FaithfulnessisoneofthegloriousperfectionsofHisbeing.Heisclothedwithit:"OLORDGodofhosts,whoisastrongLORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?" (Ps.89:8). So too when God became incarnate it was said, "Righteousnessshallbe thegirdleofHis loins, and faithfulness thegirdleofHis reins"(Isa.11:5).

WhatawordinPsalm36:5,"Thymercy,OLORD,isintheheavens;andThyfaithfulnessuntotheclouds."Faraboveallfinitecomprehensionis the unchanging faithfulness of God. Everything about God is great,vast, imcomparable. He never forgets, never fails, never falters, neverforfeitsHisword.ToeverydeclarationofpromiseorprophecytheLordhasexactlyadhered;everyengagementofcovenantorthreateningHewillmakegood,for"Godisnotaman,thatheshouldlie;neitherthesonofman,thatheshouldrepent:hathhesaid,andshallhenotdoit?orhathhespoken,andshallhenotmakeitgood?"(Num.23:19).Thereforedoesthe believer exclaim, "His compassions fail not, they are new everymorning:greatisthyfaithfulness"(Lam.3:22-33).

Scripture abounds in illustrations of God’s faithfulness.More than4,000 years ago He said, "While the earth remaineth, seedtime andharvest,andcoldandheat,andsummerandwinter,anddayandnightshallnotcease"(Gen.8:22).EveryyearfurnishesafreshwitnesstoGod’sfulfillment of this promise. In Genesis 15 Jehovah declared untoAbraham, "thy seed shallbea stranger in a land that isnot theirs, andshallservethem.. .Butinthefourthgenerationtheyshallcomehitheragain" (vv. 13-16). Centuries ran their weary course. Abraham’sdescendants groaned amid the brickkilns of Egypt. Had God forgottenHispromise?No,indeed.Exodus12:41,"Anditcametopassattheendofthefourhundredandthirtyyears,eventheselfsamedayitcametopass,

thatallthehostsoftheLORDwentoutfromthelandofEgypt."ThroughIsaiahtheLorddeclared,"Behold,avirginshallconceive,andbearason,andshallcallhisnameImmanuel"(Isa.7:14).Againcenturiespassed,but"Whenthefullnessofthetimewascome,GodsentforthhisSon,madeofawoman"(Gal.4:4).

Godistrue.HisWordofpromiseissure.InallHisrelationswithHispeople God is faithful. Hemay be safely relied upon. No one ever yetreallytrustedHiminvain.Wefindthisprecioustruthexpressedalmosteverywhere in the Scriptures, for His people need to know thatfaithfulnessisanessentialpartofthedivinecharacter.Thisisthebasisofour confidence inHim.But it is one thing to accept the faithfulness ofGodasadivinetruth,itisquiteanothertoactuponit.Godhasgivenusmany "exceeding great and precious promises," but are we reallycountingonHisfulfillmentofthem?DoweactuallyexpectHimtodoforusall thatHehassaid?Arewerestingwith implicitassuranceonthesewords,"Heisfaithfulthatpromised"(Heb.10:23).

Thereareseasonsinthelivesofallwhenitisnoteasy,notevenforChristians, to believe that God is faithful. Our faith is sorely tried, oureyesdimmedwith tears, andwe canno longer trace the outworking ofHislove.Ourearsaredistractedwiththenoisesoftheworld,harassedbytheatheisticwhisperingsofSatan,andwecanno longerhear thesweetaccents of His still small voice. Cherished plans have been thwarted,friendsonwhomwereliedhavefailedus,aprofessedbrotherorsisterinChristhasbetrayedus.Wearestaggered.WesoughttobefaithfultoGod,andnowadarkcloudhidesHimfromus.

Wefinditdifficult,yes,impossible,forcarnalreasonstoharmonizeHis frowningprovidencewithHisgraciouspromises.Ah, falteringsoul,seek grace to heed Isaiah 50:10, "Who is among you that feareth theLORD,thatobeyeththevoiceofhisservant,thatwalkethindarknessandhathnolight?lethimtrustinthenameoftheLORD,andstayuponhisGod."

WhenyouaretemptedtodoubtthefaithfulnessofGod,cryout,"Gettheehence,Satan."ThoughyoucannotnowharmonizeGod’smysteriousdealingswiththeavowalsofHislove,waitonHimformorelight.InHis

owngoodtimeHewillmakeitplaintoyou."WhatIdothouknowestnotnow, but thou shalt know hereafter" (John 13:7). The sequel willdemonstratethatGodhasneitherforsakennordeceivedHischild."Andtherefore will the LORD wait that he may be gracious unto you, andthereforewill hebe exalted, thathemayhavemercyupon you: for theLORDisaGodofjudgment:blessedarealltheythatwaitforhim"(Isa.30:18).

"JudgenottheLordbyfeeblesense,ButtrustHimforHisgrace,BehindafrowningprovidenceHehidesasmilingface.Yefearfulsaints,freshcouragetake,Thecloudsyesomuchdread,Arerichwithmercy,andshallbreakInblessingo’eryourhead."

"Thy testimonies which thou hast commanded are righteous andveryfaithful"(Ps.119:138).Godhasnotonlytoldusthebest,butalsoHehasnotwithheldtheworst.Hehasfaithfullydescribedtheruinwhichthefall effected; He has faithfully diagnosed the terrible state which sinproduced;He has faithfullymade knownHis inveterate hatred of evil,andthatHemustpunishthesame;HehasfaithfullywarnedusthatHeis"a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:29). Not only does His Word abound inillustrationsofHis fidelity in fulfillingHispromises,butalso it recordsnumerousexamplesofHisfaithfulnessinmakinggoodHisthreatenings.EverystageofIsrael’shistoryexemplifiesthatsolemnfact.Soitwaswithindividuals: Pharaoh, Korah, Achan, and a host of others are manyproofs.Thusitwillbewithyou.Unlessyouhavefled,orflee,toChristforrefuge, the everlasting burning of the lake of fire will be your certainportion.Godisfaithful.

GodisfaithfulinpreservingHispeople."Godisfaithful,bywhomyeare called unto the fellowship ofHis Son" (1 Cor. 1:9). In the previousverseapromisewasmadethatGodwouldconfirmuntotheendHisownpeople.Theapostle’sconfidenceintheabsolutesecurityofbelieverswasfoundednoton the strengthof their resolutions or ability to persevere,butontheveracityoftheOnewhocannotlie.SinceGodhaspromisedto

HisSonacertainpeopleforHisinheritance,todeliverthemfromsinandcondemnation,andtobecometheparticipantsofeternallifeinglory,itiscertainthatHewillnotallowanyofthemtoperish.

God is faithful indiscipliningHispeople.He is faithful inwhatHewithholds,nolessthaninwhatHegives.Heisfaithfulinsendingsorrowaswellasingivingjoy.ThefaithfulnessofGodisatruthtobeconfessedbyusnotonlywhenweareatease,butalsowhenwearesmartingunderthesharpestrebuke.Normustthisconfessionbemerelyofourmouths,butofourheartsalso.WhenGodsmitesuswiththerodofchastisement,it is faithfulness which wields it. To acknowledge this means that wehumbleourselvesbeforeHim,ownthatwefullydeserveHiscorrection;andinsteadofmurmuring,thankHimforit.Godneverafflictswithoutareason: "For this cause many are weak and sickly among you" (1 Cor.11:30),illustratesthisprinciple.WhenHisro