"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Rom. 8:28-32
"How is it imaginable that God should withhold, after this, spiritual blessings or temporal blessings from His people? How shall He not call them effectually, justify them freely, sanctify them thoroughly, and glorify them eternally? How shall He not clothe them, feed them, protect and deliver them? Surely if He would not spare His own Son one stroke, one tear, one groan, one sigh, one circumstance or misery, it can never be imagined that He should, after this, deny or withhold from His people, for [whose] sakes all this was suffered, any mercies, any comforts, any privilege, spiritual or temporal, which is good for them." John Flavel
Sounds nice, doesn't it? We like that idea (And somewhat for that reason I was really not liking this quote until the last clause "which is good for them," which reconciled me to it somewhat). Nevertheless, ignoring the question of its overall validity for the moment (it has some definite truths in it, plus, as I said, some things I'm not sure about)... even if it is completely correct, I still think it's rather missing the point.
Why?
Glad you asked :-)
Because all is God.
Not to say that He has not given us many many superlatively many! blessings - try reading Ephesians 1 out loud with a bit of wonder in your voice without feeling the awe(!) - and of course material blessings as well - but that is not the most important.
He has given us Himself. And He is All.
1 comment:
Is it not amazing, though? If it were human, it might be more like "I gave up my son for you, so forget about me giving you anything else, just try to make it up to me."
But what does God say? That He would "also freely give us all things!" What grace! What kindness! Truly, all is God. And having given us Himself, we need naught else. Yet He still blesses us so richly...how can we ever fully appreciate, much less comprehend God's love for us?
--Josiah C.
Post a Comment