Page Two: “The Wisdom of God’s Purposes” 11/04/12
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The general and basic nature of man comes into play here. How would you describe the basic nature of man? Would you say, “Man is basically good”? Would you say “man tries his best to be a good soul”? Would you say “people may sin a bit; but they do their best”?
Here’s a word from Paul to the Church at Rome. Romans 3:10. Romans 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (11) There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. (12) They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” That is a very strong indictment; isn’t it? You see, the heart of man is exposed by the light of Scripture. We all deeply wish we were more righteous or basically good or that we always did our best. But the truth is just the opposite and it is very powerful. And what did Jesus say about us? Matthew 19:17 “And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” And how did Jesus view the heart of man? Mark 7:21 “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, (22) Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: (23) All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” You see, it may be humbling for you and me to receive, but, folks, Christ died for the ungodly. He went to Calvary for sinners. He died in the place of those who despised Him. The Cross shows us the concern of God for the human race. Romans 5:6 “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. |
(8) But God commendeth [shows] his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
And, folks, when you see yourself as you truly are in the sight of the LORD, you know immediately that you are far from the ideal. You and I have completely missed the mark. Yet, what has God done? How has He dealt towards the likes of you and me? He showed His concern by sending His Son into this world to become your Savior. Jesus is the Savior of the world. John 4:42 “And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” I John 4:14 “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” First, then, His concern. Second, God’s good work on the Cross. Notice again the words of Colossians 1:21. (21) “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (22) In the body of his flesh through death,… This term “sometime” means “formerly.” Paul writes to the Church at Colosse and reminds them of what they had been at one time. They, like you and me, had been “alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works.” And fortunately we find this wonderful word of Scripture “yet.” “Yet” is an adverb. It means nevertheless. It means that in spite of what I have just said, this is what took place. Here’s something wonderful to consider. Even though we all are alienated and enemies; even though we are walking in wicked works and attempting to bring honor to ourselves, God moves towards us. Verse twenty-one again; “And you … He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death. |