Only one Word this week. (see there is something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving). In that regards, Happy thanksgiving to all, and I hope and pray we all are thankful for our lot. In that absents of our study I did add and extra reading if any are interested. I pray God gives us the ears to hear His words and that He continues to bless this devotional journey we continue in.
For those who may what to read more. C.H. Spurgeon a great writer, preacher, wrote this article Sovereign Electing Grace
I believe I have posted or linked Don Fortner’s articles before. I enjoy them so hear is another that was perfect that I studied when doing today's Word. Some believed and some not.. Why?
Finally as I mentioned bonus material to study more on election and to answer the question Is everyone going to Hell?
Jhn 8:47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
- What is it to be of God?
- Why again did they not hear? (Did they have a choice?)
In verse 43 we dealt with the question why did they not hear. Hear we not only have an explanation “because ye are not of God”, but we are caused to meditate on who is “of God”. Who or what is it to be His sheep. First you are sheep by eternal election. He chose you before the foundation of this world. You are “of God” because you were born that way; you were born into the kingdom of God. You are not “of God” because of nationality, your will, or because you decided to believe but you are “of God” only by the will of God. (Eph 1:4; Jhn 17:9; II Tim 2:19). Next you are sheep because the Master made the greatest sacrifice that He may be able to bring you into His flock. You are “of God” if you were adopted into His family. By His grace while we were yet sinners it pleased Him to offer the sacrifice of His Son for our sins. (Gal 4:5) “To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Finally you are sheep because the Master watches us, protects us, and keep us. You are “of God” in inheritance. God has His people and they shall be saved and He will watch over them and they shall endure to the end (Rom 8:28). God has redeemed into His kingdom by the finished work of Christ and called by the Spirit, and those children hear the voice of their Father and come, and they are protected and cared for till the end.
Back to our verse let us note that those “of God” heareth God’s words. Those that are called that are His sheep will come, they shall believe. For if they are of God they are elected unto salvation, predestinated to glory, called by the Spirit, love the voice of their master, and come to Him willingly (Jhn 1:13). So why do others not come when the Master calls for all to come to Him (John 10:26) “But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.”
