There is a study upon which I feel urged to embark; although I somewhat tremble at the prospects, for many worthier Bible Scholars have feigned to approach the subject. Yet, the very depths of it still press upon my heart. It is in those moments that I find it necessary to withdraw into prayer and study of the scripture. Only God is able to reveal the truths needed to help me understand and only He can enlighten you, my readers as well. I cannot have any understanding of Him unless it is He who reveals it. He, it was that chose me before the foundations of the world. I marvel at the very thought of it. There is nothing in me or that I am which would have commended me to Him; yet, He loved me and He chose me.
“The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love.” quoted from
Henry Scougal in The Life of God in the Soul of Man
Look at Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” There it is. “Predestined unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” Frequently we may look at someone who loves us and say, “Why do you love me?” If I were to look at God and ask that very question, I am certain His answer would be
the same as He gave to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 7:8 “I love you because I love you.” He owes no explanation; because there is none except for the truth that He did. So, begins the complexity of the questions. Some of which I hope to approach with God’s guidance; for unless He reaches forth with future grace that enlightens both myself the writer and you the reader then we shall both go down this path to no avail. How do we reconcile predestination with free will and choice? Given that God is sovereign and any knowledge of God must begin with His revealing Himself to me, then why are some condemned? If it is true that God choses whom He will, then why does He command us to evangelize and to preach? Why is it that Christ Himself, found it necessary to give an "invitational" in His preaching? Why are we commanded to pray and to ask God, if indeed He is going to perform in our life whatever He sees as best? Then why pray and why preach? Philippians 2: “13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Perhaps some very tough questions; but some questions which I do believe can revolutionize our Christian walk, as we seek to search out the very heart of God. That will be where we must begin. Yet, this must be broken down into a series and steps for us to embark upon this subject. The full magnitude of God’s Majesty and Glory we will not be able to see this side of heaven; yet, we are enriched by the quest. After all, since He loved me that much, why wouldn’t I want to get to know Him more and more? My desire is to love Him better each day and the only way to do that is to seek Him more every day. Come along this journey with me. I welcome your comments, your thoughts and your insights as well.
As we begin this series, I wanted to share with you this song with words published by Daniel W. Whittle 1883 (copyright listed as public domain)
1. I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
o Refrain:
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
2. I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
3. I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
4. I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.
5. I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
The music was written then by James Mc Granahan. I found a beautiful cello rendition which I hope you enjoy. “I Know Whom I Have Believed”
©2013 Effie Darlene Barba
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