Sunday, May 26, 2013

Chipping Away at the Exclusivity of Christ


CHIPPING AWAY
at the
THE EXCLUSIVITY OF CHRIST

There is no doctrine or truth more foundational to the Christian faith than the redemptive exclusivity of Jesus the Christ. And let us at the outset define what we mean by that terminology.

Jn.14: Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Only Jesus died for our sins. Only Jesus was God in the flesh. Only Jesus was raised from the dead. Only Jesus conquered death and hell. Jesus alone is the Savior, the Redeemer, and the Lord of all Lords. And Jesus alone can offer and provide eternal life to a sinner. No amount of good works regardless of how noble and self sacrificing can forgive one sin or elevate a fallen sinner’s eternal status. To suggest such a thing undermines the cross and the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

Now there are more and more spiritual miscreants who openly and with great subtlety suggest that a personal faith in Jesus Christ, by name and by His Person, is unnecessary for eternal life. Many will teach that in the end everyone will be given a post mortem opportunity to believe on Jesus, while others suggest that believing in monotheism is sufficient. And still others pluck out some Scriptures from the gospels and have presented a social gospel which openly teaches that through helping the poor and the downtrodden a sinner can receive eternal life because they acted like Jesus even if they did not know Him.

And yes there are all kinds of different versions of what I just described. The common thread among them all is that they make room for redemption to an array of people who have never trusted Jesus Christ. They suggest that God will give them Jesus regardless of their belief system. In fact as God sees sinners who have had no opportunities to hear the gospel or understand it He will create a way for them to inherit eternal life which does not necessitate a personal faith or even being born again by the Spirit. And let me wade out into waters that are very unsafe within evangelical circles. Many orthodox believers firmly teach than unborn babies as well as children who die as infants will automatically go to heaven. In the end that may be true but it cannot be Scripturally authenticated. That view is usually fueled by human compassion and even some sentimentality. That belongs in God’s hands but He has not chosen to give us doctrinal illumination. And yes, I have heard many, many messages on the subject.

But all of that chips away at the truth that Jesus is the exclusive Savior and Redeemer, and that only through Him can a sinner be redeemed.

I Jn.5: 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

This is the zenith of all doctrines. It is the eternal truth which must never be diluted or compromised. It is what defines the sacrifice at Golgotha. It is the reason for the Incarnation. It illuminates man’s sin and God’s plan of salvation.

Jn.3: 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

How can it be presented more clearly? And this is the passion behind the Great Commission. And yet men have found all kinds of caveats based upon logic and applications of certain aspects of God’s divine nature. God is love but God is also just. God is merciful but God is also holy. God is love but God also exhibits wrath. God is gracious and yet God condemns sin. So how can we reconcile all these different qualities of God’s character? The cross. And without faith it is impossible to please God.

When the children of Israel made a sacrifice on the Day of Atonement did it apply to all non-Jews who were pagans but helped people? Or was it just for those who were God’s covenant people? Of course God only recognizes His covenant which was displayed temporarily by the blood of bulls and goats but now is found exclusively through Jesus Christ. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness, and we are only justified by faith in that sacrifice. There is no other way, and unless a man is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.

But when we makes exceptions that are unsound Scripturally but are arrived at through logic and argument then we enter a slippery slope. Can I say that God will not save all aborted babies? Or can I say that God will not save any children who never reach that nebulous age of accountability? What I can say for sure is that the Scriptures do not teach infant universalism, or that a sinner who never hears the gospel can still be saved. And yet that is exactly what men have constructed as truth based wholly from their own stretching of certain attributes of God. They do not stretch His holiness or justice, but they stretch His grace and mercy to cover those who still stand without saving faith. That is a form of universalism.

God can do what He pleases, obviously. But we cannot construct truths based upon what seems right to us and without solid Scriptural teachings. I have heard people suggest that the gospel of Jesus is nothing more than “information” which cannot be required of everyone for eternal salvation. They believe that sinners can be redeemed without that information through a combination of good works and a response to a nebulous caricature of God that is ignorant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now if that isn’t heresy than I do not know what is. And yet that is what many evangelicals actually believe in their hearts. And not only is that unscriptural, but is serves as a conscience salve which removes the passion of missions.

Here we are in the last days when the dictates of culture and the pleasures of sin will begin to alter the truth. I realize that many who are reading this particular post will not receive it altogether because we have been so used to the norm that any meditation outside the doctrinal box is unsettling. But the exclusivity of Christ is as important as it gets, and no one can be received through the gates of splendor without being washed in the blood of the Lamb. And since that seems like a such a narrow path the church has decided to add some caveats. From purgatory to age of accountability to unreached sinners and some other exceptions the church has created its own list of sinners who can be awarded redemption without faith. But God will be the final arbiter of redemption.

But all we can do, all we must do, is live and preach God’s Word and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. To dilute His exclusive position as Redeemer by allowing sinners to pass without Him is to violate His Word which is Him in Person. Does that violate your sense of fairness? Is it unfair that those who have never heard the gospel will perish? What if some sinner without Jesus has given his life in the service of others and has died helping the poor? Does your conscience demand that he is allowed to spend eternity with Christ? And why would a monster like Jeffrey Dahmer get to believe on Christ and gain eternal life while that humanitarian is rejected? It seems so unfair and so unjust does it not?

Yes, it does. But what is most unfair is that anyone will spend eternity with Christ. Anyone. The path is very narrow and all who pass through must go through the cross. Any other way is a delusion and a deception and leads to eternal damnation.

Jn.10: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

Jesus is the only door and all who pass through must do so by faith and not some sovereign awarding of redemption because of some limitations or because God views their filthy rags more righteous than the filthy rags of others. Let us remain steadfast in our faith that there is no other cornerstone than can be laid but that of Jesus Christ. All other ways may seem fair and logical through our own sense of fairness but they cannot stand against God’s Word which IS Jesus Christ.

27 comments:

Cal said...

My only complaint is what it means to have faith. Clearly one who is trusting on the Lord who is mentally enfeebled has a seemingly different knowledge of Jesus than a theology professor. Here I say seemingly! I've heard beautiful things about the excellency of Jesus from the lips of children.

I try and remain charitable and say: Yes, even babes, may inherit the Kingdom. Why? Because the Spirit of Christ is moving, speaking, calling, in ways we may not be able to perceive. Even those who may never have seemed to have received Christ may be in the Kingdom. For He came to them where we did not see.

However, yes, I so absolutely agree on the exclusivity of Christ. He is the Way, none other. Only He is King.

Cal

Bill Cotton said...

Dear Brother Rick,

First off, I must agree with you whole-heartedly. 100%
I must also confess that I have also said that children under the age of accountability would be in heaven. I had to repent of this thought because after what you stated, it struck my heart that you are exactly correct. There is no teaching on the matter. Your posts are very strong most of the time, but are truth. Thank you for standing firm in the faith.
May God continually bless you and your family!

Brother Bill

Cherie c. said...

YES THERE IS SCRIPTURE ON THIS!
I did not finish reading the post because I cannot believe what I am reading! Pastor Rick why are you saying this. I agree there isn't much Scripture on this but there is Scripture and I posted it the other day.

David wholeheartedly believed he world see his son. He said, "I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." 2 Samuel 12:23

This clearly states that the baby went to be with God, how can you say what you said.? I am very surprised at this and I am grieved. God is just, but although it doesn't say word for word doesnt mean that God's mercy isn't active here.

Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. What else do you need. Part of me wants to read the rest of the post hoping you somehow explain what you mean, and part of me wants to leave and not return.

Please help me understand what you are saying. I do not want to rush to judgement.

your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.

Cherie c. said...

I agree there are some, if not many preaching another gospel, and most of what you wrote is true except when you mentioned babies and children. You completely ignored Scripture of which I referenced in my last comment. How can you refute the very words of Jesus? With all due respect Pastor Rick your post on this is wrong and although the Word does not give explicit text as to this matter, anyone who truly has His Spirit would be able to glean from what Scripture is given, to know that God's mercy is greater than we know and that although we are born in sin and with a sinful nature, unborn babies and young children, I believe under the age of 4 do not exercise sin because they do not know how to use the sinful heart they are born with. A child of 4 knows how to lie, but younger, I do not think so. Jesus' love for children was very evident when He admonished us not to forbid them to come to Him. He was putting the responsibility on to adults to rear them to know Him, not to the children.

My heart hurts because of what you said. Surely you don't believe that? In shock and sadness. Not you too?

Cherie c.

Cherie c. said...

Matthew 19:14

King James Version (KJV)

14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

14 But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Need I say more?

Cherie c.

Anonymous said...

It's true. There is no other way, except through Jesus Christ.

And it's also true, that we can't make up stuff when the bible doesn't address the issue of babies or other things. But can a saved couple be sure their baby is with the Lord? If the baby can't understand who Jesus is, can he be saved? What distinction is there between a baby who has loving christian parents who dedicated their child to the Lord, and a baby whose parents were teens and this baby dies while in a foster home, where no parents dedicated it to the Lord?

I know, I know, what Bro. Rick posts here is true. We can't rationalize this and try to formulate a sentimental response. Even though our flesh, even in birth, hasn't been tainted with heart sin, our flesh has been tainted with original sin. I suppose it's the 'original' sin of our beings that began in the garden of Eden which keeps us away from seeing God, unless we are sanctified by Jesus' blood. And through the blood, God can see through our sin, covered by the blood of Jesus.

Yet, the innocent, which we all know have not had time to act sinful, rebellious, or hateful, or deceptive, in their young lives, are in God's hands, and if I were to think about all this, my mind would blow some cells. I am so thankful He is in charge and knows and leaves us His Word, as it is, with unanswered questions.

I suppose it is good to focus only on what 'is' in His Word, and not what 'isn't' - and not make up excuses for the Word when it refuses to give us explanations. I suppose to unbelievers, christians seem to always want to have all the answers and make excuses for God and become His spokesperson, yet they don't have His permission to make stuff up along the way.

When atheists or unbelievers in Christ make accusations toward christians that they are cold and callous to believe in such a God that would condemn small innocent babies to hell, our hands are tied. But, God does everything for a purpose, and if He didn't explain, we should not know.

When Job finally repented, he answered the Lord and said: "I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, "Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?" Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know." Job 42: 1-3

J.

Rick Frueh said...

As I have said in my post, which really was not about infant salvation, but any verses used to prove all babies go to heaven are not teachings on the subject. They are used to suggest a point of view and in the end we might find out that perspective was true but we cannot stretch the word because we think God is merciful which is what the universalist does.
We can hope babies will be received however most of that is sentimental and our own brand of fairness and not according to a teaching. I understand those who would disagree. Peace.

Cherie c. said...

I never stretch the Word to fit my prespective, and those who do are in error. But those who believe in free will agree that you have to hear the Word in order to reject it, and those who don't hear the Word, God has made it possible for them to know Him. Babies and small children cannot understand language, so how can they be held accountable for something they don't understand or know? This is yet another mystery of God's great mercy. I choose to Praise God for His Great Mercy towards these little ones based upon Scripture which I referenced before. This does not make me a universalist, calvinist or any other ist, it makes me a believer of every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God as it is written. No interpretation needed. If God said it in His Word, I believe it and the matter is settled for or me.

your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.

Rick Frueh said...

And that is a legitimate perspective, Cherie, which is held by many who love Jesus.

Cherie c. said...

Please forgive me Pastor if I was hurtful towards please forgive me Pastor Rick if I was hurtful to you. Im so tired of hearing God being blamed for the ills of this world because people are to evil to admit their part. God is just, and He loves the children. I have to believe that the child I I killed when I was 19 is alive with Him. That life did nothing to deserve what he/she got because I was an evil human being more worried about what my at the time boyfriend thought and felt, than that life. Not to dimish my sin, but once confronted with this evil I tried to stop it and they would not let me leave. They put me to sleep even when I begged to let me leave. They said I had already signed the documents. I fought it so hard that when I woke up I had a pain in my thigh. When I asked why I had pain in my thigh they told me I fought so hard against the anesthesia that I broke out in hives and they had to give me a shot of ephedrine or something like that. I have lived with this every day of my life and it haunts me still. The baby can't possible be in hell for what I did. It had no chance to even hear the Word. I lost three others with miscarriages. I mourn them all. God told Jeremiah that He knew him in his mother's womb, and doesn't that mean the same for all? David said to his servants the he will go to his son, but his son could not return to him and I hold on to that for me. The first thing I need to do after I fall on my face before the Lord is ask that child to forgive me for what I did.

So you see, I'm a wretch that deserves nothing less than death, but Jesus/God decided to save me anyway. If I am, I hope so. Why would God save me and not that innocent baby? I know my two sons will perish if they dont repent and it tears me apart and all I can do is pray. It just occured to me that they may never as judgment on me for what I did! I pray not, but I dont know.

I want to reach out to women who consider abortion. I broke HR rules speaking to someone about this when I should remain neutral, but i cannot.

Please forgive me Pastor Rick if I was disrespectful, you have taught me a lot and you are one of only a very few who preach the truth, but this area no one really knows but can hope because of Scripture. I firmly believe like those who were saved in the OT, that all the babies who have died one way or another will be in the first resurrection. They too did not hear the Gospel but will be in the first resurrection. It is my hope. Anyone that uses the Word of God to further an evil agenda, let them be anamatha as described in the Word. And that goes for universalists too.

your sister in Christ Jesus (I hope),
Cherie c.

Rick Frueh said...

I love you in Jesus my sister. Anyone who gives to missions is my true yokefellow. There are issues about which true followers of Jesus can disagree. But you and I agree on all the majors. :)

Josef Sefton said...


God isn't cold and callous but compassionate and kind. Let's calmly and confidently leave things in His hands regarding babies and little children, for He is always just and right in His decision-making.

Rick Frueh said...

Amen, Josef.

Anonymous said...

Cherie, Children are not punished for the sins committed by their parents; neither are parents punished for the sins of their children. Each of us is responsible for our own sins.

Ezekiel 18:20 tells us, “The soul who sins is the one who will die.

The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son.”

Punishment for one’s sins is borne by that person.

Truly the son will not share the guilt of the mother, nor will the mother share the guilt of the son.

How blessed we are that Jesus is love!

Josef Sefton

Cherie c. said...

Pastor Rick, I do not deserve your brotherly love, but in Glory to our Lord I covet it. Made me cry mister =D. Praise be to God. Um, you did it again......treasures in Heaven. Please.
Josef, Amen dear brother with sisterly love.

your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.

John 14:6

I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Sounds exclusive to me.

Anonymous said...

1 John 3:5 for sin is the transgression of the law.

I was just reading in Genesis about Adam and Eve how God cursed the serpent and God cursed the ground but he didn't curse Adam and Eve. Sin entered into the world and I can see where we inherit the consequences of Adam's sin but don't see where we actually inherit his sin.

Reading about Cain and Abel: Genesis 4:6,7 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shall thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shall rule over him.

Cain is the one who chose to let sin in and rule over him..he became a sinner. God told Cain if he did well he would accept him but Cain chose to give in to sin.
I don't see where the born in sin doctrine comes from if Cain could choose to do well and be accepted of God. It seems to teach everyone is responsible for his own sin.

I am not a universalist.

((hugs)to you Cherie for sharing your story. I love your honesty and how you search the scriptures for truth..something we all need to do

Jann

Cherie c said...

Hugs right back to you Jann, dear sister. It is hard to admit my treachery. My mom found out and didn't speak to me for a year. I tried to get away, but they tied me down. The woman who tied me down was pregnant too. Irony.

I have no excuse for it and I live with it daily. I don't always think about it, but it hovers in the back of my mind. I'm a fool. They say you shouldn't live with regret, but for us sinners who, I pray are saved, you can't help but feel the remorse, the shame, the regret. I'm so sorry for
it some days I'm over whelmed with grief. And I'm afraid. Afraid I have not been forgiven. Afraid to face Jesus.

Thank you again dear sister for your encouraging words at a time when I really needed a word of encouragement. The guilt is palatable. God bless you.

your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.

Reine Gnade said...


Cain had the opportunity to turn back to God but failed to fully grasp that opportunity. We know that Almighty God never blessed him with a pure heart, for Jesus taught that "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

Cain never"saw" God. He never experienced the same type of relationship that Abel had with the LORD.

Romans 3:23 reminds us that we are all sinners, not just Cain. We are all sinners.

The way back to Almighty God is a narrow way which few find. Lord Jesus is the way back to God. He can shepherd sinners back to God. Cain didn't search sufficiently deeply for God to shepherd him home!

Today for people to choose to do well they must choose to submit wholeheartedly to Lord Jesus, have praise in their heart for His perfect work of reconciliation on the cross, and believe in His resurrection from the dead.

May Our wonderful LORD bless sincere, diligent, truth-seeking students also with a strong belief and assurance in Jesus' second coming.

Anonymous said...

Dear Cherie, The good news is that Jesus came to save sinners like you and me and when we feel remorse for those sins and repent, He is faithful and just to forgive us. Don't let the enemy rob you of the faith and the peace Jesus gives to those who trust in Him. God has given you good understanding of where your babies are...it's very plain in scripture how Jesus views little children when we read His words in Matt 18. He considers little children the greatest in the kingdom of heaven and says if we want to enter the kingdom of heaven, we must be converted and become like a little child. He doesn't call them sinners, just the opposite and we can be assured they are with Jesus. May the Lord give you His peace on this matter dear sister and grant you the faith to know that He loves you and you are forgiven.
Jann

Reine Gnade said...


Are you willing to say "yes" to a new adventure of trusting and depending on Lord Jesus to guide you and provide for you as you walk by faith day to day?

Are you willing to let Him live His life through you? Are you willing to let Him mature you spiritually, so that you become more faithful, hope-filled and loving?

Are you willing to trust that all of the authority, all of the strength, all of the provision for salvation comes from Him?
Truly God Triune alone is able to teach us to obey Him. He alone is able to able to teach us to trust Him.

He alone is able to give us what we need to sustain us spiritually. And unless we trust Him to care for us, unless we trust Him completely to guide us and provide for us, we will live a very fruitless, unfulfilling life.

Our spiritual life and growth depends on our willingness to be humble enough to obey Him, humble enough to trust Him, humble enough to look to Him to provide for us.

Anonymous said...

Psalm 91
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Deep searchers for God's best, Jesus will ask us the same question He asked Peter: Do we we love Him? If we delight, above all else, to hear, trust and obey God's Word and His voice then we can confidently testify that we truly love Him.

Josef Sefton

Anonymous said...

Dear sister Cherie, I appreciate you sharing your story and I praise the Lord for your gentle spirit. Many people reading here may be blessed through you in your transparency and in your testimony to the mercy of God, because so many more people than we realize have been hurt by abortion but keep it in the closet.

Loss through miscarriage is in my family too: my sister and me; and we were unable to have surviving children. And our oldest sister who is mentally ill had a child out of wedlock (exploited by a man--that is rape!) who was placed for adoption. How it all must have grieved and traumatized our mother...

Many crisis pregnancy centers now offer ministry to women who've endured abortion. How precious is the Blood that can cover and the Love that pursues us! As Joe wrote, "God isn't cold and callous but compassionate and kind. Let's calmly and confidently leave things in His hands regarding babies and little children, for He is always just and right in His decision-making."

Peace to you,
Victoria

Cherie c. said...

Dear Victoria, I hope someday we can meet because I owe you a giant hug. I have nothing to hide. Some would applude me for doing such an evil thing. All I can hope for is mercy. Don't know what I would do without loving brothers and sisters in Christ. Don't know how I got along this far without you. I love you and I'm so blessed by you I'm humbled. I deserve your scorn, but you give me love. No words can describe how this makes me feel except to Thank God and give Him all the Glory.

your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.

Anonymous said...

MOTIVES TO LOVE JESUS by Thomas Doolittle (1630-1707

http://www.gracegems.org/SERMONS/motives_to_love_jesus.htm

Set your love upon LORD Jesus!

Such is His compassion that He can carry you through the storms that assail you.

Dear readers, as you read the breathtakingly beautiful Psalm 91, may you sense God's enormous love for you. May you be reminded of who you are or can be in the light of His love.

If you are born again may you be joyfully reminded of His covenant with you. And may you be reminded that He is your refuge, your safe haven when the cares of the world come in with the roar of a tempest.

LORD God, I am so very thankful for all your gracious words. Thank You for so graciously blessing me body, soul and spirit.

May Almighty God be with you, friends and give you strength of purpose, prudence and steadfastness of love for the very challenging days ahead!

Amazing LORD Jesus, thank You for reminding us of Your incredible love toward us. Truly Your perfect work of reconciliation on the cross means so much to me.

You are absolutely faithful, compassionate, powerful and mighty to save. And You hold all who love You tenderly and securely in the palm of Your amazing life-ennobling hand.

Reine Gnade

Cherie c. said...

Romans 9:11
(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth

Does this passage of Scripture mean what I think it means as per this post's conversation?

Cherie c.

Anonymous said...

In the Bible there are two types of children described: They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God.

Romans 9
13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

Jacob was a child of God, whereas Esau was a child of the flesh or an unsaved person.

Esau like Cain had numerous opportunities from His compassionate Creator to turn back to Him but didn't take them.

The gift of salvation is dependent on God showing compassion and mercy on us!

Let's praise the potter who has power over the clay!

Romans 9
33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him (LORD Jesus) shall not be ashamed.

Josef Sefton

Anonymous said...

God is loving, holy, merciful, just, and gracious. Whatever He does is always right and good.