Chapter 78. Objections Answered Concerning the Willingness of God and Christ to Be Reconciled to Sin
in this final word, here is the last expression: "Let him that is thirsty, and whosoever will, let him come and take of the water of life freely."
Now, the objections may come in, but first:
Chapter 78.
Objections Answered Concerning the Willingness of God and Christ to Be Reconciled to Sinners Objection: You may say, why should God do all this? Why should
Christ do all this? You tell us that God is so willing to be reconciled and has expressed Himself in such a way, and that Christ is also so willing to be reconciled, expressing Himself by entreating and beseeching. But both God and Christ know that we can do nothing by ourselves, so to what end is all this that you have spoken? It's as if we were to go to Golgotha or the burial places and entreat the dead to rise out of their graves. To what purpose would it be? We are dead in sins and trespasses, and if we can do nothing, all that you have spoken is of little purpose.
To this, I answer:
Firstly, though it is true we are dead in sins and trespasses and are not able to perform any true saving work by our own strength, yet all those expressions of God and Christ in His word, and also the ministers of God in their names, may serve to stir up the common gifts and graces of the Spirit of God within us. It is intended to have them stirred up to the utmost that is possible. People must not think
that because they cannot perform any work that is truly saving in itself, any work of spiritual life, that therefore there is nothing to be done by them.
We should understand that, though the saving works of God are more rare, there are common works of the Spirit that God dispenses to many, yes, to most, and in some degree or another to all— especially to those who live under the sound of the Gospel. There is no one living under the sound of the Gospel who does not possess some common gifts of the Spirit of God, in one degree or another.
Now, the Lord would have these stirred up to the utmost (though it may not be in a sanctified way), and these expressions of God and Christ to sinners have a great deal of efficacy in stirring up whatever common gifts of God's Spirit they have. If sinners do not do this, they cannot expect that God will do much towards them.
Consider what power God has already given you and what common gifts you possess, and let these be acted upon to the utmost. Then you may wait for more from God. It is true that none who perish can say that God does not have this to charge against them—that they did not stir up the common gifts of God's Spirit.
Secondly, although we cannot do anything of ourselves, God knows that the best way to convey true saving grace into us, a spirit of life, is through this means rather than others. The Lord chooses this way rather than others. As Paul said to the Galatians, "You have received the Spirit." And how did you receive it? Was it by the preaching of the Law, or by the preaching of the Gospel? Which way conveyed the Spirit of God to you? It was not by the one, but by the other. (Though there is great use in preaching the Law), that which conveys the Spirit and grace into the conscience is the opening of the riches of the treasure of the grace of God in the Gospel.
Therefore, this objection has no strength in it to say that we have no power in ourselves. God entreats and beseeches because, by this means, He puts forth power into the hearts of those He intends to save everlastingly. If we were to entreat dead men to rise, it would be folly for us because we cannot convey any power into them. But it is not in vain for God, because while He is entreating and beseeching,
He is able to convey power into them.
Objection But you say, secondly, why does the Lord need to do all this? God could work it with just a word from Himself. God could presently show forth His almighty power to bring sinners to Himself. He doesn't need to stand praying, entreating, answering objections, and bringing forth arguments. He can, by His almighty power, bring in sinners; He can break the stoutest heart that lives on the earth and pull down the proudest spirit. Therefore, what need does God have to do all this?
Answer I answer: Who are you, O man, to reason against God? But if you seek reasons, there are many to be given.
Firstly, because God, having to work with a rational creature, will work in a manner suitable to the nature of that creature. If God were to work merely upon stones to raise children to Abraham from them, then He would simply speak the word and say, "Let it be done," and it would be done. But the Lord loves to act in a way that is suitable for a rational creature, and that way is as follows:
Firstly, the understanding should be enlightened, and the heart should be gained and influenced. People should come to do what
they do freely and willingly. Although we have no free will at the beginning, when we do embrace the Gospel, the Lord causes the hearts of people to embrace it willingly. This is a great part of God's
Gospel—to show Himself to His creature, working His own purposes but in a manner suitable to that creature.
Moreover, if the Lord were to bring sinners to Himself by His almighty power alone, the beauty and riches of His grace would not appear as they do in this way. If God were to effectually work solely by His hand, the glory of His grace would not shine forth so gloriously. Now, it is the special design that God has in all His works concerning redemption that the glory of the riches of His grace might appear to humans and angels, that they might magnify it. What can magnify grace more than when a sinner sees the various workings of God's mercy towards him? When the Lord has provided a way of reconciliation, and though the soul was reluctant and held back, the Lord still pursued and would not allow the soul to die and perish in its sins. What will magnify grace more than this?
The way of bringing sinners to be reconciled to Himself will be a principal subject for the saints to bless God for throughout all eternity. Therefore, you Christians who have experienced God's work in bringing your hearts to Himself, observe how God works. Note the various ways God has worked with your souls, for those ways will be the subject of your eternal praises in Heaven.
Hence, God proceeds with such diverse expressions so that the riches of His grace might be revealed more fully. Further, by this means, He gains the hearts of sinners to Himself forever. Nothing will draw them to God so much as the declaration of the riches of His grace in the Gospel. When the sinner sees that not only is God reconciled, but also how God has set His heart upon this reconciliation and how
earnest He has been in it, this will engage the sinner's heart to God eternally.
Hence, those sinners who have experienced the most of God's grace in being reconciled are the ones who remain closest to Him. As for those who are only stopped in their sinful paths by the terrors of the Law and are not familiar with the mystery of God's grace in the Gospel, they seldom endure. Although, for a time, out of fear for their consciences, they avoid certain sins, this can often happen even in those without true saving grace—they may refrain from committing a sin in secret for a while (merely out of terror of conscience). But such individuals, who are only influenced by the terrors of the Law, rarely hold out. Even if conscience holds them back for a time, they eventually break free.
However, those who have not only had their consciences enlightened and seen the dangers of sin but have also felt the beams of God's grace and goodness shining into their hearts, their hearts are gained to God in a way that ensures they will never depart from Him. Their hearts will always follow God's generosity.
The difference between these two can be explained with this analogy:
In frosty weather, when water is frozen, there are two ways to access it. The farmer goes out in the morning, finds the water frozen, and breaks the ice. But when he returns the next morning, it is frozen again, as much as before. But when warm weather arrives and melts the ice, it completely disappears. In the same way, the hearts of all sinners are frozen. God comes with the terrors of the Law, shatters the ice, and breaks their hearts. But in time, they freeze over again and become as hard as ever. However, when the Lord comes with the beams of His grace and shines upon them, then their hearts thaw,
the ice melts away, and they flow towards God in a way unlike when He only uses strokes of the Law.
Since the Lord sees that this is the most effective way to engage sinners' hearts to come to Him, He doesn't just exert His almighty power but comes in this manner. Even when the sinner is unable to perceive God's almighty hand at work, they can perceive the shining of God's grace, His goodness, the expressions of His love, and so on.
These are clearly evident before the eyes of the sinner, moving the heart, whereas the other aspects are more hidden.
Objection Thirdly, if God and Christ are so willing to be reconciled with sinners, then you might ask, why aren't more people reconciled? One would think that all sinners in the world should be reconciled to Him, for He can reconcile all. Is it not as easy for God to reconcile one person as it is another? God often tells us that few shall be saved, and Christ Himself says so. Now, this teaching about God's and Christ's willingness to be reconciled—one would think that the whole world should come to be reconciled. Otherwise, how will it be evident that they are truly so willing?
Answer In response to that, the heart of God and Christ is indeed greatly set on reconciliation with sinners, but in a way that is suitable to other ends that God has. God will not manifest His mercy in such a way that it would interfere with any other work He has to accomplish. So far as the glory of His mercy may be manifested without conflicting with some other purpose God has to fulfil, He extends it—but not to all. Why? Because it would not be suitable to other ends that God has to bring about, for Him to be reconciled to all sinners.
Objection You might say, "To other ends? Why? Do God's purposes contradict one another? If God's heart is set on reconciliation with sinners, how could this conflict with any other work He has to do?"
Answer In reply, even though things may seem to us to be in conflict, there is a blessed harmony in God's purposes and His ways. It will one day become clear to all humanity and angels that those things which seem to be in opposition are, in fact, highly advantageous and contribute to the fulfilment and crowning of this blessed work.
Just as in the heavens, there are movements that carry the stars in one direction, while other stars have their own distinct motions, yet there is harmony in the movements of the heavens. In any work that a person undertakes, such as in a clock, there is one wheel that turns in one direction while another wheel turns in the opposite direction, and yet, taken together, they all contribute to the intended function of the clock. Although the wheels appear to be moving contrary to one another, this contradictory motion is precisely how the clock operates correctly.
Similarly, God appears to work in the operations of His grace in one manner and in the works of His justice in another, and they may seem to be in complete opposition. However, in truth, they all work together to accomplish the intended purpose of the Creator. Here, the grace and mercy of God are manifested in entreating and beseeching sinners to be reconciled; it progresses to a certain point, and then, when it has fulfilled its purpose, the stroke of God's justice arrives, moving in a different direction. This entire process contributes to the beauty of God's work, ensuring that He is glorified
in all. Therefore, even though God is so earnest, this doesn't imply that all sinners should be reconciled. The apparent contradiction reveals the beauty of God's work, which will be fully understood in the end—the work of mercy extending this far, and the work of justice extending that far. We are unable to comprehend this fully now, but it will be made clear on that great day.
Further Explanation Additionally, these expressions of God's willingness are primarily intended for those who belong to His eternal election, but they are revealed in such a general way that no one should exclude themselves. Hence, the charge to ministers of the Gospel is to preach to every creature, because we do not know who belongs to the election. It is for the sake of God's elect that these matters are addressed in such a full and complete manner.
Such teachings should be conveyed to a congregation where there may be many thousands, even if only a few belong to the election of grace. God focuses on them most, though He may also aim at others to lessen their sins or, at times, to heighten them. Therefore, if there are only a few, know that it is for you and your sake that these things are preached. These considerations may suffice to answer such objections.
Chapter 79.
Use 1: Admire God's Infinite Grace in Entreating to be Reconciled with Sinners.
Consider:
1. What it is that God entreats for.
2. Who are entreated.
3. By whom you are entreated.
4. What need God has of you.
Use In the first place, regarding all that has been said of the willingness of God and Christ to be reconciled with sinners, that they thus entreat sinners, we are taught, firstly, to stand and admire the infinite riches of the grace of God. Especially, you who have felt this work of God effectually upon your hearts—you who have experienced
God wooing and seeking your hearts—give God the glory of His grace and marvel at it.
It would be mercy enough for the Lord to offer, even once, to be reconciled with sinners on any terms, or to show them any favour.
Merely to offer it, that is grace; that is worthy of admiration, and it is more than God has done for the angels, for He would not do as much for them. But now that God should not only offer but also send to seek after you, to cry out to you again and again, to be persistent with you, to entreat and beseech you—not only through His ministers but through His own Spirit (for that is part of the work)—the Spirit of God comes and woos and beseeches sinners to come in and be reconciled. Oh, stand and marvel at this forever. Let this occupy your heart so that you may give glory to Him, and consider it even more profoundly if you reflect on these four things.
1. What Is It That God Entreats and Beseeches For?
What is it that you are entreated to do? It is something that shall deliver you from the greatest evil that any creature is capable of, and something through which you will receive the greatest good that any creature is capable of. You are entreated not to be miserable but to be happy. You are not only entreated to serve God, to refrain from sinning against Him, and to do the works that He requires for His glory, but you are also entreated to be reconciled, to save your souls from that depth of misery, and to be brought to happiness and glory.
2. Consider Who You Are That Are Entreated Were there any great worth in you, then you might expect to be entreated, just as people of great status expect to be entreated. But who are you? Wretched beings—damned dust and ashes, firebrands of hell, such as have made yourselves fuel for the everlasting wrath of the eternal God to burn upon, those who deserve to be cast out as an everlasting curse, enemies of God—yet you are the ones entreated.
3. By Whom Are You Entreated?
It is by God Himself, and by Christ, who is God, blessed forever.
Even that infinite glory before whom angels adore, before whom they cover their faces; even He, who with one word of His mouth is able to send you all immediately down to hell—this God comes to entreat.
And that Christ whom angels adore, even that Christ comes to entreat. For a servant to entreat his master, for a subject to entreat the prince, is not so remarkable; but for the master to entreat the servant, for the prince to entreat the subject—this is what should fill our souls with a spirit of admiration at the unspeakable condescension of the most blessed Majesty.