I have been taking time to pause and reflect on my views about Scripture and my beliefs about the nature of God. The goal was to challenge my presuppositions and increase my faith. In that, I have realized just how often and in what depth I interject myself into the Gospel as a major player within God’s sovereignty. Simply examining the statement that I could increase my faith in my own accord is contradictory to scripture.
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3
As I study and search out the truth at God’s behest, my adoration of God has been ignited in new ways. The indescribable wonder of God continues to overwhelm me. The increasing sight of salvation and the gift of divine mercy is beyond compare. As Dr. R.C. Sproul describes from a dissection of scripture, the radical corruption of sin goes to the very root of who I am. But God, who is so rich in mercy, for the sole purpose of His glory, not only saved me but continues to refine and transform me by His grace through faith in Christ alone. This is not a will I could muster within myself. My own fallibility is too great. It speaks to the fullness and absolution of God.
I can’t help but express my worship of God. I am shaken by my lack of contribution in the process of my own transformation, and it is freeing! There was unbearable weight to scripture where I had inserted autonomy within the Word of God. I believed if I, in my own strength, positioned myself correctly in line with God’s will, He could then work in me. There is peace and freedom in the corrective work of God, as He has begun to reveal the depth of Sola Gratia (grace alone) to my heart.
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23:24
It is God’s will and God’s work, and isn’t that a solid, unshakable truth to behold? I don’t proclaim to have things figured out; rather, I want to praise God as He increases my awareness of my need for Him and His complete sovereignty. Let’s continue to seek the Lord and ask Him to show us His glory so we may simply know Him, worship, and glorify Htis name.
