Attributes Of God

The Attributes of God In Light of HIS Sovereignty

By Dr. Terry W. Preslar Copyright (C) 2008. Terry W. Preslar All rights reserved.

“...when thou comest, bring with thee...the books, but especially the parchments. (2 Tim. 4:13) Psalms 107:2 S É S Romans 12:1-2 P.O. Box 388 Mineral Springs, N.C. 28108 1(704)843-3858 E-Mail: [email protected]

The Attributes of GOD In Light of HIS Sovereignty “Acquaint now thyself with HIM, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee” (Job 22:21)

The Greatness of God!! I. Greatness in the General Aspect (Comprehensive) (Psa. 48:1) II. Greatness in the Personal Aspect (Intimate) (Psa. 145:3) III. Greatness in the Majesty Aspect (Potentate) (Psa. 147:5)

– Introduction to the Matter – God is an eternal being. God is not subject to the microscopic scrutiny of man. God is the subject of revelation. John 1:18 says, “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” First John 4:12 says, “No man hath seen God at any time.” The Lord said to Moses in Exodus 33:20, “Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me.” Now, Moses talked to God and had a revelation of Him, but he did not see the Lord’s face directly. Jesus, who is a real man in the Bible, was God’s Son, coming down from heaven to reveal God the Father to sinners. So, when He spoke to Philip in John 14:7-10, Jesus said that He is the revelation of God. He said, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” If GOD is a person, as can be seen through the Scripture; HE must have a personality. Personality, of course, is characterized by a being possessing knowledge, feeling and will power. An idol is devoid of personality, for an idol neither knows, feels, nor responds. Our God is an individual who is living and has definite personality characteristics. God is a person, not an influence or an unseen force or power like electricity. Jeremiah 10:10 says, “But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God....” Acts 14:15 says, “...Turn from these vanities unto the living God.” First Thes. 1:9 says the converts “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” We read in 2 Chronicles 16:9, “...The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect....” The revealed view of GOD is an awesome sight, striking fear in the observer. Attributes are qualities or characteristics of a person or thing. Although general revelation may give us a glimpse of God’s attributes (surely the Creator of the universe is omnipotent), it is not until we come to God’s Word that we understand the character of God as he has revealed it to us. Special revelation is absolutely necessary in order to understand the Creator. These attributes are divided into two major groups – His Natural Attributes (Incommunicable) and His Moral Attributes (Communicable). Natural attributes are the very nature of God’s Being. They are unique to Him and cannot be the characteristics of man either now or in the future. This is sometimes questioned because of 1 John 3:2 (“...but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”). This reference does not refer to His natural attributes but His Moral Attributes (Love, Holiness, mercy, etc.) We can never become like Him in His Natural Attributes (Eternity, omniscience, omnipotence, etc.) (Mormons teach and it is a central doctrine, that men can become gods by obedience to Mormon teachings — Christians are monotheistic and it would be pagan to accept the concept of man becoming a god. Deut. 6:4) Some of the Natural Attributes are: 1- Transcendence – God is above His creation. (Isa. 57:15) 2- Immanence – Although God is above all (transcendence), He has seen fit to be actively involved within His creation. Christ is the example of this attribute (Isa. 57:15; Eph. 4:6). 3- Eternity – God has no beginning nor ending. There is no past, present, nor future with God. He is not limited to time. (Psa. 90:2) 4- Infinity – God has no limitation in space. All of His attributes are without limit. (1 Kings 8:27; Psa. 103:17; 139:7-12; 147:5; Isa. 55:8-9; Jer. 23:24) -2-

5- Immutability – God is not capable of nor susceptible to change; He is unchangeable, invariable, and permanent (Psa. 102:23-27; Isa. 46:9-10; James 1:17). 6- Omniscience – The word means that God is all-knowing. He knows the future as well as the past. He knows all things whether actual or merely possible. He knows things immediately and spontaneously. He knows the thoughts of man better than man knows them himself. (Psa. 139:2; Isa. 40:26; 46:10; Rom. 11:23 7- Omnipresence – The word means that God is everywhere present in the universe in the whole of His being. It would be incorrect to suggest that God can be divided up in some material way so that only a part of Him is present in each part of the universe. He fills every part of space with His entire being. (Psa. 139:7-10; Jer. 23:23-24; 1 Kings 8:27; 2 Thes. 1:8-9) 8- Omnipotence – The word means that God is all-powerful and is able to do whatever he wills to do. By His power He created the universe and its creatures, He maintains in existence all that He has created, and He determines the events and final end of the universe and its inhabitants. (Gen. 17:1; Job 42:1-2; Jer. 32:17; Matt. 19:26; Rev. 19:6; Col. 1:16-17; 1 John 5:11, 14) God’s Moral Attributes are characteristics of God revealed in His personal interaction with mankind. They include His love, grace, mercy, justice, holiness, righteousness, truth and goodness. These attributes of God are examples of what should be in every man. Although we can never be like God in His natural attributes (omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, etc.), we should vstrive to be like Him in His Moral Attributes. (1 John 3:2) Many of the Moral Attributes of God are: 1- Holiness – Holiness is that perfection of God whereby He abhors that which is evil and demands purity. God is separated totally from sin and evil (James 1:13). If we approach God at all, we must come through the merits (or holiness) of Another. (Ex. 15:11, Psa. 22:1-3; Matt. 27:46; Rom. 5:1-2; Rev. 15:4) 2- Justice – Justice is the attribute of God by which He carries out the laws that He has imposed. It has two sides. It is remunerative (rewarding) and retributive (chastising). Since God cannot act contrary to His laws, sin must be punished. God’s justice is satisfied in the death of Christ as the sinner’s substitute. (Hos. 12:6; Micah 6:8) 3- Righteousness – This describes the attribute of God that causes God to always be right. (Gen. 18:25). This wonderful attribute guarantees that He will always keep His promises. (Neh. 9:7-8; Dan. 9:16; 2 Tim. 4:8) 4- Love – Love is the attribute which moves God to communicate His concern for the ultimate welfare of the ones that He loves. Therefore His love moved Him to sacrifice His life for the sake of another. (John 3:16; 15:13; Rom. 8:32) 5- Mercy – Mercy is God’s compassion for the sinner (Rom.5:8) in not giving him what he deserves. (Micah 7:18) In Hebrew the word “Mercy comes from the same root as the word for a mother’s womb. It is the caring for that which is completely helpless. (Micah 6:8) 6- Grace – Grace is the unmerited goodness and love of God for those who have forfeited it (Eph. 1:6-7; 2:7-9; Titus 2:11). Grace is God’s giving us what we do not deserve. 7- Goodness – This attribute of God is revealed in His bountiful dealing with mankind. (Psa. 145:9; Matt. 5:45) 8- Truth – God cannot lie nor tolerate untruth. God could commend Rahab’s faith (Heb. 11:31; James 2:25) but could not commend her lie (Josh. 2:4). Truth can be said to be intellectual purity. (Num. 23:19; 1 Kings 8:56; John 14:6; 17:17) For some long time I have hoped to start the study of the nature of GOD or at least to get an opportunity to put on paper, those words as could be used to state the joy of knowing HIM who is “altogether lovely”. These words are difficult only in that the vernacular of the human can hardly speak the notes of the supernatural in the manner needed to pass this information to another. In this first attempt at the goal, let us -3-

look at HIM through eyes focused on the mark and pray that GOD HIMSELF will direct our ways. HE is the possessor of infinite “power” of which we must avail ourselves or our service toward HIM is vain and useless. HE is full of “wisdom” and HIS ways are past finding out. However it is HIS “goodness” that we must see in the next pages if we hope to see HIM in the cloud and the whirlwind or in the mysteries of the mind of CHRIST. It is HIS “goodness” that will WED the Church to the GROOM -it is HIS “goodness” that wakes the sleeping church member to pray for the world for whom HIS SON died -but; the fruit is in the fact that it is HIS “goodness” that will WOE the sinner to the cross where HE will find room for him though millions have come.

The Goodness Of GOD “HE loveth righteousness and judgement: the earth is full of the goodness of GOD.” (Psa. 33:5) “...despisest thou the riches of HIS goodness...not knowing that the goodness of GOD leadeth thee to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4) HIS GOODNESS -HIS GOODNESS!!! Who but HOLY GOD would have put it so simply? (Isa.35:8 “...the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not ere therein. “) This way has been confused by many and many have erred but this is not the wish of this benefactor of Grace. HIS way -is plain and well marked as was the roads to the cities of refuge and open guidance precedes the way as in the wilderness. (Isa.35:8) Why would any ere in the way if HE stretches forth HIS hand take it into the joys of redemption.

“The Half Has Not Yet Been Told” (2 Chron.9:6) I. The half of HIS power has not yet been told (Nahum 1:3-6) A)ln HIS Severity (HIS Wrath - Greatness) B)ln HIS Sovereignty (HIS Will - Grace) C)ln HIS Salvation (HIS Word - Goodness) II- The half of HIS Wisdom has not yet been told, as Compared: A)to the Foolishness of the world (I Cor. 1:20-2 1) B)to the Proclamation of the Word (I Cor. 1:26-29) C)to the Redemption of the willing (I Cor. 1:30-31) However it is not the might of GOD that saves sinners and not HIS wisdom that redeems - but HIS GOODNESS that leadeth thee to repentance -.GLORY TO HIS NAME!! III- The half of HIS Goodness has not yet been told (Rom. 2:4 “...the goodness of GOD leadeth thee to repentance...”) GOODNESS: A) HIS Goodness seen brings GODLY Sorrow (2 Cor.7:9-10) B) HIS Goodness seen brings the gift of repentance (2 Tim.2:25) C) HIS Goodness seen brings rejoicing (Luke 15:7; 10)

The Goodness of God As Seen In Creation (Gen. 1:3) It was C. H. Spurgeon that said: “...whatever else may be questioned, this is absolutely certain, that JEHOVAH is good; HIS dispensations may vary but HIS nature is always the same.” These words from the prince of preachers are on target. We can expect that, even in creation, HE is GOOD. Some would look for HIS goodness only in religion or in theology, however HIS goodness is a reality in the sight of those who wish to look upon HIS Glory. I- The goodness of GOD seen in Man -GOD’S highest creation (Psa.139:14) II- The goodness of GOD seen in the creatures (Psa. 145:15-16) III- The goodness of GOD seen in natural pleasures (Psa. 145:9) -4-

A) The whole earth (Ps.33:5) B) The things that are in the earth (I Tim.4:4) C) GOD’S goodness is impartial (Matt.5:45; Luke 6:35)

The Goodness of God As Seen In The Simple Joys of the Christian Life “For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” (Heb. 12:22-24) I-The enjoyment of GOD’S presence Vs-22 “But ye are come unto mount Sion ...” II-The Privileges of Heavenly Citizenship Vs-22 “...ye are come unto ... the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” III-The companionship and Guardianship of angels Vs-22 “...ye are come unto ... innumerable company of angels...” IV-The Joy and Wealth of the Christian Church Vs-23 “To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven ...” V-The Arbitration of GOD HIMSELF Vs-23 “...and to God the Judge of all ...” VI-Our Heritage in the Glorified Saints Vs-23 “...and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect ...” VII-The personal care of CHRIST Vs-24 “...And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant...” VIII-A full salvation through the Blood of CHRIST Vs-24 “...and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”

Why Would Anyone Stray From The GOODNESS Of GOD? I-False Instructions (Proverbs 19:27) II-False Leaders (Isa.3:12; 9:16) III-Foggy Vision (Isa.28:7) IV-Being Yoked in the wrong Harness (Isa.30:28) V-False Prophets (Jer.23:13; Micah 3:5) VI-Preoccupation with Whoredoms (Hos. 4:12) VII-The telling of Lies (Amos 2:4) VIII-Not Knowing the Scriptures (Matt. 22:29; Mark 12:24, 27) IX-Your Own Deceitful Heart (Heb. 3:10) X-Spiritual Ignorance (Lev. 5:18) XI-The use of Wine (Isa. 28:7) XII-Covetousness (I Tim. 6:1 0) XIII-A False Profession (I Tim. 6:21) XIV-A Poor Understanding of the Truth (2 Tim. 2:18) -5-

XV-The Refusal of the Truth (Prov. 10:7)

The Mercy of God “Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our GOD is merciful.” (Psa. 1 16:5) “O give thanks unto the LORD: for HE is good, for HIS mercy endureth forever. “ (Psa. 136:1) GOD is full of mercy. HIS mercy is “great” in I Kings 3:6, “plenteous” in Psa. 86:5, “tender” in Luke 1:78, “abundant” in I Peter 1:3 and “everlasting” in Psa. 103:17. The Psalmist has said: “I will sing aloud of thy mercy.” (Psa. 59:16) HIS Mercy is bound up in HIS Sovereignty and can not be questioned by the empty race of man nor the pure race of angles and there is no desire of doubt in the saint, for the saint is an object of divine mercy. (Ex. 33:19)

Why Does GOD Show Mercy To Mankind? (Rom. 9:15) I- Mercy is not because of Mans “misery” A-Mankind IS miserable B-If misery is the key -why not save the whole race!! (Isa. 27:11) II- Mercy is not because of “merit” A-Not the merit of mankind (Titus 3:5) B-Not even the merit of CHRIST (Luke 1:78) III- Mercy is shown to mankind solely from GOD’S IMPERIAL PLEASURE (2 Cor 1:3)

The Mercy of the Lord (Lam. 3:22; Rom. 12:1; Zec. 7:9) I- MERCY from the prime source- GOD A)Great MERCY (Isa. 54:7) “...but with great mercy will I gather thee.” B) Abundant MERCY (I Peter 1:3) “...according to HIS abundant mercy hath HE begotten us.” C) Eternal MERCY (Psa. 77:8) “Is HIS mercy clear gone forever?” II- MERCY Bought with blood A) To deliver from danger (Ex. 12:13) “...and when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” B) To make Atonement betwixt GOD and man (Lev. 4:20) “...and the priest shall make an atonement for them....” C) To purify persons from ceremonial pollutions (Lev. 14:6-7) “...dip them ... in the blood...” D) To ratify and confirm the Testament or Covenant of GOD (Exod. 24:8) “...behold the blood of the covenant...” III- MERCY-not-JUSTICE (JUSTICE CALLS FOR ACTION) A) Guilty as charged (Rom. 3:23) “For all have sinned...” B) Hell bound if guilty (Rev. 21:7-8) “...shall have their part in the lake...” C) Hell is eternal (Rev. 14:11) “And the smoke of their torments ascended up for ever and ever:” D) Hell is sure (Heb. 10:29) “Of how much sorer punishment...” MERCY CALLS FOR FORGIVENESS 1) GRACE comes by JESUS (John 1:17) [law brings JUSTICE yet no man is justified of the law see Gal. 3:11, 24; 5:4] Gal. 2:16-17 “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.” -6-

2) Too much sin?? – GRACE can abound above the greatest sin (Rom. 5:20) 3) GRACE is the ONLY means of salvation (Titus 2:11) “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men...”

The Mercy of God The “Mercy” of our GOD is of value only in that it is extended as HE wishes within HIS Sovereign Will. The will of man is so fickle that human’s will is misleading. The will of GOD is beyond reproach and outside our influence. (Rom. 9:15 “...I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.”) Below we have the outline of some who will not enjoy the mercy of GOD: I- The Guilty (Ex. 34:7) (Luke 13:3) II- The Wicked (Psa. 9:17) (Deut. 29:18-20) III- The Presumptuous (Rom. 3:8) (Psa. 2:12)

The Kindness of God “... kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” (Luke 6:35) GOD is kind -without controversy, HE is so KIND!!! With many sorts of Kindness HE deals with us in our relationships with HIM. In the relationship found in churches, the most open and vocal of all our relationships with HIM, we see HIS Kindness in the way of HIS visitation among us in the services of worship, evangelism and prayer. (CHRIST is seen as HE “...walketh in the midest of the seven golden candlesticks...” Rev. 2:1 - See Rev. 1:20 -The vision seen by the Apostle is explained as we see that the “...seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”) In the relationship of the family, the most devoted and essential of 0 relationships that men have with JEHOVAH, we can clearly see HIS Kindness as HE generates love in all aspects of the Christian family life for the perpetuation of this first of all GOD ordained institutions. (Eph. 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives even as CHRIST also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”) But; in the private relationship, the most powerful of all relationships, the Kindness of GOD is shown in abundant terms as HE gives power in prayer and testimony of the grace of redemption to the meekest of us through this blessed spiritual fellowship. (Matt. 16:19; 18:18 “...whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”) GODLY Kindness is connected directly to GODLY Compassions through HIS Love. As HE loves the lost world unto HIMSELF with the kindnesses only HE could express. GODLY Kindness is connected to GODLY Joy through HIS Justice. In the sight of this perverted world condition there is no creature that is excepted from the injustice of all human conditions. There is no personality in the universe that offers the element of “Justice” to a lost race. This GODLY Kindness comes in like a flood to exhibit justice to all the race; therefore, prompting Joy in worship. GODLY Kindness is connected directly to GODLY Truth through HIS Holiness; thus HIS Truth is always Kind. HIS Kindness can fall into question -through Spiritual blindness; HIS Truth may foolishly be placed in doubt by the dishonest student; but no reader could ever fail to declare HIS Holiness. This list could go much further but the reader will readily see that “Kindness” is a basic element of the existence of GOD’S person. The Bible speaks of “great” kindness in Neh. 9:17; “marvelous” kindness in Psa. 31:21; “merciful” kindness in Psa. 117:2, 119:76; a “law” of kindness in Prov. 31:26 and everlasting kindness in Isa. 54:8, 10. If kindness is an attribute of GOD, it will be true in the persons of the Trinity. An interesting method to reveal these truths is found in the “types” and “shadows” of the characters of the. Old Testament. GODLY Kindness (as the FATHER is concerned) is seen in the life of Joseph (Gen. 50:21). Moses (as a type of CHRIST) shows us a picture of GODLY Kindness in the episode with the seven daughters of the priest of Midian (Ex. 2:17). 1) The un-named “Good Samaritan (Luke 10:34), 2) the un-named Philippian jailer (Acts 16:33) and 3) the un-named Barbarians (Acts 27:42) all teach the expression of GODLY Kindness (The HOLY SPIRIT is always pictured as “un-named”). However; there are three stories that speak in strong -7-

terms of this Truth of the Kindness of our GOD: I- The FATHER’S Kindness is seen in David’s kindness for Jonathan’s sake (2 Sam. 9:1) A-Kindness shown in the face of the wicked lives of sinners (Titus 3:3-4) II- The SAVIOUR’S Kindness is seen in the story of Boaz as he shows kindness to Ruth (Ruth 2:20) A-Kindness is the riches of CHRIST’S Grace toward the race (Eph. 2:7) III- The PARACLEAT’S Kindness is seen in the story of Abimelech and Abraham (Gen. 21:23) A-The sort of kindness practiced by the HOLY SPIRIT is only The KINDNESS of GOD and GOD is “...kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” (Luke 6:35) The KINDNESS of our GOD is at once powerful and sweet. The power of this efficacy is only surpassed by the sweetness of this GODLY KINDNESS. HIS KINDNESS transcends all the harshness in this bitter world. How the &-tint needs to meet with the KINDNESS of GOD in this cold world -KINDNESS!!! -only GOD would be able to, consistently meet the deep bitterness of earth with a Heavenly, caring expression on the magnitude of GODLY KINDNESS.

The Kindness of God Seen in God’s Care for You I- Individual Care (HE cares even for one sparrow) (Matt. 10:29a) II- Intimate Care (HE will be there ... ) (Matt. 10:29b) III- Intelligent Care (HE causes HIS people to care for the soul more than the body) (Matt. 10:28) IV- Inductive Care (HE causes HIS people to confess HIM before men) (Matt. 10:32) V- Imperative Care (HE causes HIS people to be true to HIM) (Matt. 10:34-37) VI- Instructive Care (HE causes HIS people to prove the cross and its power) (Matt. 10:38) VII- Imposing Care (HE causes all losses to be sure gains) (Matt. 10:39)

The Kindness of God As Seen In HIS Closeness (Heb. 13:5) (Josh. 1:5; 1 Chron. 28:20) The Kindness of GOD is seen once more in the “CLOSENESS” of GOD. This is a well proven point. The Scripture is our treasure trove for this element of HIS great Kindness. The SON has said: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39) And by this passage we can depend on the truth that the Bible is the only reliable record of the needs and provisions of GOD. We can hear the Gospel in nature around us; but if we read the Gospel in nature only we will become “naturalists” and thus have only a partial message. It is true that the nature of man preaches the truth; but the nature of man will never tell of man’s inability to restore himself from the fallen nature. If we study the man’s nature only, with the Bible, we will become “humanists” and be damned without the grace of GOD to save. Religion has an element of truth; but religion does not know what man’s crying need is. Religion has an attractive appeal to the masses of those in the “trap” of dogma. Only the Bible is a sure record of this and any other aspect of GOD. How CLOSE is our GOD? I- Close enough to feel every factor of our life’s travail (Heb. 4:15) “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” IN KINDNESS HE CARES ABOUT OUR TROUBLE... II- Close enough to he with the believer alway (Matt. 28:20) “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, Io, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” IN KINDNESS HE IS CLOSE IN A WAY THAT GIVES CONFIDENCE... III- Close enough that HE can return for the follower in that day (John 14:3) “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” -8-

IN KINDNESS HIS CARING CLOSENESS IS A GRAND COMFORT... (I Thes. 4:18 “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”)

The Kindness of God As Seen In HIS Comfort “Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.” (Psa. 119:76) (2 Cor. 1:3)

“...Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.” (Psa. 23:4) In the terms of the shepherd we are told about the source of “comfort” in this verse. “THY rod....” speaks of comfort in time of attack and “THY staff” speaks of comfort in time of instruction. These two instruments cover the full gambit of need for comfort from the hand of GOD. We are instructed in the way of comfort in the oldest book of the cannon (Job 15:11). The most beautiful Book encourages the saint in the matters of comfort (Psa. 86:17; 119:76). The heart of prophecy describes comfort. (Isa. 12:1; 40:1-2; 51:12; 52:9; 66:13) (a mother’s comfort is seen in Isa. 49:15; a father’s comfort Psa. 103:13) Then it may be seen that the Church’s writer, Paul mentions Comfort with tender terms. (Rom. 15:5; 2 Cor. 1:3; 1:4; 7:6) Like the wonder of the warmth of Sunshine on a cold winter day is this Comfort for the tempted saint. (Song of Sol. 7:10; Luke 22:31) Like a blanket to a cold child is GOD’S Comfort for saints who sin (I John 1:8; Psa. 1 19:94, 146; 1 John 2:1). Like the hand of a friend is the Comfort of our LORD amid life’s changes (Psa. 55:19; Mal. 3:6) - Like the lilting voice of a loved one in a lonely night is The MASTER’S Comfort when GOD has seemed absent (Isa. 45:15; Mark 7:24) or after the shattering of a broken heart (Psa. 69:20; Isa. 61:1; Psa. 147:3) When it seems that the load of personal need is left to be carried alone it is HIS irresistible Comfort in life’s separations (Ex. 3:12; Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5). When resources are gone there is Comfort for those who have lost hope (Psa. 42:5, I 1; 43:5; I Thes. 1:3; I Cor. 13:7). In all of the day’s care there is Comfort as we face life’s sorrows (Ex. 3:7; Psa. 127:2 [see I Tim. 6:10]; Isa. 53:3-4; Rev. 21:4). When the pain of illness is ever constant there is Comfort in times of sickness (Psa. 41:3; John 11:3; Psa. 43:5; Rev. 21:4) - and if that pain takes us to the door of death there is Comfort as we reach the valley of its shadow (Job 10:20; John 11:4, 35). As the clouds gather there is Comfort as the signs of great tribulation appear (Luke 21:7,19; 21:28; I Thes. 5:9) - and these days may be dark but there is Comfort for the last days (Luke 21:28; I Thes. 4:16, 18; Titus 2:13). We live in a day when the race of mankind seeks comfort at the level never before seen. Most are not going to suffer much. We must have the comforts of our choice -TV (with hundreds of channels), air conditioning (set to the desired degree), recreation of all sorts and types (in places easy to get to with lavish appointments to sooth his tensions)...and on-and-on we could go with modern man’s mad, sick race to comfort himself. However; with all this, our day is a totally unhappy and “uncomfortable” period. When the need is in the soul mankind treats the flesh with massive doses of cultural anesthetic that can only give a false comfort. Do you want a bed of rose petals -all roses have thorns. Is it a feathery bed of ease for you -the eaglet has this kind of bed but his nest is soon stirred. No doubt, Eglon, the king of Moab, had provided himself pillows of ease in his “summer parlor”; but Ehud (Oh! what a messenger he was) soon came to call for his answer to the evil ways he had perpetrated toward Israel. Judges 3:15-23) Or; Will you be like The Shepherd King; David, who preferred the temporal comforts of the palace instead of the “merciful kindness” of Jehovah in the battlefield. (2 Sam. 11:1 “...at the time when kings go forth to battle...”) His action to comfort himself with soft things brought a worse battle to his soul and the war was lost as the king fell into sin with another man’s wife. The LORD’S COMFORT is: I- Alleviation to the complicated (causing all confusions to quite) (Isa. 40:31) II- Relief to the burdened (offering aid) (Psa. 146:9) III- Consolation to the grieved (calming the broken hearted) (Psa. 86:17) -9-

IV- Solace to the suffering (with the succor of a friend) (Heb.2:18) V- Moderating to the over stressed and bowed down (with the restful pause that lightens the load) (Ezra 9:8) Vl- Soothing to those in despair (making all task preformed, for Him, easy) (Psa. 25:12-14) OH! Dear reader, will you seek only the comforts of HIS hand to fill your soul with HIS “lovingkindness” (Jer. 9:24 “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercises lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth, for in these things I delight, saith the LORD”). These comforts, of HIS “merciful kindness” can never be exceeded in all of life’s ebb and flow. HIS Kindness is always the comfort that will supply our need.

“Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands...” The Silence of God “And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” (1 Kings 19:12) The silence Of GOD is a rarely known attribute but stands with the rest as one of the elements of GOD’S person. The “...still small voice” is nevertheless the voice of GOD. This attribute adds mystery to HIS might and offers a view of HIM that is not on display with other paths of study. As we deal with the Silence of IRS Sovereignty, let us not over look the Silence of the SON in that HE combines Himself with the Godhead through the Cross and its deep truth. And the Silence of the HOLY GHOST seen in HIS wooing of sinners from eternal death to the gift of eternal life. All the moving emotional voices of human preachers can not exceed the voice that quietly calls from the Old Rugged Tree.

THE SILENCE Of GOD Seen in HIS Leadership of the Saints THE WILL OF GOD FOR YOU (James 4:13-15) The steps of a GOOD MAN are of importance to the Master and in silence HE orders his path. (Psa. 37:33) Somehow, HE has caused all who continue out of HIS will to be uncomfortable and uneasy; therefore drawing all back to HIS ordered path with silent direction. Then the second return is totally within HIS silent leadership. (Acts 1:6-7) This is so true that there is no evidence of HIS coming except the signs of the times. This second advent will be a secret or private matter between the LORD and HIS people. The salvation of the LOST is an intimate matter of the most private nature and is declared to be the will of GOD yet in HIS Silence HE woes the sinner through the Gospel’s challenge, the Grand Coming and the Gracious Call (2 Peter 3:9) Time runs out (John 9:4) “...the night comes when no man can work.” – So the offer of HIS Redemption is more keen in the last days than in the former. No better time than presently (2 Cor. 6:2) “...now is the accepted time...” – And it is proven to each sinner who comes to the silent, vital call. Only one way – (Heb.2:3) “...how shall we escape...” – In this the ultimatum stands as the only solution for a fallen race. (Some of the very many passages that teach the will of GOD: Mark 3:35; Acts 13:36; Rom. 1:10; Rom. 8:27; Rom. 12:2; Rom. 15:32; 2 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 8:5; Gal. 1:4; Eph. 1:1; 6:6; Col. 1:1; 4:12; 1 Thes. 5:18; 2 Tim. 1:1; Heb. 10:36; 1 Peter 2:15; 3:17; 4:2; 4:19; 1 John 2:17)

The Will of God 1- The perfect will of GOD (Rom. 12:1-2) A- It is the “Elusive Enigma of the Ages”: 1- It took Moses 40 years behind Mt.Horab 2- It was delivered by the man of GOD to the house of Jesse 3- Could not be found at all by the King (Saul) – He consulted a witch at Endor - 10 -

B- Prayer is the answer 1- Prayer secures it 2- Prayer assures it 3- Prayer accomplishes it C- The will of GOD can be found in the CHRIST – the MONARCH of the universe – if you truly want to know it: 1- John 7:17 2- There must be a resignation to the will of GOD: a) Job (Job 13:15) b) Jesus said “...not my will but thine...” c) Paul’s last words (2 Tim.4:6) II-The Permissive will of GOD - Disobedience is sin (Heb. 10:26-29) III-The reviled will of GOD (see the Bible passages in the paragraph above on the will of GOD) IV-The secret will of GOD (Deut. 29:29)

The Silence of God Seen in HIS Love towards the Saints (2 Cor. 13:11) HE loves with an un-accusing love that seeks only our best interest. This love is, an unselfish love in that HE expects so very little in return. As mankind wants constantly; GOD gives to meet mans desire and as the loving FATHER this is HIS joy to do so. The saints enjoy a Divine love that is exceptional and totally unique to that relationship. As the New Testament writers record, GOD is Spirit (see John 4:24) and HE is called “The HOLY SPIRIT” – HE renders light to this blinded, lost world (see John 1:4 with 1 John 1:5) and HE is declared to be “THE LIGHT of men. “The Life He gives is unique in its character (see John 5:26) therefore HE is “...the way, the truth and the LIFE...” (John 14:6) But; without a doubt it is HIS “LOVE” that is most wonderful in our sight. And to go a step further, it can be seen that this “LOVE” is silent before our eyes. I- Even though man is utterly guilty; GOD places the words of indictment in the mouth of a preacher. (A silent witness of HIS un-accusing love is seen in the way HE takes away guilt by Grace - See John 8:111 “...Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”) II- Even though HE could rightfully place demands upon man; HE offers HIS servants the opportunity of service in regards to the love HE has shown toward this race. (A silent witness of HIS unselfish love is seen in the method HE uses to reward HIS servants – 1 Cor. 3:15 with 2 Tim. 4:8 “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness... “) III- Even though gifts should be given HIM, HE has given vital gifts unto man at the times when man could not, by any means, provide for himself. (A silent witness of HIS generous love is seen in the fact of the GIFT of HIS SON – See John 3:16 – even the SON shows kinship to the “silent” FATHER in that the prophet said “...HE opened not HIS mouth.”)

The Silence of God Seen in the Results Rendered for Our Sakes I- HE does not cry out the verdict of our guilt but “...whispers sweet peace...” to the soul of a sinner (Phil. 4:7 “...the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding...”) II- HE comes in quite assurance to the convert to add strength in place of the weakness of the believers flesh (Gal. 2:20 “I am crucified with CHRIST; nevertheless I live; yet not 1, but CHRIST liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the SON of GOD, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”) III- HE will soon come again, the second time, in this silent manner to take from the house of the world - 11 -

a bride for the SON at the “rapture” as these who have the wedding garment of Grace will be called up to be with the BRIDEGROOM of Heaven forever (1 Thes. 4:13-18 – But will it be silent?? The Scripture has the record: Matt. 12:19 (Isa. 52:2); Mark 4:26; Luke 17:20)

The Conclusion Of The Matter In the end of this treatment, the intention of the author must be stated clearly. To live under the knowledge of the Sovereignty of GOD and to preach this truth and HIS Free Grace to a benighted world is the intention of any honest minister. This intention has been objected to by the “Free-Willers” of every generation but I do not wish to be numbered with the detractors of Grace. The objections that are offered are well known among the saints. There could be several noted; but the objection that encompasses all others is the “Free-Will” (or Works) doctrine. In this system of works, man is lifted to the state of ability and GOD is rendered as a tired “white headed old man” in the position of “begging” sinners to come to HIS free gift of Salvation. If this be allowed, then falling from this Grace is the next logical step. This system of objections darkens the glory of GOD, Indicts the claims of GOD and Shadows the Sovereignty of GOD. The uninformed number often charge the preacher of Grace with un-thinkable allegations. In the face of this objection, the heat of an unscriptural obligation, and the specter of rank legalism may be felt. But if the Sovereignty of GOD is not true hopelessness is our hap and doubt will rule in the halls of Dogma. The declaration to be rendered is a conflict to the flesh and must be made with some determination - it does not come easily. The “Free-Will” matter is in all mankind and the only testimony of Grace is in the Word of GOD. The Truth of Divine Doctrine always conflicts with the natural inclinations of the flesh. So, there remains a mighty battle to face. The Spiritual battle for the mind and heart is mine (and each that stands) along with the Sure Victory in CHRIST. The conclusion must be drawn that a GOD who is not Sovereign is not GOD. The fear of most revolves around the fact that Sovereignty calls for “Absolutism”. This must be a frightening prospect - Absolutism calls for Accountability (2 Cor. 5:10); Assimilation (Phil. 3:12-13) and Approval (Rom. 8:29-34) In the light of abundant Bible teaching, the Doctrines of The Sovereignty of GOD are the only teachings that will survive the test of Scripture. (Isa. 18:20) Three questions leave the case without debate: 1) Is our GOD ABLE (Heb. 7:25)? 2) Is the race of mankind in the grip of sin and the fall, so as to render him “unable” (Impotent) (Rom. 5:6; Gen. 6:5; Rom. 3:11)? 3) Can GOD; therefore, redeem the fallen race of mankind (Rom. 8:28-34)? If HE is Sovereign HE can redeem all he chooses - If he is finite; the sinner has no hope and preachers are vain. Under this reasoning, the Doctrines of the Sovereignty of GOD becomes a more than tenable position. This position is born by many: A.W. Pink, John Gill, Benjamin Keach, F.B. Meyer, C.H. Spurgeon, John Calvin, George Whitfield, John Flaval, L.R. Shelton, Henry Thiessen, R.C. Ryle, B.B. Warfield, Augustine of Hippo, A.W. Tozer, B.B. Caldweld, Rolfe Barnard and a host of many with which I gladly take my place. I surely do not believe everything that these men teach but in matters of Sovereignty, I am gladly akin. In the matter of GOD’S Attributes, it is vital that the child of GOD must know GOD! There is no way around the matter. In the past few pages I have set forth the few Attributes of Our great GOD in my finite words. I have not dealt with the most popular subjects of HIS attributes. Nevertheless; HE is a GOD who possesses these more frequently mentioned assessments, the ones related here as well as many more that our work here will not allow to be treated at this time. “... the people that do know their GOD shall be strong.” (Dan. 11:32) The virtue of knowing GOD is not surpassed by any might known to mankind as can be seen at the reading of Jer. 9:23-24. “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the - 12 -

mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” In Hosea 6:3 we are plainly told that if we are to know we must “...follow on to know the LORD...” We must take the things that we have learned in the past and apply them to the future life in CHRIST and, as it is said, “follow on to know the LORD” in our own lives.

How To Follow On To Know The LORD (Hosea 6:3) I- Yield to HIS person by Faith (Heb. 11:6) II- Submit to HIS Authority in Fear (Isa. 8:13; Matt. 10:28; 1 Peter 1:17, 2:17) III- Regulate life according to HIS commandments and Holy precepts (John 7:17)

“Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power...” (Psa. 110:3 See Rev. 3:20) Under the Divine Hand of GOD many possibilities are seen. In HIS Hand, HE could destroy the sinner -HE could defeat the sinner -HE could deject the sinner - HE could and more – But Thanks be to GOD!! HE draws the sinner. A HOLY GOD awaits. (“Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? I the LORD have spoken it, and will do it.” Ezek. 22:14) I. The Drawing of the “FATHER which hath sent” CHRIST (John 6:44) “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. A) The responsibility of all to face HIM (Heb. 9:27) B) The personal Sovereignty of the FATHER (Acts 17:22-25) C) The total inability of man to stand before HIM (Mal. 3:2, Matt. 23:27; Mark 7:21) II. The drawing of “CHRIST lifted up” (John 12:32) “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” A) The complete suffering for sinners (Phil. 2:7-8) B) The shock of the cross (Heb. 12:2) C) The freshness of HIS wounds (Heb. 9:11-14) III- The Promise of GOD (Titus 1:2) “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” A) The terms of this promise (Isa. 53:10-11) “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief. when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. HE shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.” B) The value of this promise (Rom. 8:32) “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” C) The satisfaction of this promise (John 17:6) “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.”

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (Titus 3:5) - 13 -

This marks the end of our study of Sovereignty in the GODHEAD. We have looked at HIS nature. The private nature of GOD will never be opened to the mortal eye but the expositor may gain vital insight into this matter through the Bible. There may be many motives to attain this knowledge. One may seek to impress others by this means. One may be deluded so as to think that the level of Deity could be emulated by man and thereby obtain “god-hood” over others. Another may be of the vain view that GOD could be overthrown and replaced with the dogmatic reasoning of mankind. Yet, in light of the danger of all this, there are some who seek this knowledge for HIS Glory alone and wish only to uplift HIM in the sight of others. (John 12:32-33 “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die.”) These lines are blessed truth to the Redeemed. There are no sweeter thrills than the joys of the Redeemer. It should be noted that to be bought with the price of the SON’S Blood is indeed a wonderful case and if I may say in the last I am glad to be HIS Child. It is my hope that this work may cast a shaft of light into the darkness. Darkness is the only enemy of the Truth and I do not intend to stay in the darkness long enough to get accustomed to its blinding state. May our Sovereign GOD lead all into the full light of Free Grace unto the full joy of the Truth.

“Blessed is the man whom thou chooseth, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts...” (Psa. 65:4)

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Preaching

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