And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd.” John 10:16
The work of redemption, and the salvation of men, is strictly an act and settled accomplishment of God. Though a body was prepared for the Lord Jesus, and He took upon Himself flesh, suffering and dying on the Cross, yet, the Divine nature of His coming into this world, determined from before the foundation of the world, was uniquely of God. Man had nothing to do with it. Therefore, if a man try to add to God’s work, or to accomplish the work of salvation in the heart of an individual, without God being the originator and “finisher” of the work, it is nothing. That which is of God is of God ALONE. Jesus put it like this: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.” (3:6) So important is this truth that the Lord would preface it by declaring: “Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he CANNOT enter the kingdom of God.” To emphasize the necessity of seeing that God alone does God’s work, though He may, as He did in the life of Christ, reveal His work in the flesh, the Lord would declare later in John’s gospel: “It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” (6:63) Why is this truth so very important? It is essential for the right application of faith in God. God’s faithfulness, in dealing with lost souls, not only unveils to mankind the truth, but His total commitment to accomplish His perfect will according to that truth. If God alone does the work of God, then God alone must be trusted for the accomplishment of it. Consequently, God alone must receive the glory for it.
These are unprecedented times in the history of this world, when it seems that the flood of iniquity, the enemy, is coming in like a flood, with little to no resistance. We are certainly in the prophetical period called “the last days,” commencing at the pouring forth of the Spirit at Pentecost. From that day, the body of Christ, the living church, as been brought face to face with the tremendous, world-wide intent, and pursuit, of Christ seeking the lost to save. The desire and will of God is that none should perish, for the Father gave His Son as a sacrifice for the entire world, that all should know HIS saving, eternal Life. The zeal, purpose, and commitment of Christ to reach the lost has not diminished in the least since He died on Calvary. The coming of the Spirit at Pentecost was not only the sign that the church has now been given the mandate to reach “all nations,” but that she is now equipped to do so. Scripture tells us that it is the Spirit of the Lord who alone raises up a standard against the onslaught of the enemy. However, it is the church, indwelt by this same Spirit, which is called to go forth and overcome the enemy in these days, to accomplish this Great Commission. The Lord Jesus declared this victorious endeavor by saying: “…I will build My church; and the gates of Hell shall NOT overpower it.” (Matt. 16:18) So, how does this knowledge of the church and the victorious Christ within her, apply to the multitudes which have not the knowledge of Christ?
Christ’s spiritual kingdom, not having its source or any affinity with this world system, is from above. The great endeavor to reach the world for Christ is only possible according to the laws and principles of this kingdom, the basic one being singular, unquestioning faith in Christ, the Head of the church. Submission to Christ’s authority, and leading, will result in His overcoming power being revealed.
Dear Father, Fill us with strength Divine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.