“Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out.!” Romans 11:33
In God’s dealings with man, He is ever seeking to bring him to faith in Christ. The quality of that faith is described by certain phrases. For example, the Lord Jesus, as well as the Apostle James, uses phrases like, “without doubting,” or “Why did you doubt?” The Lord speaks of “little faith,” and “great faith.” James uses the word, “double-minded,” to reveal that true faith, that which God approves is that which is wholehearted, expressed by a total commitment. From the believer’s standpoint, this faith is non other than the “faith of Christ,” which the Apostle Paul mentions in Galatians 2:20. It is possible to have, and to increasingly experience this faith, by the knowledge that God and His commitment to His child. Though the believer is limited on this earth with regard to the perfect use, or exercise of this faith, yet God is ever working to bring the believer to “will and to do of His good pleasure,” according to the power that is operative in him. Paul’s prayer for a vision to the Ephesians church, then his prayer for their strengthening by the Spirit in the inner man, is made in order for faith in the believer to rise increasingly higher and farther, in the knowledge of Christ, and the appropriating those things above in Him. What about the basis of faith? How does God work to bring us to believe Him, trusting Him moment by moment, for His highest and best?
The Bible, from the pages of the book of Genesis, to the end of the book of Revelation, speaks of covenants, separate and specific commitments of God towards man, to reveal Himself to the hearts, minds, and souls of men. These commitments on HIs part are perfect, for they originate in the perfect God, and the expression of them is always perfect in His mercy, wisdom, and love, towards the sinner. Part of this commitment, established by the New Covenant of Christ, accomplished by the shedding of His blood, and the promise of the Spirit, is the specific calling, given to every believer brought into the body of Christ. In the wisdom and goodness of God, He places the believer IN Christ, taking him OUT of Adam, committing Himself to the believer for the realization on earth of His designed purpose. It is a purpose born in the heart of God from before the foundation of the world, expressed by Paul’s words: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10) Along with this calling of every individual in the body of Christ, is the dispensing of designated gifts and capacities, essential to the realization of that calling. The calling of God can only be accomplished and fulfilled by the quickening power of the Holy Spirit, according to the knowledge of that calling. If the believer is to fulfill his calling, then he must know and be assured of the essential elements of that calling. God is willing to reveal them, if the believer is willing to receive that knowledge, surrendering to God, to follow Christ. It is possible, by the grace of God to know, and be fully assured of, one’s calling. After all, the believer is called upon to make his calling “sure,” being fully persuaded concerning it.
With regard to the gifts of God in accordance with the calling, Paul writes to the Corinthians that the Spirit of God has been received by the believer, “…that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” (1 Cor. 2:12) The knowledge of the irrevocable calling and gifts of God are revealed by the Spirit. God has given them as facets of this blessed new covenant which Christ has secured in redemption. Let us remember the Lord’s words to His disciples: “How much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things, the Holy Spirit, to them that ask Him?” (Matt. 7:11, Luke 11:13)
Dear Father, Show us Thy calling and gifts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.