God teaches us humility, not only by hearing what wicked creatures we are; nor by merely looking into ourselves and seeing a whole swarm of evils there. We learn humility, not merely by a discovery of what we are as sinful and depraved, pitiful creatures, but also by a discovery of who and what the Lord Jesus Christ is to His people. We need a glimpse of Christ Jesus, of His love, of His grace, of His blood that satisfies infinite justice against us for our sins. When these two sights meet together in our hearts, our shame, and the Lord's goodness; our guilt, and His forgiveness; our wickedness, and His super abounding mercy; they break us, humble us, and lay us dissolved in tears of godly sorrow and contrition, at the footstool of mercy! And thus we learn humility, that sweet grace, that blessed fruit of the Spirit in real, and we bow to the glory of God revealed in Christ Jesus. Outside of this Gospel revelation, all is pride and self-righteousness – “for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Pet. 5:5). All whom God teaches humility find nothing but sin in themselves and nothing but righteousness in Christ. –J. C. Philpot
FAITH IS A GIFT OF GOD’S GRACE
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:8-10).
A sinner who truly believes God (believes in the Lord Jesus Christ for his whole salvation) is a miracle of God’s grace, goodness, and power. This kind of faith is truly the gift and work of God (Php. 1:29; John 6:28-29). The story of faith in Christ is not what many claim today. Their story is one of their own goodness, power, and determination of will which enabled them to rise above the rest of the mass of sinners who refuse to believe in Christ. They make faith a work of their own supposed goodness in mind, purpose, and will. Faith then, not Christ, becomes their savior, and gives them room to boast. Until a sinner learns by revelation from God in the power of the Holy Spirit that if left to himself he would never believe God and never have faith in Christ, he will never truly look to Christ alone for salvation. He will never truly know, appreciate, and love the grace of God in salvation. –Pastor Bill Parker
“WHY ME, LORD?”
It is common for all of us (believers and unbelievers) when we go through hard times to ask God, “Why me?” The answer is, “Why not me?” If God gave me what I deserved and earned, it would be nothing but trouble and even eternal condemnation. But only true believers ask honestly, from the new heart, concerning blessings of eternal salvation and glory, “Why me?” As true believers we know there is nothing in us or done by us to earn or attract God’s approval and favor. When we think of God’s electing grace (God choosing us before the foundation of the world for salvation in Christ), we ask, “Why me and not someone else?” When we think of God declaring us not guilty and righteous in His sight through Christ, we ask, “Why me?” When we think of God sending His Son to die for our sins and redeem us by His blood, we ask, “Why me?” When we think of Christ sending forth His Spirit to bring us under the glorious truth of the Gospel which is the power of God unto salvation and giving us spiritual life and faith, we ask, “Why me?” After asking this question on all matters of salvation and eternal life, we can find no reason in or of ourselves that God should or would bless us so much over and above others. But there is an answer from God’s Word, and it is the only answer God gives to His children. Here it is –
“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. EVEN SO, FATHER: FOR SO IT SEEMED GOOD IN THY SIGHT.” (Matthew 11:25-26)
Notice the Lord did not say, “THEY seemed good in Thy sight,” because there are none found among sinful, fallen man who are good in God’s sight (Psalm 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Rom. 3:9-20). He said, “IT seemed good in Thy sight.” What is “IT”? “IT” is God’s purpose to glorify Himself in the salvation of a people of HIS choice (Rom. 9:15) by His free and sovereign grace based on the blood and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 9:16—10:4). Are there others who still remain in unbelief that we view as more qualified and more worthy than us? Yes, but not in God’s sight. In His sight none of us are qualified or worthy to be saved and blessed. Brethren, when we consider our great salvation and ask, “Why me, Lord?”, just stand in awe of God’s mercy and grace in Christ. Worship and honor Him with gratitude and love. It is all of His grace!
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