Gaze in wonder and adoration on this sovereign love of God, Who loved those whom it pleased Him to love. He was not pleased simply to invite them to be saved, nor to make salvation possible for them. No, the LORD has actually saved and redeemed them in the LORD Jesus Christ because He, being one with them, passed through the hell and condemnation that should have been theirs. HE HAS GIVEN THEM HIS LIFE, HAVING TAKEN THEIR DEATH ON HIMSELF! In view of this salvation that has been accomplished by our Savior, I am not afraid to say to any of us who are near to entering His presence, "Rejoice in anticipation of the glory which you already possess by faith; for this is the pledge which God Himself has given to the elect of His sovereign love, which was already theirs in Christ Jesus even before time began." I speak of a salvation which has either already been accomplished by our Savior, or else it never will be.