"Salvation is of the LORD." -Jonah 2:9

“ And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered.” -A MOS 4:7 [KJV]   How powerless we are as regards the rain that falls from the sky! Who can go forth when the sun is shining and bid the rain to fall? Or when rain is falling, who can go forth and restrain the bottles of heaven? He who gives us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness, also turns a fruitful land into barrenness for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. Equally sovereign is the blessing that God gives to the preached gospel. He holds the blessing in H is own hand; it is H is to give, and H is to withhold. If H e bless, it is because H e has promised it; but when, where, and to whom it shall come, is at HIS OWN SOVEREIGN DISPOSAL . Yet what do we naturally de...

The God of glory, before the world began, graciously chose a people in Christ unto salvation. "But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because GOD HATH FROM THE BEGINNING CHOSEN YOU TO SALVATION through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: w hereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II THESSALONIANS 2:13-14) . Concerning these chosen ones, the Shepherd said, "and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand" (JOHN 10:28) . The Lord determined that His people would be justified, redeemed, sanctified, regenerated, called, preserved and glorified. Not one of the elect shall perish for God has willed their eternal salvation and has engaged all of His attributes to accomplish that purpose. His sovereignty determined their salvation and will never be frustrated . His wisdo...