ORDERED IN ALL THINGS AND SURE

"Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholdeth him with His hand." —Psalm 37:24 [KJV]

The absolute declarations and promises of scripture are ever to be considered as having relation to, and dependence upon the covenant of grace. Hence, whatever is asserted concerning the salvation of lost sinners, is an exhibition or display of the grace of the covenant by Jesus Christ. When men see not the nature of the covenant, ordered in all things and sure, they make the promises of the gospel as it were a mere rope of sand. 

Not seeing salvation, established upon the sure foundation of God's immutable love and faithfulness, they make it depend on human wisdom, power, and goodness. Poor comfort for sensible souls. Though pride for a time may keep up the vain hopes of the self-righteous and self-deluded—How long? Till they are tried by fire. The just man's standing is of God's power. His falls are from his own frailty. That he is raised from his falls, is from the sovereign love and covenant faithfulness of his God. 

But, is not God able to keep us from falling? Doubtless His power is almighty. He can take away all sin and corruption out of us: and not suffer temptation from Satan, the world and the flesh, ever to attack us. Yea, He can instantly change us into angelic purity. But this is not His will. The Lord sees it most for His glory that we should be just what we are—believe His truths—live upon His promises—rely on His power from day to day, or it should be otherwise. All things are in being for the elect's sake. All things "work together for their good,"—Romans 8:28. 

Satan may tempt souls as he did Christ, to cast themselves down to prove the power of God. Carnal hearts may say, "let us do evil, that good may come." Each shew what spirit they are of. Saints express the inward disposition of their souls by other language. Gracious works proceed from gracious hearts which are influenced by divine truth and everlasting love. Saints' falls are suffered, to humble them for sin, wean them from their pride, self-righteousness, and self-sufficiency; to deaden them to the love of the world, and to endear Jesus more and more to them; to teach them the usefulness of ordinances; to exercise their graces; to purge out their dross; to enable them to succour others with the assurance of comfort and protection, which they themselves have found from our Saviour. 

So He displays the wisdom, power and faithfulness of a covenant-God. Thus He makes souls meet for glory, and causes them to long more for the heavenly inheritance. Saints may fall, and do fall into many things that hurt and bruise them. This is their shame; it causeth sorrow and grief; and excites watchfulness. But fall into hell they cannot, they shall not, because they are upheld by the arm of omnipotence; and Jesus declares, "I give them eternal life."—John 10:28.

-preacher William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)

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