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

Free-will doctrine teaches that the success of the Father’s eternal election of some unto salvation, the triumph of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit are all dependent upon the will of the sinner.  Such teaching is contrary to Scripture and repulsive to those who have been given an understanding of the gospel of free grace.   Hear the Word of the Lord. “Salvation is of the L ORD ”   (Jonah 2:9c) .  The purpose of the Father to save a chosen multitude cannot be frustrated.  The redemptive work of Jesus Christ by which He satisfied divine justice, finished transgression, put away the sins of His people, made reconciliation for iniquity and brought in everlasting righteousness shall never be a failure.  The quickening power of the Holy Spirit cannot be thwarted or resisted.  He will regenerate dead sinners, grant them repentance from dead works and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.   ...

" Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." -Jude 3 [KJV] When St. Paul was preaching the most important truths of the everlasting gospel at Corinth, he was brought before the judgment seat, and accused for his doctrine. Poor Gallio would not concern himself about the matter. He considered it all as a strife of words, and a contention about names. I will be no judge, says he. He cared for none of these things. His heart was totally unacquainted with the faith of God’s saints. But art thou a partaker of like precious faith with the Apostles? and canst thou be a Gallio too? Know, if thou wilt not contend for the faith, hell and earth are in arms, to contend against. What is the faith here spoken of?  (1st.) The doctrines of faith revealed in the word: the whole scheme of evangelical truths, inspired by the Spirit of God. These are received by faith: are the rule, the warrant, the support, and the glory and joy of faith. Such as the...

" If God thinks fit to declare the sinner righteous, it is in order that He may by that means restore him to holiness." -A. H. Strong, Systematic Theology , p.869

Christ designs to make us both safe and sound.  Justification gives the first – safety; sanctification gives the second – soundness. -O. P. Gifford, Systematic Theology , A. H. Strong, p.869

" The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit." -II Timothy 4:22 [KJV] A most precious benediction! How blind are all who deny the divinity of Christ! how miserable are all who live without the presence of Christ! how ignorant are all who know not that such a blessing is to be enjoyed! how stupid are all those who seek it not! Art thou not, O Christian, too negligent in not more earnestly seeking and constantly praying for more of the presence of thy Lord? Consider, what is implied in this wish? It is heaven in the heart, glory in the soul, to have Christ with our spirits. It disposes and qualifies the soul for heavenly glory.  For, (1st.) Christ’s presence restrains our bad tempers, and subdues our unruly passions. Boisterous waves are changed into a profound calm; rough winds are at peace; foaming billows are still: there is the calm sunshine of heartfelt joy within: all is serene and happy without. Christ’s presence causes haughty pride and furious anger to subs...

" But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David knew the matter." -I Samuel 20:39 [KJV] Had any one asked this lad, what Jonathan was doing in the field? he would doubtless have replied, only shooting arrows for his amusement, and I ran and brought them to him. But, O! there was a much greater matter here: no less than the precious life of David was at stake. Love directed these arrows: the voice of love proclaimed by them, David’s danger, or his safety. The fatal word, Is not the arrow beyond thee? reminds David of his danger, and warns him to flee for his life.  Observe, (1st.) Never did more generous, faithful love dwell in a mere human breast, than in Jonathan’s to David. But it diminishes, like the light of the stars when the sun appears, compared to that infinitely greater, and more intense love, which dwells in the heart of our spiritual Jonathan, i.e., the gift of the Lord: this Jesus is to all His Davids, i.e., beloved ones.  (2d.) There was a ...

" And He said unto them, Why are ye troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your hearts?" -Luke 24:38 [KJV] Help, O help us, Thou dear Lord, Who spake these words to Thy affrighted disciples, to gather some sweet consolation from them to our hearts this night. We know Thou prayest for us, when Thou prayest for all who should believe on Thee. (John 17:20.) O speak in life and power these words to our troubled hearts, and for the rising thoughts of distress. Thine is the power: Thine shall be the glory.  (1st.) We here see, though their dear Lord was present, yet his beloved disciples were troubled. Yea, and though he had but that moment pronounced peace unto you, yet fears again rose in their hearts. They were as we are, flesh, as well as spirit: men of like passions with us. The frights, fears and troubles which nature is subject to, discompose the spiritual frames of disciples.  But, (2d.) They do not alter our state, nor separate us from the love of Christ. Th...