An Announcement, a Command, and a Call

The whole matter of moral choice centers around Jesus Christ. Christ stated it plainly: “He that is not with me is against me,” and “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” The gospel message embodies three distinct elements: an announcement, a command, and a call. It announces the good news of redemption accomplished in mercy; it commands all men everywhere to repent and it calls all men to surrender to the terms of grace by believing on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

We must all choose whether we will obey the gospel or turn away in unbelief and reject its authority. Our choice is our own, but the consequences of the choice have already been determined by the sovereign will of God, and from this there is no appeal.

The Lord descended from above,

     And bowed the heavens most high,

And underneath His feet He cast

     The darkness of the sky.

On cherubim and seraphim

     Full royally He rode,

And on the wings of mighty winds

     Came flying all abroad.

He sat serene upon the floods,

     Their fury to restrain;

And He, as sovereign Lord and King,

     For evermore shall reign.

     Psalm paraphrase, by Thomas Sternhold

Verse

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Thought

Our choice is our own, but the consequences of the choice have already been determined by the sovereign will of God, and from this there is no appeal.

Prayer

Thank You, Father, for the gift of choice that You sovereignly placed in our hearts.