February 18: THE GIFT OF OUR WILL

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life.” John 6:63

Adam’s body, though perfectly formed, was only lifeless flesh until the Creator breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7)

Every one of us since Adam and Eve, just as they did, has fallen into sin (Romans 3:23). Satan would have us to believe that sin is the most profound human trait. But God has always intended to teach us that the gift of our will is the most profound human trait. We were created in His image! The sovereign work of the LORD is to save and sanctify (and ultimately to glorify), but we must exercise our sovereign will—which He will not violate—to believe to the saving of the soul.* He empowers us to live righteously under His guiding hand. Belief and actions must match! He not only has the power to save us and remake us in His image, but He grants us the privilege to be His instruments for the growth of His Kingdom. Through each of us there is the potential for His Word, the Spirit-breathed Word, to go forth with power and to breathe life into a dying soul. Each of us has the choice to speak that Word. How readily He dispenses His grace to those who will ask for and receive it!

For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

The invention of the printing press brought a powerful new way to multiply the written Word among the peoples. Interestingly, at the very time that Luther’s German Bible was rolling off the press in Wittenberg, Lefevre’s French New Testament was published at Meaux. The bishop of Meaux immersed himself in the distribution of it in his parishes, sparing no expense. In a short time, the peasants of Meaux were in possession of the Holy Scriptures for themselves. Of note, many were now spending their evenings in one another’s homes reading the Bible instead of passing the time in the local wine houses. The reforming, uplifting power was manifested for all to see, and the number of gospel adherents increased with surprising speed.

But boiling beneath the surface was the wrath of the church hierarchy. King Francis held it in check for a while, fueled by his distaste for the pompous demeanor of the papal leaders. But they eventually succeeded in wearing him down, and once again the old stake was set up. Now the point of decision had been thrust onto the scene for each individual. Sadly, the bishop of Meaux cowered and recanted his faith. But his flock remained true to Jesus. By their courage in the flames, the gospel message was indelibly multiplied to many thousands more than in the time of relative peace.

Jesus prayed: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth.” John 17:17

*“Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:38-39