GOD'S DISPOSAL SYSTEM (Part I)

First and foremost, it is of critical importance to understand that the grace of God is continuously operative throughout all of our lives.  GOD never throws people away, as some are prone to do.  Since love is the very essence and nature of God, it is His M.O. (His modus operandi) to graciously and mercifully purge people of sin and its resultant shame and destruction.  Simply put, God hates sin; God loves people.  We must strive faithfully to emulate His divine attitudes and actions.

The Wesley brothers (John and Charles) spoke often of “prevenient grace,” which is the supernatural power that ignites and assists the growth and development of our initial faith in God.  Prevenient grace is clearly verified in scripture.  God’s confirmation to Jeremiah: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)  Indeed, the grace of God was operative – prior and subsequent to Jeremiah’s birth – to shape his faith and spiritually align divine purpose and personal destiny.

In this same manner, ALL of us are summoned to salvation.  (John 3:17 and II Peter 3:9)  Before, during and after this universal call to at-one-ment with The Father through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit operates graciously, seamlessly and imperceptibly (behind the scenes) to forge and focus our faith, i.e. to create innumerable opportunities so that eventually “Christ [will] be formed” in us. (Galatians 4:19)

Today, we exist in an age where faith is almost universally embraced.  As such, the majority of Americans report to be adherents of Christian faith and proponents of Christian values.  This is incredibly ironic and completely controverted by the attitudes and actions that are so prevalent in our society. 

Two key questions are begged:

1)  How do we contend for faith, i.e. the genuine and God-given faith? (Jude 1:3) 

2) How do we continue in faith once it is delivered to us? (Jude 1:3)

The Apostle Paul offers definitive scriptural solutions for these challenging questions:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)  “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (II Corinthians 7:1)

In sum, The Word states positively that grace is a divine operation initiated by God, which requires a definite human response.  Furthermore, The Word identifies God’s post-conversion activity within our lives.  This is a process called sanctification.  What is sanctification?  It is an operation that is largely divine, but also human.  That is, life is imparted to the believer by the Holy Spirit and s/he is released from the compulsive power of sin and guilt and thus enabled to love God, to strive to please Him, and to serve his neighbor. It is GOD that purifies and sets believers apart for service, but WE must become cooperating partners in the process.

Is there biblical evidence for this process?  Prior to participation in the sacred feasts, this divine mandate was issued to all Israelites: “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 20:7)  “Kill the Passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that they may do according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses.” (II Chronicles 35:6)

What is God communicating via these scriptures?  Divine grace reaches out to lost people and provides the vehicle for our restoration.  Nevertheless, a human response is required; our participation is necessary.  As we come “boldly to the throne of grace,” we must become cooperating partners in God’s disposal system, i.e. His ongoing process of purging, purifying, preparing and positioning us for effective Kingdom service. (Hebrews 4:16)  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed and stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!