JOHN 3;14-21
To start with, Today, I want you to get this Truth;
There is a difference, in the working of external providence upon the non-elect, and the internal working of The Spirit, in The Elect, Who have been Regenerated.
Lost men and women may know The Way of Righteousness--
2 Peter 2;21-''For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.''
Lost men and women may rejoice, in the light of God's Word, for a season--
Luke 8;13-''They on the rock are they which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.''
Lost men and women may make great sacrifices--
I Corinthians 13;3-''And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.''
Lost men and women may perform great works--
Matthew 7;21-23-''Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name/ and in thy name have cast out devils/ and in thy name done many wonderful works/ 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.''
Thus, We see, that many deeds may be performed, and many things may be wrought, in the mind, by the Dispensation of The Gospel, apart from Regeneration.
Now, Get this truth; There is a two-fold darkness-objective and subjective.
Darkness is a metaphorical expression, denoting the natural state, of every man.
Objective Darkness consists of the want of those means, whereby men may be enlightened, in the knowledge of God-
Psalm 19;7-11-''The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold,yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward.''
Psalm 119;10-[Turn].
2 Peter 1;19-[Turn].
Now, The Holy Spirit alone, can dispel the darkness of depravity-Acts 6;6-13-[Turn].
Subjective Darkness is that, of The Unregenerate-John 1;5-[Turn]. Whatever light man might have by nature, or may gather from Creation, will not enable them, to comprehend the light of
God, shining in the face of Jesus Christ--2 Corinthians 4;4-6--[Turn].
This Subjective Darkness can be dispersed only, by the work of the Holy Spirit, in Regeneration.
The Regenerated Person is called out of darkness, into light-[Ephesians 5;8]. This light is not produced by a fire, of man's own kindling. Men may sit in the light of The Gospel, and yet not know their own true condition.
In calling men to the saving knowledge of God, and faith in Christ Jesus, The
Holy Spirit convinces them of sin, righteousness, and judgment [John 16;11].
The Holy Spirit is the great convincer. . .
John 16;7-''Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.''
Our Lord's purpose, on the eve of His departure was to encourage the disciples.
They were saddened by Christ's announcement that He was going back to His
Father.
During Christ's absence, the disciples were to be engaged in a difficult ministry.
They would be hated, opposed, and persecuted.
The Lord assured them, that the Holy Spirit would comfort, strengthen, and draw
the elect to God.
How could human sight perceive that, it would be expedient, for the Lord Jesus, to depart from His disciples' presence/
We are short-sighted, and judge by whatever is within the range of our vision.
The Lord said that His departure was for their advantage.
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