THE EMBRACE OF GOD

HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

God’s call is very wide. Whoever, He says. I bless Him for a word so protestant and universal. Most certainly it embraces me within its scope and sweep. Beyond all contradiction, it justifies me in claiming Christ, Christ’s gospel, and Christ’s redemption, as my very own.

God’s plan is very simple. Whoever believes in Him, I read. So unfettered with conditions, so free from all hampering and disheartening provisos, it is. There are no penances, no pilgrimages, no labours, and no tears demanded of me. Only, as that beautiful Catechism says, “a hearty trust that to me, the forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness and salvation, are freely given.”

God’s deliverance is very sweet. Shall not perish, He declares. The condemnation is revoked. The curse is obliterated. The enemy is vanquished. The dark future, lowering like a heavy thundercloud in front of me — lo, it is changed into brightness and blessing.

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JOY

God’s love is very regal and divine. But shall have eternal life, He goes on. What a blessing it is! Life over which the shadow of death and separation will never fall. Life “without a surge of worry, without a shade of care.” Life in which there is no sin. Life in the Spirit, with Christ, at home in the Father’s house! The life that knows no end. The life which in its fullness and richness my heart meanwhile cannot conceive.

Great is His goodness, and great His mercy!