"As White As Snow"

Isaiah 1:18) "Come now and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

Yesterday morning during our song service, God's people at PHBC were brought face to face with the fact, at one time they were alienated from God. Our song leader led the congregation in the hymn, "Jesus Paid It All." What a sober reminder for God's children to face the fact it was Jesus who "paid it all." As we sang this great hymn of the faith a chill ran all over my body...maybe a reaffirmation to me that I did nothing for my salvation. A reminder none of my goodness, none of my preaching, none of my studying, or praying has made me right with God. It was Jesus who paid the price for my redemption.
This afternoon as I am writing this post I look out my office window and see the fresh snow we received last night. The snow is a reminder, "Christ washed my sins as white as snow." Seeing the fresh, clean, and pure snow lying on the ground is a reminder from God Himself to His people what He has done with the sins of His people through His Son Jesus Christ. Christ was pure, clean, and without sin for He was God in the flesh (John 1:14).

"Jesus paid it all,
all to him I owe;
sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow."

Of all the people in the world why would God chose me to set His affections on and save me, forgive me, and cleanse my sins as white as snow? I read this great hymn of our faith and immediately I am overwhelmed with humility. But one thing it causes me to see now more than ever is, "therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)." I AM FORGIVEN, I AM FORGIVEN, I AM FORGIVEN...made free, no longer a slave to sin or Satan!
So, may we as God's people be reminded of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness when we enjoy the snow during this winter season. It is also a great opener in sharing the gospel with others when they want to talk to you about the snow. You can say, "The snow it is nice... it is a reminder to me what Jesus has done for me...how about you." "Has your sins been washed as white as snow?"

"For Whom Did Christ Die For"

John 6:37-40) But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. 38For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

Here in our text, the Lord of glory expounds whom He died for. Jesus Christ reveals a mystery to his people. A mystery that has caused great controversy over the last 2000 years in Christianity. The question is,"for whom did Christ die for."
A popular belief and one that opposes God's word is know as "general atonement." That is Jesus died for everyone. The only problem with this view of the atonement is it is unscriptual. If we use logic, if Christ died for everyone and his death on the cross was for everyone without exception, than everyone would be saved, right. No! Of course not, we know their are multitudes of people in Hell today, whom Christ did not satisfy the wrath of God and settle divine justice for them.
The bible states clearly, that the Father has given the Son (Jesus) a number of people (his elect) to come and die for. He tells us in the gospel of John "all the Father gives me will come to me." There is no question about it. Every person whom Christ died for will come to Him and Christ will raise Him up on the last die.
This gives us security as believers in Christ. This is why Baptist historically believes in "eternal security." Before the world was every formed God had set his affections on His elect. He gave His Son a work to come and accomplish. According to John 17:1-5, he did exactly what the Father sent him to do. Thus, glorifying His Father by completing the work of salvation for the elect. Salvation for God's people was accomplished on the cross of Calvary. It was more than a possibility but it was a surety for all of God's elect.

"For whom did Christ die for?"
If Christ died for all, all would be saved:
If Christ died for none, none would be saved:
If Christ died for some, some would be saved:
If Christ died for all, than Judas and Pharaoh is in heaven;
Who do you believe Christ died for?

I believe he died for some!