November-December - The Gospel Magazine

2't4
The Gospel Magazine
the ungodly may find in the consideration of predestination and
election in Christ, it is false comfort. It has no biblical foundation.
Jacob chosen of God
We have been discussing the election of Jacob taught in the text.
When we read of Jacob's history in Genesis, we discover that Jacob
knew himself to be one of God's elect, and that he greatly rejoiced in
the knowledge. Consider chapters 48 and 49. These chapters breathe
assurance and confidence. Jacob's life is ebbing away. He is old and
feeble. The Scripture says,
'the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that
he could not see'. But nature is compensated by grace. He has other
eyes. Eyes to see
'the vision splendid'. Faith's vision has not dimmed.
He is sure! Sure that God has loved him and chosen him to eternal
glory. He comes to death in the full assurance of faith. He knows he is
beloved of God. Knows that he was loved while he was yet unformed
in his mother's womb. Knows that God has loved him with that
special, discriminating, electing love that God has for His own. He has
loved him as a babe, a boy, a youth, a man. He knows He loves him
now as he is about to pass through the valley of the shadow of death.
He knows that across the valley God himself waits to wipe away all
tears from his eyes. He knows! Such knowledge is full of sweet,
pleasant, and unspeakable comfort. Hear his words as he rises on his
bed to speak to his sons...'God almighty appeared to me at Luz, in the
Land of Canaan, and blessed me.' He knows! As it is written, Jacob
have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
The difference between the two
Jacob and Esau: What a difference! Esau: a profane person who
for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. A thoroughly godless man.
He cared nothing for eternal things. He feared neither the loss of
heaven nor the wrath of hell. An ungodly man to the end. Such a one
dare not suppose himself among the elect of God. Jacob's brother no
doubt, abounding in privileges, sharer of many benefits with Jacob.
But an ungodly man still. The Bible teaches no such man to entertain
the hope of salvation . He moy be numbered among the elect of God'
He may yet be brought to a saving knowledge of God and thereby
discover that he too is beloved of the Father, beloved as Jacob was
loved. Yet while he continues to be an ungodly man such hope is vain.
Esau: ungodly to the end. The consideration of predestination and
election in Christ cannot offer him sweet and pleasant comfort.
How different was Jacob. A saint of God. A godly man. A man of
many faults and failings, yet a man with one great concern in life: to