Roger Duke
Feb 272 min read
Roger Duke
Feb 272 min read
February 10 - I Believe God Chooses
Roger Duke
“And when the Gentiles heard this saying, they began rejoicing and glorifying the Word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed”
Acts 13: 48
This entry is taken from Daily Readings - John Bunyan a 366 day devotional edited by (and posted with permission from) Roger D. Duke, Scholar-in-Residence at Stage & Story, and published by Christian Heritage Press.
Each month focuses on a different book or writing by Bunyan. For February: My Confession of Faith (or A Confession of My Faith and a Reason of My Practice, or, With Who, and Who Not, I can Hold Church-fellowship, or the Communion of Saints)
I believe that the faith that [saves] is not to be found with any but those in whom the Spirit of God by mighty power does work it. All others, being fearful and incredulous, dare not venture their souls and eternity upon it. And consequently, it is called the faith that is wrought by the exceeding great and mighty power of God: The faith that is of the operation of God. And therefore, it is that others are said to be fearful and so unbelieving. These, with other ungodly sinners, must have their part in the lake of fire. (Ephesians 1: 18 & 19; Colossians 2: 12; Ephesians 2: 8; Philippians 1: 19; Revelation 21: 8).
I believe that this faith is effectually wrought in none, but those which before the world, were appointed unto Glory. And as many as were ordained unto eternal life believed. That he might make known the riches of his Glory—upon the vessels of mercy—which he had before prepared to receive Glory. We give thanks unto God always for you all, making mention always of you in our prayers. Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of God. We know brethren, beloved, your election of God, but of the rest . . . [Jesus] says, you believed not because ye are not of my sheep. Therefore, they could not believe, because Esaias [Isaiah] said: He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their hearts that they should not see with their eyes; nor understand with their heart, and I should heal them. (Isaiah 6: 10).
John Bunyan was a preacher, theologian and author, whose best-known work, The Pilgrim's Progress, has challenged and influenced readers for almost 350 years.
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