MONDAY, AUGUST 21
Ephesians 2:1-10
Philippians 1:6

"…he which hath begun
a good work in you…"

A SANCTIFIED WILL (1)

We must thank God for creating human beings in His image — a living soul with a will, and not like an impersonal, non-living and non-feeling robot, nor like animals, with a natural instinct to struggle for survival and to satisfy their need for food or for a mate. With a will, human beings are able to achieve their goals, encounter challenges, solve problems and overcome difficulties. An animal may want to cross a big river, but it has to give up its intention or desire when it is not able to cross. It does not have a will to press on. Man with a will, however, is able to be determined to press on despite difficulties and obstacles, and with wisdom, intelligence and skills given to him by God, he can build a bridge or a tunnel to cross the river. Animals encounter pestilences and hopelessly suffer death, but with a will, man can study hard and try hard until he finds a cure for those pestilences. It is amazing, is it not? Sadly, instead of acknowledging and thanking their Creator, many deny Him and believe that they evolved from the monkey! Why? Because they have a sinful heart, a corrupt mind and a rebellious will!

Adam was first created with a free will, with the capacity to choose, to make his own decision, to direct his emotion and behaviour, to control himself, or to determine what he should do or where he should go. He could even choose, decide and control himself to obey God or disobey Him. Sadly, after the Fall of Adam and Eve, sin and death entered into the world (Rom 5:12), and man’s free will was marred and corrupted. Man is naturally rebellious against God. He does not want and is unable to love God, obey Him or submit to His Word. "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Rom 8:7). "But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart…" (Jer 5:23). Therefore, if a sinful man with his rebellious will is able to repent, to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and to submit his will to God’s will and Word to be saved and sanctified, it is totally by God’s grace alone (Eph 2:1-10; Phil 1:6). All glory to God alone!

THOUGHT: It is God’s good work to save and sanctify me!
PRAYER: Lord, I thank Thee for Thy good and gracious work.