ZEBULON BAPTIST CHURCH

WHATSOEVER GOD DOETH
Eccl. 3:14

Tom Harding


"I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him" (Eccl. 3:14).

This is to be understood of all the decrees of God (Isa. 46:9-12), which are the eternal thoughts of his heart (Acts 15:18). None can hinder His purpose nor change the counsel of his will (Eph. 1:11; Mal. 3:6). His pleasure He always does (Isa.53:10), His purposes and appointments are always accomplished, never frustrated nor made void (Gal.2:21). Nothing unexpected can turn up to delay the execution of them. Our great God sees the end from the beginning and works all His pleasure to His exact delight.

This is true of all His works of providence and grace (Rom. 8:28). God's eternal and unconditional election of grace is certain and sure it can never be altered nor reversed, the blessings of it are the sure mercies of David (2 Thes. 2:13; 2 Sam. 23:5). Redemption by Christ's Jesus precious blood is also certain, sure and eternal (Heb. 9:12). All the blessings of grace bestowed on the sinner such as; pardon (Neh. 9:17), justification (Rom. 5:1), adoption (Gal. 4:5), and regeneration (John 1:13) continue forever and are eternal as God Himself (Heb.13:8). There is nothing lacking in the covenant of grace, all things are freely provided and sovereignly bestowed (Rom. 8:32), nothing needs put to it, certainly nothing will ever be taken from it. Believers in Christ Jesus are accepted in the Beloved and stand complete in Him (Col. 2:9-10).

Here is the reason why it must be so, "God doeth it, that men should fear before him." All God's works of grace and providence display His sovereign power and mercy, which demand reverance and awe of His glorious character, "Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast" (Psalm 33:7-8). The eternal decrees of God don't promote despair, but rather tend to encourage true worship and godly fear. "But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared" (Psalms 130:4).


Tom Harding, Pastor
Zebulon Baptist Church
Pikeville, Ky.



[Top of page]