"These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him– (John 17:1-2)."
The Lord Jesus Christ is GIVING eternal life to as many as the Father has given Him (vs. 2). He's not waiting upon sinners to ask Him for it, deserve it, or contribute a single thing. He's not waiting for His church to get her act together or any other such nonsense, as if the eternal destiny of God's people was dependent upon anything or anybody except Him.
No matter how much failure we see in our generation… no matter how many people profess and yet squander the gospel, God Almighty in the Person of Jesus Christ is RULING and using everything. His people, in this generation, are hearing the gospel at the precise time appointed. Preachers are being raised up, churches are being established, and armies, though small, are going forward to preach. The message of grace and liberty in Christ Jesus is CONQUERING this generation just as it has every other.
We can talk about the darkness and frustration of the days of papacy, but when it is all said and done, we'll look down from heaven, reexamine the history of all providence, and continue our song of praise, "He hath done all things well…" Every tear is going to be wiped away, and everything will reveal itself to have been for the saving of His people. No quirks and no kinks in the providential chain have ever existed.
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