Bunyan has me pondering something I've never seen before (take the time to look up these texts):
The Father loved us by giving His Son for us (John 3:16, Romans 5:8).
And, He loved us by giving us to His Son (John 6:37, 39, John 10:28, John 17:6, 9, 24).
2 comments:
Years ago John MacArthur preached a message on divine election at Sproul's ligonier conference. The message was built on John 17 (particularly the verses you mention), and focuses particularly on how the Church is a love-gift from God the Father to Christ the Son. It was one of those pivotal sermons in my life - it still ranks as one of my top five favorite messages. If you can get a hold of it - its a treasure.
Even when Christ was dying for us, He was doing so that He might receive us from God. As Sproul has so gloriously expounded, Jesus was paying the Bride-price that was necessary for Him to receive us from the Father. The Father gave Jesus for us SO THAT He could give us to Jesus.
Don't miss 1st Corinthians 15:24-28! In the end, Jesus gives us back to the Father, that God may be all in all.
JN, I would love to get a hold of that message if you know where I can get it.
Good thoughts.
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