Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that, whatever God does, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God does it… Most important and consolatory truth is contained in these words. In it the Preacher seems to find refuge from the perplexity and uncertainty of human things; on it he seems to rest that conclusion of practical wisdom which he draws from the consideration of the vanities of human life; that it is the duty, and for the happiness of man, thankfully and confidingly to enjoy the good which he possesses, as bestowed at once, and secured by the merciful and unfailing providence of God. In this truth he seems to have found a rock, on which he might set his feet securely, being delivered by the light of Divine wisdom out of the unsteady and intricate paths of human short-sightedness and folly. I. The very NATURE OF MAN is transient and imperfect, much more THE WORKS in which he is engaged. Frail are they, and fugitive, mutable and perishable, uncertain and insecure, never continuing in one stay. This is the very property of a dependent and finite creature, who cannot set up a will of his own, or execute a work in opposition to the will, and exempt from the control of that Supreme Power who gave him his being, and to whom he is necessarily subject. But beside this essential insufficiency in man as a mere creature, sin has marred his limited powers, and induced corruptness, as well as imperfectness into all his works. II. Consider, in opposition to this picture of man, THE NATURE AND WORKS OF GOD; more particularly as they have relation to, and affect mankind. 1. "Whatsoever God doeth it shall be for ever."(1) Because there is no change of purpose in God. (2) Every singular decree of His will, and every several act of His power, humanly separated out of this great unity, "is, in truth, for ever," and hath in it a perpetuity, being joined on,. indissolubly and eternally, to that one all-involving and everlasting design. (3) It shall stand; because no created and superior power can interfere to overthrow it 2. But the purposes and works of God in relation to man are also perfect. They are entire, complete, and of finished excellence. 3. But especially, whatsoever He doeth in the covenant of His mercy, and in the salvation provided for man in His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ "shall be for ever; nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it."(1) It is eternal, unfailing, and unchangeable in Christ, by whom it hath been executed and accomplished. (2) This salvation is also eternal in God's purpose and decree of mercy. (3) This salvation is also eternal in the work of grace and sanctification. (4) But, moreover, His salvation is perfect in itself, complete, entire, wanting nothing, neither requiring nor admitting any addition, but providing all that is needful for every sinner's recovery to everlasting life. It is a full and free salvation. III. THE END AND MOTIVE WHICH GOD HATH IN HIS DOINGS, eternal and perfect as they are, is, that men may fear Him. Oh! what a holy and heavenly blending of gracious influences and sweet emotions is included in this godly fear; humble and awful reverence, bowing before the supreme greatness and goodness of the Lord God omnipotent; meek, and confiding trust, resting on His power and mercy, pledged, and engaged, and manifestly operating in behalf of fallen man; lively gratitude for surpassing grace, and redemption at once free and unfailing; pure and true love to infinite excellence of omnipotence and benevolence. This is sanctified, this is acceptable fear; this is that fear in which holiness must be perfected. (J. O. Parr, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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