96 "Your people shall be willing in the day
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No man by nature is willing to come to Christ for salvation, or to be saved by free and sovereign grace alone. Human nature is . .
too sinful,
too blind,
too obstinate,
and too proud!
If we are willing—God has made us so.
Nor is anyone desirous, or even willing, to be made truly holy—except he is taught of God. If therefore we would do good, if we are heartily desiring and earnestly seeking to be made holy in heart and life—it is because we are under the teaching of the Holy Spirit.
What a mercy to know this! How often do we give human nature credit for being better than it is, and imagine that what we feel, desire, and do—is merely from our own mind—and not from a sanctified heart!
The Lord’s people are made willing—by the Lord’s power; but that power works so secretly, so silently, in such strict accordance with our nature and faculties—that we do not perceive it!
Are you in doubt, whether God has really called you by grace or not? Inquire:
Am I willing to be saved by Jesus as a poor, lost sinner?
Am I concerned to be made holy—as well as to be made happy?
Do I pray to be made useful—as well as to be safe?
If so, you are one of the Lord’s people—for He has made you willing in the day of His power!