We rejoice in Christ Jesus and His accomplished work of redemption. By His substitutionary death, He finished the work the Father gave Him: secured the forgiveness of His people, made an end of our sins, made reconciliation for our iniquities and brought in everlasting righteousness (Daniel 9:24). Christ did not try to save sinners by His death; He did not die with the hope that somebody might add their faith to His work thereby making it effectual. He did not give His life a ransom as the down payment for our redemption. He paid all the debt we owed, and divine justice can demand no more. His sacrifice released us from all legal obligations. He canceled all charges against His chosen people! Christ satisfied infinite justice for it exacted from Him the infinite penalty demanded for sin - death! Our assurance of everlasting acceptance, therefore, lies in Him "Who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood" (Rev. 1:5). It is written that Christ "obtained eternal redemption for us "(Hebrews 9:12). You will never read in the Scriptures that His death was an effort or attempt to save all mankind. It is not recorded that Jesus did all He could to save sinners, and now we must add our faith to His redemptive work to make it effectual, yet that is what many preachers are saying. That would make faith, and not Christ, the ultimate Savior. That would make the sinner the determining factor in salvation, it would make him his own Savior! What an absurdity! What a God-dishonoring lie! It is the very height of human stupidity and arrogance to believe that the death of Jesus Christ availed nothing unless we add our faith to it. Surely God will not hold him guiltless who would try and steal the redemptive glory of Christ!

What we do read in the Word of God is that "the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep" (John 10:11), that He "loved the church and gave Himself for it" (Eph. 5:25). Be sure you understand the teachings of Scripture and what I am saying. Particular redemption is a particular truth of the Word of God – in fact – it is the gospel! Universal redemption is a universal lie, and it is a false gospel! Christ did not die for all mankind. He died "to save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). It is Christ and His particular, effectual redemption, which will be our song of praise in glory. "Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation...Worthy is the Lamb that was slain" (Rev. 5:9,12).

Oh, those soldiers, so courageous and brave,
Whom God has placed at the battle front!
Against whom the enemy rants and raves,
And of Satan's attacks, they bear the brunt.

For they are the shepherds of God's flocks,
Who feed His sheep and watch o'er their souls;
To keep the flock faithful to Jesus, their rock,
With their eyes upon Him, is the pastor's goal.

But these are dark days in which we're living,
Perilous days which try men's souls;
For material gain and television,
Have caused many sheep to grow distant and cold.

Only a few will endure sound doctrine,
Many seek preachers to tickle their ears,
God's truths to them seem false and mocking,
Fables of men they had much rather hear.

Brothers and sisters, is it any wonder then,
That God's dear Pastors should often grieve
And become discouraged, when Satan begins
To enter their flocks and the sheep deceive?