Reading: Genesis 3:1-24

Adam’s aprons of fig leaves were an evident recognition of sin; he knew that he was naked. But while his head informed him of his lost condition, his heart could only make the situation worse. He added to his sin by trying to cover it himself. All of us and every part of us has been destroyed by sin. Isaiah 64:6 says, “We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.”

Behind the self-sufficiency of Adam and the excuses he made to God for his sin there was a silent working of God in his heart that would be effectual in bringing him to accept the promises of God for salvation. The attraction of life and reversal of death had not the power to effect change in Adam’s heart. God must change the heart to accept the promise of life. It was the grace of God that presented the promise of life to Adam, but it was also the grace of God that caused him to accept it. Adam’s naturally sinful inclination could not impede or interrupt God’s redemption: God came not only seeking, but saving.

There is great comfort in the success of the gospel for it is the purpose of the gospel that is irresistible not the promise. God did not dangle the proverbial carrot or hold out an offer that he knew Adam “could not resist” in the same sense that we might speak of a job offer or the sale of a new car. Adam’s continued rebellion was overcome, and in like manner, my sinful heart cannot thwart the work of the Spirit in drawing me to Christ for the salvation.

God has made salvation effectual to me by pulling down all the strongholds of resistance (2 Corinthians 10:4). He has taken away my heart of stone and replaced it with a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). He has renewed my will (Philippians 2:13) and enlightened my mind (Ephesians 1:18). If you have this witness in yourself you can rejoice that your salvation is secure in Christ and that His purpose and power in you is irresistible.

“The gospel … He has given it for His purposes and His blessing makes it successful.” John Newton (Works, 4:338).

Find this in audio sermons