God is Sovereign.  He reigns in grace. He blesses those in Christ and damns all outside of Christ. He raises up vessels of mercy and vessels of wrath. He shows mercy on whom He will, and whom He will He hardeneth (Rom. 9:18). He loves Jacob and hates Esau (Rom. 9:13). He saved Israel and hardened the heart of Pharaoh (Exod. 7:13). He gives salvation to whom He will (John 5:21). He worketh all things after the counsel of His own will (Eph. 1:11). 

    This generation of church goers has yet to hear for the most part the truths that are basic in God’s way of grace. Depravity, election, predestination, salvation as a free gift, not a timid offer, and the effectual sacrifice of Christ has not been preached. As a result, sinners have a mighty poor conception of God and a mighty high opinion of themselves. To the average person God is a person or a principle who is trying to catch men and is failing. To them God is one to whom they propose someday to give some attention. How the truth of God’s absolute sovereignty would strike fear in their hearts if preached today!