Of Providence, V:6

As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as a righteous Judge, for former sins, blinds and hardens, from them He not only withholds His grace whereby they might have been enlightened in their understandings, and wrought upon in their hearts; but sometimes also withdraws the gifts which they had, and exposes them to such objects as their corruption make occasion of sin; and, withal, gives them over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan, whereby it comes to pass that they harden themselves, even under those means which God uses for the softening of others.

Here again we advance with fear and trembling. These are awful word, or perhaps better put as "awe-ful." Bear in mind two concepts: God's perfect character and fallen man's responsibility for his state. Yesterday we saw grace in action even when discipline was being meted out. Today we see justice in punishment.

God gives the reprobate precisely what they want. See Revelation 22:11 and especially Romans 1:18-32 in this respect.

1. The wicked and ungodly are blinded and hardened as judgment for past sins. God confirms them in their evil desires and actions. He feeds them the rope with which they eagerly hang themselves.

2. God withholds his grace so they are not enlightened. Isaiah 6:8-10 speaks of this; our Lord also praised the Father for keeping the truth hidden from some. But even so God does not withhold all his grace--the reprobate still benefit from God's love of benevolence that he extends to his entire creation. That they continue to draw their next breaths is testimony to his grace, for he would be perfectly justified to slay them where they stand for their insolent rebellion.

3. God withdraws his former gifts. Any circumstances that previously worked to mitigate or limit their sinfulness are progressively taken away. Similarly, God uses second causes that the corruption of the reprobrate makes into occasions for sin. The proximity of bars to the home of an alcoholic, for example, or an adult bookstore to the place of work of one who lusts.

4. God gives them over to their lusts, the temptation of the world, and the power of Satan. The famous evil triumvirate of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

5. The wicked harden themselves even in circumstances God uses to soften others. This is a common observation. See 2 Corinthians 2:14-16.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. We are advised to pray earnestly that God would graciously spare us the consequences of our own corruption.

Tomorrow: God especially provides for his church.