Heaven's Breeze

Some lament, “Why does it seem that so few in our day believe?” Perhaps the more appropriate question is, “Why does anyone in our day believe?” Everything seems stacked against it. The world’s temptations, the devil’s malice and the weaknesses of fallen humanity (“the flesh”) all conspire to prevent sinners from accepting the free offer of grace. We are no match for these foes. The enemies of our salvation are too powerful for us. Our great Champion has won salvation at the cross, but unless some mighty Advocate applies that amazing victory to each of us individually, it will be to no avail. In other words, apart from being delivered, rescued, liberated, we will perish.

The apostle John assures us that sovereign grace will prevail. He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1Jn 4:4). Take, for instance, the crucified yet believing thief. Hanging from nails, struggling for breath, defending our Lord, he expressed a simple but firm confidence in the majestic royal priesthood of Christ. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom (Lk 23:42). The man somehow overcame all odds to believe this King would intercede for him in heaven! In fact, the very charge for which the Lord Jesus was sentenced by the religious elite served as a basis for this man’s faith. Christ is King! How did the thief embrace such a conviction? The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes (Jn 3:8). The Breeze of Heaven, the Holy Spirit, blew into this man’s soul, gliding sweetly into its innermost recesses, implanting faith in his heart, bringing life to his spirit and securing his eternal dwelling in paradise with Christ (Lk 23:43). We believe in the Holy Spirit, that heavenly Zephyr whose grace is invincible.