Now, I do not intend to go into the metaphysics of the matter. That would perhaps but involve us in deeper mystery. I think the question will be clearer if we take one example. It is that of Saul of Tarsus, on the occasion of his conversion. He was changed in a moment by omnipotent power. So radical was the change that from being "the chief of sinners" he became the chief of saints. Nothing short of omnipotent power could effect such a change.
But at the same time, was not Saul a free agent? Afterwards, when referring to this wonderful experience, he says: "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision." Surely, that implies freedom. Yet while he was free, divine power constrained him. Such a mystery no man can understand.
Could Saul have withstood the change? I reverently say that I do not know. If Paul, in the time of his great inlightenment, had been asked if he could have withstood it, I can imagine that he would have said that he did not know, and did not want to know. Even if he were asked the same question to-day, I can believe that he would still give the same answer.
Such is the mystery of the operation of the Divine Spirit. We are really "made willing in the day of His power." What a wonderful expression that is of the union of divine coercion and human freedom! I doubt if all the metaphysics of the schools will ever get beyond it.
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But now, looking at the matter in this light, what wonderful operations of grace are opened up to our faith! The power that redeemed Saul can surely redeem the worst of mankind, while yet conserving their moral liberty. And surely divine love will incline God to take such action. O yes; Divine Love, and Divine Wisdom, come in here to act in concert with Divine Power. O, the depths of the riches both of the Wisdom and Knowledge—and surely, we may add the Love—of God!
To be sure, it may be asked, "Why does nor God put forth such redeeming power in this life?" There may be good reasons why, but we must beware of intruding into divine mysteries. We might as well ask, Why did not God interfere sooner in the case of Saul? When we think of the havoc he was making of the church, and the suffering he was inflicting on God's own saints, we might ask, Why was he permitted to run such an evil course so long? Both questions are of the same order; and we could point to ten thousand more. In all such cases we can but reverently say, "Secret things belong unto the Lord." "Even so. Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight."
We have already anticipated the general operation of divine Love in the next life. But now let us look at the matter more particularly.
We have always to remember that we are God's own children, not in name only, but in the most real sense. The mere fact that we are transferred to another world, implies only a change of location and of surroundings; possibly a very slight change in locality when we consider the amazing amplitude of creation. Surely, a mere change of locality can make no change in everlasting love! In that thought, if we see no farther, is there not enough to stimulate eternal hope?
But then, think that God has made the Sacrifice of all sacrifices of giving His Son for our salvation. We can never fathom that mystery of Love Divine. Now, if he made this Sacrifice for only a part of mankind, as we formerly taught, we would be constrained to think of His Love as being limited and partial. In that case, we could think it possible that He might consign all the rest of our race to eternal torture with the utmost complacence. But when we realize that He loved the whole of mankind, and that the Sacrifice was made for the whole of mankind, are we not forced to the conclusion that all mankind will be saved?