February 2, Evening

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"And these are ancient things." — 1 Chronicles 4:22 · KJV

Yet not so ancient as those precious things that are the delight of our souls. Let us for a moment count them over, as misers count their gold. The sovereign choice of the Father, by which He chose us to eternal life before ever the earth was, is a matter of vast antiquity, for no date for it can be conceived by the mind of man; we were chosen before the foundation of the world. Everlasting love went with that choice, for it was no bare act of the divine will by which we were set apart — the divine affections were engaged; the Father loved us in and from the beginning. Here is a theme for daily meditation. The eternal purpose to redeem us from our foreseen ruin, to cleanse and sanctify us, and at last to glorify us, was of infinite antiquity, running side by side with unchanging love and absolute sovereignty. The covenant is always called everlasting, and Jesus, the second party in it, had His goings forth of old; He struck hands in sacred suretyship long before the first of the stars began to shine, and it was in Him that the elect were ordained to eternal life. Thus in the divine purpose a most blessed covenant union was established between the Son of God and His elect people, a union that will remain the foundation of their safety when time shall be no more. Is it not good to be at home with these ancient things? Is it not a shame that they should be so neglected, and even rejected, by so many who profess faith? If they knew more of their own sin, would they not be readier to adore distinguishing grace? Let us both admire and adore tonight — a monument of grace, a sinner saved by blood, tracing the streams of love up to their Fountain, God, and seeing in His sacred bosom His eternal thoughts of love to us.