Scripture confirms what we already know to be true: that even though God “has put all things under” the feet of Jesus, it remains that “we do not yet see all things put under Him” (Heb. 2:8b). Even though Jesus is Lord, not everyone recognizes that, appreciates it, or acknowledges it. Our adversary the devil still walks around as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.15 That there exists some spiritual force that continues in active resistance to Christ is proof enough that we do not yet see all things put under Him. We also note the presence of sin, poverty, disease, death, and evil as being very much a part of the world in which we live. So there is still much to be done in terms of putting all things beneath Him.
But the presence of the word “yet” should inspire us and fill us with hope! Although we do not yet see all things put under Him, the word “yet” implies that eventually we will see all things put under Him. That is to say, in due course, God’s Purpose will be fulfilled, and we will see all things put under Him – even though we do not “yet” see it.
So here is the question: once God has determined to do something, is there anything, or anyone, that can resist Him? Is man more powerful than God, or does it only seem that way sometimes? It does appear that God, in His infinite wisdom and loving-kindness and patience, chooses to delay the fulfillment of His Will. Man can try to withstand it, the devil can rebel against it, and by collaborating with man can even appear to hinder and prevent it temporarily – but in the end, God will have His Will. Let no one mistake God’s longsuffering for any inability to bring about His desire and accomplish His Purpose. His plan is unavoidable and irresistible.
The Two Universal Spiritual Principles
On what basis do we make the statement that God’s Purpose is irresistible? This understanding is founded on two basic truths revealed in the Scriptures. We call them the Two Universal Spiritual Principles. These two Principles are universal, meaning they apply to everyone, everywhere; and they are spiritual, which means they are not limited by time or space.
Although these two Principles can be illustrated throughout the entire Bible, they are both clearly presented for us in John 3:30.16 The Two Universal Spiritual Principles are The Law of Increase and The Law of Decrease. Let us look at each of them now.
1 – The Law of Increase
“He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn. 3:30).
John 3:30 is such a tiny verse – only seven words in the King James Version. But never has so much truth been conveyed in so few words. The Law of Increase says that Jesus must increase. I do love that word “must!” He must increase; therefore, He will increase, and He is increasing. It must be so, therefore it is so.
It is so simple. He must increase. Why? Because God has ordained that Christ must have the preeminence in all things. He clearly does not have that preeminence in all things now; and so, He must increase until He does have the preeminence in all things. This is a Universal Spiritual Principle because it is at work right now. Whether you believe it or not, whether you understand it or not, whether you like it or not; the Bible says it must be, and so it is. That is what makes this increase of Christ irresistible.
You say, what about man’s free will? Will God force people to worship Him? We will come to that. For now understand that the increase of Christ will not violate anyone’s free will. The increase of Christ does not coerce, it compels; He does not push, He merely draws. The increase of Christ actually enables a person to choose the right way, the way that leads to life. It is evil that deceives people into choosing the wrong path.
When I was younger I received training as an Emergency Medical Technician. We learned about a concept called implied consent. Ordinarily a sick or injured person must give you permission to treat them and take them to the hospital. But what if the victim is unconscious and cannot give you permission? Or what if the victim is injured so badly they cannot speak? Or what if the patient has some mental or psychological disorder that impairs their judgment? Do you wait for permission to treat them? Of course not. You assume that if a person is conscious and alert, able to speak, and able to make decisions, they would want to be treated, and so you treat them. This is known as implied consent.
Spiritually speaking, those that are lost are in the same situation. Evil manipulates them and colors their choices. People do not choose to be born into sin; nevertheless, everyone born into this world comes into it as a fallen creature. If they had a full understanding of their spiritual condition, and the deliverance that is offered by and through the Lord Jesus, then they would of course choose to be delivered. People only resist what they do not know and understand. Jesus does not have to manipulate anyone. Once a person with eyes wide open sees Him for Who He is they will always choose Him. He is irresistible. And as He increases, as He is lifted up, He will draw all men unto Himself. So this is the First Universal Spiritual Principle: that Christ must increase.
(Read Part 2: The Law of Decrease)
