An unfrustrable purpose ∙
I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. – Matthew 5:18
Isaiah 51:4-6
4 Listen to me, my people. Hear me, Israel, for my law will be proclaimed, and my justice will become a light to the nations.
5 My mercy and justice are coming soon. My salvation is on the way. My strong arm will bring justice to the nations. All distant lands will look to me and wait in hope for my powerful arm.
6 Look up to the skies above and gaze down on the earth below. For the skies will disappear like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. The people of the earth will die like flies, but my salvation lasts forever. My righteous rule will never end!
The Legacy of John Gill
Around the mid-18th century, as political tensions simmered and the seeds of the American Revolution were being planted, another revolution of thought was unfolding within the Christian world. At its forefront was John Gill (1697–1771), an English Baptist pastor, renowned biblical scholar, and theologian. Gill’s contributions would leave a lasting impact on both theology and the church he faithfully served.
Gill pastored a congregation that would, a century later, evolve into the Metropolitan Tabernacle, famously helmed by none other than Charles Spurgeon. While Spurgeon preached with unparalleled passion to common men, it was Gill’s thorough scholarship that established solid theological foundations for future spiritual leaders and laypeople alike.
John Gill’s Magnum Opus
At the core of John Gill’s remarkable legacy is his magnum opus, a nine-volume exposition of the Old and New Testaments. Written in the elegant and elevated language of 18th-century English, his work poses a challenge for modern readers due to its complex vocabulary and intricate sentence structure. As a result, it can be difficult for contemporary audiences to understand his thoughts on just one reading. However, for those willing to engage deeply with the text, it offers profound insights into the Scriptures.
Gill approached his exposition with profound reverence for the Word of God and a commitment to theological depth that is rarely matched. While his vocabulary may seem outdated to today’s readers, his works remain a valuable source of timeless truth.
Insights on Redemption
One particular example of Gill’s theological acumen can be found in his introduction to the book of Ephesians, where he expounds on the theme of redemption. With his eloquent prose, Gill writes, “the author of which is Christ; the price, or procuring and meritorious cause of it is his blood; a branch of which is forgiveness of sins; and the whole is according to the plenteous and free grace of God, Ephesians 1:7.”
He continues to add layers of meaning, explaining, “The entire plan and scheme of which is the produce of abundant wisdom and prudence, Ephesians 1:8, and is no other than the mystery of the will of God revealed in the Gospel, according to his sovereign will and purpose, Ephesians 1:9, . . . which is the effect of an unfrustrable purpose, and a wise counsel and will, Ephesians 1:11.”
The Significance of “Unfrustrable”
One word in Gill’s writing that stands out to modern readers as both unfamiliar is “unfrustrable.” This term, which is not commonly used today, is defined as something that “cannot be frustrated or prevented.” Similar to his contemporary, Jonathan Edwards, Gill often used this word to convey the invincible nature of God’s will.
In contemporary theological discussions, the term “irresistible” is often used in place of “unfrustrable.” This concept is central to Gill’s theology and is reflected throughout Scripture. Essentially, the Father accomplishes exactly what He intends; no person, force, or circumstance can hinder His perfect plans.
By emphasizing terms like “unfrustrable,” Gill encourages us to pause and consider the profound immutability of God’s will. His teachings challenge the children of the King to look beyond surface-level understanding and appreciate the depth of grace, redemption, and predestination.
REFLECT & PRAY
“In heaven, the angels perform God’s desire completely, joyfully, and immediately – what a world this would be if humans acted like that!” (gotquestions.org)
Father, thank You for the assurance that Your promises will come to pass in due time. Encourage me to find great comfort in Who You are, understanding that You are not only aware of the future but have also intentionally designed and planned it from eternity past.
INSIGHT
Fulfilled Prophecy
The Father communicated through His prophets, making promises and foretelling future events. The prophecies regarding the First Coming of Christ were fulfilled exactly as predicted. From His birth in Bethlehem to His crucifixion and resurrection, every detail occurred just as foretold.
Thus, we can trust the Father’s promises and prophecies about the Second Coming of Christ and the end of the age. Just as the first prophecies were fulfilled, the remaining ones will be completely fulfilled.
The Father Sees the Whole Picture
While we perceive the world through our limited understanding, the Father sees everything. He knows the end from the beginning, and His wisdom far surpasses ours. However, in our impatience or lack of understanding, we sometimes act rashly, as if we need to “fix” what we believe the Father has overlooked.
Reflecting on human tendencies, Charles Stanley writes, “From our limited perspective, we sometimes take action that’s equivalent to telling God, ‘I think You forgot something.’ Too late, we discover that our own solution was the wrong choice, all because we didn’t trust His infinite wisdom.”
Instead of relying on our flawed judgment, we must learn to trust the One who sees the big picture.
God’s Sovereignty is Elucidated
The book of Isaiah provides deep insights into the sovereignty of the Father and His declarations about the future.
The Father’s divine pronouncements are bold, clear, and unmistakable. His promises, grounded in truth, are publicly declared for everyone to hear and examine. God speaks with authority in Isaiah 45:18-19: “For the LORD is God, and he created the heavens and earth and put everything in place. He made the world to be lived in, not to be a place of empty chaos. ‘I am the LORD,’ he says, ‘and there is no other. I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the LORD, speak only what is true and declare only what is right.”
Unlike false gods or idols, which offer no proof of their power, the God of Israel routinely fulfills the promises He makes. Isaiah compares the Father to the useless gods of the pagans. He issues a challenge in Isaiah 45:21: “Consult together, argue your case. Get together and decide what to say. Who made these things known so long ago? What idol ever told you they would happen? Was it not I, the LORD? For there is no other God but me, a righteous God and Savior. There is none but me.”
The Father adds, Isaiah 45:22-23: “Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. I have sworn by my own name; I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess allegiance to me.”
Trust in Father’s Sovereignty
The sovereignty of the Father is absolute. The Lord Jesus Christ emphasized this truth to His disciples by reminding them that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the Father’s knowledge and consent (Matthew 10:29). Nothing escapes His control, from the smallest events to the most significant acts in history.
Charles Stanley writes, “When you understand who He is, you won’t feel the need to question His motives. God’s perfect love, infinite wisdom, and omnipotence mean He is always working for our ultimate good and His glory.”
Understanding His sovereignty brings us peace, as we realize that nothing can undermine His purposes. His promises serve as a solid foundation upon which we can rely. His prophecies highlight His power and faithfulness.
¯_(ツ)_/¯3-16-2
© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 