O THE DEPTH OF GOD'S RICHES

Romans 11:33-36 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been His counselor, or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto Him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Paul preached extensively on the controversy that existed between the Jewish and Gentile Christians at Rome. He admonished each faction tactfully, but with stern apostolic authority, for their contentious spirit of divisiveness, demanding reconciliation between them that would demonstrate the love God requires among His children. To do His will, and to demonstrate unity within the body of Christ, is necessary for spiritual growth to all members of God's church. A united effort is necessary for the church of Christ to preach and teach God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ throughout the world - to reach every soul that has a receptive heart and is searching for the hope of eternal salvation.

The spirit of unity within the body of Christ is an extremely important part of fulfilling God's will. This is evident when we observe the time, effort, and great length of Paul's inspired teaching on this subject, not only in his letter to the Christians at Rome, but in his other epistles written to individuals and other bodies of Christ. In this subject, as well as all of his inspired preaching, Paul demonstrates a great richness in wisdom and knowledge of God's will, rightly dividing His word so others could have equal wisdom and knowledge. With his great ability to comprehend and explain God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, Paul, as well as all mankind, including you and I, only scratch the surface of knowing the fullness of God's wisdom and understanding.

It is evident from the many debates that exist throughout the world, that disagreements exist regarding the creation of all things within the heavens and on earth. Yet, one can only stand amazed at the magnificence of God's creation. And we view, with even greater amazement,the wisdom and knowledge of God, to which we can never comprehend while in our human state, but can, and must, accept by faith. The Psalmist, David, understood the limitations of mankind regarding the wisdom and power of God when he wrote; The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. Then in verse 3, David says, There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard (Read the entire 19th Psalm). The glorious nature of all creation declares, in every language throughout the world, that there is a God, and that He possesses all wisdom, knowledge, and power that must be accepted by faith, a fact that is impossible for mortal beings to fully understand.

In the book of Job we find this truth stated in Zophar's admonition to Job: Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea (Job 11:7-9). Again, David wrote in Psalm 40:5: Many, O LORD my God, are Thy wonderful works, which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts, which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. To further emphasize the all powerful, but incomprehensible nature of God, notice this passage taken from Paul's letter to the Colossian Christians: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist (Col. 1:15-17).

Considering verse 34, of the lesson text, Paul asks the question, who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been His counselor? Consider, for a moment, earthly presidents, monarchs, and all heads of state. They surround themselves with the most knowledgeable minds available, and appoint them to give counsel - to give advice they can rely on and direct their governments most effectively. God, however, neither needs, nor does He seek, the council of anything or anyone. It is ludicrous to even imagine the creature giving advice to the Creator. Since it is impossible for any earthly being to know His mind, it is equally impossible for any created being to possess the ability, or to be qualified to be God's counselor.

Paul also asks, who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? In other words, who has ever given council, or provided any service to God that made Him a debtor? What do mortal beings possess that they could give to God, that were not, in the first place, given to them by God, Himself? Since God gave us all that we have, including our very existence, we have nothing to give to Him that would merit recompense. Then eternal salvation, the very thing that all mortal beings are striving for, can never be earned. If obtained, it will only be bestowed on us through God's goodness, mercy, and grace.

Regarding God, our Creator, this fact all mankind must accept. For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. Indeed, the source of our being, and every blessing we receive, is from God. He is the Giver of life on earth, as well as the hope of eternal life in heaven. There is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him (1 Cor. 8:6). "Of Him," God is our Creator - the fountain of life. "Through Him," there is no other source from which physical and spiritual blessings can be received. "To Him," God, and only God, knows the reason for our creation - it is the fulfillment of His purpose. For this reason, we must, by faith, accept the richness of the wisdom and knowledge of God, ...to whom be glory forever. Amen.