“Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and causeth to approach unto thee.” Ps.65:4
I don’t know why there are so many that seem to absolutely despise the sound Biblical doctrine of divine and gracious election. It is dogmatically declared from God’s word throughout both the Old and New Testament. Some might rightly say that it is a part of the very fabric of God’s gospel of His grace toward sinners. For in it is the truth of eternal security — that we all long for!
From this particular phrase of holy scripture the Psalmist declares four significant things about the man he is referring to:
1) The man is said to be “blessed”. Obviously what is meant is the man is spiritually blessed by God. Which fact brings to mind that which is likewise written in Eph.1:3 which says: “Blessed God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…” And, the man the Psalmist is describing is one that is also included here in Ephesians.
2) The man is “blessed” by God by virtue of his having been chosen by God. And, it is Eph.1:4 that serves well to substantiate this truth as well. For it goes on to tell us: “according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world”. This text informs us of the fact that all of God’s elect were chosen by Him in Christ — on the same date — “before the foundation of the world”!
3) The significant thing about the “blessed” and “chosen” man in Ps.65:4 is the fact God also “causes” him to do something that is very needful and important. This truth is also very much a part of the gospel as it is declared in the New Testament — from Ph.1:6: “Being confident of this very thing — that He which hath begun a good work in you — will perform it [or, lit. will perfect it] until the day of Jesus Christ.” And, Ph.2:13 delves deeper — when it says: “For it is God which worketh in you — both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
4) What it is that God “causes” the “blessed” and “chosen” man to do is “approach” unto God. Being fallen sinners — none of us naturally come to Christ. Jesus even said from Jn.6:44 “No man can come unto me — except the Father who sent me — draw him…” And, remember when the sons of Korah and others rebelled against Moses and Aaron and their leadership? It is written about from Nu.16 — where vs.5 gives the answer of Moses to them: “And he spake unto Korah and all his company saying, Even tomorrow the Lord will show who are His — and who is holy — and will cause him to come near unto Him — even him whom He hath chosen will He cause to come near unto Him.” Likewise — all those whom God has “blessed” and “chosen” – does He graciously “cause” to “approach” unto Him! Let us give praise for the glory of His saving grace!
For Christ’s Glory Only!
John Carpenter
