The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed by Anjela Paje of Spokane, WA, from the tape, GC 1301-T, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 22."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.  ©1982. All Rights Reserved.

Question

In characterizing your own life, what kind of a man do you think you are?

Answer

That is a fair question. 6' 1.5", 195 lbs, human being like all other. Let’s see. In terms of the physical, you can see what I am, and we will get on to something else.

In terms of the mental capacities, I have certain limitations, but I learned a long time ago to work hard.

In terms of spiritual qualifications, I see myself as a sinner saved by the grace of God. I see myself as one, who if it weren't for Jesus Christ’s sovereign love in my behalf, I would spend forever in Hell. I see myself as a person with no merit to commend myself to God. He has saved me, and I thank Him for that. He has called me into the ministry. It is just as gracious as was my redemption, so I have no right to be here on my own anymore than I have a right to be saved, and so, I am as thankful to God for this as I am for my salvation. I see myself, also, as a person who is totally committed, basically, to the knowledge and understanding of the God who has written this word. And, so, I have committed my life to study His word. That is the spiritual dimension. That doesn't mean I don't sin. That doesn't mean I don't fail. That doesn't mean that I am better than anybody else. That is not the case. It's just that I have a unique calling.

In reference to this church, I see myself as given the spiritual responsibility to work with a group of men, particularly in leadership here, the elders of the church. I see myself as a leader among those men, by the grace of God.

Maybe, that kind of gives you sort of a rounded thing. I see myself also as a husband and a father. And, that is a tremendously important thing to me. I have a great, great love for my wife and my children. I am bound to them in my heart totally. I have a great love for other people who are friends.

I see myself as a human being like everybody else, except that God has put me in a very difficult place. And, I have asked Him to give me the grace to be able to handle the things He has given me to do. When I fail, it makes me more dependent on Him.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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