I Kings II
For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. (I Kings 11:4 ESV)
Necessary Grace
Everyone has sinned. Everyone sins. Everyone needs grace.
Even Solomon, who was gifted wisdom beyond all humans, respect beyond all Kings, and a relationship with God that most would envy… sinned.
We cannot say, “If I can be smart enough, I will not need the gospel.”
We cannot say, “If I can be careful enough, I will not need the gospel.”
We cannot say, “If I can be wise enough, I will not need the gospel.”
The gospel is not for most people… the gospel is for everyone.
Solomon fell off his pedestal. We need to get off our own.