The Proper Aim of A Christian's Life # 2
Just so with those who hoard up much, adding house to house, field to field, pound to pound - while the needs of the widow and the fatherless, and the funds of God's church are not supplied by them, if they were to ask, when making their purchases, or paying their money into the bank, "Is this pleasing to God?" - would they not often give more - and hoard less? We think so. And would not the reflection be more pleasing on a sick bed or dying pillow? We think it would.
We all have influence, and in the case of a contested election, or in order to carry some party question - we prove that we have. We can influence some, it may be many. We can influence them for good or for evil.
Now, in making use of our influence for worldly objects, and in withholding it from spiritual objects - do we not sin? Are we not displeasing God? Ought we not to ascertain what influence we have, and how we may best exert it, so as to please God? Are we not accountable for the use or abuse of our influence? Is it not a talent, an important talent? Was it not given us to employ for God and the good of our fellowmen? Is it not important, then, in reference to using our influence, to ask, "Is this pleasing to God?"
So also as to the connections, I form, and the relationships into which I enter, the first question should be, "Will this please God?" A Christian is about to enter into partnership, to commence or carry on a business - what should be his first object? Assuredly to please God, for if he loses sight of God's glory, and seeks only his own worldly advantage - God may blow upon it, and if it does not end in ruin, it may introduce him to trouble, care, anxiety, and perplexity, which will spoil his peace, rob him of his spiritual enjoyments, and make his life anything but desirable! Men of business should often ask in reference to their transactions, "Is this pleasing to God?"
Do not forget that you ought not only to please yourselves - but to please God! And not only so - but you should aim to please God first and principally - before you please yourselves.
If my Heavenly Father is pleased with me - it is enough!
In prayer, in praise, in exercising benevolence, in every public duty, in every arduous enterprise, in every self-denying undertaking - I should just ask, "Is this pleasing to God?" If so, all is well. But His word must decide the question - and will always do so. In general, if we do all to the glory of God, if we do all lovingly or in a spirit of love, if we do all to edify believers, and to win lost sinners - then it is no question that God is pleased with us.
Beloved, if we do not please God - then it matters little whom we please! And if we do please God - then it is of small importance whom we displease! What a comfort it is when the world frowns on us, Christians misunderstand us, and professors misrepresent our conduct - to have the inward conviction, "my aim was to please God!" - and to go to the throne of grace to render an account, and feel the light of our Father's countenance lifted up upon us, assuring us that He is pleased with us.
My brother, my sister - our Heavenly Father is pleased with our poorest performances, with our most imperfect services, with only a cup of cold water given to one of His children - if our object is to please Him! In all that we do - He looks into our hearts, to see what we are aiming at. He is displeased or pleased - with all we do. It is one thing for Him to accept our persons in Jesus, to pardon our sins for the sake of Jesus, and another thing to be pleased with our works, as the works of His beloved child. Of the former we should be assured, and the latter we should constantly aim at.
O what a mercy to be permitted to do anything for God, to visit the sick, to relieve the poor, to circulate His truth, and to speak well of His name! And what a comfort it is to know that our God is easily pleased - that it is not the amount of what we do - but the motive from which we do it, that He looks at! "For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man has, and not according to that a man has not."
Whatever we do, let us do it heartily, as to the Lord - and not to man. Whatever we do, let us "do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks unto God and the Father, by Him." Whatever we do, "whether we eat or drink - let us do all to the glory of God." Whatever we do - let it be our object, aim, and end - to please God.
And - in the future, when any work presents itself, when any untrodden path opens before us, and any influence urge us forward, or any object attracts us onward - let us ask, "Is this pleasing to God?" And before we proceed, let the question be decided; nor let us dare engage in any enterprise, enter into any relationship, or undertake any work - but from the conviction, "This will please God!"
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Nevertheless # 3
Nevertheless # 3
7. Once more, I have seen great changes take place in the world, and greater changes must have taken place since the beginning; and greater changes will take place yet. But whatever changes may take place, however many, or however great - they ought not to disturb us; for the sure Word of God predicts them, and therefore we ought to expect them. Not only so - but we should look beyond them, to what is to be introduced by them, for so did the apostles and primitive believers.
Hence Peter having spoken of the day of the Lord, when "the Heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare;" adds, "nevertheless, we, according to His promise, look for new Heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness!" (2 Peter 3:13).
What a glorious prospect this opens before us! What a blessed "nevertheless" is here! New Heavens! A new earth wherein dwells righteousness! Prepared specially for the saints, and intended for the glorification of our blessed Lord and Saviour. I do not wonder that they sing above, "Unto Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father - to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever! Amen." Nor am I surprised to read again, "And they sung a new song, saying; You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with Your blood You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth!" How glorious to reign on such a new earth! How delightful to reign with Jesus, to the honor of Jesus - as the purchase of His blood, and the beloved ones of His heart.
If therefore I witness changes, if I suffer losses, if I hear of earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, or the most terrible convulsions, or devastations - I will say with Peter, "Nevertheless, according to His promise, I am looking for new Heavens, and a new earth, wherein righteousness dwells!"
But I must not enlarge, though there are yet many more instances of the value and blessedness of this sweet word, "Nevertheless."
"When Nehemiah and the Jews were in trouble, he says "Nevertheless, we made our prayer unto our God," (Neh. 4:9), and this prayer was successful and brought relief.
When the Psalmist confesses the sins, provocations, and wickedness of his forefathers, he adds to the honor of God's free and unmerited grace, "Nevertheless He saved them for His name's sake, that He might make His mighty power to be known" (Psalm 106:8). How full of comfort is this, to souls deeply sensible of their utter unworthiness!
When Solomon speaks of the many devices that are in a man's heart, he adds for our encouragement, "Nevertheless the counsel of the Lord - that shall stand" (Prov. 19:21).
When Paul speaks of his persecutions, afflictions, and imprisonment, for the gospel, in his letter to Timothy - he adds, in order to fortify him, "Nevertheless I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him, against that day." (2 Tim. 1:12).
And when alluding to the grievous and painful chastisement endured by the Hebrew Christians, for their comfort he adds, "Nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto those who are exercised thereby" (Hebrews 12:11).
But if ever the word was uttered with inimitable grace, representing the most beautiful and lovely state of mind; it was when Jesus, lying on the cold ground in Gethsemane, said, "O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me - Nevertheless, not as I will - but as You will" (Matt. 27:39).
~James Smith~
(continued with # 4)
7. Once more, I have seen great changes take place in the world, and greater changes must have taken place since the beginning; and greater changes will take place yet. But whatever changes may take place, however many, or however great - they ought not to disturb us; for the sure Word of God predicts them, and therefore we ought to expect them. Not only so - but we should look beyond them, to what is to be introduced by them, for so did the apostles and primitive believers.
Hence Peter having spoken of the day of the Lord, when "the Heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare;" adds, "nevertheless, we, according to His promise, look for new Heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness!" (2 Peter 3:13).
What a glorious prospect this opens before us! What a blessed "nevertheless" is here! New Heavens! A new earth wherein dwells righteousness! Prepared specially for the saints, and intended for the glorification of our blessed Lord and Saviour. I do not wonder that they sing above, "Unto Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father - to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever! Amen." Nor am I surprised to read again, "And they sung a new song, saying; You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with Your blood You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth!" How glorious to reign on such a new earth! How delightful to reign with Jesus, to the honor of Jesus - as the purchase of His blood, and the beloved ones of His heart.
If therefore I witness changes, if I suffer losses, if I hear of earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, or the most terrible convulsions, or devastations - I will say with Peter, "Nevertheless, according to His promise, I am looking for new Heavens, and a new earth, wherein righteousness dwells!"
But I must not enlarge, though there are yet many more instances of the value and blessedness of this sweet word, "Nevertheless."
"When Nehemiah and the Jews were in trouble, he says "Nevertheless, we made our prayer unto our God," (Neh. 4:9), and this prayer was successful and brought relief.
When the Psalmist confesses the sins, provocations, and wickedness of his forefathers, he adds to the honor of God's free and unmerited grace, "Nevertheless He saved them for His name's sake, that He might make His mighty power to be known" (Psalm 106:8). How full of comfort is this, to souls deeply sensible of their utter unworthiness!
When Solomon speaks of the many devices that are in a man's heart, he adds for our encouragement, "Nevertheless the counsel of the Lord - that shall stand" (Prov. 19:21).
When Paul speaks of his persecutions, afflictions, and imprisonment, for the gospel, in his letter to Timothy - he adds, in order to fortify him, "Nevertheless I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him, against that day." (2 Tim. 1:12).
And when alluding to the grievous and painful chastisement endured by the Hebrew Christians, for their comfort he adds, "Nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto those who are exercised thereby" (Hebrews 12:11).
But if ever the word was uttered with inimitable grace, representing the most beautiful and lovely state of mind; it was when Jesus, lying on the cold ground in Gethsemane, said, "O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me - Nevertheless, not as I will - but as You will" (Matt. 27:39).
~James Smith~
(continued with # 4)
Saturday, November 23, 2019
The Proper Aim of a Christian's Life # 1
The Proper Aim of a Christian's Life # 1
"Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more!" (1 Thess. 4:1).
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do - do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10).
Every servant should habitually aim to please his Master.
Every wife should habitually aim to please her husband.
Every child should habitually aim to please his father.
But every Christian is the Lord's servant, the Lamb's bride, the child of God; therefore his daily, hourly aim, should be to please God. He should never lose sight of this for one hour - but in every place, in every circumstance, in every undertaking, ask, "Will this be pleasing to God?"
God is pleased or displeased with every thought we think, with every word we speak, with every action we perform, with every emotion we feel.
Perhaps we do not sufficiently realize this. We think, speak, feel, and act - without ever considering whether we are pleasing God, or not. But this ought not to be, for He gave us our being, redeemed us from sin and damnation, called us by His grace, and has blessed us with innumerable and interminable blessings - and all that we may glorify Him! And how can we glorify Him but by habitually aiming to please Him? If I forget or lose sight of this, I forget and lose sight of the principal end of my being, and well-being.
What makes Heaven so happy? Just this - all there keep the eye and heart intently fixed upon this one thing - pleasing God. What would make us permanently and solidly happy on earth? Only this - to aim always and in everything to please God. Ah! if we did this, we would have few cares, few fears, and no falls!
The bosom would be a stranger to anxiety, and the heart to foreboding. The Saviour's prayer which He taught His disciples would be in a great measure answered, "Your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven."
Well, shall we go on as we have done - or shall we seek a change? We have not, perhaps, in everything, and at all times, sought principally t please God. But Paul says, "You ought to please God!"
Both reason and revelation unite in saying that we - as believers in Jesus, as partakers of the grace of God, as those who are absolutely dependent on God, who are so richly supplied by God, who are so infinitely indebted to God, and who are expecting to receive a crown and kingdom from God - ought in everything to endeavor to please God!
The precepts of His Word direct us how we may do this, and the Holy Spirit is ready to help our infirmities - if we heartily desire and fervently ask Him.
Let each of us, then, in future, propose that the end of my life, is to please God. And let us often, very often, ask in reference to particular points, "Is this pleasing to God?" For instance, the manner in which I employ my spare time - the amount of time I give to sleep, to recreation, to entertainment. Many Christians seem never to think whether the way in which they spend their time is pleasing to God or not. If they did, would they ever go to some entertainments, or indulge in certain pleasures? Would the world have so much of their time, and the prayer closet so little? How much time is wasted in frivolous ways, which are neither conducive to the health of the body, nor calculated to promote the spirituality of the mind.
How many squander their money on dress, ornaments, or delicacies for the body - who never relieve the poor, or supply the needs of the sick, or contribute toe establish God's cause in the world; or if they do so at all, it is not in due proportion to their means. The pence are given to the Lord - the pounds are spent in the gratification of SELF!
If, when I am going to lay out money in ornaments or dress, or indulgences for the table, I was to ask, "Is this pleasing God?" - would it not check my lavish expenditure? Would it not often change the course in which my money flows?
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
"Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more!" (1 Thess. 4:1).
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do - do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10).
Every servant should habitually aim to please his Master.
Every wife should habitually aim to please her husband.
Every child should habitually aim to please his father.
But every Christian is the Lord's servant, the Lamb's bride, the child of God; therefore his daily, hourly aim, should be to please God. He should never lose sight of this for one hour - but in every place, in every circumstance, in every undertaking, ask, "Will this be pleasing to God?"
God is pleased or displeased with every thought we think, with every word we speak, with every action we perform, with every emotion we feel.
Perhaps we do not sufficiently realize this. We think, speak, feel, and act - without ever considering whether we are pleasing God, or not. But this ought not to be, for He gave us our being, redeemed us from sin and damnation, called us by His grace, and has blessed us with innumerable and interminable blessings - and all that we may glorify Him! And how can we glorify Him but by habitually aiming to please Him? If I forget or lose sight of this, I forget and lose sight of the principal end of my being, and well-being.
What makes Heaven so happy? Just this - all there keep the eye and heart intently fixed upon this one thing - pleasing God. What would make us permanently and solidly happy on earth? Only this - to aim always and in everything to please God. Ah! if we did this, we would have few cares, few fears, and no falls!
The bosom would be a stranger to anxiety, and the heart to foreboding. The Saviour's prayer which He taught His disciples would be in a great measure answered, "Your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven."
Well, shall we go on as we have done - or shall we seek a change? We have not, perhaps, in everything, and at all times, sought principally t please God. But Paul says, "You ought to please God!"
Both reason and revelation unite in saying that we - as believers in Jesus, as partakers of the grace of God, as those who are absolutely dependent on God, who are so richly supplied by God, who are so infinitely indebted to God, and who are expecting to receive a crown and kingdom from God - ought in everything to endeavor to please God!
The precepts of His Word direct us how we may do this, and the Holy Spirit is ready to help our infirmities - if we heartily desire and fervently ask Him.
Let each of us, then, in future, propose that the end of my life, is to please God. And let us often, very often, ask in reference to particular points, "Is this pleasing to God?" For instance, the manner in which I employ my spare time - the amount of time I give to sleep, to recreation, to entertainment. Many Christians seem never to think whether the way in which they spend their time is pleasing to God or not. If they did, would they ever go to some entertainments, or indulge in certain pleasures? Would the world have so much of their time, and the prayer closet so little? How much time is wasted in frivolous ways, which are neither conducive to the health of the body, nor calculated to promote the spirituality of the mind.
How many squander their money on dress, ornaments, or delicacies for the body - who never relieve the poor, or supply the needs of the sick, or contribute toe establish God's cause in the world; or if they do so at all, it is not in due proportion to their means. The pence are given to the Lord - the pounds are spent in the gratification of SELF!
If, when I am going to lay out money in ornaments or dress, or indulgences for the table, I was to ask, "Is this pleasing God?" - would it not check my lavish expenditure? Would it not often change the course in which my money flows?
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
Nevertheless! # 2
Nevertheless! # 2
4. I have passed through many sad and sore afflictions, and in those afflictions I have been left at times, without any cheering light, comforting hope, or soul elevating consolation. I have cried - but could obtain no answer. I have sought the Lord - but could not find Him. I have given way to doubt and despondency - until I have sunk deep in sadness and in gloom. I have been tempted to think that my case was hopeless, and my experience contrary to that of the Lord's family. I have fretted, complained, and repined; and have been ready to give up all for lost!
But there was one blessed "Nevertheless," that like a star in the midst of midnight darkness, gave me a little light, and cheered me with a little hope. In Psalm 106 I read of the conduct, or rather misconduct of Israel of old, how they provoked the Lord, and brought down His sore judgments upon them. But in verses 44, 45, it is written "Nevertheless he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered His covenant and out of His great love He relented!" What a blessed "Nevertheless," is this! After so much sin, so many provocations, and such severe chastisement, "Nevertheless!" After all, notwithstanding all, in spite of all, "Nevertheless He took note of their distress when He heard their cry!" As if it touched His paternal heart, stirred up the depths of His compassion, and aroused His tenderest pity! O infinitely gracious God! Again I bless your adorable name, for your long-suffering and tender mercy - toward such poor, weak, wicked, wayward worms of the earth!
5. I have been discouraged in my work very often, because I have seemed to labor in vain - to spend my strength for nothing, and in vain. But I have been cheered in reading of the fruitless toil of the disciples in the lake of Gennesaret, when they labored all night and caught nothing; and in the morning, when the Master bid them to launch out into the deep, and let down the net for a drought; Simon Peter said, "Master we have toiled all the night, and have caught nothing; Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." (Luke 5:5). Yes, yes, if Jesus bids - then we must obey. We must be faithful - even when we are not successful. We cannot command success - but we can obey our Master's word. The commendation is not, "Well done, good and successful servant," but "Well done, good and faithful servant."
We have toiled in vain for a long time, perhaps the very next attempt may be crowned with extraordinary success. Yes, my soul, if you have toiled and caught nothing, remember you toiled for Jesus, whose ministry was not the most successful. You toiled for Jesus - who toiled much more than you. O it ought to be enough, if we are only permitted to do something for Him - who has done so much for us! If we are only permitted to suffer a little for Him - who suffered so deeply for us! If in any way we are permitted to show our love, and acknowledge our obligation to Him! Yes, blessed, blessed Saviour, though we catch nothing, though we seem to toil in vain - yet at Your word we will let down the net!
As ministers of Christ, let us be encouraged by this! Let us be stimulated by this! It is at the command of Jesus, it is out of love to Jesus, it is to honor Jesus - that we preach and teach; and therefore however discouraging the circumstances in which we are placed, let us say, "Nevertheless at Your word, I will let down the net!"
6. I have at various times been much disheartened, and sometimes perplexed by the changeability of professors of religion. How many I have seen fall into sin, or run into error. Many have disgraced their profession, and many have cast off altogether. But there is a "Nevertheless" in God's Word that has comforted me, and set me right.
Paul, writing to his beloved son Timothy, speaks of some who had erred from the truth, and had overthrown the faith of others - but he adds, "Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal: the Lord "knows those who are His. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ, depart from iniquity." Yes, the Lord knows His own - and can distinguish them from mere pretenders. He is not surprised, or disappointed, at anything that takes place - though I am. He knows whom He has chosen. He knows every one upon whom He has set His mark. He requires that all who profess Christ - should imitate Christ, and walk as Christ walked - departing from all iniquity.
Amidst all the changes then that may take place in the Church, if professors fall away, if they forsake the truth, and embrace error - God's foundation remains firm! None are removed from that foundation, who are once built on it, and cemented to it. The sheep never perish, nor can any one pluck them out of our Father's hand!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 3)
4. I have passed through many sad and sore afflictions, and in those afflictions I have been left at times, without any cheering light, comforting hope, or soul elevating consolation. I have cried - but could obtain no answer. I have sought the Lord - but could not find Him. I have given way to doubt and despondency - until I have sunk deep in sadness and in gloom. I have been tempted to think that my case was hopeless, and my experience contrary to that of the Lord's family. I have fretted, complained, and repined; and have been ready to give up all for lost!
But there was one blessed "Nevertheless," that like a star in the midst of midnight darkness, gave me a little light, and cheered me with a little hope. In Psalm 106 I read of the conduct, or rather misconduct of Israel of old, how they provoked the Lord, and brought down His sore judgments upon them. But in verses 44, 45, it is written "Nevertheless he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered His covenant and out of His great love He relented!" What a blessed "Nevertheless," is this! After so much sin, so many provocations, and such severe chastisement, "Nevertheless!" After all, notwithstanding all, in spite of all, "Nevertheless He took note of their distress when He heard their cry!" As if it touched His paternal heart, stirred up the depths of His compassion, and aroused His tenderest pity! O infinitely gracious God! Again I bless your adorable name, for your long-suffering and tender mercy - toward such poor, weak, wicked, wayward worms of the earth!
5. I have been discouraged in my work very often, because I have seemed to labor in vain - to spend my strength for nothing, and in vain. But I have been cheered in reading of the fruitless toil of the disciples in the lake of Gennesaret, when they labored all night and caught nothing; and in the morning, when the Master bid them to launch out into the deep, and let down the net for a drought; Simon Peter said, "Master we have toiled all the night, and have caught nothing; Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." (Luke 5:5). Yes, yes, if Jesus bids - then we must obey. We must be faithful - even when we are not successful. We cannot command success - but we can obey our Master's word. The commendation is not, "Well done, good and successful servant," but "Well done, good and faithful servant."
We have toiled in vain for a long time, perhaps the very next attempt may be crowned with extraordinary success. Yes, my soul, if you have toiled and caught nothing, remember you toiled for Jesus, whose ministry was not the most successful. You toiled for Jesus - who toiled much more than you. O it ought to be enough, if we are only permitted to do something for Him - who has done so much for us! If we are only permitted to suffer a little for Him - who suffered so deeply for us! If in any way we are permitted to show our love, and acknowledge our obligation to Him! Yes, blessed, blessed Saviour, though we catch nothing, though we seem to toil in vain - yet at Your word we will let down the net!
As ministers of Christ, let us be encouraged by this! Let us be stimulated by this! It is at the command of Jesus, it is out of love to Jesus, it is to honor Jesus - that we preach and teach; and therefore however discouraging the circumstances in which we are placed, let us say, "Nevertheless at Your word, I will let down the net!"
6. I have at various times been much disheartened, and sometimes perplexed by the changeability of professors of religion. How many I have seen fall into sin, or run into error. Many have disgraced their profession, and many have cast off altogether. But there is a "Nevertheless" in God's Word that has comforted me, and set me right.
Paul, writing to his beloved son Timothy, speaks of some who had erred from the truth, and had overthrown the faith of others - but he adds, "Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal: the Lord "knows those who are His. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ, depart from iniquity." Yes, the Lord knows His own - and can distinguish them from mere pretenders. He is not surprised, or disappointed, at anything that takes place - though I am. He knows whom He has chosen. He knows every one upon whom He has set His mark. He requires that all who profess Christ - should imitate Christ, and walk as Christ walked - departing from all iniquity.
Amidst all the changes then that may take place in the Church, if professors fall away, if they forsake the truth, and embrace error - God's foundation remains firm! None are removed from that foundation, who are once built on it, and cemented to it. The sheep never perish, nor can any one pluck them out of our Father's hand!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 3)
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Nevertheless! # 1
Nevertheless! # 1
How much is sometimes conveyed to the mind by one word, especially by one inspired word. This word, NEVERTHELESS, has often been profitable to me; for it has conveyed sweet comfort, strong encouragement, and a powerful stimulus to me. I propose therefore to spend a few minutes, in looking at it, as it stands in a few different portions of God's most holy Word.
1. In considering my many defects and shortcomings, I have at times been greatly depressed and discouraged, and have been tempted to give way to doubts and fears; but in looking into the divine Word, I find that all the saints have had their spots and their defects. I have been encouraged when I have read this, "But the high places were not taken away out of Israel; nevertheless the heart of Asa was faithful all his days." (2 Chron. 15:17). Asa was not all that he ought to be, neither did he do all he ought or could have done; nevertheless he was sincere - and God thinks much of sincerity. He was heart-whole in his religion, though he had many imperfections.
And I trust, as deficient as I am, as imperfect as I am - I trust that I am sincere; my heart is in God's cause, and is set on God's glory. I have not taken away all the high places - I have still too many high thoughts, and high ways; nevertheless, I trust it will be found, that my heart is faithful with the Lord, and that I shall be found a sincere believer, though an imperfect Christian, all my days.
2. I have often been cast down in consequence of the dispensations of divine providence, and the mysterious dealings of the Lord with my soul. But in reading the Psalms, I have often found comfort, because I saw that the Lord's people had been exercised just in the same way in the days of old. Poor Asaph - how he was tried, dispirited, and distressed - but even in his case there was a nevertheless, as he says, "Nevertheless I am continually with you - you have held me by Your right hand." (Psalm 73:23).
So is there in my case too, for however the Lord has tried me, He has never forsaken me, nor let go His hold of me. I have slid back often - but He has held me fast, and He holds me fast still. Of many things I may deprived - but the Lord has pledged His Word, that He will never leave me nor forsake me. And, not only so - but He will not let me leave Him for long, nor wander from Him far. "I am continually with you" - in the darkest night, in the most trying season. "You have held me with Your right hand" - and this is the reason, why I have not fainted, been overcome, or utterly turned back!
3. I have at times thought, that in consequence of the power of sin, the deceitfulness of my own heart, and the wiles of the devil - I would certainly turn apostate, and forsake the right ways of the Lord. But there is one blessed, "Nevertheless," which has preserved and kept me until now; and I believe it will keep me even to the end.
For thus it is written, in reference to our beloved Lord, "I will establish His line forever, His throne as long as the heavens endure. If His sons forsake my law and do not follow My statutes, if they violate My decrees and fail to keep My commands, I will punish their sin with the rod, and their iniquity with flogging! Nevertheless, I will not take My love from him, nor will I ever betray My faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what My lips have uttered!" (Psalm 89:29:34). What a blessed "Nevertheless," is here!
He will correct - but not reject.
He will punish - but not disinherit.
He will turn His hand against them - but not His heart.
Lovingly He will rebuke and chasten - but will never turn against them, or allow them to apostatize from Him.
Gracious God and Father, I bless You, I adore You, for Your changeless love! I rejoice in the assurance, that whom You love, You love unto the end! Long ago, I would have left You - if permitted. Long ago, You would have hared me - if anything could have provoked You to do so. But, oh, I bless You, for those sweet words, "Nevertheless, I will not take My love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness." And if not from Christ, the head - then not from the members, seeing we were chosen in Him, blessed in Him, are preserved in Him,and are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
How much is sometimes conveyed to the mind by one word, especially by one inspired word. This word, NEVERTHELESS, has often been profitable to me; for it has conveyed sweet comfort, strong encouragement, and a powerful stimulus to me. I propose therefore to spend a few minutes, in looking at it, as it stands in a few different portions of God's most holy Word.
1. In considering my many defects and shortcomings, I have at times been greatly depressed and discouraged, and have been tempted to give way to doubts and fears; but in looking into the divine Word, I find that all the saints have had their spots and their defects. I have been encouraged when I have read this, "But the high places were not taken away out of Israel; nevertheless the heart of Asa was faithful all his days." (2 Chron. 15:17). Asa was not all that he ought to be, neither did he do all he ought or could have done; nevertheless he was sincere - and God thinks much of sincerity. He was heart-whole in his religion, though he had many imperfections.
And I trust, as deficient as I am, as imperfect as I am - I trust that I am sincere; my heart is in God's cause, and is set on God's glory. I have not taken away all the high places - I have still too many high thoughts, and high ways; nevertheless, I trust it will be found, that my heart is faithful with the Lord, and that I shall be found a sincere believer, though an imperfect Christian, all my days.
2. I have often been cast down in consequence of the dispensations of divine providence, and the mysterious dealings of the Lord with my soul. But in reading the Psalms, I have often found comfort, because I saw that the Lord's people had been exercised just in the same way in the days of old. Poor Asaph - how he was tried, dispirited, and distressed - but even in his case there was a nevertheless, as he says, "Nevertheless I am continually with you - you have held me by Your right hand." (Psalm 73:23).
So is there in my case too, for however the Lord has tried me, He has never forsaken me, nor let go His hold of me. I have slid back often - but He has held me fast, and He holds me fast still. Of many things I may deprived - but the Lord has pledged His Word, that He will never leave me nor forsake me. And, not only so - but He will not let me leave Him for long, nor wander from Him far. "I am continually with you" - in the darkest night, in the most trying season. "You have held me with Your right hand" - and this is the reason, why I have not fainted, been overcome, or utterly turned back!
3. I have at times thought, that in consequence of the power of sin, the deceitfulness of my own heart, and the wiles of the devil - I would certainly turn apostate, and forsake the right ways of the Lord. But there is one blessed, "Nevertheless," which has preserved and kept me until now; and I believe it will keep me even to the end.
For thus it is written, in reference to our beloved Lord, "I will establish His line forever, His throne as long as the heavens endure. If His sons forsake my law and do not follow My statutes, if they violate My decrees and fail to keep My commands, I will punish their sin with the rod, and their iniquity with flogging! Nevertheless, I will not take My love from him, nor will I ever betray My faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what My lips have uttered!" (Psalm 89:29:34). What a blessed "Nevertheless," is here!
He will correct - but not reject.
He will punish - but not disinherit.
He will turn His hand against them - but not His heart.
Lovingly He will rebuke and chasten - but will never turn against them, or allow them to apostatize from Him.
Gracious God and Father, I bless You, I adore You, for Your changeless love! I rejoice in the assurance, that whom You love, You love unto the end! Long ago, I would have left You - if permitted. Long ago, You would have hared me - if anything could have provoked You to do so. But, oh, I bless You, for those sweet words, "Nevertheless, I will not take My love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness." And if not from Christ, the head - then not from the members, seeing we were chosen in Him, blessed in Him, are preserved in Him,and are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
This Is The True Grace of God # 2 (and others)
This Is The True Grace of God # 2 (and others)
The man that possesses the true grace of God, and is invariably living under its sacred influence mourns over his state as a sinner, longs for perfection as a believer, and cannot be perfectly happy until purged from all pollution. He loves God as His Father, cleaves to Jesus as His Friend, views himself as a temple of the Holy Spirit, hates, fears, flies from sin, loves, pants for, and follows after holiness, worships a sovereign Jehovah, obeys a reigning Redeemer, and ascribes all His salvation to free grace!
He depends on the Lord in his troubles, flies to Jesus from his foes, and pleads the free promises of his God.
Christ is his object, salvation his subject, and to glorify God is his aim!
He feels, mourns over, and prays for grace to keep down his corruptions.
He renounces self, abhors his own righteousness, and glories in the Cross of Christ.
He comes out of the world, is transformed in his mind, and finds suitable associates in sanctified believers.
He lives in communion with his God, feeds on the bread of life, and dies daily.
Reader, have you been made to partake of the true grace of God?
Opinions in the head, and grace in the heart - are very different things! Notions of grace - are not operations of grace. You may know the true grace of God by this - it brings salvation, and teaches to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.
~James Smith~
(The End)
_______________________
Not Markedly Different
When I look into the New Testament, and read what a Christian should be, and then look into the church of God, and see what Christians are - I am painfully affected by observing the dissimilarity!
That worldly spirit to which our age of growing selfishness and luxury gives rise, is exceedingly adverse to Christianity, whose elements are faith, hope, love.
The church of Christ at present, is sadly mixed up with both the spirit of the world, and many of its customs. The great bulk of professing Christians are not markedly different from the followers of pleasure and the worshipers of Mammon!
~John Angell James~
_____________________
What A Heaven!
Heaven will consist of the moral perfection of the soul, perfect knowledge, perfect holiness, perfect love, perfect likeness to Christ, perfection of the body in incorruptibility, immortality, glory, and spirituality; the presence of God in the full manifestation of His glory, the beatific vision of Christ, the fellowship of angels and all the redeemed, the joint worship of the heavenly multitudes, the perfect service of Christ, without interruption, imperfection, or cessation, complete freedom from pain, toil, hunger, thirst, anxiety, fear, sorrow, and death!
Such is the substance of heavenly felicity. Take any one of them by itself - and each is a heaven! Add them altogether - and - what a heaven!
How pure! How elevated! How felicitous!
~John Angell James~
________________________
If There Are But Two Real Christians In The World
There appears to me to be, at the present moment, a most criminal neglect, on the part of Christian parents, of the pious education of their children.
That Christian who would carry on a system of pious education with success, should enforce it with all the commanding influence of a holy example. Let your children see all the beauties of holiness" reflected from your character, and the grand outline of godly virtue filled up with all the delicate touches and varied coloring of the Christian graces.
Let your children have this conviction in their hearts, "If there are but two real Christians in the world, my father is one, and my mother is the other!"
It is dreadful - but not uncommon for children to employ themselves in contrasting the appearance which their parents make at the Lord's table - and at their own table; in the house of God - and at home!
~John Angell James~
The man that possesses the true grace of God, and is invariably living under its sacred influence mourns over his state as a sinner, longs for perfection as a believer, and cannot be perfectly happy until purged from all pollution. He loves God as His Father, cleaves to Jesus as His Friend, views himself as a temple of the Holy Spirit, hates, fears, flies from sin, loves, pants for, and follows after holiness, worships a sovereign Jehovah, obeys a reigning Redeemer, and ascribes all His salvation to free grace!
He depends on the Lord in his troubles, flies to Jesus from his foes, and pleads the free promises of his God.
Christ is his object, salvation his subject, and to glorify God is his aim!
He feels, mourns over, and prays for grace to keep down his corruptions.
He renounces self, abhors his own righteousness, and glories in the Cross of Christ.
He comes out of the world, is transformed in his mind, and finds suitable associates in sanctified believers.
He lives in communion with his God, feeds on the bread of life, and dies daily.
Reader, have you been made to partake of the true grace of God?
Opinions in the head, and grace in the heart - are very different things! Notions of grace - are not operations of grace. You may know the true grace of God by this - it brings salvation, and teaches to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.
~James Smith~
(The End)
_______________________
Not Markedly Different
When I look into the New Testament, and read what a Christian should be, and then look into the church of God, and see what Christians are - I am painfully affected by observing the dissimilarity!
That worldly spirit to which our age of growing selfishness and luxury gives rise, is exceedingly adverse to Christianity, whose elements are faith, hope, love.
The church of Christ at present, is sadly mixed up with both the spirit of the world, and many of its customs. The great bulk of professing Christians are not markedly different from the followers of pleasure and the worshipers of Mammon!
~John Angell James~
_____________________
What A Heaven!
Heaven will consist of the moral perfection of the soul, perfect knowledge, perfect holiness, perfect love, perfect likeness to Christ, perfection of the body in incorruptibility, immortality, glory, and spirituality; the presence of God in the full manifestation of His glory, the beatific vision of Christ, the fellowship of angels and all the redeemed, the joint worship of the heavenly multitudes, the perfect service of Christ, without interruption, imperfection, or cessation, complete freedom from pain, toil, hunger, thirst, anxiety, fear, sorrow, and death!
Such is the substance of heavenly felicity. Take any one of them by itself - and each is a heaven! Add them altogether - and - what a heaven!
How pure! How elevated! How felicitous!
~John Angell James~
________________________
If There Are But Two Real Christians In The World
There appears to me to be, at the present moment, a most criminal neglect, on the part of Christian parents, of the pious education of their children.
That Christian who would carry on a system of pious education with success, should enforce it with all the commanding influence of a holy example. Let your children see all the beauties of holiness" reflected from your character, and the grand outline of godly virtue filled up with all the delicate touches and varied coloring of the Christian graces.
Let your children have this conviction in their hearts, "If there are but two real Christians in the world, my father is one, and my mother is the other!"
It is dreadful - but not uncommon for children to employ themselves in contrasting the appearance which their parents make at the Lord's table - and at their own table; in the house of God - and at home!
~John Angell James~
Saturday, November 9, 2019
This Is The True Grace of God # 1
This Is The True Grace of God # 1
"This is the true grace of God, wherein you stand" (1 Peter 5:12).
The grace of God is a subject which, of all others, demands our most serious attention.
God's grace is nothing less, than the free, sovereign, and eternal favor of God toward poor sinners in Christ! (2 Timothy 1:9).
God's grace is manifested in the wonderful lover, kindness, and condescension of our Lord and Saviour: "You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich - yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).
God's grace shines in all the doctrines of the everlasting gospel - they contain the revelation of grace - in the full, complete, and glorious salvation of the church of God.
The Father's grace appears in the CHOICE of a people to show forth His praise.
The Son's grace is revealed in the REDEMPTION of that chosen people from sin, the world, satan, death, and hell.
The Spirit's grace is manifest in the NEW BIRTH, sanctification, sealing, and teaching of that chosen and redeemed people.
Thus... the Father chooses a people by His grace, the Son ransoms these chosen people by His grace, and the Holy Spirit makes these chosen people fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, by His grace.
The Father marks the objects, the Son delivers from wrath, the Spirit leads to glory - and all in richest grace!
In a Word, grace is divine favor, which arises in God as its fountain; centers in Christ as its depository; appears in the doctrines of the gospel as in a mirror; flows to sinners as its objects; and peoples Heaven with sanctified believers as its design!
Grace is the glory of Jehovah; the charm of the gospel; the delight of Jesus; and the fountain of consolation to the church.
Grace is eternal in its existence; holy in its nature; free in its acts; sanctifying in its tendency; and glorious in its design!
But if we attend to what the Bible says of grace, we shall discover that the true grace of God is different from what man conceives. Instead of its being an enemy to holiness - grace is the root on which holiness grows, the fountain from which holiness springs, and the principle which produces holiness in the heart.
True grace brings home the words with power, conviction, and demonstration to the soul! (Acts 14:3)
True grace works faith in the hearts of poor sinners, who are said "to believe through grace!" (Acts 18:27).
True grace calls its objects out of a state of nature, sin, and rebellion against God - and teaches them to pray, and mourn before the Lord! (Gal. 1:15; Zech. 12:10).
True grace destroys the love and dominion of sin; and leads us from the law - to the gospel! (Romans 6:14).
True grace brings home a sense of pardon to the soul; and imparts everlasting consolation! (Eph. 1:7; 2 Thess. 2:16).
True grace removes condemnation, and justifies us freely, fully, and eternally! (Romans 3:24; Titus 3:7).
True grace strengthens, supports, and carries the Christian through all his conflicts, tribulations, and trials! (2 Cor. 12:9).
True grace builds up and establishes its possessor in truth, in faith, and in love! (Acts 20:32; Heb. 13:9).
True grace leads to holy, Scriptural, and consistent practice! (Titus 2:11-15).
True grace will make a man labor for God and the good of immortal souls! (1 Cor. 15:10).
True grace will regulate his lifestyle according to gospel precepts! (2 Cor. 1:12).
True grace flows in abundance, saves all its objects, and raises them to reign in life! (Romans 5:17; Eph. 2:6-8). True grace is always a gift of God, and is invariably free! (Rom. 11:6; Eph. 4:7).
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
"This is the true grace of God, wherein you stand" (1 Peter 5:12).
The grace of God is a subject which, of all others, demands our most serious attention.
God's grace is nothing less, than the free, sovereign, and eternal favor of God toward poor sinners in Christ! (2 Timothy 1:9).
God's grace is manifested in the wonderful lover, kindness, and condescension of our Lord and Saviour: "You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich - yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).
God's grace shines in all the doctrines of the everlasting gospel - they contain the revelation of grace - in the full, complete, and glorious salvation of the church of God.
The Father's grace appears in the CHOICE of a people to show forth His praise.
The Son's grace is revealed in the REDEMPTION of that chosen people from sin, the world, satan, death, and hell.
The Spirit's grace is manifest in the NEW BIRTH, sanctification, sealing, and teaching of that chosen and redeemed people.
Thus... the Father chooses a people by His grace, the Son ransoms these chosen people by His grace, and the Holy Spirit makes these chosen people fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, by His grace.
The Father marks the objects, the Son delivers from wrath, the Spirit leads to glory - and all in richest grace!
In a Word, grace is divine favor, which arises in God as its fountain; centers in Christ as its depository; appears in the doctrines of the gospel as in a mirror; flows to sinners as its objects; and peoples Heaven with sanctified believers as its design!
Grace is the glory of Jehovah; the charm of the gospel; the delight of Jesus; and the fountain of consolation to the church.
Grace is eternal in its existence; holy in its nature; free in its acts; sanctifying in its tendency; and glorious in its design!
But if we attend to what the Bible says of grace, we shall discover that the true grace of God is different from what man conceives. Instead of its being an enemy to holiness - grace is the root on which holiness grows, the fountain from which holiness springs, and the principle which produces holiness in the heart.
True grace brings home the words with power, conviction, and demonstration to the soul! (Acts 14:3)
True grace works faith in the hearts of poor sinners, who are said "to believe through grace!" (Acts 18:27).
True grace calls its objects out of a state of nature, sin, and rebellion against God - and teaches them to pray, and mourn before the Lord! (Gal. 1:15; Zech. 12:10).
True grace destroys the love and dominion of sin; and leads us from the law - to the gospel! (Romans 6:14).
True grace brings home a sense of pardon to the soul; and imparts everlasting consolation! (Eph. 1:7; 2 Thess. 2:16).
True grace removes condemnation, and justifies us freely, fully, and eternally! (Romans 3:24; Titus 3:7).
True grace strengthens, supports, and carries the Christian through all his conflicts, tribulations, and trials! (2 Cor. 12:9).
True grace builds up and establishes its possessor in truth, in faith, and in love! (Acts 20:32; Heb. 13:9).
True grace leads to holy, Scriptural, and consistent practice! (Titus 2:11-15).
True grace will make a man labor for God and the good of immortal souls! (1 Cor. 15:10).
True grace will regulate his lifestyle according to gospel precepts! (2 Cor. 1:12).
True grace flows in abundance, saves all its objects, and raises them to reign in life! (Romans 5:17; Eph. 2:6-8). True grace is always a gift of God, and is invariably free! (Rom. 11:6; Eph. 4:7).
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
The Power of God In The Salvation of His People # 5
The Power of God In The Salvation of His People # 5
8. The Power of God in PRESERVING His People
"Who are kept by the power of God through faith" (1 Peter 1:5). Kept from what? Ah, what mortal is capable of returning a full answer? A whole article might profitably be devoted to this one aspect of our subject.
Kept from the dominion of sin, which still dwells within us.
Kept from being drawn out of the narrow way, by the enticements of the world.
Kept from the horrible heresies, which ensnare thousands on every side.
Kept from being overcome by satan, who always seeks our destruction.
Kept from departing from the living God, so that we do not make shipwreck of the faith.
Kept from turning His grace into a license to sin. Weak as water in ourselves, yet, we are enabled to endure as seeing Him who is invisible. This "is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes."
Sin is a mighty monarch which none of His subjects can withstand.
There was more in Adam while innocent to resist sin, than in any other person since, for sin has an ally within the fallen creature that is ever ready to betray him into temptations from without. But sin had no such advantage over Adam, nevertheless, it overwhelmed him.
The non-elect angels were yet better able to withstand sin than Adam was, having a more excellent nature and being nearer to God - yet, sin prevailed against them and threw them out of Heaven into hell.
Then, what a mighty power is required to subdue it! Only He who "led captivity captive" can make His people more than conquerors."
As the providence of God is a manifestation of His power in a continued creation, so the preservation of grace is a manifestation of His power in a continued regeneration. God's strength abates and modifies the violence of temptations. His staff supports His people under them, His might defeats the power of satan. The counter-workings of indwelling corruptions, the reluctancies of the flesh against the breathings of the Spirit, the fallacies of the sences, and the movings of the mind - would quickly stifle and quench grace, if it were not maintained by the same all-powerful blast that first inbreathed it. No less in fulfilling the work of faith - than in ingrafting the word of faith (2 Thess. 1:11)".
The preservation of God's people in this world greatly glorifies the power of God. To preserve those with so many corruptions within, and so many temptations without - magnifies His ineffable might more than if He were to translate them to Heaven the moment they believed. In a world of suffering and sorrow, to preserve the faith of His people amid so many and sore testings, trials, buffetings, disappointments, betrayals by friends and professed brethren in Christ - is infinitely more wonderful than if a man should succeed in carrying an unsheltered candle alight across an open door when a hurricane was blowing.
To the glory of God, the writer bears witness that, but for omnipotent grace, he had become an infidel years ago as the result of the treatment he had received from those who posed as preachers of the Gospel. Yes, for God to supply strength to His fainting people, and enable them to, "Hold the beginning of their confidence steadfast unto the end" (Heb. 3:14), is more marvelous than though He were to keep a fire burning in the midst of the ocean!
How the contemplation of the power of God should deepen our confidence and trust in Him, "Trust in the LORD forever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength" (Isa. 26:4). The power of God was the ground of Abraham's assurance (Heb. 5:7). Oh, to bear constantly in mind that, "God is able to make all grace abound toward us" (2 Cor. 9:8). Nothing is so calculated to calm the mind, still our fears, and fill us with peace - as faith's appropriation of God's sufficiency. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" ( Romans 8:31). His infallible promise is, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isa. 41:10).
He who brought a nation through the Red Sea without any ships, and led them across the desert for forty years, where was neither bread nor water - still lives and reigns!!
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
8. The Power of God in PRESERVING His People
"Who are kept by the power of God through faith" (1 Peter 1:5). Kept from what? Ah, what mortal is capable of returning a full answer? A whole article might profitably be devoted to this one aspect of our subject.
Kept from the dominion of sin, which still dwells within us.
Kept from being drawn out of the narrow way, by the enticements of the world.
Kept from the horrible heresies, which ensnare thousands on every side.
Kept from being overcome by satan, who always seeks our destruction.
Kept from departing from the living God, so that we do not make shipwreck of the faith.
Kept from turning His grace into a license to sin. Weak as water in ourselves, yet, we are enabled to endure as seeing Him who is invisible. This "is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes."
Sin is a mighty monarch which none of His subjects can withstand.
There was more in Adam while innocent to resist sin, than in any other person since, for sin has an ally within the fallen creature that is ever ready to betray him into temptations from without. But sin had no such advantage over Adam, nevertheless, it overwhelmed him.
The non-elect angels were yet better able to withstand sin than Adam was, having a more excellent nature and being nearer to God - yet, sin prevailed against them and threw them out of Heaven into hell.
Then, what a mighty power is required to subdue it! Only He who "led captivity captive" can make His people more than conquerors."
As the providence of God is a manifestation of His power in a continued creation, so the preservation of grace is a manifestation of His power in a continued regeneration. God's strength abates and modifies the violence of temptations. His staff supports His people under them, His might defeats the power of satan. The counter-workings of indwelling corruptions, the reluctancies of the flesh against the breathings of the Spirit, the fallacies of the sences, and the movings of the mind - would quickly stifle and quench grace, if it were not maintained by the same all-powerful blast that first inbreathed it. No less in fulfilling the work of faith - than in ingrafting the word of faith (2 Thess. 1:11)".
The preservation of God's people in this world greatly glorifies the power of God. To preserve those with so many corruptions within, and so many temptations without - magnifies His ineffable might more than if He were to translate them to Heaven the moment they believed. In a world of suffering and sorrow, to preserve the faith of His people amid so many and sore testings, trials, buffetings, disappointments, betrayals by friends and professed brethren in Christ - is infinitely more wonderful than if a man should succeed in carrying an unsheltered candle alight across an open door when a hurricane was blowing.
To the glory of God, the writer bears witness that, but for omnipotent grace, he had become an infidel years ago as the result of the treatment he had received from those who posed as preachers of the Gospel. Yes, for God to supply strength to His fainting people, and enable them to, "Hold the beginning of their confidence steadfast unto the end" (Heb. 3:14), is more marvelous than though He were to keep a fire burning in the midst of the ocean!
How the contemplation of the power of God should deepen our confidence and trust in Him, "Trust in the LORD forever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength" (Isa. 26:4). The power of God was the ground of Abraham's assurance (Heb. 5:7). Oh, to bear constantly in mind that, "God is able to make all grace abound toward us" (2 Cor. 9:8). Nothing is so calculated to calm the mind, still our fears, and fill us with peace - as faith's appropriation of God's sufficiency. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" ( Romans 8:31). His infallible promise is, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isa. 41:10).
He who brought a nation through the Red Sea without any ships, and led them across the desert for forty years, where was neither bread nor water - still lives and reigns!!
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
Saturday, November 2, 2019
The Power of God In The Salvation of His People # 4
The Power of God In The Salvation of His People # 4
Unbelief is far, far more than entertaining an erroneous conception of God's way of salvation - it is a species of hatred against Him. So faith in Christ is far more than the mind assenting to all that is said of Him in the Scriptures. The demons do that, but it does not save them. Saving faith is not only the heart of my acceptance before God - but it is also the heart being weaned from every other object that competes with Him for my affections. Saving faith is that "which works by lover", a love which is evidenced by keeping His commandments. Therefore, where there is a believing heart which is devoted to Christ, esteeming Him high above self and the world, a mighty miracle of grace has been wrought in the soul.
6. The Power of God in Communicating a SENSE OF PARDON
When a soul has been sorely wounded by the "arrows of the Almighty" (Job 6:4), when the ineffable light of the thrice holy God has shone into our dark hearts, revealing their unspeakable filthiness and corruption; when our innumerable iniquities have been made to stare us in the face, until the convicted sinner has been made to realize he is fit only for hell, and sees himself even now on the very brink of it; when he is brought to feel that he has provoked God so sorely that he greatly fears he has sinned beyond all possibility of forgiveness (and unless your soul has passed through such experiences, my readers, you have never been born again) - then nothing but divine power can raise that soul out of abject despair and create in it a hope of mercy!
To lift the stricken sinner above those dark waters that have so terrified him, to bestow the light of comfort as well as the light of conviction into a heart filled with worse than Egyptian darkness, is an act of Omnipotence! God alone can heal the heart which He has wounded, and speak peace to the raging tempest within.
Men may count up the promises of God until they are as old as Methuselah, but it will avail them nothing until a divine hand shall pour in "the balm of Gilead." The sinner is no more able to apply to himself the Word of divine comfort when he is under the terrors of God's law, and writhing beneath the strokes of God's convicting Spirit - than he is able to resurrect the moldering bodies in our cemeteries. To "restore the joy of salvation" was in David's judgment an act of sovereign power equal to that of creating a clean heart (Psalm 51:10).
All the doctors of divinity put together, are as incapable of healing a wounded spirit as are the physicians of medicine of animating a corpse. To silence a tempestuous conscience, is a mightier performance than the Saviour's stilling the stormy winds and raging waves, though it is not to be expected that any will grant the truth of this who are in themselves strangers to such an experience. As nothing but infinite power can remove the guilt of sin - so nothing but infinite power can remove the despairing sense of it!
7. The Power of God in Actually CONVERTING a Soul
"Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?" (Jere. 13:23). No, indeed, though he may paint or cover them over. So, one out of Christ may restrain the outward acts of sin, but he cannot mortify the inward principle of it. To turn water into wine was indeed a miracle - but to turn fire into water would be a greater one. To create man out of the dust of the ground was a work of divine power - but to re-create a man so that a sinner becomes a saint, a lion is changed into a lamb, and enemy transformed into a friend, hatred is melted into love - is a far greater wonder of Omnipotence.
The miracle of conversion, which is effected by the Spirit through the Gospel, is described thus, "For the weapons of our warfare (that is, the preachers) are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:4-5).
Well has it been said, "To dispossess a man of his self-esteem and self-sufficiency; to make room for God in the heart where there was none but for sin, as dear to him as himself; to hurl down pride of nature; to make stout imaginations stoop to the Cross; to make designs of self-advancement sink under a zeal for the glory of God and an overruling design of His honor - is not to be ascribed to any but to an outstretched arm wielding the sword of the Spirit. To have a heart full of the fear of God, which was just before filled with contempt of His wisdom; to have a hatred of his habitual lustings that had brought him in much sensitive pleasure; to loathe them; to live by faith in and obedience to the Redeemer, who before was so heartily under the dominion of satan and self- is a triumphant act of infinite power that can subdue all things to itself".
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 5)
Unbelief is far, far more than entertaining an erroneous conception of God's way of salvation - it is a species of hatred against Him. So faith in Christ is far more than the mind assenting to all that is said of Him in the Scriptures. The demons do that, but it does not save them. Saving faith is not only the heart of my acceptance before God - but it is also the heart being weaned from every other object that competes with Him for my affections. Saving faith is that "which works by lover", a love which is evidenced by keeping His commandments. Therefore, where there is a believing heart which is devoted to Christ, esteeming Him high above self and the world, a mighty miracle of grace has been wrought in the soul.
6. The Power of God in Communicating a SENSE OF PARDON
When a soul has been sorely wounded by the "arrows of the Almighty" (Job 6:4), when the ineffable light of the thrice holy God has shone into our dark hearts, revealing their unspeakable filthiness and corruption; when our innumerable iniquities have been made to stare us in the face, until the convicted sinner has been made to realize he is fit only for hell, and sees himself even now on the very brink of it; when he is brought to feel that he has provoked God so sorely that he greatly fears he has sinned beyond all possibility of forgiveness (and unless your soul has passed through such experiences, my readers, you have never been born again) - then nothing but divine power can raise that soul out of abject despair and create in it a hope of mercy!
To lift the stricken sinner above those dark waters that have so terrified him, to bestow the light of comfort as well as the light of conviction into a heart filled with worse than Egyptian darkness, is an act of Omnipotence! God alone can heal the heart which He has wounded, and speak peace to the raging tempest within.
Men may count up the promises of God until they are as old as Methuselah, but it will avail them nothing until a divine hand shall pour in "the balm of Gilead." The sinner is no more able to apply to himself the Word of divine comfort when he is under the terrors of God's law, and writhing beneath the strokes of God's convicting Spirit - than he is able to resurrect the moldering bodies in our cemeteries. To "restore the joy of salvation" was in David's judgment an act of sovereign power equal to that of creating a clean heart (Psalm 51:10).
All the doctors of divinity put together, are as incapable of healing a wounded spirit as are the physicians of medicine of animating a corpse. To silence a tempestuous conscience, is a mightier performance than the Saviour's stilling the stormy winds and raging waves, though it is not to be expected that any will grant the truth of this who are in themselves strangers to such an experience. As nothing but infinite power can remove the guilt of sin - so nothing but infinite power can remove the despairing sense of it!
7. The Power of God in Actually CONVERTING a Soul
"Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?" (Jere. 13:23). No, indeed, though he may paint or cover them over. So, one out of Christ may restrain the outward acts of sin, but he cannot mortify the inward principle of it. To turn water into wine was indeed a miracle - but to turn fire into water would be a greater one. To create man out of the dust of the ground was a work of divine power - but to re-create a man so that a sinner becomes a saint, a lion is changed into a lamb, and enemy transformed into a friend, hatred is melted into love - is a far greater wonder of Omnipotence.
The miracle of conversion, which is effected by the Spirit through the Gospel, is described thus, "For the weapons of our warfare (that is, the preachers) are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:4-5).
Well has it been said, "To dispossess a man of his self-esteem and self-sufficiency; to make room for God in the heart where there was none but for sin, as dear to him as himself; to hurl down pride of nature; to make stout imaginations stoop to the Cross; to make designs of self-advancement sink under a zeal for the glory of God and an overruling design of His honor - is not to be ascribed to any but to an outstretched arm wielding the sword of the Spirit. To have a heart full of the fear of God, which was just before filled with contempt of His wisdom; to have a hatred of his habitual lustings that had brought him in much sensitive pleasure; to loathe them; to live by faith in and obedience to the Redeemer, who before was so heartily under the dominion of satan and self- is a triumphant act of infinite power that can subdue all things to itself".
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 5)
New Covenant Theology Essentials # 2
New Covenant Theology Essentials # 2
3. The Old Covenant was Temporary by Divine Design
The third distinctive on New Covenant Theology is that the Old Covenant was temporary by divine design. God intended for it to be an interim covenant. The NT is emphatic about the fact that those in Christ are no longer under the law (1 Cor. 9:20; 2 Cor. 3; Romans 6:14, 7:6; Gal. 3:23, 5:18; Hebrews 8). Galatians is very clear about this point. The Judaizers needed new watch batteries They failed to realize what time it was in God's plan. The Bible depicts history as being divided up between this age and the age to come. This present evil age consists of sin, flesh, and death but when the Messiah comes, He would usher in the new age of righteousness, Spirit, and life. Paul sees the old covenant law as part of the old age (Gal. 1:4; Romans 6:14). The Judaizers were trying to force Gentile believers to observe the old covenant law. Paul insists that its day is over. The law was given after the promise to Abraham and until the Messiah came. Galatians 3:19 says, "Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come." Verses 24 -25 say, "So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian." Here Paul calls the law a guardian (paidagogos). In the first century, this referred to the household slave who was responsible for a child until they reached maturity. Paul's point is the temporal nature of the old covenant. Once we are grown up, we no longer need a guardian. The old covenant law was intended parenthesis in God's plan and has now been replaced by the New Covenant (Heb. 8). The new covenant is not merely a renewal, but really is new covenant unlike the old one (Jere. 31:32).
4. There is No Tripartite Division of the Law
The fourth distinctive of New Covenant Theology is that the law is presented as a unit throughout Scripture. Covenant Theology divides the law up into three parts: moral, civil, and ceremonial. While we see how some commandments could be classified as moral in nature, as opposed to civil or ceremonial, New Covenant Theology denies this "tripartite" division of the law because the writers of Scripture do not make such distinctions. The law is presented as a unit throughout Scripture
5. We are not under the Law of Moses, but under the Law of Christ.
The fifth distinctive of New Covenant Theology regards its relation to law. If we are not under the law, does that mean we are lawless? No! We are no longer under the law of Moses, rather we are under the law of Christ. This phrase only occurs once in Scripture: Galatians 6:2, which reads, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Probably the most important passage for New Covenant Theology is 1 Cor. 9:20-21, which reads, "To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law." This helpful passage summarizes what New Covenant Theology is all about. Paul is clear that he is not under the law (nomos meaning law of Moses), but he is not free from God's law. So we see that God's law is no longer equivalent to the Mosaic law but is now Christ's law. The law of Christ can be defined as those prescriptive principles drawn from the example and teaching of Jesus and His apostles (the central demand being love), which are meant to be worked out in specific situations by the guiding influence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
6. All in the New Covenant Community Have the Holy Spirit.
The sixth distinctive belief is the nature of the new covenant community. In the New Covenant, unlike the Old, every member is fully forgiven and every member has the Holy Spirit. This is another way of saying they are all believers. The prophets looked forward to a day when God would pour out His Spirit from on high (Ezek. 36-37; Joel 2; Isa. 32:15, 44:3). This is one of the major differences between Israel and the Church. Not all within Israel had the Holy Spirit. All within the new covenant community do.
Jesus is the hermeneutical key! New Covenant Theology is consistently Christocentric. The New Testament is Israel-Jesus-church. Believers are considered the offspring of Abraham by being united to Jesus. Galatians 3:7 says, "Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham (Israel)." Galatians 3:29 says, "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Galatians 6:15-16 says, "Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule - to the Israel of God." All of the promises of God are yes in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20).
~Blake White~
(The End)
3. The Old Covenant was Temporary by Divine Design
The third distinctive on New Covenant Theology is that the Old Covenant was temporary by divine design. God intended for it to be an interim covenant. The NT is emphatic about the fact that those in Christ are no longer under the law (1 Cor. 9:20; 2 Cor. 3; Romans 6:14, 7:6; Gal. 3:23, 5:18; Hebrews 8). Galatians is very clear about this point. The Judaizers needed new watch batteries They failed to realize what time it was in God's plan. The Bible depicts history as being divided up between this age and the age to come. This present evil age consists of sin, flesh, and death but when the Messiah comes, He would usher in the new age of righteousness, Spirit, and life. Paul sees the old covenant law as part of the old age (Gal. 1:4; Romans 6:14). The Judaizers were trying to force Gentile believers to observe the old covenant law. Paul insists that its day is over. The law was given after the promise to Abraham and until the Messiah came. Galatians 3:19 says, "Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come." Verses 24 -25 say, "So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian." Here Paul calls the law a guardian (paidagogos). In the first century, this referred to the household slave who was responsible for a child until they reached maturity. Paul's point is the temporal nature of the old covenant. Once we are grown up, we no longer need a guardian. The old covenant law was intended parenthesis in God's plan and has now been replaced by the New Covenant (Heb. 8). The new covenant is not merely a renewal, but really is new covenant unlike the old one (Jere. 31:32).
4. There is No Tripartite Division of the Law
The fourth distinctive of New Covenant Theology is that the law is presented as a unit throughout Scripture. Covenant Theology divides the law up into three parts: moral, civil, and ceremonial. While we see how some commandments could be classified as moral in nature, as opposed to civil or ceremonial, New Covenant Theology denies this "tripartite" division of the law because the writers of Scripture do not make such distinctions. The law is presented as a unit throughout Scripture
5. We are not under the Law of Moses, but under the Law of Christ.
The fifth distinctive of New Covenant Theology regards its relation to law. If we are not under the law, does that mean we are lawless? No! We are no longer under the law of Moses, rather we are under the law of Christ. This phrase only occurs once in Scripture: Galatians 6:2, which reads, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Probably the most important passage for New Covenant Theology is 1 Cor. 9:20-21, which reads, "To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law." This helpful passage summarizes what New Covenant Theology is all about. Paul is clear that he is not under the law (nomos meaning law of Moses), but he is not free from God's law. So we see that God's law is no longer equivalent to the Mosaic law but is now Christ's law. The law of Christ can be defined as those prescriptive principles drawn from the example and teaching of Jesus and His apostles (the central demand being love), which are meant to be worked out in specific situations by the guiding influence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
6. All in the New Covenant Community Have the Holy Spirit.
The sixth distinctive belief is the nature of the new covenant community. In the New Covenant, unlike the Old, every member is fully forgiven and every member has the Holy Spirit. This is another way of saying they are all believers. The prophets looked forward to a day when God would pour out His Spirit from on high (Ezek. 36-37; Joel 2; Isa. 32:15, 44:3). This is one of the major differences between Israel and the Church. Not all within Israel had the Holy Spirit. All within the new covenant community do.
Jesus is the hermeneutical key! New Covenant Theology is consistently Christocentric. The New Testament is Israel-Jesus-church. Believers are considered the offspring of Abraham by being united to Jesus. Galatians 3:7 says, "Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham (Israel)." Galatians 3:29 says, "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Galatians 6:15-16 says, "Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule - to the Israel of God." All of the promises of God are yes in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20).
~Blake White~
(The End)
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