True Wisdom Incomparable # 1
"For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly." (Proverbs 3:14-18).
The wisdom of God is a perfection of His which He knows all things, arranges all things, provides for all things, so that none of His purposes can be frustrated, or any of His plans be defeated. His every purpose, every plan, is infinitely wise, and must therefore be carried out.
The Lord Jesus is the personal wisdom of God. Or, the wisdom of God personified, and represented - for in Him dwells all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He is the only wise God, revealed and manifested. Divine wisdom in man, is real religion; or man sympathizing with God, fixing on the same end, fallin in with the same plan, and carrying on the same work.
To get wisdom, is to become wise unto salvation; wise to secure all real good, and to escape from all real evil. Wisdom is commended to us by the wisest of men, and we are exhorted to get it and retain it; in order to which it is set forth as preeminently excellent. Hear the word, "She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire compares with her!" (Proverbs 3:15).
Like some lovely female, having length of days in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honor, leading in pleasant ways and peaceful paths - she is presented to engage our attention and win our love.
Let us look at THE OBJECT. True wisdom - or real religion as it stands in the knowledge and fear of God. At present, real religion is comprised in four things:
1. In the knowledge of Christ. He is the Saviour. He saves all who put their trust in Him. Every one who knows Him, trusts in Him, and is saved by Him. No science is to be compared to the knowledge of Christ. It is never perfect - but will be forever capable of increase. Paul knew much - but how ardently he desired more. For it, he suffered the loss of all things, and still cried out, "That I may know him!" To know Christ is to be truly wise, eternally safe, and really happy.
2. The knowledge of Christ, always leads to union with Christ. On Him alone we rest. From Him we draw all our supplies. By Him we are empowered and directed. As the building rests on the foundation, as the branch receives from the vine, and as the member is directed by the head, so being in union with Christ, are we blessed and benefitted by Him. As united to Him, we are interested in all that belongs to Him, and derive incalculable and eternal blessings from Him.
3. This leads to conforming to Christ. Receiving His Spirit, we observe His word, copy His example, and resemble Him in some faint degree. The more we resemble Christ - the more we desire to do so; nor will anything but inward and outward likeness to Jesus ever satisfy us.
4. Then comes the prospect of being forever with Christ.
Knowing Him - we cannot rest until we are in union with Him; united to Him - the highest object of our desire is to resemble Him; and resembling Him - the heart longs to be with Him.
This is true religion, the religion of Christ. It has Christ for its object and subject; Christ for its source and center; Christ as its Alpha and Omega.
It brings us to Christ - as sinners; unites us with Christ - as believers; conforms us to Christ - as Christians; and forever connects us with Christ - as saints.
The transcendent excellency OF THIS OBJECT. "She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire compares with her!"
Men desire health - but bodily health is only for a time. Divine wisdom gives perpetual health, both of body and soul. Men desire wealth, life, honor, pleasure and fame. Then we must get wisdom! If we obtain this wisdom, or if we are truly godly - then we shall exist forever in health, wealth, honor, pleasure, and renown. We shall dwell with God, be like His beloved Son, and never know a painful desire, anxious wish, or gloomy fear!
Let us therefore value, or prefer true wisdom to everything else, for all desirable things are not to be compared with it.
Let us try to induce others to embrace wisdom. She calls to the sons of man. She has provided a sumptuous feast. She is willing to receive all that come. To all about us then let us employ the invitation. "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you!" (Proverbs 4:6-8).
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Saturday, March 21, 2020
An Israelite Indeed!
An Israelite Indeed!
True grace in the heart always manifests itself by a concern for the welfare of others, and an attempt to bring them to Jesus. Where there is no concern for the salvation of others, no efforts to save souls from death - the case is at best very doubtful. When Jesus called Philip, he began to look after Nathaniel, spoke to him, pleaded with him, and met his objections; nor did he leave him, until he had brought him to Jesus. "Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to Him, and said of him: "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit." (John 1:47). Letus look at:
Nathaniel's Title. "An Israelite indeed!" As an Israelite - he was distinguished from other nations; and as an Israelite indeed - he was distinguished from many of his own people. He was circumcised in heart, as every true believer is, being renewed in the spirit of his mind. He was taught out of God's law - and therefore knew God's holiness, and his own sinfulness, and the method of salvation by grace. He was savingly interested in the atonement, which was made by Israel's priest, for Israel's race. He was cleansed from pollution and defilement, with the washing of water by the word. He was separated from the world around, separated by God, and for God, as the whole house of Israel were. He was related to God, being part of the people whom the Lord called His own, his first-born. To him as a sincere, sensible, and instructed worshiper of God - no sin was imputed, for to him belonged the blessedness of the man whose iniquity is forgiven, and whose sin is covered, to whom the Lord does not impute sin.
Just so, all God's true Israel are regenerated by the Holy Spirit - taught of God; savingly interested in the sacrifice and perfect work of Christ; cleansed from pollution by the sanctifying operations of the Holy Spirit; adopted into God's family; and justified from all things before God's throne. Consider, then,
Nathaniel's Excellence. "An Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit." There was no pretense about him, no hypocrisy, no sham. He was really what he appeared to be - as every profesor should be.
He was sincere before God in prayer and praise, offering Him the service of the heart, and giving utterance to the feelings of the soul.
He was sincere before men in his profession and in his dealings. He professed to be just what he was - and was just what he professed to be. His word might be taken, and his honesty trusted.
He was honest with himself, examining his own heart, and comparing his inner life and outward conduct with God's own righteous standard. He was all of one piece - the same in all places, in all companies, and at all times, so that you may know him. He hated graft, cunning, duplicity, and artifice; and was open and candid in his dealings. This is just what every professor or religion should be and do. Brethren, let us be deceitless. Let us have no hypocrisy, no pretense, no sham. But let us be sincere, upright, and honest. If we are wicked - let us appear so; and if we are righteous - let us prove it by works of righteousness. But never let us cover hatred with deceit, either toward God or man. Let us now glance at,
The Saviour's Note of Admiration. "Behold!" Behold the character, for it is rare and uncommon; it is excellent and admirable; it is instructive and impressive. Let us, therefore, behold and learn what Christ admires; what grace produces; and what distinguishes man from man - SINCERITY. There is no true religion without sincerity of heart and life. Let us see what God approves.
Observe, profession and possession differ: many have a profession of Christ - who do not have possession of Christ. Therefore said the apostle, "We are the true circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ, and have no confidence in the flesh."
The Saviour discerns and distinguishes. His eye penetrates the heart. He is acquainted with every thought, purpose, and motive of the soul. There is no deceiving Him, for He has said, "I am He who searches hearts and minds."
Gracious Saviour, search me in mercy. Show me just what I am in Your sight - and make me just what I ought to be, both before God and man. Save, O save me, from all pretense, hypocrisy, and deceit; and make me open, honest, and sincere; that those who know me best, may say of me, as you did of Nathaniel, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!"
~James Smith~
(The End)
True grace in the heart always manifests itself by a concern for the welfare of others, and an attempt to bring them to Jesus. Where there is no concern for the salvation of others, no efforts to save souls from death - the case is at best very doubtful. When Jesus called Philip, he began to look after Nathaniel, spoke to him, pleaded with him, and met his objections; nor did he leave him, until he had brought him to Jesus. "Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to Him, and said of him: "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit." (John 1:47). Letus look at:
Nathaniel's Title. "An Israelite indeed!" As an Israelite - he was distinguished from other nations; and as an Israelite indeed - he was distinguished from many of his own people. He was circumcised in heart, as every true believer is, being renewed in the spirit of his mind. He was taught out of God's law - and therefore knew God's holiness, and his own sinfulness, and the method of salvation by grace. He was savingly interested in the atonement, which was made by Israel's priest, for Israel's race. He was cleansed from pollution and defilement, with the washing of water by the word. He was separated from the world around, separated by God, and for God, as the whole house of Israel were. He was related to God, being part of the people whom the Lord called His own, his first-born. To him as a sincere, sensible, and instructed worshiper of God - no sin was imputed, for to him belonged the blessedness of the man whose iniquity is forgiven, and whose sin is covered, to whom the Lord does not impute sin.
Just so, all God's true Israel are regenerated by the Holy Spirit - taught of God; savingly interested in the sacrifice and perfect work of Christ; cleansed from pollution by the sanctifying operations of the Holy Spirit; adopted into God's family; and justified from all things before God's throne. Consider, then,
Nathaniel's Excellence. "An Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit." There was no pretense about him, no hypocrisy, no sham. He was really what he appeared to be - as every profesor should be.
He was sincere before God in prayer and praise, offering Him the service of the heart, and giving utterance to the feelings of the soul.
He was sincere before men in his profession and in his dealings. He professed to be just what he was - and was just what he professed to be. His word might be taken, and his honesty trusted.
He was honest with himself, examining his own heart, and comparing his inner life and outward conduct with God's own righteous standard. He was all of one piece - the same in all places, in all companies, and at all times, so that you may know him. He hated graft, cunning, duplicity, and artifice; and was open and candid in his dealings. This is just what every professor or religion should be and do. Brethren, let us be deceitless. Let us have no hypocrisy, no pretense, no sham. But let us be sincere, upright, and honest. If we are wicked - let us appear so; and if we are righteous - let us prove it by works of righteousness. But never let us cover hatred with deceit, either toward God or man. Let us now glance at,
The Saviour's Note of Admiration. "Behold!" Behold the character, for it is rare and uncommon; it is excellent and admirable; it is instructive and impressive. Let us, therefore, behold and learn what Christ admires; what grace produces; and what distinguishes man from man - SINCERITY. There is no true religion without sincerity of heart and life. Let us see what God approves.
Observe, profession and possession differ: many have a profession of Christ - who do not have possession of Christ. Therefore said the apostle, "We are the true circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ, and have no confidence in the flesh."
The Saviour discerns and distinguishes. His eye penetrates the heart. He is acquainted with every thought, purpose, and motive of the soul. There is no deceiving Him, for He has said, "I am He who searches hearts and minds."
Gracious Saviour, search me in mercy. Show me just what I am in Your sight - and make me just what I ought to be, both before God and man. Save, O save me, from all pretense, hypocrisy, and deceit; and make me open, honest, and sincere; that those who know me best, may say of me, as you did of Nathaniel, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!"
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, March 14, 2020
The Plague of Unsatisfiedness (and others)
The Plague of Unsatisfiedness (and others)
"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of covetousness; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15).
Covetousness is a very great and grievous sin; a mother-sin, a breeding sin; a sin which has all sin in its womb; a very vile and heinous sin; the root of all evil.
Covetousness makes the soul earthly - which should be celestial.
Covetousness is an evil which subjects men to the basest and vilest evils.
Covetousness makes a man a fool! "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" (Luke 12:20).
Covetousness robs a man of all true peace, comfort, contentment and quiet.
Covetousness brings men into snares which drown their souls in perdition.
Covetousness renders men unsatisfied under all their outward enjoyments. Though a covetous wretch has enough to sink him - yet he can never have enough to satisfy him. First he wishes for a bag full, and then a chest full, and then a room full, and then a house full, etc.
The plague of unsatisfiedness - is the great plague which covetous men are under. Certainly you shall as soon fill a triangle with a circle, and a chest with grace - as you shall be able to fill and satisfy a covetous mind with money.
A covetous man is like a swine - which is good for nothing while it lives. The horse is good to carry, the ox is good to draw, the sheep is good for cloth, the cow is good to give milk, and the dog is good to guard the house - but the hog is good for nothing while he lives! Just so, a covetous man is only serviceable when he is dead. The scripture often proes true, "the riches of a sinner are laid up for the just" (Job 27:17).
No sin lays men under greater woes!
"People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Tim. 6:9-10).
~Thomas Brooks~
(The End)
_____________________
A House of Fools!
"The heart of fools is in the house of pleasure" (Ecc. 7:4).
A fool prefers toys and trifles, above things of greatest worth.
Just so, wicked and ungodly men prefer their lusts, before the Lord. Upon choice, they prefer the honors, the riches and glory of this fleeting world - above their own souls and the great concerns of eternity.
Says one: "If you behold the lives of men, you will judge the whole world to be a house of fools!"
Ah, friends! What folly can be compared to that of men's spending their time, their strength, their lives, their souls - in getting the ephemeral things of this world, and neglecting that one thing necessary - the salvation of their souls! Oh, what vanity is it to prefer a puff of honor, a blast of fame, a dream of pleasure, a wedge of gold, a Babylonish garment, and such like transitory trifles and trash - before a blessed eternity!
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?
Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
~Thomas Brooks~
(The End)
"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of covetousness; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15).
Covetousness is a very great and grievous sin; a mother-sin, a breeding sin; a sin which has all sin in its womb; a very vile and heinous sin; the root of all evil.
Covetousness makes the soul earthly - which should be celestial.
Covetousness is an evil which subjects men to the basest and vilest evils.
Covetousness makes a man a fool! "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" (Luke 12:20).
Covetousness robs a man of all true peace, comfort, contentment and quiet.
Covetousness brings men into snares which drown their souls in perdition.
Covetousness renders men unsatisfied under all their outward enjoyments. Though a covetous wretch has enough to sink him - yet he can never have enough to satisfy him. First he wishes for a bag full, and then a chest full, and then a room full, and then a house full, etc.
The plague of unsatisfiedness - is the great plague which covetous men are under. Certainly you shall as soon fill a triangle with a circle, and a chest with grace - as you shall be able to fill and satisfy a covetous mind with money.
A covetous man is like a swine - which is good for nothing while it lives. The horse is good to carry, the ox is good to draw, the sheep is good for cloth, the cow is good to give milk, and the dog is good to guard the house - but the hog is good for nothing while he lives! Just so, a covetous man is only serviceable when he is dead. The scripture often proes true, "the riches of a sinner are laid up for the just" (Job 27:17).
No sin lays men under greater woes!
"People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Tim. 6:9-10).
~Thomas Brooks~
(The End)
_____________________
A House of Fools!
"The heart of fools is in the house of pleasure" (Ecc. 7:4).
A fool prefers toys and trifles, above things of greatest worth.
Just so, wicked and ungodly men prefer their lusts, before the Lord. Upon choice, they prefer the honors, the riches and glory of this fleeting world - above their own souls and the great concerns of eternity.
Says one: "If you behold the lives of men, you will judge the whole world to be a house of fools!"
Ah, friends! What folly can be compared to that of men's spending their time, their strength, their lives, their souls - in getting the ephemeral things of this world, and neglecting that one thing necessary - the salvation of their souls! Oh, what vanity is it to prefer a puff of honor, a blast of fame, a dream of pleasure, a wedge of gold, a Babylonish garment, and such like transitory trifles and trash - before a blessed eternity!
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?
Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
~Thomas Brooks~
(The End)
Saturday, March 7, 2020
The Saviour's Will # 3
The Saviour's Will # 3
All things are possible to grace - and grace is willed to us! By grace, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. We can do nothing good, or acceptable to God - without grace! But we can do all things - through Christ strengthening us! Our strength lies in absolute dependence on the word, presence, power, and faithfulness of God! Our weakness and falls are from that spirit of independence which at first led man from God, and constantly prompts us to endeavor to do without Him.
If we abide in Jesus, if we venture, trusting only to the power of a present God - we cannot fall! But though as strong as Samson, if we venture at anything alone - we shall fall as foully as Samson did. It is not by human might, that the Christian runs the race set before him - but it is by the Spirit of the Lord Almighty!
Grace is willed to us by Jesus, and Jehovah will give grace and glory; and no good thing will be withheld from those who walk uprightly. He has willed to all of His family, "All things which pertain to life and godliness."
No man is required to live godly at his own expense; everything necessary is prepared, promised, and bestowed by Jesus. A godly life is a life of self-denial, and dedication to the Lord; His person is to be daily offered up as a sacrifice to God. His private interests are merged in the interests of his beloved Lord. It is for him to exhibit to the world - the Spirit and graces of his Saviour, and thus live to His glory, who died for His sin. All spiritual blessings, and every temporal mercy which is necessary - is bequeathed to him! Seeking the Lord, he shall not lack any good thing. His Heavenly Father knew what he would need - and provided for him accordingly; and Jesus has assured him that applying to the Father in His name - He will bestow needed grace upon him.
We apply for what Jesus purchased, and receive by grace, all that God has promised. Our present portion of temporals may be scanty - but it is sufficient; and better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great revenues without it. The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.
Our Saviour in His wisdom has apportioned to His people enough, enough for their real welfare - though perhaps not enough to gratify their pride, or please their carnal imagination. He teaches us both how to abound and how to suffer need. He either sanctifies our poverty - or gives us more. He gives more grace, He gives liberally and upbraids not.
We are traveling to the place which the Lord our God has promised us, and we only need our traveling expenses; and these we shall assuredly receive! And if our fare is course, our bed hard, our habitation uncomfortable, and our society unpleasant - it can be so but for a little while, for soon the command will come, "Arise and depart - for this is not your rest - for it is polluted!"
5. Finally, our Lord has willed us an INHERITANCE, which is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading! It is laid up in Heaven for us. It is a house not made with hands, in a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. It is an eternal weight of glory. To introduce us to our inheritance - He will come Himself! And to satisfy us with it - He will abide with us forever!
In this inheritance, all will be purity, peace, activity, and glory! Jesus will be forever honored, and we shall be forever delighted and satisfied! The days of our mourning shall be ended. The people shall be all righteous, and they shall inherit the land forever, that Jehovah may be glorified!
In a very little while - Jesus will come back for us!
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!" (1 John 3:1-2).
~James Smith~
(The End)
All things are possible to grace - and grace is willed to us! By grace, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. We can do nothing good, or acceptable to God - without grace! But we can do all things - through Christ strengthening us! Our strength lies in absolute dependence on the word, presence, power, and faithfulness of God! Our weakness and falls are from that spirit of independence which at first led man from God, and constantly prompts us to endeavor to do without Him.
If we abide in Jesus, if we venture, trusting only to the power of a present God - we cannot fall! But though as strong as Samson, if we venture at anything alone - we shall fall as foully as Samson did. It is not by human might, that the Christian runs the race set before him - but it is by the Spirit of the Lord Almighty!
Grace is willed to us by Jesus, and Jehovah will give grace and glory; and no good thing will be withheld from those who walk uprightly. He has willed to all of His family, "All things which pertain to life and godliness."
No man is required to live godly at his own expense; everything necessary is prepared, promised, and bestowed by Jesus. A godly life is a life of self-denial, and dedication to the Lord; His person is to be daily offered up as a sacrifice to God. His private interests are merged in the interests of his beloved Lord. It is for him to exhibit to the world - the Spirit and graces of his Saviour, and thus live to His glory, who died for His sin. All spiritual blessings, and every temporal mercy which is necessary - is bequeathed to him! Seeking the Lord, he shall not lack any good thing. His Heavenly Father knew what he would need - and provided for him accordingly; and Jesus has assured him that applying to the Father in His name - He will bestow needed grace upon him.
We apply for what Jesus purchased, and receive by grace, all that God has promised. Our present portion of temporals may be scanty - but it is sufficient; and better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great revenues without it. The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.
Our Saviour in His wisdom has apportioned to His people enough, enough for their real welfare - though perhaps not enough to gratify their pride, or please their carnal imagination. He teaches us both how to abound and how to suffer need. He either sanctifies our poverty - or gives us more. He gives more grace, He gives liberally and upbraids not.
We are traveling to the place which the Lord our God has promised us, and we only need our traveling expenses; and these we shall assuredly receive! And if our fare is course, our bed hard, our habitation uncomfortable, and our society unpleasant - it can be so but for a little while, for soon the command will come, "Arise and depart - for this is not your rest - for it is polluted!"
5. Finally, our Lord has willed us an INHERITANCE, which is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading! It is laid up in Heaven for us. It is a house not made with hands, in a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. It is an eternal weight of glory. To introduce us to our inheritance - He will come Himself! And to satisfy us with it - He will abide with us forever!
In this inheritance, all will be purity, peace, activity, and glory! Jesus will be forever honored, and we shall be forever delighted and satisfied! The days of our mourning shall be ended. The people shall be all righteous, and they shall inherit the land forever, that Jehovah may be glorified!
In a very little while - Jesus will come back for us!
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!" (1 John 3:1-2).
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, February 29, 2020
The Saviour's Will # 2
The Saviour's Will # 2
The garment which is ever new, always available, and the perfection of beauty - is freely bestowed upon all who renounce their own good works - and are willing to venture entirely, and without reserve, upon Jesus' word and work, for life and salvation. But it is only willed to the naked, the poor, and the destitute; and it is willed to all such. If you therefore feel that you are destitute of a righteousness; discover the absolute necessity of one for justification before God; and hunger and thirst for this blessing, as the hungry man for food - then for you it is intended, and to you it will certainly be given! You shall receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness, that you may reign in life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Only believe - and this legacy is yours!
3. If any are troubled in mind on account of sin, or distressed with the perplexing circumstances of this earthly life, and make application in His name at the throne of grace - unto them Jesus has left the legacy of PEACE. "Peace I leave with you - My peace I give unto you." Tranquility of mind, flows from receiving His work, believing His word, and entrusting all our concerns to His care.
He invites us to commit all unto Him by faith, in prayer - and to leave all with Him - as with a wise, kind, and faithful friend. And so acting, He assures us that peace passing all understanding shall keep our hearts and minds. He does not wish that any who believe in Him - should be anxious, distrustful, or troubled with cares. He therefore provided for all their needs beforehand - and appointed every day's portion according to the day; and requires them to live and walk by faith; believing that He can and will supply all of their needs.
He bids them not to worry about food, clothing, or life; nor to look forward to tomorrow with alarm, or fear; but to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the assurance that every necessary good shall be added unto them. To set their hearts at rest - He has willed them a sufficiency for every day and all their days! This enables them to rejoice in God, and in all things to aim primarily at His glory.
Is His word true? Then it ought to be trusted!
Is He faithful? Then we ought not to doubt!
Was He ever proved false? Why then should we fear?
He will keep in perfect peace - all whose minds are stayed on Him, because they trust in Him.
Jesus is over all, possesses all, rules all, and directs all! And He bids us to cast all of our cares for body and soul, for time and eternity - on Him; assuring us that He will care for us. He gave His life for us - and He will not withhold one good thing from us! He will give us His peace - and we receive the legacy and enjoy it, to the praise of His grace.
4. To those who feel weak, timid, and fearful; those who have foes to face, difficulties to encounter, corruptions to mortify, temptations to resist, trials to endure, and troubles to pass through - he has left this valuable legacy, "My GRACE is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness." His grace, His strength - are to be employed for us, and to be used by us. The same grace which made Paul what he was, and by which all the martyrs triumphed - is left as a legacy to us! The legacy is payable now, and the proclamation from the high court of Heaven runs thus, "Come boldly to the throne of grace - that you may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need!" His grace enables you to conquer foes - sin, satan, world and self; to overcome difficulties - however numerous or peculiar; to resist temptations - however powerful, well-times, or deceitful; to endure trials - with fortitude, courage and patience; and to pass through troubles - without fear or distrust.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 3)
The garment which is ever new, always available, and the perfection of beauty - is freely bestowed upon all who renounce their own good works - and are willing to venture entirely, and without reserve, upon Jesus' word and work, for life and salvation. But it is only willed to the naked, the poor, and the destitute; and it is willed to all such. If you therefore feel that you are destitute of a righteousness; discover the absolute necessity of one for justification before God; and hunger and thirst for this blessing, as the hungry man for food - then for you it is intended, and to you it will certainly be given! You shall receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness, that you may reign in life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Only believe - and this legacy is yours!
3. If any are troubled in mind on account of sin, or distressed with the perplexing circumstances of this earthly life, and make application in His name at the throne of grace - unto them Jesus has left the legacy of PEACE. "Peace I leave with you - My peace I give unto you." Tranquility of mind, flows from receiving His work, believing His word, and entrusting all our concerns to His care.
He invites us to commit all unto Him by faith, in prayer - and to leave all with Him - as with a wise, kind, and faithful friend. And so acting, He assures us that peace passing all understanding shall keep our hearts and minds. He does not wish that any who believe in Him - should be anxious, distrustful, or troubled with cares. He therefore provided for all their needs beforehand - and appointed every day's portion according to the day; and requires them to live and walk by faith; believing that He can and will supply all of their needs.
He bids them not to worry about food, clothing, or life; nor to look forward to tomorrow with alarm, or fear; but to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the assurance that every necessary good shall be added unto them. To set their hearts at rest - He has willed them a sufficiency for every day and all their days! This enables them to rejoice in God, and in all things to aim primarily at His glory.
Is His word true? Then it ought to be trusted!
Is He faithful? Then we ought not to doubt!
Was He ever proved false? Why then should we fear?
He will keep in perfect peace - all whose minds are stayed on Him, because they trust in Him.
Jesus is over all, possesses all, rules all, and directs all! And He bids us to cast all of our cares for body and soul, for time and eternity - on Him; assuring us that He will care for us. He gave His life for us - and He will not withhold one good thing from us! He will give us His peace - and we receive the legacy and enjoy it, to the praise of His grace.
4. To those who feel weak, timid, and fearful; those who have foes to face, difficulties to encounter, corruptions to mortify, temptations to resist, trials to endure, and troubles to pass through - he has left this valuable legacy, "My GRACE is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness." His grace, His strength - are to be employed for us, and to be used by us. The same grace which made Paul what he was, and by which all the martyrs triumphed - is left as a legacy to us! The legacy is payable now, and the proclamation from the high court of Heaven runs thus, "Come boldly to the throne of grace - that you may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need!" His grace enables you to conquer foes - sin, satan, world and self; to overcome difficulties - however numerous or peculiar; to resist temptations - however powerful, well-times, or deceitful; to endure trials - with fortitude, courage and patience; and to pass through troubles - without fear or distrust.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 3)
Saturday, February 22, 2020
The Saviour's Will # 1
The Saviour's Will # 1
"For a will is in force only after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives" (Hebrews 9:17).
People who have property and riches, in the prospect of death, have long been in the habit of making a will, and bequeathing their riches, according to their pleasure, among their relations and friends. The will of the dead is considered sacred, and the executors are expected to perform their duty with fidelity and care.
The Lord Jesus Christ being in possession of unsearchable riches, and intending to bestow them upon a variety of classes of character; before He left this world to go unto the Father - made a will, and has left behind Him a will containing legacies of incalculable value! These legacies are payable upon application at the proper court, to each and every person entitled to them. The characters entitled are described, and the blessings to which they are entitled are stated with great clearness and perspiculty. The will is now put into our hands that we may make out our claim, apply for the blessings, and enjoy the blessings - to the praise of Him who has blessed us with His will.
1. The first class of beneficiaries, are those who have been guilty of crimes against the law, government, and majesty of God - who deserve to die, who are under sentence of death, and exposed to eternal wrath! All such characters discovering this to be their true condition, feeling alarm at their danger, and being willing frankly to confess their crimes - are promised a free, full, and everlasting pardon!
Jesus purchased a right to pardon, and in His will expresses His determination to give the pardons which He procured - to the vilest of the vile! If any man reflecting upon his conduct, surveying his thoughts, and examining his heart - finds that he has been a traitor from the beginning, and that even now his heart is the dwelling place of every abomination - yet even to such, a free pardon is promised upon confession! Through the infinite grace of the testator unto all such, is proclaimed "forgiveness of sins, and by Him, all who believe are justified from all things!" He says, "I will pardon all their iniquities whereby they have sinned against Me! He who confesses and forsakes his sin- shall find mercy."
he is Faithful and Just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness! he has willed the pardon, and it shall be enjoyed upon application - not on account of anything felt, feared, or done by the applicant - but solely out of His great love, rich mercy, and sovereign favor!
Are you then, my reader - a poor, sinful, wretched, condemned sinner? Are you filled with fears of hell, and trembling at the wrath of God? Are you desirous of escaping the curse, and enjoying the favor of Jehovah? Are you willing, heartily to confess your guilt, and His justice in your condemnation? If so, they you are one of the people named in the will of Jesus, there is a certain pardon for you!
But do not give way to fear or doubt, nothing can be plainer than that you are warranted to expect to be forgiven all trespasses for Jesus' sake! The Father honors the will of Jesus - when He pardons such as you; and the Holy Spirit glorifies the Saviour when He delivers that pardon to the praying soul!
2. Another class of beneficiaries, are those who are stripped of self, and find themselves wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. To them - Jesus wills the gift of His perfect RIGHTEOUSNESS! He labored to fulfill the precept of the law, and died to pay its penalty; that He might produce a righteousness which would justify God in justifying an ungodly sinner. This righteousness is infinitely glorious, and answers all the claims of law and justice! It honors the divine government, and exalts the possessor to glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life! It is all that the law can demand, and just what a sinner needs.
This righteousness was Jesus' own working, and was therefore His own personal property - and he wills to every ungodly sinner who believes on His name. His Father is well-pleased with it, and has agreed that it shall be imputed to all, and be worn by all who have believed, without any difference.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
"For a will is in force only after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives" (Hebrews 9:17).
People who have property and riches, in the prospect of death, have long been in the habit of making a will, and bequeathing their riches, according to their pleasure, among their relations and friends. The will of the dead is considered sacred, and the executors are expected to perform their duty with fidelity and care.
The Lord Jesus Christ being in possession of unsearchable riches, and intending to bestow them upon a variety of classes of character; before He left this world to go unto the Father - made a will, and has left behind Him a will containing legacies of incalculable value! These legacies are payable upon application at the proper court, to each and every person entitled to them. The characters entitled are described, and the blessings to which they are entitled are stated with great clearness and perspiculty. The will is now put into our hands that we may make out our claim, apply for the blessings, and enjoy the blessings - to the praise of Him who has blessed us with His will.
1. The first class of beneficiaries, are those who have been guilty of crimes against the law, government, and majesty of God - who deserve to die, who are under sentence of death, and exposed to eternal wrath! All such characters discovering this to be their true condition, feeling alarm at their danger, and being willing frankly to confess their crimes - are promised a free, full, and everlasting pardon!
Jesus purchased a right to pardon, and in His will expresses His determination to give the pardons which He procured - to the vilest of the vile! If any man reflecting upon his conduct, surveying his thoughts, and examining his heart - finds that he has been a traitor from the beginning, and that even now his heart is the dwelling place of every abomination - yet even to such, a free pardon is promised upon confession! Through the infinite grace of the testator unto all such, is proclaimed "forgiveness of sins, and by Him, all who believe are justified from all things!" He says, "I will pardon all their iniquities whereby they have sinned against Me! He who confesses and forsakes his sin- shall find mercy."
he is Faithful and Just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness! he has willed the pardon, and it shall be enjoyed upon application - not on account of anything felt, feared, or done by the applicant - but solely out of His great love, rich mercy, and sovereign favor!
Are you then, my reader - a poor, sinful, wretched, condemned sinner? Are you filled with fears of hell, and trembling at the wrath of God? Are you desirous of escaping the curse, and enjoying the favor of Jehovah? Are you willing, heartily to confess your guilt, and His justice in your condemnation? If so, they you are one of the people named in the will of Jesus, there is a certain pardon for you!
But do not give way to fear or doubt, nothing can be plainer than that you are warranted to expect to be forgiven all trespasses for Jesus' sake! The Father honors the will of Jesus - when He pardons such as you; and the Holy Spirit glorifies the Saviour when He delivers that pardon to the praying soul!
2. Another class of beneficiaries, are those who are stripped of self, and find themselves wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. To them - Jesus wills the gift of His perfect RIGHTEOUSNESS! He labored to fulfill the precept of the law, and died to pay its penalty; that He might produce a righteousness which would justify God in justifying an ungodly sinner. This righteousness is infinitely glorious, and answers all the claims of law and justice! It honors the divine government, and exalts the possessor to glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life! It is all that the law can demand, and just what a sinner needs.
This righteousness was Jesus' own working, and was therefore His own personal property - and he wills to every ungodly sinner who believes on His name. His Father is well-pleased with it, and has agreed that it shall be imputed to all, and be worn by all who have believed, without any difference.
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, February 15, 2020
The Godhood of God # 8
The Godhood of God # 8
How far away have the present-day admirers of Spurgeon departed from the teaching of this prince of preachers! Mark carefully the next sentences. "Our text, however, puts the prerogative upon the one sole ground of Lordship, and we prefer to come back to that. "Unto God the Lord belong the issues of death." It is a doctrine which is very unpalatable in these days, but one nevertheless which is to be held and taught - that God is an absolute Sovereign, and does as He wills. The words of Paul must be noted: "Nay, but O man, who are you that replies against God? Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it; Why have you made me thus?" The Lord cannot do amiss. His perfect nature is a law unto itself. In his case, the King is the law."
Is God partial? Certainly He is. And has He not the right to be? Shall He not dispense His favors as He wills - and bestow His gifts on whom He pleases? But it is reasonable to suppose that God who is Love has created millions of creatures to be lost? seeing that His elect constitute but a "remnant," a few in comparison with the great multitudes who die unsaved? We reply, it is not a question of reason - but of revelation.
There are many things revealed in Scripture which are contrary to reason. Is it reasonable to think that God would give His only begotten Son to die for sinners? Ah, reason is ruled out entirely here. And so in many other things. If it lay within the power of the reader, would you allow your worst enemy to be eternally tormented? And if you are honest, you will promptly answer, "No!" But God will deal thus with His enemies, and the sentence will be a righteous one, whether we can now discern its justice or not, for the Judge of all the earth will do right. How far asunder then is carnal reasoning, from the teaching of Holy Writ concerning Eternal Punishment!
Once more: here is satan, the age-long enemy of God - the one who has wrought incalculable evil,securely imprisoned at last in teh bottomless pit. There he remains chained for a thousand years. Now would you, my reader, suggest for a moment that the devil be released from that prison after the earth had been freed for a thousand years from his vile presence? Certainly not, and yet this is precisely what Divine revelation declares shall come to pass? The truth makes known how that God will cause the serpent to be "loosed" for a little season, that God will allow this, even though He knows beforehand that the consequences will be the most dreadful revolt on the part of men, under satan - revolt against God, which this earth has ever witnessed!
Truly God's ways are different from ours. Learn then the utter folly of men attempting to pronounce upon the reasonableness or unreasonableness of the doings and dealings of the Most High God.
One of the most flagrant sins of this age is irreverence. I am not now thinking of open blasphemy, or the taking of God's name in vain. Irreverence is, also, failure to ascribe the glory which is due the great and dreadful majesty of the Almighty. It is the limiting of His power and actions by our degrading conceptions. It is the bringing of the Lord down to our level.
There are multitudes of those who do not profess to be Christians who deny that God is the omnipotent Creator - and there are multitudes of professing Christians who deny that God is absolute Sovereign. Men boast of their free will, prate of their power, and are proud of their achievements. They do not know that their lives are at the sovereign disposal of the Divine Monarch! They do not know that they have no more power to thwart His secret counsel, than a worm has to resist the tread of an elephant!! They do not know that God is the Potter, and they the clay!
This is the harvest of all life's lessons, and when we think we have learned them, we soon discover that we have need to re-learn them. God is God and has the right to dispose of me as He sees fit. It is for Him to say where I shall live - whether in America or Africa. It is for Him to say under what circumstances I shall live - whether amid riches or poverty, whether health or in sickness. It is for Him to say how long I shall live - whether I shall be cut down in youth, or whether I shall live unto old age. Yes, it is for Him to say where I shall spend eternity!
The first sin of man was the refusal to be clay in the Potter's hand. Adam wanted to be something more, "You shall be as Gods" was the bait which the tempter used to hurl him to his destruction.
That which differentiated the life of Christ from all other lives, was His absolute and joyous submission to the Father's will, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me" struck the keynote of the thirty-three years that He tabernacled among men.
Have you profited by the example left us by the Beloved of the Father? Has Divine grace shown you how to wear your creature nature? Only if you do not live in self-assertion - but in self-renunciation. Only if in the school of Christ you have been taught to say, "Not my will - but may Your will be done." O may Divine grace so subjue our rebellious hearts!
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
How far away have the present-day admirers of Spurgeon departed from the teaching of this prince of preachers! Mark carefully the next sentences. "Our text, however, puts the prerogative upon the one sole ground of Lordship, and we prefer to come back to that. "Unto God the Lord belong the issues of death." It is a doctrine which is very unpalatable in these days, but one nevertheless which is to be held and taught - that God is an absolute Sovereign, and does as He wills. The words of Paul must be noted: "Nay, but O man, who are you that replies against God? Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it; Why have you made me thus?" The Lord cannot do amiss. His perfect nature is a law unto itself. In his case, the King is the law."
Is God partial? Certainly He is. And has He not the right to be? Shall He not dispense His favors as He wills - and bestow His gifts on whom He pleases? But it is reasonable to suppose that God who is Love has created millions of creatures to be lost? seeing that His elect constitute but a "remnant," a few in comparison with the great multitudes who die unsaved? We reply, it is not a question of reason - but of revelation.
There are many things revealed in Scripture which are contrary to reason. Is it reasonable to think that God would give His only begotten Son to die for sinners? Ah, reason is ruled out entirely here. And so in many other things. If it lay within the power of the reader, would you allow your worst enemy to be eternally tormented? And if you are honest, you will promptly answer, "No!" But God will deal thus with His enemies, and the sentence will be a righteous one, whether we can now discern its justice or not, for the Judge of all the earth will do right. How far asunder then is carnal reasoning, from the teaching of Holy Writ concerning Eternal Punishment!
Once more: here is satan, the age-long enemy of God - the one who has wrought incalculable evil,securely imprisoned at last in teh bottomless pit. There he remains chained for a thousand years. Now would you, my reader, suggest for a moment that the devil be released from that prison after the earth had been freed for a thousand years from his vile presence? Certainly not, and yet this is precisely what Divine revelation declares shall come to pass? The truth makes known how that God will cause the serpent to be "loosed" for a little season, that God will allow this, even though He knows beforehand that the consequences will be the most dreadful revolt on the part of men, under satan - revolt against God, which this earth has ever witnessed!
Truly God's ways are different from ours. Learn then the utter folly of men attempting to pronounce upon the reasonableness or unreasonableness of the doings and dealings of the Most High God.
One of the most flagrant sins of this age is irreverence. I am not now thinking of open blasphemy, or the taking of God's name in vain. Irreverence is, also, failure to ascribe the glory which is due the great and dreadful majesty of the Almighty. It is the limiting of His power and actions by our degrading conceptions. It is the bringing of the Lord down to our level.
There are multitudes of those who do not profess to be Christians who deny that God is the omnipotent Creator - and there are multitudes of professing Christians who deny that God is absolute Sovereign. Men boast of their free will, prate of their power, and are proud of their achievements. They do not know that their lives are at the sovereign disposal of the Divine Monarch! They do not know that they have no more power to thwart His secret counsel, than a worm has to resist the tread of an elephant!! They do not know that God is the Potter, and they the clay!
This is the harvest of all life's lessons, and when we think we have learned them, we soon discover that we have need to re-learn them. God is God and has the right to dispose of me as He sees fit. It is for Him to say where I shall live - whether in America or Africa. It is for Him to say under what circumstances I shall live - whether amid riches or poverty, whether health or in sickness. It is for Him to say how long I shall live - whether I shall be cut down in youth, or whether I shall live unto old age. Yes, it is for Him to say where I shall spend eternity!
The first sin of man was the refusal to be clay in the Potter's hand. Adam wanted to be something more, "You shall be as Gods" was the bait which the tempter used to hurl him to his destruction.
That which differentiated the life of Christ from all other lives, was His absolute and joyous submission to the Father's will, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me" struck the keynote of the thirty-three years that He tabernacled among men.
Have you profited by the example left us by the Beloved of the Father? Has Divine grace shown you how to wear your creature nature? Only if you do not live in self-assertion - but in self-renunciation. Only if in the school of Christ you have been taught to say, "Not my will - but may Your will be done." O may Divine grace so subjue our rebellious hearts!
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
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