We Must Be Holy # 2
You may say, At this rate, very few will be saved. I answer - I know it! Jesus said so eighteen hundred years ago! Few will be saved, because few will take the trouble to seek salvation. Men will not deny themselves the pleasures of sin and their own way for a season; for this they turn their backs on "an inheritance to Me," says Jesus, "that you might have life" (John 5:40).
You may say, "These are hard sayings - the way is narrow. I answer, "I know it!" Jesus said so, eighteen hundred years ago. He always said that men must take up the cross daily, that they must be ready to cut off hand or foot - if they would be His disciples. It is in true religion, as it is in other things, "There are no gains without pains." That which costs nothing is worth nothing!
Reader, whatever you may think fit to say, you must be holy - if you would see the Lord in eternal glory. Where is your Christianity, if you are not holy? Show it to me without holiness, if you can. You must not merely have a Christian name and Christian knowledge, you must have a Christian character also. You must be a saint on earth - if ever you mean to be a saint in heaven. God has said it, and He will not go back, "Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord." "The Pope's calendar," says one, "only makes saints of the dead; but Scripture requires sanctity in the living." "Let not men deceive themselves," says Owen, "sanctification is a qualification indispensably necessary, unto those who will be under the conduct of the Lord Jesus unto salvation. He leads none to heaven - but whom He sanctifies on the earth. This living Head will not admit of dead members!"
Surely you will not wonder that Scripture says, "You must be born again" (John 3:7). Surely it is clear as noonday, that many of you need a complete change - new hearts, new natures - if ever you are to be saved. Old things must pass away, you must become new creatures! Without holiness no man, be he who he may - no man shall ever see the Lord.
Would you be holy? Would you become a new creature? Then begin with Christ! He is the beginning of all holiness. He is not only wisdom and righteousness to His people - but sanctification also. Men sometimes try to make themselves holy first - and sad work them make of it! Little wonder, for they are at the wrong end! They are building up a wall of sand - their work runs down as fast as they throw it up. Other foundation of holiness, can no man lay, than that which Paul laid, even Christ Jesus. Without Christ, we can do nothing. It is a strong but true saying of Traill's, "Wisdom outside of Christ - is damning folly! Righteousness outside of Christ - is guilt and condemnation! Sanctification outside of Christ - is filth and sin! Redemption outside of Christ - is bondage and slavery!"
Would you be holy? Would you be partakers of the Divine nature? Then go to Christ! Wait for nothing! Wait for nobody! Do not linger! Think not to make you yourself ready! Go, and say to Him, in the words of that beautiful hymn - "Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Your Cross I cling! Naked, flee to You for dress; Helpless, look to You for grace!"
There is not a brick nor a stone in the work of our sanctification, until we go to Christ. Holiness is His special gift to His believing people. Holiness is the work He carries on in their hearts, by the Spirit whom He puts within them. He is appointed a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance as well as remission of sins. To as many as receive Him - He gives power to become sons of God. Holiness does not come by blood - parents cannot give it to their children. Holiness does not come by the will of the flesh - man cannot produce it in himself. Holiness does not come by the will of man - ministers cannot give it you by baptism. Holiness comes from Christ! It is the result of vital union with Him. It is the fruit of a living branch of the true vine. Go then to Christ! And say to Him, "Make me holy! Teach me to do Your will."
Would you continue holy, when you have once been made so? Then abide in Christ. He says Himself, "Abide in Me, and I in you. He who abides in Me, and I in him - brings forth much fruit" (John 15:4, 5).
Jesus is the Physician to whom You must go, if you would keep well. He is the Manna which you must daily eat, and the Rock of which you must daily drink. His arm is the arm on which you must daily lean, as you come up out of the wilderness of this world. You must not only be rooted, you must be built up in Him.
Reader, may you and I know these things by experience, and not by hearsay only! May we all feel the importance of holiness, far more than we have ever done yet! May our years be holy years with our souls, and then I know they will be happy ones! But this I say once more, "We must be holy!"
~J. C. Ryle~
(The End)
Saturday, June 29, 2019
We Must Be Holy # 1
We Must Be Holy # 1
We must be holy on earth before we die - if we desire to go to heaven after death! If we hope to dwell with God forever in the life to come - we must endeavor to be like Him in the life that now is. We must not only admire holiness, and wish for holiness - we must be holy.
Holiness cannot justify and save us. Holiness cannot cover our iniquities, make satisfaction for transgressions, pay our debts to God. Our best works are no better than filthy rags, when tried by the light of God's law. The righteousness which Jesus Christ brought in, must be our only confidence - and the blood of His atonement, our only hope. All this is perfectly true, and yet we must be holy.
We must be holy - because God in the Bible plainly commands it. "As He who has called you is holy - so be holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be holy - for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15, 16).
We must be holy - because this is one great end for which Christ came into the world. "He died for all, that those who live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him who died for them, and rose again" (2 Cor. 5:15).
We must be holy - because this is the only sound evidence that we have a saving faith in Christ. "Faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone." "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (James 2:17, 26).
We must be holy - because this is the only proof that we love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. What can be more plain than our Lord's own words? "If you love Me - keep My commandments." "He who has My commandments, and keeps them - he it is that loves Me." (John 14:15, 21).
We must be holy - because this is the only sound evidence that we are God's children. "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." "Whoever does not righteousness is not of God" (Romans 8:14; 1 John 3:10).
Lastly, we must be holy - because without holiness on earth, we should never be prepared and fit for heaven. It is written of the heavenly glory, "There shall never enter into it anything that defiles, neither whatever works abomination, or makes a lie" (Rev. 21:27). Paul says expressly, "Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord!" (Heb. 12:14).
Ah, reader, the last text I have just quoted is very solemn. It ought to make you think. It was written by the inspiration of God - it is not my private fancy. Its words are the words of the Bible - not of my own invention. God has said it, and God will stand to it: "Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord."
What tremendous words these are! What thoughts come across my mind as I write them down! I look at the world - and see the greater part of it lying in wickedness! I look at professing Christians - and see the vast majority having nothing of Christianity, but the name! I turn to the Bible, and I hear the Spirit saying, "Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord!
Surely it is a text that ought to make you consider your ways, and search your hearts. Surely it should raise within you solemn thoughts, and send you to prayer.
You may try to put me off by saying you feel much, and think much about these things - far more than many suppose. I answer, This is not the point. The poor lost souls in hell, do as much as this! The great question is, not what you think and what you feel - but what you DO. ARE YOU HOLY?
You may say, It was never meant that all Christians should be holy, and that holiness such as I have described is only for great saints, and people of uncommon gifts. I answer, "I cannot see this in Scripture. I read that "every man who has hope in Christ, purifies himself" (1 John 3:3). "Without holiness no man shall see the Lord."
You may say, It is impossible to be so holy, and to do our duty in this life at the same time - the thing cannot be done. I answer, You are mistaken - it can be done. With God on your side, nothing is impossible. It has been done by many: Moses, and Obadiah, and Daniel, and the servants of Nero's household, are all examples that go to prove it.
You many say, If you were so holy - you would be unlike other people. I answer, "I know it well - it is just what I want you to be. Christ's true servants, always were unlike the world around them - a separate nation, a peculiar people, and you must be too, if you would be saved.
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 2)
We must be holy on earth before we die - if we desire to go to heaven after death! If we hope to dwell with God forever in the life to come - we must endeavor to be like Him in the life that now is. We must not only admire holiness, and wish for holiness - we must be holy.
Holiness cannot justify and save us. Holiness cannot cover our iniquities, make satisfaction for transgressions, pay our debts to God. Our best works are no better than filthy rags, when tried by the light of God's law. The righteousness which Jesus Christ brought in, must be our only confidence - and the blood of His atonement, our only hope. All this is perfectly true, and yet we must be holy.
We must be holy - because God in the Bible plainly commands it. "As He who has called you is holy - so be holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be holy - for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15, 16).
We must be holy - because this is one great end for which Christ came into the world. "He died for all, that those who live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him who died for them, and rose again" (2 Cor. 5:15).
We must be holy - because this is the only sound evidence that we have a saving faith in Christ. "Faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone." "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (James 2:17, 26).
We must be holy - because this is the only proof that we love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. What can be more plain than our Lord's own words? "If you love Me - keep My commandments." "He who has My commandments, and keeps them - he it is that loves Me." (John 14:15, 21).
We must be holy - because this is the only sound evidence that we are God's children. "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." "Whoever does not righteousness is not of God" (Romans 8:14; 1 John 3:10).
Lastly, we must be holy - because without holiness on earth, we should never be prepared and fit for heaven. It is written of the heavenly glory, "There shall never enter into it anything that defiles, neither whatever works abomination, or makes a lie" (Rev. 21:27). Paul says expressly, "Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord!" (Heb. 12:14).
Ah, reader, the last text I have just quoted is very solemn. It ought to make you think. It was written by the inspiration of God - it is not my private fancy. Its words are the words of the Bible - not of my own invention. God has said it, and God will stand to it: "Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord."
What tremendous words these are! What thoughts come across my mind as I write them down! I look at the world - and see the greater part of it lying in wickedness! I look at professing Christians - and see the vast majority having nothing of Christianity, but the name! I turn to the Bible, and I hear the Spirit saying, "Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord!
Surely it is a text that ought to make you consider your ways, and search your hearts. Surely it should raise within you solemn thoughts, and send you to prayer.
You may try to put me off by saying you feel much, and think much about these things - far more than many suppose. I answer, This is not the point. The poor lost souls in hell, do as much as this! The great question is, not what you think and what you feel - but what you DO. ARE YOU HOLY?
You may say, It was never meant that all Christians should be holy, and that holiness such as I have described is only for great saints, and people of uncommon gifts. I answer, "I cannot see this in Scripture. I read that "every man who has hope in Christ, purifies himself" (1 John 3:3). "Without holiness no man shall see the Lord."
You may say, It is impossible to be so holy, and to do our duty in this life at the same time - the thing cannot be done. I answer, You are mistaken - it can be done. With God on your side, nothing is impossible. It has been done by many: Moses, and Obadiah, and Daniel, and the servants of Nero's household, are all examples that go to prove it.
You many say, If you were so holy - you would be unlike other people. I answer, "I know it well - it is just what I want you to be. Christ's true servants, always were unlike the world around them - a separate nation, a peculiar people, and you must be too, if you would be saved.
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Christ, The Portion of Believers # 2
Christ, The Portion of Believers # 2
Are they oppressed with poverty? He can send his ravens to feed them.
Are they immured in prisons? He can commission His angels to deliver them.
Are they in perils of water? The winds and the waves obey His voice.
Are they exposed to ravenous beasts? He can stop the mouths of lions.
Are they cast into the burning furnace? He can quench the burning of fire.
In spiritual concerns is He less mighty to save? Hear His own declaration: "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish - ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!" Hear the declaration of His holy apostle, Paul: "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." What comfortable declarations to the people of Christ!
satan may desire to have them, that he may sift them as wheat - but stronger is He who is with them, than he who is against them. In themselves they are weak and ready to fall; but underneath them are the everlasting arms. He who loved them and gave Himself for them - is able to save them to the uttermost! He will keep them by His power, through faith unto salvation.
O Christian, every attractive excellence meets in the Redeemer. His heart overflows with compassion to all His people; for in Hi pity and in His love He redeemed them. Though He is invested with infinite majesty - still He is meek and lowly in heart. The compassion which dwelt in His heart when dying upon the Cross, is still existing there. Your friend is "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever!"
The progress of time changes man; but the revolution of eternal ages will not alter the compassion of God, who is of one mind; and who can turn Him? Read His life, mark His conduct, behold Him wounded, bleeding, and dying; then listen to His heart. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do;" and it will be acknowledged that, His heart is made of tenderness, His affections melt with love.
In accordance with this representation, the Redeemer is said to nourish and cherish the church, "For we are members of His body, and of His flesh, and of His bones." Beautiful and apt representation!
You naturally feel interested in the welfare of your body. You are concerned to supply it food, to shield it from injury and pain, and to promote its comfort and welfare.
Believers are the peculiar property of Christ. "If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."
Jesus Christ is the believer's portion - his Redeemer - His brother - His friend! How wonderful the love which applies such endearing names for the comfort of the chief of sinners!
But oh! how different is the friendship of Him who died for us, when we were His enemies by wicked works.
O Christian, is Christ your Friend? Is Christ your all? Are you united to Him, and He to you? If so, then immense and countless blessings, for time and eternity, result from such a union. Here is enough to alleviate your distress, and to heighten your happiness. This is a sovereign antidote to every human ill. This exalted privilege is calculated to render even mourners happy. Possessed of this privilege, you may calmly look forward to a world where the friendship and love of Jesus shall be enjoyed in higher perfection, through eternal ages. Yes, and in every future season of distress - when the earthly frame shall give symptoms of decay - in the valley of the shadow of death - amid all the solemnities of judgment, Christ, your Friend, will be with you, with all His power, and love, and consolation - as a Friend that sticks closer than a brother!
Poor, weak, and worthless, though I am,
I have a rich Almighty Friend!
Jesus, the Saviour, is His name,
He freely loves, and without end!
He ransomed me from hell, with blood,
And by His power my fears controlled,
He found me wandering far from God,
And brought me to His holy fold.
He cheers my heart, my wants supplies,
And says that I shall shortly be,
Enthroned with Him above the skies,
Oh! what a friend is Christ to me!
~William Nicholson~
(The End)
Are they oppressed with poverty? He can send his ravens to feed them.
Are they immured in prisons? He can commission His angels to deliver them.
Are they in perils of water? The winds and the waves obey His voice.
Are they exposed to ravenous beasts? He can stop the mouths of lions.
Are they cast into the burning furnace? He can quench the burning of fire.
In spiritual concerns is He less mighty to save? Hear His own declaration: "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish - ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!" Hear the declaration of His holy apostle, Paul: "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." What comfortable declarations to the people of Christ!
satan may desire to have them, that he may sift them as wheat - but stronger is He who is with them, than he who is against them. In themselves they are weak and ready to fall; but underneath them are the everlasting arms. He who loved them and gave Himself for them - is able to save them to the uttermost! He will keep them by His power, through faith unto salvation.
O Christian, every attractive excellence meets in the Redeemer. His heart overflows with compassion to all His people; for in Hi pity and in His love He redeemed them. Though He is invested with infinite majesty - still He is meek and lowly in heart. The compassion which dwelt in His heart when dying upon the Cross, is still existing there. Your friend is "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever!"
The progress of time changes man; but the revolution of eternal ages will not alter the compassion of God, who is of one mind; and who can turn Him? Read His life, mark His conduct, behold Him wounded, bleeding, and dying; then listen to His heart. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do;" and it will be acknowledged that, His heart is made of tenderness, His affections melt with love.
In accordance with this representation, the Redeemer is said to nourish and cherish the church, "For we are members of His body, and of His flesh, and of His bones." Beautiful and apt representation!
You naturally feel interested in the welfare of your body. You are concerned to supply it food, to shield it from injury and pain, and to promote its comfort and welfare.
Believers are the peculiar property of Christ. "If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."
Jesus Christ is the believer's portion - his Redeemer - His brother - His friend! How wonderful the love which applies such endearing names for the comfort of the chief of sinners!
But oh! how different is the friendship of Him who died for us, when we were His enemies by wicked works.
O Christian, is Christ your Friend? Is Christ your all? Are you united to Him, and He to you? If so, then immense and countless blessings, for time and eternity, result from such a union. Here is enough to alleviate your distress, and to heighten your happiness. This is a sovereign antidote to every human ill. This exalted privilege is calculated to render even mourners happy. Possessed of this privilege, you may calmly look forward to a world where the friendship and love of Jesus shall be enjoyed in higher perfection, through eternal ages. Yes, and in every future season of distress - when the earthly frame shall give symptoms of decay - in the valley of the shadow of death - amid all the solemnities of judgment, Christ, your Friend, will be with you, with all His power, and love, and consolation - as a Friend that sticks closer than a brother!
Poor, weak, and worthless, though I am,
I have a rich Almighty Friend!
Jesus, the Saviour, is His name,
He freely loves, and without end!
He ransomed me from hell, with blood,
And by His power my fears controlled,
He found me wandering far from God,
And brought me to His holy fold.
He cheers my heart, my wants supplies,
And says that I shall shortly be,
Enthroned with Him above the skies,
Oh! what a friend is Christ to me!
~William Nicholson~
(The End)
Monday, June 17, 2019
Is Christ Your Lord?
Is Christ Your Lord?
We do not ask: Is Christ your "Saviour"? - but is He, really and truly your Lord? If He is not your Lord, then He is most certainly not your "Saviour!" Those who have not received Christ Jesus as their "Lord" and yet suppose Him to be their "Saviour," are deluded, and their hope rests on a foundation of sand. Multitudes are deceived on this vital point, and therefore, if the reader values his or her soul, we implore you to give a most careful reading to this little paper. When we ask, is Christ your Lord? we do not inquire, Do you believe in the Godhead of Jesus of Nazareth? The demons do that (Matt. 8:28-29) and yet perish notwithstanding! You may be firmly convinced of the Deity of Christ, and yet be in your sins. You may speak of Him with the utmost reverence, accord Him, His divine titles in your prayers and yet be unsaved. You may abominate those who traduce His person and deny His divinity, and yet have no spiritual love for Him at all. When we ask, Is Christ your Lord, we mean, does He in very deed occupy the throne of your heart, and does He actually rule over your life? "We have turned everyone to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6) describes the course which we all follow by nature. Before conversion every soul lives to please self. Of old it was written, "every man did that which was right in his own eyes," and why? "In those days thee was no king in Israel" (Judges 21:25). Ah! that is the point we desire to make clear to the reader. Until Christ becomes your King (1 Tim. 1:17); Rev. 15:3), until you bow to His scepter, until His will becomes the rule of your life, self dominates, and thus Christ is disowned.
When the Holy Spirit begins His work of grace in a soul, He first convicts of sin. He shows me the real and awful nature of sin. He makes me realize that it is a species of insurrection, a defying of God's authority, a setting of my will against His. He shows me that in going my "own way" (Isa. 53:6), in pleasing myself, I have been fighting against God. As my eyes are opened to see what a lifelong rebel I have been, how indifferent to God's honor, how unconcerned about His will - I am filled with anguish and horror, and made to marvel that the thrice Holy One has not long since cast me into hell. Reader, have you ever gone through this experience? If not, there is very grave reason to fear that you are yet spiritually dead! Conversion, true conversion, saving conversion, is a turning from sin to God in Christ. It is a throwing down of the weapons of my warfare against Him, a ceasing to despise and ignore His authority. New Testament conversion is described thus: "You turned to God from idols to serve (to be in subjection to, to obey) the living and true God" (1 Thess. 1:9). An "idol" is any object to which we give what is due alone unto God the supreme place in our affections, the molding influence of our hearts, the dominating power of our lives.
Conversion is a right about face, the heart and will repudiating sin, self, and the world. Genuine conversion is always evidenced by "Lord what will You have me to do?" (Acts 9:6); it is an unreserved surrendering of ourselves to His holy will. Have you yielded yourself to Him? (Romans 6:13). There are many people who would like to be saved from hell, but who do not want to be saved from self-will, from having their own way, from a life of worldliness. But God will not save them on their terms. To be saved, we must submit to His terms: "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord (having revolted from Him in Adam), and He will have mercy upon him" ((Isa. 55:7). Said Christ, "Whoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he has (all that is opposed to Me), he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:33). Men must be turned (by God) "from darkness to light, and from the power of satan unto God," before they can "receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified" (Acts 26:18). "As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him" (Col. 2:6).
That is an exhortation to Christians, and its force is - Continue as you began. But how had they "begun?" By receiving "Christ Jesus the Lord," by surrendering to Him, by subjecting themselves to His will, by ceasing to please themselves. His authority was now owned. His commands now became their rule of life. His love constrained them to a glad and unreserved obedience. They "gave their own selves to the Lord" (2 Cor. 8:5). Have you, dear reader, done this? Have you? Do the details of your life evidence it? Can those with whom you come into contact see that you are no more living to please "self"? (2 Cor. 5:15). Oh my reader, make no mistake upon this point: a conversion which the Holy Spirit produces is a very radical thing. It is a miracle of grace. It is the enthroning of Christ in the life. And such conversions are rare indeed. Multitudes of people have just sufficient "religion" to make them miserable. They refuse to forsake every known sin, and there is no true peace for any soul until he does. They have never "received Christ Jesus the Lord" (Col. 2:6). Had they done so, "the joy of the LORD" would be their strength (Neh. 8:10). But the language of their hearts and lives (not their lips) is, "we will not have this man to reign over us" (Luke 19:14). Is that your case? The great miracle of grace consists in changing a lawless rebel into a loving and loyal subject. It is a "renewing" of the heart, so that the favored subject of it has come to loathe what he loved, and the things he once found irksome are now winsome (2 Cor. 5:17). He delights "in the law of God after the inward man" (Romans 7:22). He discovers that Christ's commandments are not grievous" (1 Job 5:3), and that "in keeping of them there is great reward" (Psalm 19:11). Is this your experience? It would be if you received Christ Jesus THE LORD! But to receive Christ Jesus the Lord is altogether beyond unaided human power. That is the last which the unrenewed heart wants to do. There must be supernatural change of heart before there is even the desire for Christ to occupy His throne. And that change, none but God can work (1 Co. 12:3).
Therefore, "Seek you the LORD while He may be found" (Isa. 55:6). Search for Him with all your heart (Jer. 29:13). Reader, you may have been a professing Christian for years past, and you may have been quite sincere in your profession. But if God has condescended to use this paper to show you that you have never really and truly "received Christ Jesus the LORD," if now in your own soul and conscience you realize that SELF has ruled you hitherto, will you not now get down on your knees and confess to God. Confess to Him your self-will, your rebellion against Him, and beg Him to so work in you that, without further delay, you may be enabled to yield yourself completely to His will and become His subject, His servant, His loving slave, in deed and in truth!?
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
We do not ask: Is Christ your "Saviour"? - but is He, really and truly your Lord? If He is not your Lord, then He is most certainly not your "Saviour!" Those who have not received Christ Jesus as their "Lord" and yet suppose Him to be their "Saviour," are deluded, and their hope rests on a foundation of sand. Multitudes are deceived on this vital point, and therefore, if the reader values his or her soul, we implore you to give a most careful reading to this little paper. When we ask, is Christ your Lord? we do not inquire, Do you believe in the Godhead of Jesus of Nazareth? The demons do that (Matt. 8:28-29) and yet perish notwithstanding! You may be firmly convinced of the Deity of Christ, and yet be in your sins. You may speak of Him with the utmost reverence, accord Him, His divine titles in your prayers and yet be unsaved. You may abominate those who traduce His person and deny His divinity, and yet have no spiritual love for Him at all. When we ask, Is Christ your Lord, we mean, does He in very deed occupy the throne of your heart, and does He actually rule over your life? "We have turned everyone to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6) describes the course which we all follow by nature. Before conversion every soul lives to please self. Of old it was written, "every man did that which was right in his own eyes," and why? "In those days thee was no king in Israel" (Judges 21:25). Ah! that is the point we desire to make clear to the reader. Until Christ becomes your King (1 Tim. 1:17); Rev. 15:3), until you bow to His scepter, until His will becomes the rule of your life, self dominates, and thus Christ is disowned.
When the Holy Spirit begins His work of grace in a soul, He first convicts of sin. He shows me the real and awful nature of sin. He makes me realize that it is a species of insurrection, a defying of God's authority, a setting of my will against His. He shows me that in going my "own way" (Isa. 53:6), in pleasing myself, I have been fighting against God. As my eyes are opened to see what a lifelong rebel I have been, how indifferent to God's honor, how unconcerned about His will - I am filled with anguish and horror, and made to marvel that the thrice Holy One has not long since cast me into hell. Reader, have you ever gone through this experience? If not, there is very grave reason to fear that you are yet spiritually dead! Conversion, true conversion, saving conversion, is a turning from sin to God in Christ. It is a throwing down of the weapons of my warfare against Him, a ceasing to despise and ignore His authority. New Testament conversion is described thus: "You turned to God from idols to serve (to be in subjection to, to obey) the living and true God" (1 Thess. 1:9). An "idol" is any object to which we give what is due alone unto God the supreme place in our affections, the molding influence of our hearts, the dominating power of our lives.
Conversion is a right about face, the heart and will repudiating sin, self, and the world. Genuine conversion is always evidenced by "Lord what will You have me to do?" (Acts 9:6); it is an unreserved surrendering of ourselves to His holy will. Have you yielded yourself to Him? (Romans 6:13). There are many people who would like to be saved from hell, but who do not want to be saved from self-will, from having their own way, from a life of worldliness. But God will not save them on their terms. To be saved, we must submit to His terms: "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord (having revolted from Him in Adam), and He will have mercy upon him" ((Isa. 55:7). Said Christ, "Whoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he has (all that is opposed to Me), he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:33). Men must be turned (by God) "from darkness to light, and from the power of satan unto God," before they can "receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified" (Acts 26:18). "As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him" (Col. 2:6).
That is an exhortation to Christians, and its force is - Continue as you began. But how had they "begun?" By receiving "Christ Jesus the Lord," by surrendering to Him, by subjecting themselves to His will, by ceasing to please themselves. His authority was now owned. His commands now became their rule of life. His love constrained them to a glad and unreserved obedience. They "gave their own selves to the Lord" (2 Cor. 8:5). Have you, dear reader, done this? Have you? Do the details of your life evidence it? Can those with whom you come into contact see that you are no more living to please "self"? (2 Cor. 5:15). Oh my reader, make no mistake upon this point: a conversion which the Holy Spirit produces is a very radical thing. It is a miracle of grace. It is the enthroning of Christ in the life. And such conversions are rare indeed. Multitudes of people have just sufficient "religion" to make them miserable. They refuse to forsake every known sin, and there is no true peace for any soul until he does. They have never "received Christ Jesus the Lord" (Col. 2:6). Had they done so, "the joy of the LORD" would be their strength (Neh. 8:10). But the language of their hearts and lives (not their lips) is, "we will not have this man to reign over us" (Luke 19:14). Is that your case? The great miracle of grace consists in changing a lawless rebel into a loving and loyal subject. It is a "renewing" of the heart, so that the favored subject of it has come to loathe what he loved, and the things he once found irksome are now winsome (2 Cor. 5:17). He delights "in the law of God after the inward man" (Romans 7:22). He discovers that Christ's commandments are not grievous" (1 Job 5:3), and that "in keeping of them there is great reward" (Psalm 19:11). Is this your experience? It would be if you received Christ Jesus THE LORD! But to receive Christ Jesus the Lord is altogether beyond unaided human power. That is the last which the unrenewed heart wants to do. There must be supernatural change of heart before there is even the desire for Christ to occupy His throne. And that change, none but God can work (1 Co. 12:3).
Therefore, "Seek you the LORD while He may be found" (Isa. 55:6). Search for Him with all your heart (Jer. 29:13). Reader, you may have been a professing Christian for years past, and you may have been quite sincere in your profession. But if God has condescended to use this paper to show you that you have never really and truly "received Christ Jesus the LORD," if now in your own soul and conscience you realize that SELF has ruled you hitherto, will you not now get down on your knees and confess to God. Confess to Him your self-will, your rebellion against Him, and beg Him to so work in you that, without further delay, you may be enabled to yield yourself completely to His will and become His subject, His servant, His loving slave, in deed and in truth!?
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Christ, the Portion of Believers! # 1
Christ, the Portion of Believers # 1
Christians! The Redeemer with all His glorious salvation, in all His offices, and under all the characters which He sustains - is yours! You may say, with the fullest assurance, "My beloved is mine - and I am His!" You are the subjects of the blessed Redeemer's particular care, given into His hands by His and your Father, to be saved by Him from the guilt and dominion of sin, from all the powers of darkness, and from the vengeance of eternal fire!
He executes all of His offices on your behalf!
As a priest, He has made an atonement for your sin, and reconciled you to God.
As a Prophet, He teaches you all that you need for life and godliness, from His Word.
As a King, He reigns in His Church, and rules in the heart of every believer.
He is a Physician to heal the diseased.
He is a Shepherd to feed and guide His flock.
He is a Counselor to direct them in all the intricate paths of life.
He is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother, and whose friendship is unchangeable and everlasting.
He is an Advocate to plead His people's cause.
He is a Redeemer to emancipate their souls from sin's bondage.
He is...a Son to enlighten you, a Shield to defend you, a Door to admit you to Heaven, a Tree for fruit to nourish you, a Balm of Gilead to heal your soul maladies!
Well may Christ be called "the Consolation of Israel," for His unchangeable grace and mercy, His perfect obedience, His sin-atoning death, His constant divine intercession, are replete with comfort to the lost and undone sinner.
By the power of Christ's grace...our unbelief receives a death-wound, our distracting fears are hushed to silence and we are filled with joy unspeakable and full of glory, while in ecstasy we exclaim, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world!"
I have found Him whom my soul loves!
I've found the pearl of greatest price!
My Christ is first, my Christ is last, my Christ is all in all!
Look, Christians, to your Redeemer, and listen to the gracious words that proceed from His mouth.
"As the Father has loved Me - I have loved you."
"You are My friends, if you do what I command you."
"The Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me."
"I am the Good Shepherd. My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish - ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand."
What more could your Lord say? Here He opens His heart to you, and declares that no good thing will be withheld from those who are united to Him. Oh! contemplate the great object of your devout desires, and look to the glorious Friend who utters these promises, and guides your feeble steps.
Are your minds depressed? The chief Shepherd is always near you; and He who offered His life for you, will undoubtedly make your present and eternal welfare His care. Rest your faith on the Saviour's dying love for you, and then you can trust Him for all the darksome things on this side of the grave - and all will appear radiant beyond it.
If occasionally you sow in sorrow - then you will undoubtedly reap in joy.
The Redeemer is your portion, and He has said, "My grace is sufficient for you." "Lo! I am with you always, even to the end of the world!"
The power of Christ is as infinite, as His love is immeasurable!
"All power is given unto Him, in Heaven and in earth." The kingdoms of nature, of providence, and of grace, are totally under His control. He is "the mighty God," the Creator and upholder of all things. With what confidence may the people of Christ repose on such al all-powerful Friend! There are no difficulties into which they can be plunged, from which He cannot extricate them. There are no enemies who can effectually contend with them - for Jesus is by their side to protect them.
Are they afflicted with sickness? He can say to the pestilence, "Go!" and it goes.
`William Nicholson~
(continued with # 2)
Christians! The Redeemer with all His glorious salvation, in all His offices, and under all the characters which He sustains - is yours! You may say, with the fullest assurance, "My beloved is mine - and I am His!" You are the subjects of the blessed Redeemer's particular care, given into His hands by His and your Father, to be saved by Him from the guilt and dominion of sin, from all the powers of darkness, and from the vengeance of eternal fire!
He executes all of His offices on your behalf!
As a priest, He has made an atonement for your sin, and reconciled you to God.
As a Prophet, He teaches you all that you need for life and godliness, from His Word.
As a King, He reigns in His Church, and rules in the heart of every believer.
He is a Physician to heal the diseased.
He is a Shepherd to feed and guide His flock.
He is a Counselor to direct them in all the intricate paths of life.
He is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother, and whose friendship is unchangeable and everlasting.
He is an Advocate to plead His people's cause.
He is a Redeemer to emancipate their souls from sin's bondage.
He is...a Son to enlighten you, a Shield to defend you, a Door to admit you to Heaven, a Tree for fruit to nourish you, a Balm of Gilead to heal your soul maladies!
Well may Christ be called "the Consolation of Israel," for His unchangeable grace and mercy, His perfect obedience, His sin-atoning death, His constant divine intercession, are replete with comfort to the lost and undone sinner.
By the power of Christ's grace...our unbelief receives a death-wound, our distracting fears are hushed to silence and we are filled with joy unspeakable and full of glory, while in ecstasy we exclaim, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world!"
I have found Him whom my soul loves!
I've found the pearl of greatest price!
My Christ is first, my Christ is last, my Christ is all in all!
Look, Christians, to your Redeemer, and listen to the gracious words that proceed from His mouth.
"As the Father has loved Me - I have loved you."
"You are My friends, if you do what I command you."
"The Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me."
"I am the Good Shepherd. My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish - ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand."
What more could your Lord say? Here He opens His heart to you, and declares that no good thing will be withheld from those who are united to Him. Oh! contemplate the great object of your devout desires, and look to the glorious Friend who utters these promises, and guides your feeble steps.
Are your minds depressed? The chief Shepherd is always near you; and He who offered His life for you, will undoubtedly make your present and eternal welfare His care. Rest your faith on the Saviour's dying love for you, and then you can trust Him for all the darksome things on this side of the grave - and all will appear radiant beyond it.
If occasionally you sow in sorrow - then you will undoubtedly reap in joy.
The Redeemer is your portion, and He has said, "My grace is sufficient for you." "Lo! I am with you always, even to the end of the world!"
The power of Christ is as infinite, as His love is immeasurable!
"All power is given unto Him, in Heaven and in earth." The kingdoms of nature, of providence, and of grace, are totally under His control. He is "the mighty God," the Creator and upholder of all things. With what confidence may the people of Christ repose on such al all-powerful Friend! There are no difficulties into which they can be plunged, from which He cannot extricate them. There are no enemies who can effectually contend with them - for Jesus is by their side to protect them.
Are they afflicted with sickness? He can say to the pestilence, "Go!" and it goes.
`William Nicholson~
(continued with # 2)
Nailed to the Doorpost # 5
Nailed to the Doorpost # 5
I must be steadfast in bearing the cross of trial and suffering. Jesus knows all I may have to pass through. He knows the bitterness of the cup I may have to drink, the anxious load I have day by day to carry - and therefore I must be quiet and still, and yield to His wise discipline. I must not fret, and rebel, and repine - but commit by way to him who does all things well.
And that I may be able to do this, I must be steadfast in faith. I must trust Him utterly, trust Him constantly, and trust Him forever.
"Trust in Jesus all our day,
Trust in Jesus all the way,
Trust in Him whatever befall,
Trust in Jesus Christ for all."
I learned a helpful lesson lately from Alison's History of Europe. He frequently dwells on the great importance of an army securing its communications. An enemy will often make the greatest efforts to break the line, so that an army may be cut off in case of disaster, or be unable to receive fresh supplies. Napoleon by this means, by a sudden passage over the Great St. Bernard pass, drove the Austrians out of Italy, and compelled them to evacuate a dozen important fortresses. So that it is all-important for a General, in every case, to maintain the line of communication. To lose this is to forfeit everything.
The application is easy to ourselves. Our great enemy is ever busy to separate us from our source of strength. If he can break down our faith and confidence in Christ, he has us in his power - but we must never permit this. We must keep the line open at all hazards. In falls and backslidings, we must humble ourselves in the dust, but yet flee to Christ. In cares and distresses, we must run to Him and not from Him. When the battle seems to be going against us for the moment, we must fall back upon our base of strength and hope. We must turn still to Christ, and say to Him, "Be my strong habitation, where unto I may continually resort."
Thus can we never be finally overthrown. Our supplies in Christ can never be exhausted. All power in Heaven and in earth is in His hand. And whatever from this moment we may fear or feel, in Christ at least we shall be more than conquerors.
I cannot close without a few words to those who are serving other masters, or, at least, who have not given themselves unreservedly to Christ. Perhaps you are attempting a divided service - serving Christ a little, but the world far more. Perhaps you are halting and undecided - you would have the Saviour's reward, but will not part with the world's vanities. Or perhaps you are quite decided, but on the wrong side. You are a servant of sin, and you have no part or lot in Christ. Whichever it is, Christ looks upon you as a stranger to Him, and as yet serving in the ranks of the adversary.
But what shall I counsel you to do? Change masters this very day! Cast off the yoke of sin and give yourself up to Christ. Renounce the world, the flesh, and the devil, and ask the Lord Jesus to take you as you are, to forgive all that is past, and to help you to serve Him aright. There is no need to wait. Christ will take you just as you are, if you honestly yield yourself to Him. He will take you just as you are, for though there is nothing good whatever to be said for you, yet He will freely save and bless and help you, and teach you how to live a holy life. Humble yourself at His footstool, and come to Him even now. Why should another year, another week, another day be wasted in a service that cannot profit?
What can other masters give you - but shame, sorrow, unrest, death and damnation? Think of the dark, dark abyss into which the sinner casts himself by his impenitence and unbelief! Think of the bright abode of saints for all who have loved and followed Christ! Which will be yours? What not the latter?
Think, too, of the blessedness of spending a lifetime in honoring Christ and doing His will. Think of the sad loss of those who fail to improve this privilege. Who shall tell the bitter regret of many a dear child of God that so long a time has been lost before engaging in the Lord's service. I remember one speaking to the young, and exhorting them early to give themselves to Christ, and then telling them how he mourned that he had passed just half the lifetime of man, before beginning to live indeed.
May each reader have the joy, and not the sorrow. Give up all to Jesus, and give it at once. Think of all He has done in dying for you; and consecrate your whole life gladly to His service. Say to Him, "Lord, if I had a hundred lives instead of one, I would give all, and every moment of each to You, who has loved and washed me in Your blood. Only strengthen me by Your grace; and I will be Yours - Yours now and forever. Amen."
"I love, I love my Master,
I will not go out free!
He loves me, oh, so lovingly,
He is so good to me!
"I love, I love my Master,
He shed His blood for me,
To ransom me from satan's power,
From sin's hard slavery.
"I love, I love my Master,
Oh, how He worked for me!
He worked out God's salvation,
So great, so full,so free.
"My Master, of, my Master,
If I may work for Thee,
And tell out Your salvation,
How happy shall I be!
"I know not, but my Master,
Will teach me what to do,
Prepare the ground, point out the way,
And work within me too.
"Take up your cross, He bids me,
And this for me He bare;
And while I wear His easy yoke,
He meekly takes a share.
"I cannot leave my Master;
His love has pierced my heart;
He binds me to Himself with love,
He will not let me part.
"I love, I love my Master;
To Him alone I cling,
For there is none like Jesus,
My Saviour, Friend, and King.
"I love, I love my Master,
I will not go out free!
He says His saints shall serve Him,
And that my Heaven shall be.
~George Everard~
(The End)
I must be steadfast in bearing the cross of trial and suffering. Jesus knows all I may have to pass through. He knows the bitterness of the cup I may have to drink, the anxious load I have day by day to carry - and therefore I must be quiet and still, and yield to His wise discipline. I must not fret, and rebel, and repine - but commit by way to him who does all things well.
And that I may be able to do this, I must be steadfast in faith. I must trust Him utterly, trust Him constantly, and trust Him forever.
"Trust in Jesus all our day,
Trust in Jesus all the way,
Trust in Him whatever befall,
Trust in Jesus Christ for all."
I learned a helpful lesson lately from Alison's History of Europe. He frequently dwells on the great importance of an army securing its communications. An enemy will often make the greatest efforts to break the line, so that an army may be cut off in case of disaster, or be unable to receive fresh supplies. Napoleon by this means, by a sudden passage over the Great St. Bernard pass, drove the Austrians out of Italy, and compelled them to evacuate a dozen important fortresses. So that it is all-important for a General, in every case, to maintain the line of communication. To lose this is to forfeit everything.
The application is easy to ourselves. Our great enemy is ever busy to separate us from our source of strength. If he can break down our faith and confidence in Christ, he has us in his power - but we must never permit this. We must keep the line open at all hazards. In falls and backslidings, we must humble ourselves in the dust, but yet flee to Christ. In cares and distresses, we must run to Him and not from Him. When the battle seems to be going against us for the moment, we must fall back upon our base of strength and hope. We must turn still to Christ, and say to Him, "Be my strong habitation, where unto I may continually resort."
Thus can we never be finally overthrown. Our supplies in Christ can never be exhausted. All power in Heaven and in earth is in His hand. And whatever from this moment we may fear or feel, in Christ at least we shall be more than conquerors.
I cannot close without a few words to those who are serving other masters, or, at least, who have not given themselves unreservedly to Christ. Perhaps you are attempting a divided service - serving Christ a little, but the world far more. Perhaps you are halting and undecided - you would have the Saviour's reward, but will not part with the world's vanities. Or perhaps you are quite decided, but on the wrong side. You are a servant of sin, and you have no part or lot in Christ. Whichever it is, Christ looks upon you as a stranger to Him, and as yet serving in the ranks of the adversary.
But what shall I counsel you to do? Change masters this very day! Cast off the yoke of sin and give yourself up to Christ. Renounce the world, the flesh, and the devil, and ask the Lord Jesus to take you as you are, to forgive all that is past, and to help you to serve Him aright. There is no need to wait. Christ will take you just as you are, if you honestly yield yourself to Him. He will take you just as you are, for though there is nothing good whatever to be said for you, yet He will freely save and bless and help you, and teach you how to live a holy life. Humble yourself at His footstool, and come to Him even now. Why should another year, another week, another day be wasted in a service that cannot profit?
What can other masters give you - but shame, sorrow, unrest, death and damnation? Think of the dark, dark abyss into which the sinner casts himself by his impenitence and unbelief! Think of the bright abode of saints for all who have loved and followed Christ! Which will be yours? What not the latter?
Think, too, of the blessedness of spending a lifetime in honoring Christ and doing His will. Think of the sad loss of those who fail to improve this privilege. Who shall tell the bitter regret of many a dear child of God that so long a time has been lost before engaging in the Lord's service. I remember one speaking to the young, and exhorting them early to give themselves to Christ, and then telling them how he mourned that he had passed just half the lifetime of man, before beginning to live indeed.
May each reader have the joy, and not the sorrow. Give up all to Jesus, and give it at once. Think of all He has done in dying for you; and consecrate your whole life gladly to His service. Say to Him, "Lord, if I had a hundred lives instead of one, I would give all, and every moment of each to You, who has loved and washed me in Your blood. Only strengthen me by Your grace; and I will be Yours - Yours now and forever. Amen."
"I love, I love my Master,
I will not go out free!
He loves me, oh, so lovingly,
He is so good to me!
"I love, I love my Master,
He shed His blood for me,
To ransom me from satan's power,
From sin's hard slavery.
"I love, I love my Master,
Oh, how He worked for me!
He worked out God's salvation,
So great, so full,so free.
"My Master, of, my Master,
If I may work for Thee,
And tell out Your salvation,
How happy shall I be!
"I know not, but my Master,
Will teach me what to do,
Prepare the ground, point out the way,
And work within me too.
"Take up your cross, He bids me,
And this for me He bare;
And while I wear His easy yoke,
He meekly takes a share.
"I cannot leave my Master;
His love has pierced my heart;
He binds me to Himself with love,
He will not let me part.
"I love, I love my Master;
To Him alone I cling,
For there is none like Jesus,
My Saviour, Friend, and King.
"I love, I love my Master,
I will not go out free!
He says His saints shall serve Him,
And that my Heaven shall be.
~George Everard~
(The End)
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Nailed to the Doorpost # 4
Nailed to the Doorpost # 4
7. I will cleave to Christ, because His service has such a blessed outcome. Whatever I may have to bear on earth - let me look to the end. What is there yet before me? Let me hear His promise: "Whoever serves me must follow Me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me." (John 12:26). A few more years or months of service - and then comes the glorious rest and the everlasting mansions. I know not what the joy of the future will be - but I know that it will eclipse all my expectations. It will be brighter far than heart ever conceived. I might picture to myself the happiest hour I ever spent in the sense of Christ's presence, and in company with His people. I might think of the joy it would be, if all the sin and wretchedness of the world around were past. I might think of the privilege of mingling only with those who delighted in the service of Christ. All this there will, in fullest measure, be in the home of the saints, and infinitely more! Therefore, when weary and toil-worn, I will think of my home above.
"I have a home above,
From sin and sorrow free;
A mansion which eternal love
Designed and formed for me.
"My Father's gracious hand
Has built this sweet abode,
From everlasting it was planned,
My dwelling place with God."
Hence for every season I must be faithful and steadfast in serving Christ. It is no less my happiness, than it is my bounden duty. I owe it to Him for all that He has done, and all that He has engaged to do for me. It shall be my joy on earth, and my joy in the celestial city, faithfully to serve my Saviour and my King.
But how may I show my faithfulness? How may I prove my fixed determination to serve the Master?
I must be steadfast to the claims of His truth. His honor is bound up in the truth which is proclaimed in His Word. I must be jealous for its integrity and its purity. The living water of truth, must not be marred by human traditions. We must keep it pure and without alloy of error.
All human additions we must determinately reject. All ideas of a priestly caste, all teachings of the necessary of confession in private to Christ's ministers, all doctrines involving a sacrifice in the Lord's Supper, or a presence in the elements, or eucharistic adoration - everything of this kind is so completely opposed to the letter and spirit of the New Testament, that on no consideration must we ever embrace or adopt it.
Neither must we cast aside one of the great doctrines of the faith, as revealed in Scripture and so clearly laid down in our creeds.
"We must put away all these old-fashioned notions. "I want a common sense religion," was said to me not many months ago. But will a "common sense" religion be enough to meet the needs of the soul? Will "common sense" relieve a guilty conscience, or show me how my sins can be blotted out? Will "common sense" renew my sinful nature and fit me to live with God? Will "common sense" support me in the hour of death, and give me a sure hope of glory beyond the skies?
Nay! I need Divine Wisdom for this. I need incarnate Wisdom - the very Son of God, who was born, and lived, and died, and rose again to bring salvation to the lost. The Son of God becoming the Son of man - His atonement, His meditation, His coming glory - all this, revealed in the wisdom of God, I require to meet the needs of my soul. I must therefore be steadfast to the truth as it is in Jesus. I must not swerve to the right hand or to the left. I must not add to the Word, nor diminish from it. I must keep in its plain simple path of Scripture doctrine and revelation.
I must be steadfast in obedience to His precepts. Whatever He says to me, I must do it. I must yield to no sin, nor willingly omit any duty that He has laid before me. I must especially remember the supreme importance of forbearing charity and unselfish love. "The end of the commandment is love;" therefore I must ever be showing forth on all around the power of this heavenly grace.
I must be steadfast in the work of His vineyard. Souls are to be won, sinners to be warned, believers to be edified. Little ones are to be gathered into the fold; and sick and sorrowing ones to be comforted by the voice of kindly Scripture counsel.
~George Everard~
(continued with # 5)
7. I will cleave to Christ, because His service has such a blessed outcome. Whatever I may have to bear on earth - let me look to the end. What is there yet before me? Let me hear His promise: "Whoever serves me must follow Me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me." (John 12:26). A few more years or months of service - and then comes the glorious rest and the everlasting mansions. I know not what the joy of the future will be - but I know that it will eclipse all my expectations. It will be brighter far than heart ever conceived. I might picture to myself the happiest hour I ever spent in the sense of Christ's presence, and in company with His people. I might think of the joy it would be, if all the sin and wretchedness of the world around were past. I might think of the privilege of mingling only with those who delighted in the service of Christ. All this there will, in fullest measure, be in the home of the saints, and infinitely more! Therefore, when weary and toil-worn, I will think of my home above.
"I have a home above,
From sin and sorrow free;
A mansion which eternal love
Designed and formed for me.
"My Father's gracious hand
Has built this sweet abode,
From everlasting it was planned,
My dwelling place with God."
Hence for every season I must be faithful and steadfast in serving Christ. It is no less my happiness, than it is my bounden duty. I owe it to Him for all that He has done, and all that He has engaged to do for me. It shall be my joy on earth, and my joy in the celestial city, faithfully to serve my Saviour and my King.
But how may I show my faithfulness? How may I prove my fixed determination to serve the Master?
I must be steadfast to the claims of His truth. His honor is bound up in the truth which is proclaimed in His Word. I must be jealous for its integrity and its purity. The living water of truth, must not be marred by human traditions. We must keep it pure and without alloy of error.
All human additions we must determinately reject. All ideas of a priestly caste, all teachings of the necessary of confession in private to Christ's ministers, all doctrines involving a sacrifice in the Lord's Supper, or a presence in the elements, or eucharistic adoration - everything of this kind is so completely opposed to the letter and spirit of the New Testament, that on no consideration must we ever embrace or adopt it.
Neither must we cast aside one of the great doctrines of the faith, as revealed in Scripture and so clearly laid down in our creeds.
"We must put away all these old-fashioned notions. "I want a common sense religion," was said to me not many months ago. But will a "common sense" religion be enough to meet the needs of the soul? Will "common sense" relieve a guilty conscience, or show me how my sins can be blotted out? Will "common sense" renew my sinful nature and fit me to live with God? Will "common sense" support me in the hour of death, and give me a sure hope of glory beyond the skies?
Nay! I need Divine Wisdom for this. I need incarnate Wisdom - the very Son of God, who was born, and lived, and died, and rose again to bring salvation to the lost. The Son of God becoming the Son of man - His atonement, His meditation, His coming glory - all this, revealed in the wisdom of God, I require to meet the needs of my soul. I must therefore be steadfast to the truth as it is in Jesus. I must not swerve to the right hand or to the left. I must not add to the Word, nor diminish from it. I must keep in its plain simple path of Scripture doctrine and revelation.
I must be steadfast in obedience to His precepts. Whatever He says to me, I must do it. I must yield to no sin, nor willingly omit any duty that He has laid before me. I must especially remember the supreme importance of forbearing charity and unselfish love. "The end of the commandment is love;" therefore I must ever be showing forth on all around the power of this heavenly grace.
I must be steadfast in the work of His vineyard. Souls are to be won, sinners to be warned, believers to be edified. Little ones are to be gathered into the fold; and sick and sorrowing ones to be comforted by the voice of kindly Scripture counsel.
~George Everard~
(continued with # 5)
Precious Death (or Comfort for Christians) # 2 (and others)
Precious Death (or Comfort for Christians) # 2 (and others)
While we are sorrowing over the removal of a saint - Christ is rejoicing. His prayer was "Father, I will that they also, whom You have given me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory" (John 17:24), and in the entrance into Heaven of each one of His own people, He sees an answer to that prayer and is glad. He beholds in each one that is freed from "this body of death" another portion of the reward for His travail of soul, and He is satisfied with it. Therefore the death of His saints is precious to the Lord, for it occasions Him ground for rejoicing.
It is most interesting and instructive to trace out the fullness of the Hebrew word here translated "precious". It is also rendered "excellent." "How excellent is Your lovingkindness, Oh God!" (Psalm 36:7). "A man of understanding is of an excellent spirit" (Proverbs 17:27). However worthily or unworthily he may live, the death of a saint is excellent in the sight of the Lord.
The same Hebrew word is also rendered "honorable." "Kings daughters were among your honorable women" (Psalm 45:9). So Ahadsuerus asked of Haman, "What shall be done unto the man whom the king delights to honor?" (Esther 6:6). Yes, the exchange of heaven for earth is truly honorable, and "This honor have all His saints. Praise the Lord."
This Hebrew word is also rendered "brightness." "If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness" (Job 31:26). Dark and gloomy though death may be unto those whom the Christian leaves behind, it is brightness "in the sight of the Lord," "at evening time it shall be light" (Zech. 14:7). Precious, excellent, honorable, brightness in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. May the Lord make this little meditation precious unto His saints.
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
_________________________
Giddily Gliding along the Broad Road that Leads to Destruction
There is a natural laughter, which is innocent and harmless.
There is a spiritual laughter, which is God-pleasing and beneficial.
There is a carnal laughter, which is sinful and injurious.
"Woe unto you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep!" (Luke 6:25). The laughter which Christ here denounced, was a state of heart which lived only for the present, and had no serious concern for the future. It was His censure of those who are giddily gliding along the broad road that leads to destruction! In the light of the immediate context, the reference is to those who rejoiced in the abundance of their worldly possessions, and found their delight in making gods of their bellies.
"I said of laughter, 'It is madness," and of pleasure, 'What does it accomplish?" ' (Ecc. 2:2). Those were the words of one who was granted the opportunity and afforded the means, of gratifying every carnal desire and of obtaining every object which the natural heart and eye can cover - only to prove from experience, that all were but "vanity and vexation of spirit." There is no real or lasting happiness in anything which money can purchase. The void within the human heart cannot be filled by the objects of time and sense. For one to pursue the shadows - and miss the substance; to devote himself to the things which perish with the using - yet be indifferent to those which are eternal; to seek his delight in gratifying the lusts of the flesh - and neglect the welfare of his soul, is nothing but a species of insanity! "For as the crackling of thorns under a pot so is the laughter of the fool!" (Ecc. 7:6).
"All who see Me, laugh Me to scorn!" (Psalm 22:7). So far were they from pitying Him, they added to His afflictions with their ribaldry, making jest of His very sufferings! Horrid humanity! Fearful impiety! None should ever doubt the total depravity of man, as they see here to what unspeakable depths of iniquity man sinks, when the restraining hand of God is removed from him! The spectators of the dying Redeemer's agonies, exerted the utmost of the venom of their hearts upon Him! This was a diabolical laughter!
There is also a divine laughter, which is dreadful and disastrous. To such David referred: "He who sits in the heavens shall laugh" (Psalm 2:4), which is the laughter of derision against those who think to defy Him with impunity.
And again God says, "I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when you fear comes!" (Prov. 1:26), which is the laughter of divine retribution. He has "called" - by His Word, His providences, His ministers, and their own consciences - but they "refused" to heed Him. They were neither melted by the abundance of His mercies - nor awed by the dreadfulness of His threats. They did not respect His law - and had no heart for His gospel. But though He bears the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction with much long-suffering, He has appointed a day when they shall be made to reap as they have sown. As they scorned His messages when they warned of the wrath to come - so shall He turn a deaf ear then to their cries for mercy, and righteously laugh at their calamity! Oh, that none our readers, may ever be the objects of this laugh!
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
While we are sorrowing over the removal of a saint - Christ is rejoicing. His prayer was "Father, I will that they also, whom You have given me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory" (John 17:24), and in the entrance into Heaven of each one of His own people, He sees an answer to that prayer and is glad. He beholds in each one that is freed from "this body of death" another portion of the reward for His travail of soul, and He is satisfied with it. Therefore the death of His saints is precious to the Lord, for it occasions Him ground for rejoicing.
It is most interesting and instructive to trace out the fullness of the Hebrew word here translated "precious". It is also rendered "excellent." "How excellent is Your lovingkindness, Oh God!" (Psalm 36:7). "A man of understanding is of an excellent spirit" (Proverbs 17:27). However worthily or unworthily he may live, the death of a saint is excellent in the sight of the Lord.
The same Hebrew word is also rendered "honorable." "Kings daughters were among your honorable women" (Psalm 45:9). So Ahadsuerus asked of Haman, "What shall be done unto the man whom the king delights to honor?" (Esther 6:6). Yes, the exchange of heaven for earth is truly honorable, and "This honor have all His saints. Praise the Lord."
This Hebrew word is also rendered "brightness." "If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness" (Job 31:26). Dark and gloomy though death may be unto those whom the Christian leaves behind, it is brightness "in the sight of the Lord," "at evening time it shall be light" (Zech. 14:7). Precious, excellent, honorable, brightness in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. May the Lord make this little meditation precious unto His saints.
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
_________________________
Giddily Gliding along the Broad Road that Leads to Destruction
There is a natural laughter, which is innocent and harmless.
There is a spiritual laughter, which is God-pleasing and beneficial.
There is a carnal laughter, which is sinful and injurious.
"Woe unto you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep!" (Luke 6:25). The laughter which Christ here denounced, was a state of heart which lived only for the present, and had no serious concern for the future. It was His censure of those who are giddily gliding along the broad road that leads to destruction! In the light of the immediate context, the reference is to those who rejoiced in the abundance of their worldly possessions, and found their delight in making gods of their bellies.
"I said of laughter, 'It is madness," and of pleasure, 'What does it accomplish?" ' (Ecc. 2:2). Those were the words of one who was granted the opportunity and afforded the means, of gratifying every carnal desire and of obtaining every object which the natural heart and eye can cover - only to prove from experience, that all were but "vanity and vexation of spirit." There is no real or lasting happiness in anything which money can purchase. The void within the human heart cannot be filled by the objects of time and sense. For one to pursue the shadows - and miss the substance; to devote himself to the things which perish with the using - yet be indifferent to those which are eternal; to seek his delight in gratifying the lusts of the flesh - and neglect the welfare of his soul, is nothing but a species of insanity! "For as the crackling of thorns under a pot so is the laughter of the fool!" (Ecc. 7:6).
"All who see Me, laugh Me to scorn!" (Psalm 22:7). So far were they from pitying Him, they added to His afflictions with their ribaldry, making jest of His very sufferings! Horrid humanity! Fearful impiety! None should ever doubt the total depravity of man, as they see here to what unspeakable depths of iniquity man sinks, when the restraining hand of God is removed from him! The spectators of the dying Redeemer's agonies, exerted the utmost of the venom of their hearts upon Him! This was a diabolical laughter!
There is also a divine laughter, which is dreadful and disastrous. To such David referred: "He who sits in the heavens shall laugh" (Psalm 2:4), which is the laughter of derision against those who think to defy Him with impunity.
And again God says, "I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when you fear comes!" (Prov. 1:26), which is the laughter of divine retribution. He has "called" - by His Word, His providences, His ministers, and their own consciences - but they "refused" to heed Him. They were neither melted by the abundance of His mercies - nor awed by the dreadfulness of His threats. They did not respect His law - and had no heart for His gospel. But though He bears the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction with much long-suffering, He has appointed a day when they shall be made to reap as they have sown. As they scorned His messages when they warned of the wrath to come - so shall He turn a deaf ear then to their cries for mercy, and righteously laugh at their calamity! Oh, that none our readers, may ever be the objects of this laugh!
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Precious Death (or Comfort for Christians) # 1
Precious Death (or Comfort for Christians) # 1
"Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints" (Psalm 116:15).
This is one of the many comforting and blessed statements in Holy Scripture concerning that great event from which the flesh so much shrinks. If the Lord's people would more frequently make a prayerful and believing study of what the Word says upon their departure out of this world, instead of doing so - they let their imagination run riot, they give way to carnal fears, they walk by sight instead of by faith. Looking to the Holy Spirit for guidance, let us endeavor to dispel, by the light of Divine revelation, some of the gloom which unbelief casts around even the death of a Christian.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints." These words intimate that a dying saint is an object of special notice unto the Lord, for mark the words "in the sight of." It is true that the eyes of the Lord are ever upon us, for He never slumbers nor sleeps. It is true that we may say at all times "You God see me." But it appears from Scripture that there are occasions when He notices and cares for us in a special manner. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of great difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour" (Isaiah 43:1-3).
"Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints." This brings before us an aspect of death which is rarely considered by believers. It gives us what may be termed the "Godward side" of the subject. Only too often, we contemplate death, like most other things, from our side. The text tells us that from the viewpoint of Heaven the death of a saint is neither hideous nor horrible, tragic or terrible - but "precious." This raises the question, Why is the death of His people precious in the sight of the Lord? What is there in the last great crisis which is so dear unto Him? Without attempting an exhaustive reply, let us suggest one or two possible answers:
1. Their persons are precious to the Lord. They ever were and always will be dear to Him. His saints! They were the ones on whom His love was set before the earth was formed or the heavens made. These are they for whose sakes He left Home on high and whom He bought with His precious blood, cheerfully laying down His life for them. These are they whose names are born on our great High Priest's bosom and engraved on the palms of His hands. They are His Father's love-gift to Him, His children, members of His body; therefore, everything that concerns them is precious in His sight. The Lord loves His people so intensely that the very hairs of their heads are numbered: the angels are sent forth to minister unto them; and because their persons are precious unto the Lord, so also are their deaths.
2. Because death terminates the saint's sorrows and sufferings. There is a needs-be for our sufferings, for through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). Nevertheless, the Lord does not "afflict willingly" (Lam. 3:33). God is neither unmindful of nor indifferent to our trials and troubles. Concerning His people of old it is written, "In all their affliction - He was afflicted" (Isaiah 63:9). "Like as a father pities his children,k so the Lord pities those who fear Him" (Psalm 103:13). So also are we told that our great High Priest is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Hebrews 4:15). Here, then, may be another reason why the death of a saint is precious in the sight of the Lord - because it marks the termination of his sorrows and sufferings.
3. Because death affords the Lord an opportunity to display His sufficiency. Love is never so happy as when ministering to the needs of its cherished object, and never is the Christian so needy and so helpless as in the hour of death. But man's extremity is God's opportunity. It is then that the Father says to His trembling child, "Fear not; for I am with you: be not dismayed, for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness" (Isaiah 41:10). It is because of this that the believer may confidently reply, "Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me: Your rod and Your staff they comfort me." Our very weakness appeals to His strength, our emergency to His sufficiency. Most blessedly is this principle illustrated in the well-known words "He shall gather His lambs (the helpless ones) with His arm, and carry them in His bosom" (Isaiah 40:11). Yes, His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Therefore is the death of the saints "precious" in His sight, because it affords the Lord a blessed occasion for His love, grace and power to minister unto and undertake for His helpless people.
4. Because at death the saint goes directly to the Lord. The Lord delights in having His people with Himself. Blessedly was this evidenced all through His earthly ministry. Wherever He went, the Lord took His disciples along with Him. Whether it was to the marriage at Cana, to the holy feasts in Jerusalem, to the house of Jairus when his daughter lay dead, or to the Mount of Transfiguration, they ever accompanied Him. How blessed is that word in Mark 3:14, "He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him." And He is "the same yesterday and today and forever." Therefore has He assured us, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:3). Precious then is the death of the saints in His sight, because absent from the body we are "present with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8).
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
"Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints" (Psalm 116:15).
This is one of the many comforting and blessed statements in Holy Scripture concerning that great event from which the flesh so much shrinks. If the Lord's people would more frequently make a prayerful and believing study of what the Word says upon their departure out of this world, instead of doing so - they let their imagination run riot, they give way to carnal fears, they walk by sight instead of by faith. Looking to the Holy Spirit for guidance, let us endeavor to dispel, by the light of Divine revelation, some of the gloom which unbelief casts around even the death of a Christian.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints." These words intimate that a dying saint is an object of special notice unto the Lord, for mark the words "in the sight of." It is true that the eyes of the Lord are ever upon us, for He never slumbers nor sleeps. It is true that we may say at all times "You God see me." But it appears from Scripture that there are occasions when He notices and cares for us in a special manner. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of great difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour" (Isaiah 43:1-3).
"Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints." This brings before us an aspect of death which is rarely considered by believers. It gives us what may be termed the "Godward side" of the subject. Only too often, we contemplate death, like most other things, from our side. The text tells us that from the viewpoint of Heaven the death of a saint is neither hideous nor horrible, tragic or terrible - but "precious." This raises the question, Why is the death of His people precious in the sight of the Lord? What is there in the last great crisis which is so dear unto Him? Without attempting an exhaustive reply, let us suggest one or two possible answers:
1. Their persons are precious to the Lord. They ever were and always will be dear to Him. His saints! They were the ones on whom His love was set before the earth was formed or the heavens made. These are they for whose sakes He left Home on high and whom He bought with His precious blood, cheerfully laying down His life for them. These are they whose names are born on our great High Priest's bosom and engraved on the palms of His hands. They are His Father's love-gift to Him, His children, members of His body; therefore, everything that concerns them is precious in His sight. The Lord loves His people so intensely that the very hairs of their heads are numbered: the angels are sent forth to minister unto them; and because their persons are precious unto the Lord, so also are their deaths.
2. Because death terminates the saint's sorrows and sufferings. There is a needs-be for our sufferings, for through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). Nevertheless, the Lord does not "afflict willingly" (Lam. 3:33). God is neither unmindful of nor indifferent to our trials and troubles. Concerning His people of old it is written, "In all their affliction - He was afflicted" (Isaiah 63:9). "Like as a father pities his children,k so the Lord pities those who fear Him" (Psalm 103:13). So also are we told that our great High Priest is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Hebrews 4:15). Here, then, may be another reason why the death of a saint is precious in the sight of the Lord - because it marks the termination of his sorrows and sufferings.
3. Because death affords the Lord an opportunity to display His sufficiency. Love is never so happy as when ministering to the needs of its cherished object, and never is the Christian so needy and so helpless as in the hour of death. But man's extremity is God's opportunity. It is then that the Father says to His trembling child, "Fear not; for I am with you: be not dismayed, for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness" (Isaiah 41:10). It is because of this that the believer may confidently reply, "Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me: Your rod and Your staff they comfort me." Our very weakness appeals to His strength, our emergency to His sufficiency. Most blessedly is this principle illustrated in the well-known words "He shall gather His lambs (the helpless ones) with His arm, and carry them in His bosom" (Isaiah 40:11). Yes, His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Therefore is the death of the saints "precious" in His sight, because it affords the Lord a blessed occasion for His love, grace and power to minister unto and undertake for His helpless people.
4. Because at death the saint goes directly to the Lord. The Lord delights in having His people with Himself. Blessedly was this evidenced all through His earthly ministry. Wherever He went, the Lord took His disciples along with Him. Whether it was to the marriage at Cana, to the holy feasts in Jerusalem, to the house of Jairus when his daughter lay dead, or to the Mount of Transfiguration, they ever accompanied Him. How blessed is that word in Mark 3:14, "He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him." And He is "the same yesterday and today and forever." Therefore has He assured us, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:3). Precious then is the death of the saints in His sight, because absent from the body we are "present with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8).
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
Nailed to the Doorpost # 3
Nailed to the Doorpost # 3
But what says Christ of His service? "Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart - and you shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matt. 11:28-29). And what Christ said is found true by experience. His service is perfect freedom. In keeping His commandments there is great reward, even now.
What does He ever bid me do, but that which is for my true profit and welfare? He bids me live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. He bids me abstain from every sin, and in doing so He keeps me from many sorrows. He bids me watch and pray. He bids me cultivate every Christian grace and virtue. He would have me humble, holy, self-denying. He would have me patient and contented, gentle and forgiving courteous and genuine, unselfish and full of charity. He would call me to follow in the footsteps of His own most holy life. He would remind me of the duty of praise and gratitude, and have me frequently lift my heart above the present evil world to my Father in Heaven.
And what is there in all this, but that which is reasonable and blessed, and brings happiness to myself as well as unto others? Since, therefore, the service of Christ is so honorable, so fitted to draw forth all the higher powers of my soul, and so rich in present comfort and blessing - I have another reason why I should never forsake it. Nay, I will never leave this service - but I pray God that I may serve Christ more and more. May I freely yield all I have to Him, and with a joyful heart do all His holy will!
5. I will cleave to Christ, because I think of my companions in His service. In some cases the Jewish servant had a wife and, perhaps, children who were reckoned as belonging to his master, and so there was an additional link why he should not leave the home. He loved his master, but he also dearly loved his kindred, and therefore he willingly tarried. Here, too, I see that which binds me still closer to my Master. I love to think I am one with all the people of God. While truly serving Christ I am one with all the excellent of the earth who have ever lived, or who are living now.
"For all the servants of our King
In Heaven and earth are one."
I am in the same service to which Abel, and Enoch, and Noah, and Abraham, and all the patriarchs belonged. I have prophets and apostles and martyrs for my companions. David and Esaiah and Elijah, Peter and Paul, and all the faithful ones in the early Church, with all who have truly loved Christ in every age - these are my kinsmen and brethren in the Master's household. And shall not this thought encourage me in the trials I have to meet with? Through conflict and opposition they won their crown, and so must I. I will share with them the reproach of Christ, and with them I shall share the kingdom. Yes, I think of my companions in Christ's service, as I think of an innumerable company of angels, of the spirits of just men made perfect, and the great multitude which no man can number, gathered out of all nations and people and tongues - I rejoice to be one with them in the obedience and love of Christ.
6. I will cleave to Christ, because He gives me such help in my work. "I used to work single-handed, but now I have a Partner, and He lightens my load for me," said one who told of the happiness he found in bearing Christ's yoke. And I find this is the case with me. He often humbles me and brings me low - He often shows me how utterly helpless I am in myself - but in due season, He always draws near to assist and strengthen me.
As my day, so is my strength. He never leaves me long to my own weakness. When I am cast down, He lifts me up. When I have failed, He readily and freely forgives. When I have a cross to bear, He puts His own shoulder beneath the burden. He goes with me to my work and stands by my side all the while. When He sees me overtaxing my strength, He bids me rest for a season in His loving presence. He works in me both to will and to do of His good pleasure. He sends me His blessed Spirit, the Comforter, to be my Teacher and my Sanctifier. He cheers me with the promises of His grace, and every trouble that I put into His hand, He undertakes on my behalf.
I read of Pharaoh giving heavy tasks to the children of Israel and refusing them straw to make bricks. But very differently does Christ act. He appoints me no work for which He will not provide the help I need in the doing of it. And though my work seems hard sometimes, my sorrows great, because my faith is so small - yet the more I look to Him, and trust in Him, the lighter shall I feel the load to be. Therefore I will go happily on my way, and as I go, I will hearken to His word of encouragement:
"So 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!" (Isaiah 41:10).
~George Everard~
(continued with # 4)
But what says Christ of His service? "Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart - and you shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matt. 11:28-29). And what Christ said is found true by experience. His service is perfect freedom. In keeping His commandments there is great reward, even now.
What does He ever bid me do, but that which is for my true profit and welfare? He bids me live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. He bids me abstain from every sin, and in doing so He keeps me from many sorrows. He bids me watch and pray. He bids me cultivate every Christian grace and virtue. He would have me humble, holy, self-denying. He would have me patient and contented, gentle and forgiving courteous and genuine, unselfish and full of charity. He would call me to follow in the footsteps of His own most holy life. He would remind me of the duty of praise and gratitude, and have me frequently lift my heart above the present evil world to my Father in Heaven.
And what is there in all this, but that which is reasonable and blessed, and brings happiness to myself as well as unto others? Since, therefore, the service of Christ is so honorable, so fitted to draw forth all the higher powers of my soul, and so rich in present comfort and blessing - I have another reason why I should never forsake it. Nay, I will never leave this service - but I pray God that I may serve Christ more and more. May I freely yield all I have to Him, and with a joyful heart do all His holy will!
5. I will cleave to Christ, because I think of my companions in His service. In some cases the Jewish servant had a wife and, perhaps, children who were reckoned as belonging to his master, and so there was an additional link why he should not leave the home. He loved his master, but he also dearly loved his kindred, and therefore he willingly tarried. Here, too, I see that which binds me still closer to my Master. I love to think I am one with all the people of God. While truly serving Christ I am one with all the excellent of the earth who have ever lived, or who are living now.
"For all the servants of our King
In Heaven and earth are one."
I am in the same service to which Abel, and Enoch, and Noah, and Abraham, and all the patriarchs belonged. I have prophets and apostles and martyrs for my companions. David and Esaiah and Elijah, Peter and Paul, and all the faithful ones in the early Church, with all who have truly loved Christ in every age - these are my kinsmen and brethren in the Master's household. And shall not this thought encourage me in the trials I have to meet with? Through conflict and opposition they won their crown, and so must I. I will share with them the reproach of Christ, and with them I shall share the kingdom. Yes, I think of my companions in Christ's service, as I think of an innumerable company of angels, of the spirits of just men made perfect, and the great multitude which no man can number, gathered out of all nations and people and tongues - I rejoice to be one with them in the obedience and love of Christ.
6. I will cleave to Christ, because He gives me such help in my work. "I used to work single-handed, but now I have a Partner, and He lightens my load for me," said one who told of the happiness he found in bearing Christ's yoke. And I find this is the case with me. He often humbles me and brings me low - He often shows me how utterly helpless I am in myself - but in due season, He always draws near to assist and strengthen me.
As my day, so is my strength. He never leaves me long to my own weakness. When I am cast down, He lifts me up. When I have failed, He readily and freely forgives. When I have a cross to bear, He puts His own shoulder beneath the burden. He goes with me to my work and stands by my side all the while. When He sees me overtaxing my strength, He bids me rest for a season in His loving presence. He works in me both to will and to do of His good pleasure. He sends me His blessed Spirit, the Comforter, to be my Teacher and my Sanctifier. He cheers me with the promises of His grace, and every trouble that I put into His hand, He undertakes on my behalf.
I read of Pharaoh giving heavy tasks to the children of Israel and refusing them straw to make bricks. But very differently does Christ act. He appoints me no work for which He will not provide the help I need in the doing of it. And though my work seems hard sometimes, my sorrows great, because my faith is so small - yet the more I look to Him, and trust in Him, the lighter shall I feel the load to be. Therefore I will go happily on my way, and as I go, I will hearken to His word of encouragement:
"So 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!" (Isaiah 41:10).
~George Everard~
(continued with # 4)
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