The Demon of Worry # 1
"Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat?" or What shall we drink?" or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?" "Take therefore no thought for the morrow" (Matt. 6:31, 34).
Some of the things that Jesus found in the world seem to have caused Him surprise. We are told that He marveled because of unbelief. That any one should doubt God caused the Son of God not indignation so much as astonishment. He felt, in the face of distrust of divine veracity or the divine goodness, an emotion of simple amazement. And another fact of the life men on the earth appears to have struck Him as foolish and unreasonable - the fact that the race of men is an anxious, a worried race.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus deals with the fact of worry. He gives to it more space than to adultery or murder. I should not conclude from that, that in the divine estimation worry is a graver sin than adultery or murder, but only that it is far more prevalent.
Wherever Christ looked He saw the unmistakable traces of anxiety. All faces bore that sinister mark. The Sermon on the Mount is the constitution of the kingdom of heaven on earth and that kingdom excludes worry. God Himself could not make an anxious world happy. Let us see how Jesus Christ proposes to banish worry from His world. First of all, He teaches us that we worry about the wrong things.
"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" (Matt. 6:25).
In the last analysis we shall find, if we make that analysis fearlessly, that our worry is not about mere food and mere raiment, but about superfluous food and superfluous raiment, and our Lord would call us back to the consciousness that life itself is an infinitely larger thing than the externals of life.The men and women who have touched this life of humanity powerfully and helpfully have always been such as brought to the facts of life into the right perspective, counting life too high and beautiful a thing to waste itself in overmuch thought about its mere incidents.
Are we thinking thus about life and life's meanings? Have we thought about life itself, the wonder of it, the deeper meanings of it, the measureless possibilities of even one day of it? Do we habitually think of life as a trust rather than a possession? Do we think of sometime giving an account of our administration of that trust? Do we think of the tremendous investment which God and humanity, and even the mere creature world, has made and is constantly making, just that we may have life?
Then, too, Christ puts over against our causes of anxiety the fatherhood of God.
"Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into burns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (Matt. 6:26).
"And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?! (Matt. 6:28-30).
The Christian is not an orphan in an unfriendly universe. He is a child of the God who feeds the birds and clothes the flowers, making each the subject of His solicitude. It has been estimated, taking as a basis the quantity known to be necessary for their sustenance, that no millionaire on earth could feed God's birds one day. But God feeds them every day, and is no whit poorer at night. "Now," says Christ, in effect, "that is what the Christian's Father does for flowers and birds. Will He not do as much for His dear children?" The argument is unanswerable. And it covers the very causes of that anxiety which is whitening the heads and prematurely furrowing the faces of God's children in the world. It is no wonder that men have imagined a multitude of invisible spirits at work upon the human countenance from the cradle to the grave, spirits of light and spirits of darkness, spirits angelic and spirits from the pit; that with viewless gravers they patiently inscribe the lines which mark every thought and actions are self-recording, and that, struggle against it as we may, that record is wrought into the substance of the human face.
~C. T. Scofield~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, November 30, 2019
One Hour After Death! # 1
One Hour After Death! # 1
The news of the unexpected death of a dear friend has suggested this thought. He is gone. He is in another world.
I too, must die soon. It may be very soon. Let me then, think of death, and of the hour of death. If I die among friends, my eyes will then be closed, my body will be laid out, the white sheet will cover it, and in the quiet chamber it will be left. It is now unconscious, inanimate, a mere mass of matter. It must soon be conveyed to the grave, and there be hidden from the sight of man, or it will become offensive. Yes, the nearest relative, the one who loved me most, will say, "Bury my dead out of my sight!" But the soul, the immortal part, the real man - what has become of him?
One hour after death, WHERE shall I be?
Ah, where! That will entirely depend upon what I am now - what death finds me. Like Judas, each one will go to his own place. Where shall I be?
I may be in hell, lifting up my eyes in torments, grasping for someone or something to comfort me. Dreadful supposition! But it is not impossible. If I die under the guilt of sin; if I die without having experienced a new birth; it is certain. For unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Awful thought - to be in hell one hour after death! Then no prayers will avail, no sufferings will excite pity, nor cries or tears will be regarded. Hope will be forever shut out. Agony and despair must be endured perpetually.
But if I die a believer in Jesus; if cleansed in His blood; if clothed in His righteousness; if sanctified by His Spirit; if united to Her person - then where shall I be one hour after death? Oh, glorious thought - I shall be with Jesus! Yes, I shall hear His sweet voice, see His lovely face, and stand before His glorious throne! I shall be in heaven; the home of the saints; the house of the living God - the region of holiness, happiness, and love. I shall know what heaven is. I shall realize what perfect holiness means. I shall have lost every wish - and be in possession of all I could desire. Oh, to be with Jesus; to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God; to enjoy the company of prophets, apostles, martyrs, and holy ministers forever! What a noble place I shall be in! What glorious company I shall have! What ecstatic joys I shall taste! Oh, what a change I shall experience!
One hour after death, WHAT shall I be?
I shall be a pure and holy spirit, no longer, fettered, imprisoned, hindered, and pained by a body of flesh, or a body of sin and death. I shall be a son of God, realizing my relationship - at home with my Father; surrounded with myriads of my brothers and sisters, all perfectly holy, and perfectly happy. I shall be a saint, fully sanctified, and made fit for my Master's use. To doubt my election, or question my calling, or suspect my sincerity, will be impossible. I shall be as holy as my Father is holy. I shall be perfect, as my Saviour is perfect. I shall be without fault before the throne of God.
Oh, wondrous, mystery, that one like me, so full of faults, so deeply depraved, so dreadfully polluted - should be pronounced faultless bu the Judge of all!
But if I should die out of Christ, without repentance, without holiness - then what shall I be? Ah, what! A lost soul! A ruined sinner! Condemned to suffer God's just wrath, the bitter reflections of my own mind, the fearful lashings of my own conscience - forever! Self-condemned; condemned by all around me; a terrified witness to God's holiness and truth. Ah, then I shall know the meaning of those terrible words, "Indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, fire, brimstone, and a horrible tempest." Then I shall experience what is meant by being "cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone," and shall feel all the unknown horrors of the "second death."
What a fearful thing must sin, my sin, be - to demand such tremendous punishment at the hands of a just God; to call for such a terrible infliction from a God who is emphatically love! Oh, the thought, that I should be a lost soul, a companion of devils and damned immortals!
One hour after death, How shall I be EMPLOYED?
How am I employed now? Is Jesus my Master, His service my delight, and His glory my end? If I now live for God, walk with God, and work in order to please God - then I may expect to be employed in praising His name, admiring His love, and adoring His glorious perfections. My employment will be my pleasure, and my service my joy. I shall stand among the ransomed, walk with Jesus in white, and praise His name on my golden harp forever!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
The news of the unexpected death of a dear friend has suggested this thought. He is gone. He is in another world.
I too, must die soon. It may be very soon. Let me then, think of death, and of the hour of death. If I die among friends, my eyes will then be closed, my body will be laid out, the white sheet will cover it, and in the quiet chamber it will be left. It is now unconscious, inanimate, a mere mass of matter. It must soon be conveyed to the grave, and there be hidden from the sight of man, or it will become offensive. Yes, the nearest relative, the one who loved me most, will say, "Bury my dead out of my sight!" But the soul, the immortal part, the real man - what has become of him?
One hour after death, WHERE shall I be?
Ah, where! That will entirely depend upon what I am now - what death finds me. Like Judas, each one will go to his own place. Where shall I be?
I may be in hell, lifting up my eyes in torments, grasping for someone or something to comfort me. Dreadful supposition! But it is not impossible. If I die under the guilt of sin; if I die without having experienced a new birth; it is certain. For unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Awful thought - to be in hell one hour after death! Then no prayers will avail, no sufferings will excite pity, nor cries or tears will be regarded. Hope will be forever shut out. Agony and despair must be endured perpetually.
But if I die a believer in Jesus; if cleansed in His blood; if clothed in His righteousness; if sanctified by His Spirit; if united to Her person - then where shall I be one hour after death? Oh, glorious thought - I shall be with Jesus! Yes, I shall hear His sweet voice, see His lovely face, and stand before His glorious throne! I shall be in heaven; the home of the saints; the house of the living God - the region of holiness, happiness, and love. I shall know what heaven is. I shall realize what perfect holiness means. I shall have lost every wish - and be in possession of all I could desire. Oh, to be with Jesus; to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God; to enjoy the company of prophets, apostles, martyrs, and holy ministers forever! What a noble place I shall be in! What glorious company I shall have! What ecstatic joys I shall taste! Oh, what a change I shall experience!
One hour after death, WHAT shall I be?
I shall be a pure and holy spirit, no longer, fettered, imprisoned, hindered, and pained by a body of flesh, or a body of sin and death. I shall be a son of God, realizing my relationship - at home with my Father; surrounded with myriads of my brothers and sisters, all perfectly holy, and perfectly happy. I shall be a saint, fully sanctified, and made fit for my Master's use. To doubt my election, or question my calling, or suspect my sincerity, will be impossible. I shall be as holy as my Father is holy. I shall be perfect, as my Saviour is perfect. I shall be without fault before the throne of God.
Oh, wondrous, mystery, that one like me, so full of faults, so deeply depraved, so dreadfully polluted - should be pronounced faultless bu the Judge of all!
But if I should die out of Christ, without repentance, without holiness - then what shall I be? Ah, what! A lost soul! A ruined sinner! Condemned to suffer God's just wrath, the bitter reflections of my own mind, the fearful lashings of my own conscience - forever! Self-condemned; condemned by all around me; a terrified witness to God's holiness and truth. Ah, then I shall know the meaning of those terrible words, "Indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, fire, brimstone, and a horrible tempest." Then I shall experience what is meant by being "cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone," and shall feel all the unknown horrors of the "second death."
What a fearful thing must sin, my sin, be - to demand such tremendous punishment at the hands of a just God; to call for such a terrible infliction from a God who is emphatically love! Oh, the thought, that I should be a lost soul, a companion of devils and damned immortals!
One hour after death, How shall I be EMPLOYED?
How am I employed now? Is Jesus my Master, His service my delight, and His glory my end? If I now live for God, walk with God, and work in order to please God - then I may expect to be employed in praising His name, admiring His love, and adoring His glorious perfections. My employment will be my pleasure, and my service my joy. I shall stand among the ransomed, walk with Jesus in white, and praise His name on my golden harp forever!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Heaven (and others)
Heaven (and others)
Heaven is a reality, not seen by eyes of flesh, but made known by revelation, and received by faith.
Heaven is a rest from toil, trouble, temptation, and sin. Such a rest is very desirable, if it were only a sweet sleep; but heaven is more.
It is a state of delightful activity. Every faculty and every affection will find appropriate exercise; and probably latent powers, not needed here, will there be waked into activity - powers suited to the new condition in which the soul exists.
Heaven is full of light; all darkness and doubt are absent. Knowledge will there be clear, and will possess a transforming efficacy; still, knowledge in heaven will be progressive; the pleasure will partly consist in ever learning something unknown before.
Heaven is a region of perfect love; all the heart and mind and strength will be exerted in love. And if the power of loving should, in the progress of the immortal soul, be increased a thousand-fold, all this increased ability will be kept constantly in full stretch by the loveliness and glory of the objects affection.
Christ is the center of attraction in heaven. From Him radiate the rays of divine glory which enliven, attract, and beautify all the innumerable army of worshipers.
Love in heaven is pure, perfect, and reciprocal. He who loves, cannot be satisfied without a return of affection. And the more exalted and excellent the character of the person loved, the sweeter the sense of his favor.
Heavenly joy consists in loving with all the heart, and in being loved.
As heaven is a society, the members are happy not only in loving their King, but in mutual love. There will exist no envy, nor jealousy, nor apathy. Every soul will be transparent to every other, and all will see that nothing but pure love exists in every heart.
Heaven is a place of peace - sweet peace and uninterrupted harmony; all disturbing elements will be left behind. In the symbolical heavens of the Revelation, we read of wars; but in the heaven where saints and angels dwell and worship, war can have no place. The atmosphere of heaven is exempt from all evil; it is purity itself; all sin and impurity are denied admission into that holy place.
Heaven is a place of song: high affections are expressed in celestial music. O how elevating, how delightful the melodies!
Heaven is an unchanging state. All change is advancement in knowledge, in dignity, in happiness!
~Archibald Alexander~
___________________________
The Design of the Divine Artist
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
In this present world, you may never see how the death of your husband is for good. Many go all their lives without having the mystifying characters of the sad event deciphered - and the secret workings of God love laid open. They die in ignorance of His plans - though not of His purposes.
The finished side of the embroidery may never be turned to your here; and looking only at the tangled threads and dark colors of the back part - all now appears to be in confusion!
But when the front view shall be seen; and the design of the divine artist; and all the connections of the finely embroidered piece shall be pointed out; and the coloring shall be shown in the light of eternity - with what adoring wonder, delight, and gratitude will you exclaim, as the whole picture bursts upon your sight, "O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His methods! How unfathomable are His ways! All things have worked together for my good!"
You shall trace together the providential events of your earthly history. You shall learn why you were united - and why separated. You shall see the wisdom and goodness of those events, which once appears so dark, and drew so many tears from your eyes. You shall indulge in reminiscences, all of which will furnish wonder, praise and new sources of delight.
Such a scene is before you! And since it is, then bear your sorrows - for in what felicities are they to result - and how soon!
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
~John Angell James~
Heaven is a reality, not seen by eyes of flesh, but made known by revelation, and received by faith.
Heaven is a rest from toil, trouble, temptation, and sin. Such a rest is very desirable, if it were only a sweet sleep; but heaven is more.
It is a state of delightful activity. Every faculty and every affection will find appropriate exercise; and probably latent powers, not needed here, will there be waked into activity - powers suited to the new condition in which the soul exists.
Heaven is full of light; all darkness and doubt are absent. Knowledge will there be clear, and will possess a transforming efficacy; still, knowledge in heaven will be progressive; the pleasure will partly consist in ever learning something unknown before.
Heaven is a region of perfect love; all the heart and mind and strength will be exerted in love. And if the power of loving should, in the progress of the immortal soul, be increased a thousand-fold, all this increased ability will be kept constantly in full stretch by the loveliness and glory of the objects affection.
Christ is the center of attraction in heaven. From Him radiate the rays of divine glory which enliven, attract, and beautify all the innumerable army of worshipers.
Love in heaven is pure, perfect, and reciprocal. He who loves, cannot be satisfied without a return of affection. And the more exalted and excellent the character of the person loved, the sweeter the sense of his favor.
Heavenly joy consists in loving with all the heart, and in being loved.
As heaven is a society, the members are happy not only in loving their King, but in mutual love. There will exist no envy, nor jealousy, nor apathy. Every soul will be transparent to every other, and all will see that nothing but pure love exists in every heart.
Heaven is a place of peace - sweet peace and uninterrupted harmony; all disturbing elements will be left behind. In the symbolical heavens of the Revelation, we read of wars; but in the heaven where saints and angels dwell and worship, war can have no place. The atmosphere of heaven is exempt from all evil; it is purity itself; all sin and impurity are denied admission into that holy place.
Heaven is a place of song: high affections are expressed in celestial music. O how elevating, how delightful the melodies!
Heaven is an unchanging state. All change is advancement in knowledge, in dignity, in happiness!
~Archibald Alexander~
___________________________
The Design of the Divine Artist
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
In this present world, you may never see how the death of your husband is for good. Many go all their lives without having the mystifying characters of the sad event deciphered - and the secret workings of God love laid open. They die in ignorance of His plans - though not of His purposes.
The finished side of the embroidery may never be turned to your here; and looking only at the tangled threads and dark colors of the back part - all now appears to be in confusion!
But when the front view shall be seen; and the design of the divine artist; and all the connections of the finely embroidered piece shall be pointed out; and the coloring shall be shown in the light of eternity - with what adoring wonder, delight, and gratitude will you exclaim, as the whole picture bursts upon your sight, "O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His methods! How unfathomable are His ways! All things have worked together for my good!"
You shall trace together the providential events of your earthly history. You shall learn why you were united - and why separated. You shall see the wisdom and goodness of those events, which once appears so dark, and drew so many tears from your eyes. You shall indulge in reminiscences, all of which will furnish wonder, praise and new sources of delight.
Such a scene is before you! And since it is, then bear your sorrows - for in what felicities are they to result - and how soon!
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
~John Angell James~
The Eternal Duration of Hell's Torments # 2
The Eternal Duration of Hell's Torments # 2
Therefore it is just with God that there should be an everlasting continuance of the punishment. Here is the greatest misery of the damned - that is, without redemption, or hope, or aid, forever!
(4.) It is just with God that the sinner should be punished with everlasting misery - because he chooses it, by refusing everlasting felicity. The purchase our Lord made by His death, is an everlasting blessedness, and God by His infallible promise assures us that all who sincerely believe and obey Him, shall be rewarded with Heaven forever. For all the wages of God in the last day, whether of love to the saints, or punishment to the wicked - are everlasting and run into eternity.
Now if God's tender and promises of everlasting glory are despised - then there is nothing left to be the sinner's portion, but everlasting misery. It is the fruit of his own choice, for it is certain that God will give to every man in the next world, that which he chooses in this. "I have set before you everlasting life, therefore choose life, that you may live!" He who chooses life shall have it. He who does not choose life, but willingly cleaves to his lusts - he in the outcome chooses death and hell, and he shall have it.
He who chooses sin, chooses it with all its attendants, misery and wrath, for they cannot be separated from it. Therefore, if he chooses sin for himself - it is just that he should have the consequence of his own choice.
He who chooses God for his portion, shall forever enjoy Him. Is it not then just, that he who chooses misery - should forever lie under it?
Many say to God here, "Depart from us. We do not desire the knowledge of your ways!" It is just that God should say to such then, "Depart from Me into everlasting fire!"
There can be no complaint in hell against God, where the punishment, however so great it is, is nothing else but the fruit of a man's own choice. For he who chooses sin as his way, does by consequence choose sin's end - which is eternal hell and misery. If he falls into the hands of the living God - then he can
blame none but himself. It is the fruit of his own choice.
Here we see the folly of lost sinners. What greater folly can any be guilty of, than to indulge sin, and gratify lust, and neglect God and Christ, and all the means of grace? Is it not folly for a man to make himself eternally wretched and miserable by his own choice? This shall be the woe of the damned, that they chose it!
But you will say, did any man ever choose to be miserable? Yes, thousands, and tens of thousands - every man who knows there is a God, and that he has an immortal soul, and must give a final account to God for all that he does in this world. He knows that sin will end in eternal damnation - and yet indulges in sin and lust! Therefore he chooses to perish and to be miserable forever. He loves hell and death (Prov. 8:36). "All those who hate Me, love death." They love their sins and lusts and pleasures, that God has entailed death on, and therefore are said to love death.
Is it not folly to do that in respect to your souls, which your discretion abhors with respect to your bodies? You will not drink poison, though ever so sweet and pleasant, because there is death in it. Yet how does the witness of sin draw us to commit it, though there is hell and damnation wrapped up in it? Is it not folly to run the hazard of hell, for the satisfactions of your lusts? Is it not the greatest folly for any man to run the hazard of eternal torments - our of a fond desire for present sinful satisfaction?
Therefore, to cure the folly of these mischiefs, it is good to counterbalance our sinful desires with frequent thoughts of eternal realities.
I am not to live always. I may be in another world, before another Lord's Day comes. I must appear before the eternal God to give an account of all that I have done in the flesh. Can I dwell with everlasting burnings? Can I endure the endless wrath of incensed justice? Think of this, when you are about to please the flesh and gratify your lusts. Can I bear the wrath of God forever?
We are apt to think that a Sabbath and a sermon long, and wish they were ended. But how long will the miseries and torments of hell be? When once they begin, they shall never end - for there, conscience shall be a worm that never dies, and the wrath of God shall be a fire that never goes out. O! then, that you would endeavor to cure your present prevailing lusts, with the frequent forethoughts of the heat of the everlasting wrath of God! "For it is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!"
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." (Matthew 25:46).
~Matthew Mead~
(The End)
Therefore it is just with God that there should be an everlasting continuance of the punishment. Here is the greatest misery of the damned - that is, without redemption, or hope, or aid, forever!
(4.) It is just with God that the sinner should be punished with everlasting misery - because he chooses it, by refusing everlasting felicity. The purchase our Lord made by His death, is an everlasting blessedness, and God by His infallible promise assures us that all who sincerely believe and obey Him, shall be rewarded with Heaven forever. For all the wages of God in the last day, whether of love to the saints, or punishment to the wicked - are everlasting and run into eternity.
Now if God's tender and promises of everlasting glory are despised - then there is nothing left to be the sinner's portion, but everlasting misery. It is the fruit of his own choice, for it is certain that God will give to every man in the next world, that which he chooses in this. "I have set before you everlasting life, therefore choose life, that you may live!" He who chooses life shall have it. He who does not choose life, but willingly cleaves to his lusts - he in the outcome chooses death and hell, and he shall have it.
He who chooses sin, chooses it with all its attendants, misery and wrath, for they cannot be separated from it. Therefore, if he chooses sin for himself - it is just that he should have the consequence of his own choice.
He who chooses God for his portion, shall forever enjoy Him. Is it not then just, that he who chooses misery - should forever lie under it?
Many say to God here, "Depart from us. We do not desire the knowledge of your ways!" It is just that God should say to such then, "Depart from Me into everlasting fire!"
There can be no complaint in hell against God, where the punishment, however so great it is, is nothing else but the fruit of a man's own choice. For he who chooses sin as his way, does by consequence choose sin's end - which is eternal hell and misery. If he falls into the hands of the living God - then he can
blame none but himself. It is the fruit of his own choice.
Here we see the folly of lost sinners. What greater folly can any be guilty of, than to indulge sin, and gratify lust, and neglect God and Christ, and all the means of grace? Is it not folly for a man to make himself eternally wretched and miserable by his own choice? This shall be the woe of the damned, that they chose it!
But you will say, did any man ever choose to be miserable? Yes, thousands, and tens of thousands - every man who knows there is a God, and that he has an immortal soul, and must give a final account to God for all that he does in this world. He knows that sin will end in eternal damnation - and yet indulges in sin and lust! Therefore he chooses to perish and to be miserable forever. He loves hell and death (Prov. 8:36). "All those who hate Me, love death." They love their sins and lusts and pleasures, that God has entailed death on, and therefore are said to love death.
Is it not folly to do that in respect to your souls, which your discretion abhors with respect to your bodies? You will not drink poison, though ever so sweet and pleasant, because there is death in it. Yet how does the witness of sin draw us to commit it, though there is hell and damnation wrapped up in it? Is it not folly to run the hazard of hell, for the satisfactions of your lusts? Is it not the greatest folly for any man to run the hazard of eternal torments - our of a fond desire for present sinful satisfaction?
Therefore, to cure the folly of these mischiefs, it is good to counterbalance our sinful desires with frequent thoughts of eternal realities.
I am not to live always. I may be in another world, before another Lord's Day comes. I must appear before the eternal God to give an account of all that I have done in the flesh. Can I dwell with everlasting burnings? Can I endure the endless wrath of incensed justice? Think of this, when you are about to please the flesh and gratify your lusts. Can I bear the wrath of God forever?
We are apt to think that a Sabbath and a sermon long, and wish they were ended. But how long will the miseries and torments of hell be? When once they begin, they shall never end - for there, conscience shall be a worm that never dies, and the wrath of God shall be a fire that never goes out. O! then, that you would endeavor to cure your present prevailing lusts, with the frequent forethoughts of the heat of the everlasting wrath of God! "For it is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!"
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." (Matthew 25:46).
~Matthew Mead~
(The End)
Saturday, November 16, 2019
What Mercy Did for Us
What Mercy Did for Us
Israel's history is full of wonders. Wonders of grace on God's part - and wonders of sin on theirs. All that was good in their history, began with God, and was to the praise of the glory of His grace. How striking the testimony of Moses on this point. "He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness. He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye." (Deut. 32:10).
The words are equally applicable to us, and point out our natural condition.
Where we were. In a desert land - a land on which God had turned His back, where there was nothing to satisfy the cravings of an immortal - but sinful soul. Just as the traveler in the desert longs for water - but finds none, though almost dying for thirst; and as he would give all he is worth for bread - but can purchase none, though he is ready to gnaw his tongue with pain.
All is desert - nor only desert, but doleful. The howling winds of error and temptation blow. The beasts of the forest, and the serpents of the dust - track our path! Every now and then we hear the dismal howl, the shrieking cry of people lost and left to perish!
O, to the awakened sinner - for world is a desert, a dismal place; nothing suits his case, meets his condition, or ministers to his needs! We find ourselves truly in a desert land.
What we were. We were lost - for we had no resources, and were therefore famishing for need. We had no friend, and were therefore wretched, miserable and undone! No traveler in a desert land, or in a waste howling wilderness, ever appeared more lost than we did - until Jesus appeared to us, and for us. But for Him, our case would have been hopeless, and our end without mercy!
Let us then look at our distinguishing mercy, GOD FOUND US!
In His love, pity, and compassion - He came in search of us. When we could not seek Him - He sought us. When we could not go to Him - He came near to us.
He came where we were, He called us to His feet, He spoke kindly to us, He undertook to be our Saviour.
Yes, He undertook to slake our thirst, to satisfy our hunger, to lead us out of the desert, and to bring us into the promised land - a land flowing with milk and honey. He amply provided for us - all that was necessary for soul and body, for time and eternity.
"He instructed us." By His Spirit, by His rod, and by His ordinances - He taught us to know ourselves, our dependence upon Him, our obligation to Him, and the glaring ingratitude of our conduct toward Him. "He kept us as the apple of His eye." That is - with the greatest care, constancy, and tenderness, He kept us.
By His angelic messengers, by His special providence, and by His indwelling Spirit - He has kept and preserved us until now.
To us, His mercy has been sovereign, distinguishing and free. To His mercy, we owe our deliverance from so great a death, our preservation in so dangerous a place. and our guidance along so intricate a path.
See, what sin did for us! Sin brought us into a desert land.
See, where the law left us! In a waste howling wilderness.
See, how God's sovereignty shines in our experience. We were sought, found, and saved - and all of grace; free, sovereign, and distinguishing grace!
See, how mercy accommodated itself to us. It came to us - unsolicited and unsought. It did everything for us, and fully and freely supplied us.
See, how gloriously grace shines in us. Whatever we are - we are by the grace of God. All that we have - was given by the grace of God. All that we expect - is from the same source.
Grace chose us to salvation.
Grace redeemed us from death.
Grace brought us to the Cross.
Grace has led us, fed us, protected, and preserved us until now.
Grace will complete its work by glorifying us.
And then throughout eternity, God's grace shall have all the praise!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Israel's history is full of wonders. Wonders of grace on God's part - and wonders of sin on theirs. All that was good in their history, began with God, and was to the praise of the glory of His grace. How striking the testimony of Moses on this point. "He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness. He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye." (Deut. 32:10).
The words are equally applicable to us, and point out our natural condition.
Where we were. In a desert land - a land on which God had turned His back, where there was nothing to satisfy the cravings of an immortal - but sinful soul. Just as the traveler in the desert longs for water - but finds none, though almost dying for thirst; and as he would give all he is worth for bread - but can purchase none, though he is ready to gnaw his tongue with pain.
All is desert - nor only desert, but doleful. The howling winds of error and temptation blow. The beasts of the forest, and the serpents of the dust - track our path! Every now and then we hear the dismal howl, the shrieking cry of people lost and left to perish!
O, to the awakened sinner - for world is a desert, a dismal place; nothing suits his case, meets his condition, or ministers to his needs! We find ourselves truly in a desert land.
What we were. We were lost - for we had no resources, and were therefore famishing for need. We had no friend, and were therefore wretched, miserable and undone! No traveler in a desert land, or in a waste howling wilderness, ever appeared more lost than we did - until Jesus appeared to us, and for us. But for Him, our case would have been hopeless, and our end without mercy!
Let us then look at our distinguishing mercy, GOD FOUND US!
In His love, pity, and compassion - He came in search of us. When we could not seek Him - He sought us. When we could not go to Him - He came near to us.
He came where we were, He called us to His feet, He spoke kindly to us, He undertook to be our Saviour.
Yes, He undertook to slake our thirst, to satisfy our hunger, to lead us out of the desert, and to bring us into the promised land - a land flowing with milk and honey. He amply provided for us - all that was necessary for soul and body, for time and eternity.
"He instructed us." By His Spirit, by His rod, and by His ordinances - He taught us to know ourselves, our dependence upon Him, our obligation to Him, and the glaring ingratitude of our conduct toward Him. "He kept us as the apple of His eye." That is - with the greatest care, constancy, and tenderness, He kept us.
By His angelic messengers, by His special providence, and by His indwelling Spirit - He has kept and preserved us until now.
To us, His mercy has been sovereign, distinguishing and free. To His mercy, we owe our deliverance from so great a death, our preservation in so dangerous a place. and our guidance along so intricate a path.
See, what sin did for us! Sin brought us into a desert land.
See, where the law left us! In a waste howling wilderness.
See, how God's sovereignty shines in our experience. We were sought, found, and saved - and all of grace; free, sovereign, and distinguishing grace!
See, how mercy accommodated itself to us. It came to us - unsolicited and unsought. It did everything for us, and fully and freely supplied us.
See, how gloriously grace shines in us. Whatever we are - we are by the grace of God. All that we have - was given by the grace of God. All that we expect - is from the same source.
Grace chose us to salvation.
Grace redeemed us from death.
Grace brought us to the Cross.
Grace has led us, fed us, protected, and preserved us until now.
Grace will complete its work by glorifying us.
And then throughout eternity, God's grace shall have all the praise!
~James Smith~
(The End)
The Eternal Duration of Hell's Torments # 1
The Eternal Duration of Hell's Torments # 1
"It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!" (Hebrews 10:3).
How can it be consistent with the justice and righteousness of God to punish temporal sinning, with everlasting suffering, to inflict eternal vengeance, for momentary offences, to throw a sinner into unending misery, for committing a few sins here which quickly have an end?
This has made some conclude against the eternal duration of hell's torments - as if God were so merciful that He would not let them lie under His wrath forever. But I answer this with the Apostle, "Is God unjust in bringing His wrath on us? Certainly not!" (Romans 3:5-6). God is holy, just, and righteous - even when He punishes momentary offences with everlasting torments. And this will appear, by considering the following:
1. It is necessary for the governing of the world, that the penalty should be so stated. It is necessary for the preserving the authority of God's law in its full force and vigor, and to render it more solemn and dreadful. The design of God is to have the punishment so great as to check all the temptations to sin which a man can have. There is in man since the fall, such a propensity to sensual things, that, without this fear of hell, nothing is able to keep it down. Fleshly lusts are so severest threatenings. Therefore, God has told us beforehand, "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on these who are disobedient!" (Eph. 5:6).
God wisely balances the sinner's delights with the fear of punishment, that by setting eternal pains against momentary pleasures, we may the better escape temptation. The pleasures of sin, which are but for a season, entail on us torments which are eternal!
God has wisely left to our own choice whether we will have the passing pleasures of sin here on earth - or those eternal pleasures which comes hereafter, as a reward of grace. Things at hand will far more prevail than things to come, if those things to come are not considerably greater. Here on earth the pain is short, and so is the pleasure - but in the eternal world both the pain and the pleasure are eternal. In the wisdom of God, those who work out their salvation with fear and trembling here, should have pleasures at the right hand of God for evermore - and those who will have their sinful pleasures here, should have everlasting misery in the eternal world.
2. Common reason allows that there ought to be a proportion between the nature of the offence, and the quality of the punishment. Now sin against God is such an immense thing that nothing less than an everlasting punishment can be equivalent to it. This will be plain, if you consider the following:
(a.) The greatness of the majesty against which sin is committed. Every sin is a base derogating of God, and this is enough to make the guilt of it infinite - because it is done against an infinite God, and therefore it deserves an infinite punishment. Now a finite creature cannot bear an infinite punishment - therefore God makes the punishment infinite in regard to continuance. The creature cannot pay the whole debt at once - therefore he must be paying forever!
(b.) There is eternity in sin, not only as being committed against an eternal God, and as deserving eternal punishment. There is a further eternity in sin - with respect to the disposition and will of the sinner, which is so tied to sin that if the sinner should live forever - then he would sin forever. He is never weary of sin. He desires to live here always, that he may always enjoy his lusts. Though he lives ever so long - yet he never thinks it is time to be judged by God.
To what a great age the men of the old world lived - eight or nine hundred years, and yet they made no other use of it than to indulge their lusts! Every sinner would certainly go on in sin to the world's end, if death did not hinder him. His desire and will is to sin everlastingly - and he would do so if he could!
As in the case of duty - so in the case of sin - God looks more at the will than the deed. What hinders a sinner from being a sinner still, who does not leave sin, until sin leaves him? He who would sin forever if he could - he continues to sin in willing to sin.
Is it not just, that those who if they lived forever, would never have left sinning - should never cease suffering? And is it not just that their eternal obstinacy should be punished with an everlasting punishment?
(3.) Again there is an actual eternity in man's sin, for though death puts an end to their lives, it does not put an end to their sins - for hell is as full of sin as of suffering. They sin even in hell, even when under the wrath of God. Their sin-nature remains forever - and they continue sinner forever. Therefore it is just with God that there should be an everlasting continuance of the punishment.
~Matthew Mead~
(continued with # 2)
"It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!" (Hebrews 10:3).
How can it be consistent with the justice and righteousness of God to punish temporal sinning, with everlasting suffering, to inflict eternal vengeance, for momentary offences, to throw a sinner into unending misery, for committing a few sins here which quickly have an end?
This has made some conclude against the eternal duration of hell's torments - as if God were so merciful that He would not let them lie under His wrath forever. But I answer this with the Apostle, "Is God unjust in bringing His wrath on us? Certainly not!" (Romans 3:5-6). God is holy, just, and righteous - even when He punishes momentary offences with everlasting torments. And this will appear, by considering the following:
1. It is necessary for the governing of the world, that the penalty should be so stated. It is necessary for the preserving the authority of God's law in its full force and vigor, and to render it more solemn and dreadful. The design of God is to have the punishment so great as to check all the temptations to sin which a man can have. There is in man since the fall, such a propensity to sensual things, that, without this fear of hell, nothing is able to keep it down. Fleshly lusts are so severest threatenings. Therefore, God has told us beforehand, "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on these who are disobedient!" (Eph. 5:6).
God wisely balances the sinner's delights with the fear of punishment, that by setting eternal pains against momentary pleasures, we may the better escape temptation. The pleasures of sin, which are but for a season, entail on us torments which are eternal!
God has wisely left to our own choice whether we will have the passing pleasures of sin here on earth - or those eternal pleasures which comes hereafter, as a reward of grace. Things at hand will far more prevail than things to come, if those things to come are not considerably greater. Here on earth the pain is short, and so is the pleasure - but in the eternal world both the pain and the pleasure are eternal. In the wisdom of God, those who work out their salvation with fear and trembling here, should have pleasures at the right hand of God for evermore - and those who will have their sinful pleasures here, should have everlasting misery in the eternal world.
2. Common reason allows that there ought to be a proportion between the nature of the offence, and the quality of the punishment. Now sin against God is such an immense thing that nothing less than an everlasting punishment can be equivalent to it. This will be plain, if you consider the following:
(a.) The greatness of the majesty against which sin is committed. Every sin is a base derogating of God, and this is enough to make the guilt of it infinite - because it is done against an infinite God, and therefore it deserves an infinite punishment. Now a finite creature cannot bear an infinite punishment - therefore God makes the punishment infinite in regard to continuance. The creature cannot pay the whole debt at once - therefore he must be paying forever!
(b.) There is eternity in sin, not only as being committed against an eternal God, and as deserving eternal punishment. There is a further eternity in sin - with respect to the disposition and will of the sinner, which is so tied to sin that if the sinner should live forever - then he would sin forever. He is never weary of sin. He desires to live here always, that he may always enjoy his lusts. Though he lives ever so long - yet he never thinks it is time to be judged by God.
To what a great age the men of the old world lived - eight or nine hundred years, and yet they made no other use of it than to indulge their lusts! Every sinner would certainly go on in sin to the world's end, if death did not hinder him. His desire and will is to sin everlastingly - and he would do so if he could!
As in the case of duty - so in the case of sin - God looks more at the will than the deed. What hinders a sinner from being a sinner still, who does not leave sin, until sin leaves him? He who would sin forever if he could - he continues to sin in willing to sin.
Is it not just, that those who if they lived forever, would never have left sinning - should never cease suffering? And is it not just that their eternal obstinacy should be punished with an everlasting punishment?
(3.) Again there is an actual eternity in man's sin, for though death puts an end to their lives, it does not put an end to their sins - for hell is as full of sin as of suffering. They sin even in hell, even when under the wrath of God. Their sin-nature remains forever - and they continue sinner forever. Therefore it is just with God that there should be an everlasting continuance of the punishment.
~Matthew Mead~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, November 9, 2019
God's Special Treasure! # 2
God's Special Treasure! # 2
He chose them out from others on purpose that they may be a special people unto Himself - and in so doing, he acted FREELY. It was not on account of anything He saw in them, or on account of anything He expected from them; but in the exercise of His most free and holy sovereignty - He chose them to participate in the glory of His Son.
In choosing them, He acted also DELIBERATELY. It was no hasty choice. His thoughts had been eternally filled with them. His heart had been eternally set upon them. Therefore He chose them in Christ before the foundation of the world; before His works of old.
In choosing them He acted WISELY - as He really desired to have them. For each one of them is ready to confess that if God had not chosen them, they would never have chosen Him! The nature regulates the choice; and as our nature is carnal and impure - we would never have chosen God, who is spiritual and holy.
His choice was just an early expression of His LOVE. The love that chose them - would do anything for them, and give anything to them! Therefore God spared not His own Son - but delivered Him up for them all; and in so doing gave them the assurance that also He will freely give them all things in Christ.
O the wondrous couched in electing love!
This act of choosing such creatures as we are to be a special people unto Himself - displays such grace, such condescension, such infinite wisdom and love! It seems to say, "The Lord has need of you." And, indeed, if He is to display all the glorious perfections of His nature, if He is to communicate of His infinite fullness to creatures, if He is to appear as God, in the most wondrous and astonishing manner - He does need us!
As the mother needs the child to empty the full breast; as the Father needs the Son to share and enjoy his possessions with him; as the bridegroom needs the bride to satisfy the deep love that is hid in his heart towards her; so God, our covenant God, may be said to need us.
God's election says, "The Lord loves you!" Loves us! Yes, and with a love that is eternal, immutable, sovereign, infinite and free! All the love of God is lavished upon us as His special people in Christ. Oh, those wondrous words of Jesus, "You have loved them - AS You have loved Me!"
Beloved, if God has chosen us to be a special people unto Himself - then let it be the ruling object of our lives, to be specially for God! And as God desires to have us near to Himself- let it be a daily effort to get near, and keep near to Him.
But few among the worldly wise,
But few of nobler race,
Obtain the favor of Your eyes,
Almighty King of grace!
He takes the men of lowest name -
For sons and heirs of God!
And thus He pours abundant shame,
On honorable blood.
He calls the fool, and makes him know
The mysteries of His grace,
To bring aspiring wisdom low,
And all its pride abase!
Nature has all its glories lost,
When brought before His throne;
No flesh shall in His presence boast,
But in the Lord alone!
~James Smith~
(The End)
He chose them out from others on purpose that they may be a special people unto Himself - and in so doing, he acted FREELY. It was not on account of anything He saw in them, or on account of anything He expected from them; but in the exercise of His most free and holy sovereignty - He chose them to participate in the glory of His Son.
In choosing them, He acted also DELIBERATELY. It was no hasty choice. His thoughts had been eternally filled with them. His heart had been eternally set upon them. Therefore He chose them in Christ before the foundation of the world; before His works of old.
In choosing them He acted WISELY - as He really desired to have them. For each one of them is ready to confess that if God had not chosen them, they would never have chosen Him! The nature regulates the choice; and as our nature is carnal and impure - we would never have chosen God, who is spiritual and holy.
His choice was just an early expression of His LOVE. The love that chose them - would do anything for them, and give anything to them! Therefore God spared not His own Son - but delivered Him up for them all; and in so doing gave them the assurance that also He will freely give them all things in Christ.
O the wondrous couched in electing love!
This act of choosing such creatures as we are to be a special people unto Himself - displays such grace, such condescension, such infinite wisdom and love! It seems to say, "The Lord has need of you." And, indeed, if He is to display all the glorious perfections of His nature, if He is to communicate of His infinite fullness to creatures, if He is to appear as God, in the most wondrous and astonishing manner - He does need us!
As the mother needs the child to empty the full breast; as the Father needs the Son to share and enjoy his possessions with him; as the bridegroom needs the bride to satisfy the deep love that is hid in his heart towards her; so God, our covenant God, may be said to need us.
God's election says, "The Lord loves you!" Loves us! Yes, and with a love that is eternal, immutable, sovereign, infinite and free! All the love of God is lavished upon us as His special people in Christ. Oh, those wondrous words of Jesus, "You have loved them - AS You have loved Me!"
Beloved, if God has chosen us to be a special people unto Himself - then let it be the ruling object of our lives, to be specially for God! And as God desires to have us near to Himself- let it be a daily effort to get near, and keep near to Him.
But few among the worldly wise,
But few of nobler race,
Obtain the favor of Your eyes,
Almighty King of grace!
He takes the men of lowest name -
For sons and heirs of God!
And thus He pours abundant shame,
On honorable blood.
He calls the fool, and makes him know
The mysteries of His grace,
To bring aspiring wisdom low,
And all its pride abase!
Nature has all its glories lost,
When brought before His throne;
No flesh shall in His presence boast,
But in the Lord alone!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Redeeming Love! # 2
Redeeming Love! # 2
"He gave Himself!" The love of Jesus is unparalleled. Out of pure love to us who had no love to Him, nor ever would have had - but for His first loving us! He gave, not only His time, His labor, His wealth - but Himself! He gave His entire person as the God-man, the incarnate Jehovah!
"He gave Himself!" This was more than as if He had given a thousand worlds - for these He could create with a Word!
"He gave Himself," and not merely to live for us, or labor for us - but even to die for us!
"He gave Himself," and not even to die some easy and honorable death - but the most painful, shameful death, that man ever invented, or creature every suffered!
O wondrous love!
O Jesus, never, never was there love like Yours!
Note, the special object that Jesus had in view. "That He might redeem us" - by a price, which no one but Himself could pay - that He might satisfy all the demands of law and justice, acquire a peculiar right to us, and so honorably, deliver us from every foe, rescue us from all that is degrading, and exalt us to the highest honor.
Jesus would have us to be peculiarly His own, "His own peculiar people," which indicates peculiar love, and displays peculiar grace.
Observe, the parties redeemed: Those who were the vilest of His creatures - but who being claimed for Him, by His Holy Spirit - became a peculiar people, zealously endeavoring to do just what pleases Him, and all that pleases Him.
They are brought to have a peculiar knowledge of Him - which leads them to be peculiarly zealous in endeavoring to please Him.
See, the claim He has to, and upon His people. A more just claim to them - He could not have, seeing He has given His life, His all - to possess them! A greater claim He could not have upon them, seeing He has redeemed them from death, ransomed them from hell, and purchased them in order to make them holy,. honorable, and happy forever.
Notice then, what He expects from them. He expects zealous obedience. He expects that His Word be studied, that His will be consulted, and that His honor be sought in all they think, speak, or do.
He expects that they will abstain from all sin. Sin brought them into danger. Sin rendered it necessary that He should suffer, bleed, and die for them. Sin grieves His love, wounds His heart, and dishonors His name; therefore He requires them to avoid sin, abstain from sin, and hate sin!
Reader, what do you think of Jesus? How do you feel toward Him? What do you think of His love, His wondrous love? What effect has it upon you? What are your views of sin - all sin? How do you feel toward sin? What do you think of good works?
Are you zealously endeavoring to perform them?
And WHY, dear Saviour - tell me why,
You thus would suffer, bleed and die?
What mighty motive could you move,
The motive's plain - 'twas all for love!
For love of whom> Of sinners base;
A hardened herd, a rebel race!
That mocked and trampled on Your blood,
And trifled with the wounds of God!
They nailed Him to the accursed tree;
They did my brethren - and so did we!
The soldier pierced His side 'tis true;
But we have pierced Him through and through!
~James Smith~
(The End)
"He gave Himself!" The love of Jesus is unparalleled. Out of pure love to us who had no love to Him, nor ever would have had - but for His first loving us! He gave, not only His time, His labor, His wealth - but Himself! He gave His entire person as the God-man, the incarnate Jehovah!
"He gave Himself!" This was more than as if He had given a thousand worlds - for these He could create with a Word!
"He gave Himself," and not merely to live for us, or labor for us - but even to die for us!
"He gave Himself," and not even to die some easy and honorable death - but the most painful, shameful death, that man ever invented, or creature every suffered!
O wondrous love!
O Jesus, never, never was there love like Yours!
Note, the special object that Jesus had in view. "That He might redeem us" - by a price, which no one but Himself could pay - that He might satisfy all the demands of law and justice, acquire a peculiar right to us, and so honorably, deliver us from every foe, rescue us from all that is degrading, and exalt us to the highest honor.
Jesus would have us to be peculiarly His own, "His own peculiar people," which indicates peculiar love, and displays peculiar grace.
Observe, the parties redeemed: Those who were the vilest of His creatures - but who being claimed for Him, by His Holy Spirit - became a peculiar people, zealously endeavoring to do just what pleases Him, and all that pleases Him.
They are brought to have a peculiar knowledge of Him - which leads them to be peculiarly zealous in endeavoring to please Him.
See, the claim He has to, and upon His people. A more just claim to them - He could not have, seeing He has given His life, His all - to possess them! A greater claim He could not have upon them, seeing He has redeemed them from death, ransomed them from hell, and purchased them in order to make them holy,. honorable, and happy forever.
Notice then, what He expects from them. He expects zealous obedience. He expects that His Word be studied, that His will be consulted, and that His honor be sought in all they think, speak, or do.
He expects that they will abstain from all sin. Sin brought them into danger. Sin rendered it necessary that He should suffer, bleed, and die for them. Sin grieves His love, wounds His heart, and dishonors His name; therefore He requires them to avoid sin, abstain from sin, and hate sin!
Reader, what do you think of Jesus? How do you feel toward Him? What do you think of His love, His wondrous love? What effect has it upon you? What are your views of sin - all sin? How do you feel toward sin? What do you think of good works?
Are you zealously endeavoring to perform them?
And WHY, dear Saviour - tell me why,
You thus would suffer, bleed and die?
What mighty motive could you move,
The motive's plain - 'twas all for love!
For love of whom> Of sinners base;
A hardened herd, a rebel race!
That mocked and trampled on Your blood,
And trifled with the wounds of God!
They nailed Him to the accursed tree;
They did my brethren - and so did we!
The soldier pierced His side 'tis true;
But we have pierced Him through and through!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, November 2, 2019
God's Special Treasure! # 1
God's Special Treasure # 1
"For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be His own special treasure!" (Deuteronomy 7:6).
By nature, all people are alike. Descended from one parent, partaking of one and the same nature, and involved in the same guilt and condemnation: "there is no difference - for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Nature in Abraham was no better than in Pharaoh; nor were the Israelites to be preferred to the Egyptians. But when man has no right - God sees fit to exercise grace. And for the glory of His great name, to manifest His divine nature, and to accomplish His deep and holy purposes - He did put a difference between Israel and the Egyptians. Hence Moses told them, "The Lord your God has chosen you to be His own special treasure!" (Deut. 7:6).
Therefore the people were to dwell alone, and not to be reckoned among the nations. But Israel after the flesh is but a type of the true or spiritual Israel; the people whom God has chosen in His Son, to enjoy salvation, and partake of everlasting glory. The words are, if possible, more applicable to them - than to those of whom they were originally spoken!
Observe, the design, God intended them to be His own, particularly - a special people unto Himself. As He said by the prophet, "This people have I formed for Myself, they shall show forth My praise." He highly prizes them. Yes, it is impossible to say how highly He prizes them. Those are wondrous words, "For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His own special treasure."
Did the shepherd prize his flock? God calls His people, "His flock, His beautiful flock."
Does the miser prize his wealth? God says of His people, "You shall be a special treasure unto Me above all people; for all the earth is mine."
Does the prince prize his jewels? God says of His people, "They shall be Mine, in that day when I make up My jewels!"
Does the bridegroom prize his beloved and dearly purchased bride? It is written, "As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you!"
Does the reigning monarch prize his crown? God has said, "You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God."
What wondrous love, such expressions as these represent! How precious must the Lord's people be to Him! Truly they are His special treasure!
God CHOSE them to be special unto Himself. He chose out from among others. He chose in preference to others. He chose them to bring them near to Himself, that they may know Him! And by the most wondrous ways - He brings them to the knowledge of Himself, as He is revealed in Jesus.
He chose them, that they might need Him; and so need Him as not to be able to do without Him. Therefore they are brought to feel their need of His grace, wisdom, strength, and presence. Nor can they be supplied from any other source, or be happy - but only as they realize His presence and His love. This shows that He chose them that they might enjoy His presence, and be forever with Him. His tabernacle was pitched in the midst of the typical people, and the symbol of His presence was always with Him. His spiritual presence is ever with His spiritual people - and He will soon collect them all into His glorious presence - and have them near to Himself forever!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
"For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be His own special treasure!" (Deuteronomy 7:6).
By nature, all people are alike. Descended from one parent, partaking of one and the same nature, and involved in the same guilt and condemnation: "there is no difference - for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Nature in Abraham was no better than in Pharaoh; nor were the Israelites to be preferred to the Egyptians. But when man has no right - God sees fit to exercise grace. And for the glory of His great name, to manifest His divine nature, and to accomplish His deep and holy purposes - He did put a difference between Israel and the Egyptians. Hence Moses told them, "The Lord your God has chosen you to be His own special treasure!" (Deut. 7:6).
Therefore the people were to dwell alone, and not to be reckoned among the nations. But Israel after the flesh is but a type of the true or spiritual Israel; the people whom God has chosen in His Son, to enjoy salvation, and partake of everlasting glory. The words are, if possible, more applicable to them - than to those of whom they were originally spoken!
Observe, the design, God intended them to be His own, particularly - a special people unto Himself. As He said by the prophet, "This people have I formed for Myself, they shall show forth My praise." He highly prizes them. Yes, it is impossible to say how highly He prizes them. Those are wondrous words, "For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His own special treasure."
Did the shepherd prize his flock? God calls His people, "His flock, His beautiful flock."
Does the miser prize his wealth? God says of His people, "You shall be a special treasure unto Me above all people; for all the earth is mine."
Does the prince prize his jewels? God says of His people, "They shall be Mine, in that day when I make up My jewels!"
Does the bridegroom prize his beloved and dearly purchased bride? It is written, "As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you!"
Does the reigning monarch prize his crown? God has said, "You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God."
What wondrous love, such expressions as these represent! How precious must the Lord's people be to Him! Truly they are His special treasure!
God CHOSE them to be special unto Himself. He chose out from among others. He chose in preference to others. He chose them to bring them near to Himself, that they may know Him! And by the most wondrous ways - He brings them to the knowledge of Himself, as He is revealed in Jesus.
He chose them, that they might need Him; and so need Him as not to be able to do without Him. Therefore they are brought to feel their need of His grace, wisdom, strength, and presence. Nor can they be supplied from any other source, or be happy - but only as they realize His presence and His love. This shows that He chose them that they might enjoy His presence, and be forever with Him. His tabernacle was pitched in the midst of the typical people, and the symbol of His presence was always with Him. His spiritual presence is ever with His spiritual people - and He will soon collect them all into His glorious presence - and have them near to Himself forever!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
Redeeming Love! # 1
Redeeming Love # 1
"He gave Himself for us - that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous for good works" (Titus 2:14).
The first and second advent of Christ are frequently presented to our notice together in the New Testament. The former sometimes introduces the latter, and sometimes the reverse. In writing to Titus, the apostle's mind was wafted away by the inspiring Spirit, to the second coming of the Lord, and he speaks of it as the "blessed hope" of the church of God, for which believers were looking and longing. Then he brings forth the end and design of the first advent - and says, "Who gave Himself for us - that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous for good works."
The glorious FACT. "HE gave Himself!" Yes, Jesus gave Himself for us. Note the contrast between the Giver - and those for whom He gave Himself.
The Giver is He who was the only begotten Son of God, the author of creation, the sustainer of the universe, the brightness of divine glory, the source and end of all things! He who was proclaimed by the prophet as "the mighty God, the everlasting Father, and the Prince of peace." He who is declared by the apostle to be "God over all - blessed for evermore!" He who is "God manifest in the flesh."
"He gave Himself for US - who at the best are mere creatures, between whom and our Creator there can be no comparison. But it was not for us as mere creatures - but for us as base, vile, insignificant, and totally depraved creatures! We had debased ourselves, even unto hell. Worse, our nature could not be, for "the human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked!"
The most exalted, glorious, and holy being in the universe - gave Himself for the most vile, polluted, and degraded of His creatures! O how astonishing!
But He volunteered on our behalf, without any solicitation, offering to become our Substitute and fulfill the law in our stead; our Sacrifice, and make a full atonement for our sins; and our Ransomer, paying the satisfactory price for our redemption.
He engaged to bear the desert of all our sins in His own body - to suffer all that the inflexible justice of God could inflict on our Surety - and so put away our sins forever, by the sacrifice of Himself. He gave His person - for our persons; His blood - as our ransom price; and His life - for our lives.
He gave His entire self, doing and suffering all that was necessary to secure our release from sin's curse, and our everlasting salvation. O amazing grace of a gracious Saviour!
The OBJECT in View. He gave Himself that He might justly redeem, ransom, or deliver us - from the guilt, power, and penal consequences of sin. He gave Himself to expiate the guilt, to destroy the power, and secure us against the eternal desert of our transgressions. He gave Himself to purify unto Himself, by fully expiating their sins, a peculiar people: a people purchased - to be peculiarly His own; a people sanctified, separated from all others - to be set apart for Himself; a people to be His own subjects - as the King of Zion; a people to be His own soldiers - as the Captain of our salvation; a people to be His own servants - as the Lord of the house; a people to be His own children - as the everlasting Father!
He redeemed us from all who claimed us, and from every claim that could be made upon us - in order that we might be honorably, exclusively, and eternally "His own". His own, in the highest, fullest, and most glorious sense.
His own peculiar people, "zealous for good works." That being influenced by His love, affected by His example, enabled by His Spirit, and guided by His Word - they may answer the gracious design of God, zealously performing "good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them." Thus, grace is gloriously displayed, man's salvation is secured, and God's glory by the good works of His people, is rendered certain!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
"He gave Himself for us - that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous for good works" (Titus 2:14).
The first and second advent of Christ are frequently presented to our notice together in the New Testament. The former sometimes introduces the latter, and sometimes the reverse. In writing to Titus, the apostle's mind was wafted away by the inspiring Spirit, to the second coming of the Lord, and he speaks of it as the "blessed hope" of the church of God, for which believers were looking and longing. Then he brings forth the end and design of the first advent - and says, "Who gave Himself for us - that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous for good works."
The glorious FACT. "HE gave Himself!" Yes, Jesus gave Himself for us. Note the contrast between the Giver - and those for whom He gave Himself.
The Giver is He who was the only begotten Son of God, the author of creation, the sustainer of the universe, the brightness of divine glory, the source and end of all things! He who was proclaimed by the prophet as "the mighty God, the everlasting Father, and the Prince of peace." He who is declared by the apostle to be "God over all - blessed for evermore!" He who is "God manifest in the flesh."
"He gave Himself for US - who at the best are mere creatures, between whom and our Creator there can be no comparison. But it was not for us as mere creatures - but for us as base, vile, insignificant, and totally depraved creatures! We had debased ourselves, even unto hell. Worse, our nature could not be, for "the human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked!"
The most exalted, glorious, and holy being in the universe - gave Himself for the most vile, polluted, and degraded of His creatures! O how astonishing!
But He volunteered on our behalf, without any solicitation, offering to become our Substitute and fulfill the law in our stead; our Sacrifice, and make a full atonement for our sins; and our Ransomer, paying the satisfactory price for our redemption.
He engaged to bear the desert of all our sins in His own body - to suffer all that the inflexible justice of God could inflict on our Surety - and so put away our sins forever, by the sacrifice of Himself. He gave His person - for our persons; His blood - as our ransom price; and His life - for our lives.
He gave His entire self, doing and suffering all that was necessary to secure our release from sin's curse, and our everlasting salvation. O amazing grace of a gracious Saviour!
The OBJECT in View. He gave Himself that He might justly redeem, ransom, or deliver us - from the guilt, power, and penal consequences of sin. He gave Himself to expiate the guilt, to destroy the power, and secure us against the eternal desert of our transgressions. He gave Himself to purify unto Himself, by fully expiating their sins, a peculiar people: a people purchased - to be peculiarly His own; a people sanctified, separated from all others - to be set apart for Himself; a people to be His own subjects - as the King of Zion; a people to be His own soldiers - as the Captain of our salvation; a people to be His own servants - as the Lord of the house; a people to be His own children - as the everlasting Father!
He redeemed us from all who claimed us, and from every claim that could be made upon us - in order that we might be honorably, exclusively, and eternally "His own". His own, in the highest, fullest, and most glorious sense.
His own peculiar people, "zealous for good works." That being influenced by His love, affected by His example, enabled by His Spirit, and guided by His Word - they may answer the gracious design of God, zealously performing "good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them." Thus, grace is gloriously displayed, man's salvation is secured, and God's glory by the good works of His people, is rendered certain!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
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