O Wretched Man That I Am! # 1
"O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 7:24, 25).
You know the wonderful location that his text has in the epistle to the Romans. It stands here at the end of the seventh chapter as the gateway into the eighth. In the first sixteen verses of the eighth chapter, the name of the Holy Spirit is found sixteen times. You have there the description and promise of the life that a child of God can live in the power of the Holy Spirit. This begins in the second verse: "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2). From that, Paul goes on to speak of the great privileges of the child of God who is to be led by the Spirit of God. The gateway into all this is found at the end of chapter seven: "O wretched man that I am!" There you have the words of a man who has come to the end of himself. He has in the previous verses described how he had struggled and wrestled in his own power to obey the holy law of God, and had failed. But in answer to his own questions, he now finds the true answer and cries out: "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord." From that he goes on to speak of what that deliverance is that he has found.
I want from these words, to describe the path by which a man can be led out of the spirit of bondage into the spirit of liberty. You know how distinctly it is said: "Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear" (Romans 8:15). We are continually warned that this is the great danger of the Christian life, to go again into bondage. I want to describe the path by which a man can get out of bondage into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Rather, I want to describe the man himself.
First, these words are the language of the regenerate man; second, of a weak man; third, of a wretched man; and fourth, of a man on the border of complete liberty.
The Regenerate Man
There is much evidence of regeneration from the fourteenth verse of chapter seven on to the twenty-third verse. "It is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me" (Romans 7:17). That is the language of a regenerate man - a man who knows that his heart and nature have been renewed, and that sin is now a power in him that is not himself. "I delight in the law of God after the inward man" (Romans 7:22). That again is the language of a regenerate man. He dares to say when he does evil: "It is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me". It is of great importance to understand this.
In the first two great sections of the epistle, Paul deals with justification and sanctification. In dealing with justification, he lays the foundation of the doctrine in the teaching about sin. He does not speak of the singular sin, but of the plural, sins - the actual transgressions. In the second part of the fifth chapter, he begins to deal with sin, not as actual transgression, but as a power. Just imagine what a loss it would have been to us if we did not have this second half of the seventh chapter of the epistle - if Paul had omitted in his teaching this vital question of the sinfulness of the believer. We should have missed the question we all want answered as to sin in the believer. What is the answer? The regenerate man is one in whom the will has been renewed, and who can say: "I delight in the law of God after the inward man."
The Weak Man
Here is the great mistake made by many Christian people - they think that when there is a renewed will, it is enough. But that is not the case. This regenerate man tells us: "I will to do what is good, but the power to perform I find not." How often people tell us that if you set yourself determinedly, you can perform what you will! But this man was as determined as any man could be, and yet he made the confession: "To will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good, I find not" (Romans 7:18).
But, you ask: "How is it God makes a regenerate man utter such a confession? He being with a right will, with a heart that longs to do good, and longs to do its very utmost to love God?"
Let us look at this question. What has God given us our will for? Had the angels who fell, in their own will, the strength to stand? Surely, no. The will of man is nothing but an empty vessel in which the power of God is to be made manifest. Man must seek in God all that is to be. You have it in the second chapter of the epistle to the Philippians, and you have it here also, that God's work in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Here is a man who appears to say: "God has not worked to do in me." But we are taught that God works both to will and to do. How is the apparent contradiction to be reconciled?
You will find that in this passage (Romans 7:6-25), the name of the Holy Spirit does not occur once, nor does the name of Christ occur. The man is wrestling and struggling to fulfill God's law. Instead of the Holy Spirit and of Christ, the law is mentioned nearly twenty times. In this chapter, it shows a believer doing his very best to obey the law of God with his regenerate will. Not only this; but you will find the little words, I, me, my, occur more than forty times. It is the regenerate "I" in its weakness seeking to obey the law without being filled with the Holy Spirit. This is the experience of almost every saint. After conversion, a man begins to do his best, and he fails. But if we are brought into the full light, we no longer need to fall. Nor need we fall at all if we have received the Spirit in his fullness at conversion.
God allows that failure so that the regenerate man should be taught his own utter inability. It is in the course of this struggle that the that the sense of our utter sinfulness comes to us. It is God's way of dealing with us. He allows man to strive to fulfill the law so that, as he strives and wrestles, he may be brought to this: "I am a regenerate child of God, but I am utterly helpless to obey the law." See what strong words are used all through the chapter to describe his condition: "I am carnal, sold under sin" "I see another law in my members bringing me into captivity"; and, last of all, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" This believer who bows here in deep contrition is utterly unable to obey the law of God.
~Andrew Murray~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, September 8, 2018
The Best Physician! (and others)
The Best Physician (and others)
Christ is the cheapest Physician. Sickness is not only a consumption to the body - but the purse! (Luke 8:43). Other patients enrich their physicians - but here the Physician enriches the patient! Physicians charge fees - but Jesus Christ gives us our cures freely. "Come without money and without price" (Isaiah 55:1). He desires us to bring nothing to Him but broken hearts. And when He has cured us, He desires us to bestow nothing upon Him but our love - and one would think that was very reasonable.
Christ is the most skillful Physician. There is no disease too hard for Him. "Who heals all your diseases" (Psalm 103:3). He can cure the gangrene of sin - even when it comes to the heart. He can melt a heart of stone - and wash away black sins in His crimson blood! There are no desperate cases with Christ. He has those salves, oils, and balsams which can cure the worst diseases. Christ never fails of success.
Christ is the most tender-hearted Physician. "He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3). Every groan of the patient goes to the heart of this Physician!
Christ cures only only our diseases - but our deformities! Christ not only gives health - but beauty. Sin has made ugly and misshapen. Christ's medicines not only take away our sickness - but our blemishes. He not only makes us whole - but lovely. Christ not only heals - but adorns.
Christ heals with more ease than any other. Other physicians apply pills, potions, or remedies. Christ makes the devil go out with a word (Mark 9:25). So when the soul is spiritually possessed, Christ can heal with a word - nay, He can cure with a look. When Peter had fallen into a relapse, Christ looked on Peter - and he wept. Christ's look melted Peter into repentance - it was a healing look. If Christ does but cast a look upon the soul - He can heal it.
Other physicians can only cure those who are sick - but Christ cures those who are dead, "And you has He made alive - who were dead" (Ephesians 2:1). Christ is a physician for the dead! Of every one whom Christ cures, it may be said, "He was dead - and is now alive!" (Luke 15:32).
Christ elevates all His patients. He not only cures them - but crowns them! (Revelation 2:10). Christ does not only raise them from the sick-bed - but to the throne! He gives the sick man not only health - but also Heaven!
Oh, the love of this heavenly Physician! Christ Himself drank that bitter cup which we should have drunk, and by His taking the bitter potion - we are healed and saved! Thus Christ has shown more move than any physician ever did to the patient.
~Thomas Watson~
(The End)
_____________________________
What Does Our Church Need?
"Our gospel came to you not simply with words - but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction" (1 Thess. 1:5).
"We have," said one pastor, "the gospel regularly preached, the prayer meeting are continued, the church is at peace - but very few souls are converted to God! What does our church need?"
It needs the presence and power of the Holy Spirit! For unless the Holy Spirit works - your minister may preach, your church may meet - but no real good will be done! God's work is carried on, not by might nor by power - but by the Spirit of the Lord Almighty. It is the Spirit who must open the heart, quicken the soul, and sanctify the person!
And if the Spirit works - then the feeblest ministry is efficient, and the smallest church prospers!
All the success that followed the preaching of Peter, and the labors of Paul - was from the Holy Spirit. Therefore Paul says, "God gave the increase". Then the church felt her need of the Spirit; she realized her dependence on that Divine Agent; she prayer with faith, fervor, and importunity for the blessing; and God answered her prayers, and filled His servants with the Holy Spirit and power!
But today, we merely talk of the Spirit - rather than feel our need! We boast of our instruments - rather than realize our dependence on the Almighty Agent!
~James Smith~
Christ is the cheapest Physician. Sickness is not only a consumption to the body - but the purse! (Luke 8:43). Other patients enrich their physicians - but here the Physician enriches the patient! Physicians charge fees - but Jesus Christ gives us our cures freely. "Come without money and without price" (Isaiah 55:1). He desires us to bring nothing to Him but broken hearts. And when He has cured us, He desires us to bestow nothing upon Him but our love - and one would think that was very reasonable.
Christ is the most skillful Physician. There is no disease too hard for Him. "Who heals all your diseases" (Psalm 103:3). He can cure the gangrene of sin - even when it comes to the heart. He can melt a heart of stone - and wash away black sins in His crimson blood! There are no desperate cases with Christ. He has those salves, oils, and balsams which can cure the worst diseases. Christ never fails of success.
Christ is the most tender-hearted Physician. "He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3). Every groan of the patient goes to the heart of this Physician!
Christ cures only only our diseases - but our deformities! Christ not only gives health - but beauty. Sin has made ugly and misshapen. Christ's medicines not only take away our sickness - but our blemishes. He not only makes us whole - but lovely. Christ not only heals - but adorns.
Christ heals with more ease than any other. Other physicians apply pills, potions, or remedies. Christ makes the devil go out with a word (Mark 9:25). So when the soul is spiritually possessed, Christ can heal with a word - nay, He can cure with a look. When Peter had fallen into a relapse, Christ looked on Peter - and he wept. Christ's look melted Peter into repentance - it was a healing look. If Christ does but cast a look upon the soul - He can heal it.
Other physicians can only cure those who are sick - but Christ cures those who are dead, "And you has He made alive - who were dead" (Ephesians 2:1). Christ is a physician for the dead! Of every one whom Christ cures, it may be said, "He was dead - and is now alive!" (Luke 15:32).
Christ elevates all His patients. He not only cures them - but crowns them! (Revelation 2:10). Christ does not only raise them from the sick-bed - but to the throne! He gives the sick man not only health - but also Heaven!
Oh, the love of this heavenly Physician! Christ Himself drank that bitter cup which we should have drunk, and by His taking the bitter potion - we are healed and saved! Thus Christ has shown more move than any physician ever did to the patient.
~Thomas Watson~
(The End)
_____________________________
What Does Our Church Need?
"Our gospel came to you not simply with words - but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction" (1 Thess. 1:5).
"We have," said one pastor, "the gospel regularly preached, the prayer meeting are continued, the church is at peace - but very few souls are converted to God! What does our church need?"
It needs the presence and power of the Holy Spirit! For unless the Holy Spirit works - your minister may preach, your church may meet - but no real good will be done! God's work is carried on, not by might nor by power - but by the Spirit of the Lord Almighty. It is the Spirit who must open the heart, quicken the soul, and sanctify the person!
And if the Spirit works - then the feeblest ministry is efficient, and the smallest church prospers!
All the success that followed the preaching of Peter, and the labors of Paul - was from the Holy Spirit. Therefore Paul says, "God gave the increase". Then the church felt her need of the Spirit; she realized her dependence on that Divine Agent; she prayer with faith, fervor, and importunity for the blessing; and God answered her prayers, and filled His servants with the Holy Spirit and power!
But today, we merely talk of the Spirit - rather than feel our need! We boast of our instruments - rather than realize our dependence on the Almighty Agent!
~James Smith~
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Conversion # 3
Conversion # 3
A converted man is happy, because he has peace with God. His sins are forgiven; his conscience is free from the sense of guilt - he can look forward to death, judgment, and eternity, and not feel afraid. What an immense blessing to feel forgiven and free! He is happy because he finds order in his heart. His passions are controlled, his affections are rightly directed. Everything in his inner man, however weak and feeble, is in its right place, and not in confusion. These feelings are utterly shut up and sealed to an unconverted man. Without forgiveness of sins, without hope for the world to come, dependent on this world for comfort, unprepared to meet God, he cannot be really happy. Conversion is an essential part of true happiness.
6. Let me show you, in the last place, that conversion is a thing that may be seen. This is a part of my subject which ought never to be overlooked. Well would it be for the Church and the world, if in every age it had received more attention. Thousands have turned away in disgust from Christianity, because of the wickedness of many who profess it. Hundreds have caused the very name of conversion to stink, by the lives they have lived after declaring themselves converted. They have fancied that a few spasmodic sensations and convictions were the true grace of God. They have imagined themselves converted, because their animal feelings were excited. They have called themselves "converts" without the slightest right or title to that honored name. All this has done immense harm, and it is doing peculiar harm in the present day. The times demand a very clear assertion of the great principle - that true conversion is a thing that can always be seen.
I admit fully that the manner of the Spirit's working is invisible. It is like the wind. It is like the attractive power of the magnet. There is something about it far beyond the reach of man's eyes or understanding. But while I admit this decidedly, I maintain no less decidedly that the effects of the Spirit's work in conversion will always be seen. Those effects may be weak and feeble at first - to the natural man they may hardly be visible, and not understood. But effects there always will be - some fruit will always be seen where there is true conversion. Where no effect can be seen, there you may be sure there is no grace. Where no visible fruit can be found, there you may be sure is no conversion.
There will always be seen in a converted man's character, and feelings, and conduct, and opinions, and daily life. You will not see in him perfection; but you will see in him something peculiar, distinct, and different from other people. You will see him hating sin, loving Christ, following after holiness, taking pleasure in his Bible, persevering in prayer. You will see him penitent, humble, believing, temperate, charitable, truthful, good-tempered, patient, upright, honorable, kind. These, at any rate, will be his aims - these are the things which he will follow after, however short he may come of perfection. In some converted people you will see these things more distinctly, in others less. This only I say, wherever there is conversion, something of this kind will be seen.
I care nothing for a conversion which has neither marks nor evidences to show. Never, never, will I allow that the blessed Spirit can be in a man's heart, when no fruit of the Spirit can be seen in his life. A conversion which allows a man to live in sin, to lie, and drink, and swear, is not the conversion of the Bible. It is a counterfeit conversion, which can only please the devil, and will lead the man who is satisfied with it, not to heaven - but to hell.
Let this last point sink down into your heart and never be forgotten. Conversion is not only a Scriptural thing, a real thing, a necessary thing, a possible thing, and a happy thing - there remains one more grand characteristic about it - it is a thing that will always be seen.
APPLICATION
I have tried to the best of my power to unfold and explain the nature of conversion. I have endeavored to set it forth in every point of view. Nothing remains but to try to bring it home to the heart of everyone into who reads this paper.
1. First of all, I urge everyone to find out whether he is converted. The heathen need conversion. The inhabitants of jails and reformatories need conversion. There may be people living near your own house who are open sinners and unbelievers, and need conversion. But all this is beside the question. I ask - Are you converted yourself?
Are you converted? It is no reply to tell me that many people are hypocrites and false professors. It is no argument to say that there are many sham revivals, and mock conversions. All this may be true - but the abuse of a thing does not destroy the use of it. Whatever others may be - Are you converted yourself? It is no answer to tell me that you go to church and have been baptized. All this proves little. The question is still not answered. Is your own heart changed? Are you really converted to God?
2. In the next place, I urge everyone who is not converted, never to rest until he is. Make haste. Flee from the wrath to come! Time is short. Eternity is near. Life is uncertain. Judgment is sure. Arise and call upon God. The throne of grace is still standing - the Lord Jesus is yet waiting to be gracious. Repent, and believe the Gospel - repent and be converted. Rest not until you know and feel that you are a converted man.
In the last place, I offer a word of exhortation to everyone who has reason to think that he has gone through the blessed change of which I have been speaking. You can remember the time when you were not what you are now. You can remember a time when old things passed
away, and all things became new.
A. Do you think that you are converted? Then give all diligence to make your calling and conversion sure. Leave nothing uncertain that concerns your immortal soul. It is good to have hope - it is far better to feel sure.
B. Labor and desire to grow in grace every year that you live. Look not to the things behind; be not content with old experiences, old grace, old attainments in religion. Entreat the Lord to carry on the work of conversion more and more in your soul, and to deepen spiritual impressions within you. Read your Bible more carefully every year - watch over your prayers more jealously. Beware of becoming sleepy and lazy in your religion. Strive to get on in knowledge, faith, hope, charity, and patience.
C. Do you think you are converted? Then show the value you place on conversion by your diligence in trying to do good to others. Do you really think that conversion is an unspeakable blessing? Then prove it by constant zealous efforts to promote the conversion of others. Look around the neighborhood where you live - have compassion on the multitudes who are yet unconverted. Be not content with getting them to come to your church; aim at nothing less than their entire conversion to God. Pray for them, stir up others to help them. But never, never - if you are a converted man, never be content to go to heaven alone!
~J. C. Ryle~
(The End)
A converted man is happy, because he has peace with God. His sins are forgiven; his conscience is free from the sense of guilt - he can look forward to death, judgment, and eternity, and not feel afraid. What an immense blessing to feel forgiven and free! He is happy because he finds order in his heart. His passions are controlled, his affections are rightly directed. Everything in his inner man, however weak and feeble, is in its right place, and not in confusion. These feelings are utterly shut up and sealed to an unconverted man. Without forgiveness of sins, without hope for the world to come, dependent on this world for comfort, unprepared to meet God, he cannot be really happy. Conversion is an essential part of true happiness.
6. Let me show you, in the last place, that conversion is a thing that may be seen. This is a part of my subject which ought never to be overlooked. Well would it be for the Church and the world, if in every age it had received more attention. Thousands have turned away in disgust from Christianity, because of the wickedness of many who profess it. Hundreds have caused the very name of conversion to stink, by the lives they have lived after declaring themselves converted. They have fancied that a few spasmodic sensations and convictions were the true grace of God. They have imagined themselves converted, because their animal feelings were excited. They have called themselves "converts" without the slightest right or title to that honored name. All this has done immense harm, and it is doing peculiar harm in the present day. The times demand a very clear assertion of the great principle - that true conversion is a thing that can always be seen.
I admit fully that the manner of the Spirit's working is invisible. It is like the wind. It is like the attractive power of the magnet. There is something about it far beyond the reach of man's eyes or understanding. But while I admit this decidedly, I maintain no less decidedly that the effects of the Spirit's work in conversion will always be seen. Those effects may be weak and feeble at first - to the natural man they may hardly be visible, and not understood. But effects there always will be - some fruit will always be seen where there is true conversion. Where no effect can be seen, there you may be sure there is no grace. Where no visible fruit can be found, there you may be sure is no conversion.
There will always be seen in a converted man's character, and feelings, and conduct, and opinions, and daily life. You will not see in him perfection; but you will see in him something peculiar, distinct, and different from other people. You will see him hating sin, loving Christ, following after holiness, taking pleasure in his Bible, persevering in prayer. You will see him penitent, humble, believing, temperate, charitable, truthful, good-tempered, patient, upright, honorable, kind. These, at any rate, will be his aims - these are the things which he will follow after, however short he may come of perfection. In some converted people you will see these things more distinctly, in others less. This only I say, wherever there is conversion, something of this kind will be seen.
I care nothing for a conversion which has neither marks nor evidences to show. Never, never, will I allow that the blessed Spirit can be in a man's heart, when no fruit of the Spirit can be seen in his life. A conversion which allows a man to live in sin, to lie, and drink, and swear, is not the conversion of the Bible. It is a counterfeit conversion, which can only please the devil, and will lead the man who is satisfied with it, not to heaven - but to hell.
Let this last point sink down into your heart and never be forgotten. Conversion is not only a Scriptural thing, a real thing, a necessary thing, a possible thing, and a happy thing - there remains one more grand characteristic about it - it is a thing that will always be seen.
APPLICATION
I have tried to the best of my power to unfold and explain the nature of conversion. I have endeavored to set it forth in every point of view. Nothing remains but to try to bring it home to the heart of everyone into who reads this paper.
1. First of all, I urge everyone to find out whether he is converted. The heathen need conversion. The inhabitants of jails and reformatories need conversion. There may be people living near your own house who are open sinners and unbelievers, and need conversion. But all this is beside the question. I ask - Are you converted yourself?
Are you converted? It is no reply to tell me that many people are hypocrites and false professors. It is no argument to say that there are many sham revivals, and mock conversions. All this may be true - but the abuse of a thing does not destroy the use of it. Whatever others may be - Are you converted yourself? It is no answer to tell me that you go to church and have been baptized. All this proves little. The question is still not answered. Is your own heart changed? Are you really converted to God?
2. In the next place, I urge everyone who is not converted, never to rest until he is. Make haste. Flee from the wrath to come! Time is short. Eternity is near. Life is uncertain. Judgment is sure. Arise and call upon God. The throne of grace is still standing - the Lord Jesus is yet waiting to be gracious. Repent, and believe the Gospel - repent and be converted. Rest not until you know and feel that you are a converted man.
In the last place, I offer a word of exhortation to everyone who has reason to think that he has gone through the blessed change of which I have been speaking. You can remember the time when you were not what you are now. You can remember a time when old things passed
away, and all things became new.
A. Do you think that you are converted? Then give all diligence to make your calling and conversion sure. Leave nothing uncertain that concerns your immortal soul. It is good to have hope - it is far better to feel sure.
B. Labor and desire to grow in grace every year that you live. Look not to the things behind; be not content with old experiences, old grace, old attainments in religion. Entreat the Lord to carry on the work of conversion more and more in your soul, and to deepen spiritual impressions within you. Read your Bible more carefully every year - watch over your prayers more jealously. Beware of becoming sleepy and lazy in your religion. Strive to get on in knowledge, faith, hope, charity, and patience.
C. Do you think you are converted? Then show the value you place on conversion by your diligence in trying to do good to others. Do you really think that conversion is an unspeakable blessing? Then prove it by constant zealous efforts to promote the conversion of others. Look around the neighborhood where you live - have compassion on the multitudes who are yet unconverted. Be not content with getting them to come to your church; aim at nothing less than their entire conversion to God. Pray for them, stir up others to help them. But never, never - if you are a converted man, never be content to go to heaven alone!
~J. C. Ryle~
(The End)
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Conversion # 2
Conversion # 2
Look around the congregation with which you worship every Sunday. Mark how little interest the great majority of them take in what is going on. Observe how listless, and apathetic, and indifferent, they evidently are about the whole affair. It is clear their hearts are not there! They are thinking of something else, and not of religion. They are thinking business, or money, or pleasure, or worldly plans, or new dresses, or amusements. Their bodies are there - but not their hearts. And what is the reason? What is it they all need? They need conversion. Without it they only come to church for fashion and form's sake, and go away from church to serve the world and their sins.
But this is not all. Without conversion of heart we could not enjoy heaven, if we got there. Heaven is a place where holiness reigns supreme, and sin and the world have no place at all. The company will all be holy; the employments will all be holy; it will be an eternal Sabbath-day. Surely if we go to heaven, we must have a heart in tune and able to enjoy it, or else we shall not be happy. We must have a nature in harmony with the element we live in, and the place where we dwell. Without conversion of heart we could not be happy in heaven.
Look around the neighborhood in which you live, and the people with whom you are acquainted. Think what many of them would do if they were cut off forever from money, business, newspapers and cards, and balls and races, and hunting, and worldly amusements. Would they like it? Think what they would feel if they were shut up forever with Jesus Christ, and saints, and angels! Would they be happy? Would the eternal company of Moses, and David, and Paul, be pleasant to those who never take the trouble to read what those holy men wrote? Would haven's everlasting praise suit the taste of those who can hardly spare a few minutes in a week for private religion, even for prayer? There is but one answer to be given to all these questions. We must be converted before we can enjoy heaven. Heaven would be no heaven to any child of Adam without conversion.
Let no man deceive us. There are two things which are of absolute necessity to the salvation of every man and woman on earth. One of them is the mediatorial work of Christ for us - His atonement, satisfaction, and intercession. The other is the converting work of the Holy Spirit in us - His guiding, renewing, and sanctifying grace. We must have both and a heart for heaven. Sacraments are not necessary to salvation - a man may be saved without them. An interest in Christ and conversion are absolutely necessary - without them no one can possibly be saved. All, baptized or unbaptized, young or old, all must be converted or perish. There is no salvation without conversion. It is a necessary thing.
4. Let me now show, in the fourth place, that conversion is a POSSIBLE thing. I think I know the feelings which come across many people's minds, when they read the things which I am writing in this paper. They take refuge in the idea that such a change as conversion is quite impossible, except for a favored few. "It is all very well," they argue, "for parsons to talk of conversion; but the thing cannot be done; we have work to mind, families to provide for, business to attend to. It is no use expecting miracles now. We cannot be converted." Such thoughts are very common. The devil loves to put them before us, and our own lazy hearts are only too ready to receive them - but they will not stand examination. I am not afraid to lay it down that conversion is a possible thing. If it were not so, I would not say another word.
In saying this, however, I would be sorry to be mistaken. I do not for a moment mean that anyone can convert himself, change his own heart, take away his own corrupt nature, put in himself a new spirit. I mean nothing of the kind. I only mean that there is nothing in Scripture, nothing in God, nothing in man's condition, which warrants anyone in saying, "I can never be converted." Anyone, however sinful and hardened, anyone may be converted. I can say it because of the things contained in Christ's Gospel. It is the glory of that Gospel that under it nothing is impossible.
Conversion is a possible thing, because of the almighty power of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him is life. In His hand are the keys of death and hell. He has all power in heaven and earth. He quickens whom He will. It is as easy for Him to create new hearts out of nothing, as it was to create the world out of nothing. It is easy to Him to breathe spiritual life into a stony, dead heart, as it was to breathe natural life into Adam when He formed Him into a living man. His hand is as strong as ever - His love is as great as ever. The Lord Jesus Christ lives, and therefore conversion is not impossible.
But besides this, conversion is a possible thing, because of the Almighty power of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends into the hearts of all whom He undertakes to save. The same divine Spirit who cooperated with the Father and the Son in the work of creation, cooperates specially in the work of conversion. It is He who conveys life from Christ, the great Fountain of Life, into the hearts of sinners. He who moved on the face of the waters before those wonderful words were spoken, "Let there be light," is He Who moves over sinners souls, and takes their natural darkness away. Great indeed is the invisible power of the Holy Spirit! He can soften that which is hard. He can bend that which is stiff and stubborn. He can give eyes to the spiritually blind, ears to the spiritually deaf, tongues to the spiritually mute, feet to the spiritually lame, warmth to the spiritually cold, knowledge to the spiritually ignorant, and life to the spiritually dead. "None touches like Him!" (Job 36:22). He has taught thousands of ignorant sinners, and never failed to make them "wise unto salvation." The Holy Spirit lives, and therefore conversion is never impossible.
What can you say to these things? Away with the idea forever that conversion is not possible. Cast it behind you - it is a temptation of the devil. Look not at yourself, and your own weak heart - for then you may well despair. Look upward at Christ, and the Holy Spirit, and learn that with them nothing is impossible. Yes! the age of spiritual miracles is not yet past! Conversion is a possible thing. If people are not converted, it is because they "will not come to Christ for life." (John 5:40). Conversion is possible.
5. Let me show, in the fifth place, that conversion is a HAPPY thing. I shall have written in vain if I leave this point untouched. There are thousands, I firmly believe, who are ready to admit the truth of all I have said hitherto. Scriptural, real, necessary, possible - all this they willingly allow conversion to be. But will it increase a man's happiness to be converted? Will it add to a man's joys, and lessen his sorrows, to be converted? Here alas, is a point at which many stick fast. They have a secret, lurking fear, that if they are converted they must become melancholy, miserable, and low-spirited.
I assert without hesitation, that the conversion described in Scripture is a happy thing and not a miserable one; and that if converted people are not happy, the fault must be in themselves. The happiness of a true Christian, no doubt, is not quite the same sort as that of a worldly man. It is a calm, solid, deep flowing, substantial joy! It is not made up of excitement, levity, and boisterous spasmodic mirth. It is the sober, quiet joy of one who does not forget death, judgment, eternity, and a world to come. I am confident the converted man is the happiest man.
What says the Scripture? How does it describe the feelings and experience of people who have been converted? Does it give any countenance to the idea that conversion is a sorrowful and melancholy thing? Let us hear what Levi felt, when he decided to follow Christ. We read that "he made a great feast in his own house,"A as if it was an occasion of gladness" (Luke 5:29). Let us hear what Zaccheus the publican felt, when Jesus offered to come to his house. "He received Him joyfully." (Luke 19:6). Let us hear what the Samaritans felt, when they were converted through Philip's preaching. We read that "there was great joy in that city" (Acts 8:8). Let us hear what the Ethiopian eunuch felt in the day of his conversion. "he went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:39). Let us hear what the Philippian jailer felt in the hour of his conversion. We read that "he rejoiced, believing in God with all his house" (Acts 16:34). In fact the testimony of Scripture on this subject is always one and the same. Conversion is always described as the cause of joy and not of sorrow, of happiness and not of misery.
The plain truth, is that people speak ill of conversion because they know nothing really about it. They run down converted men and women as unhappy, because they judge them by their outward appearance of calmness, gravity, and quietness, and know nothing of their inward peace. They forget that it is not those who boast most of their own performances who do most, and it is not those who talk most of their happiness who are in reality the happiest people.
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 3)
Look around the congregation with which you worship every Sunday. Mark how little interest the great majority of them take in what is going on. Observe how listless, and apathetic, and indifferent, they evidently are about the whole affair. It is clear their hearts are not there! They are thinking of something else, and not of religion. They are thinking business, or money, or pleasure, or worldly plans, or new dresses, or amusements. Their bodies are there - but not their hearts. And what is the reason? What is it they all need? They need conversion. Without it they only come to church for fashion and form's sake, and go away from church to serve the world and their sins.
But this is not all. Without conversion of heart we could not enjoy heaven, if we got there. Heaven is a place where holiness reigns supreme, and sin and the world have no place at all. The company will all be holy; the employments will all be holy; it will be an eternal Sabbath-day. Surely if we go to heaven, we must have a heart in tune and able to enjoy it, or else we shall not be happy. We must have a nature in harmony with the element we live in, and the place where we dwell. Without conversion of heart we could not be happy in heaven.
Look around the neighborhood in which you live, and the people with whom you are acquainted. Think what many of them would do if they were cut off forever from money, business, newspapers and cards, and balls and races, and hunting, and worldly amusements. Would they like it? Think what they would feel if they were shut up forever with Jesus Christ, and saints, and angels! Would they be happy? Would the eternal company of Moses, and David, and Paul, be pleasant to those who never take the trouble to read what those holy men wrote? Would haven's everlasting praise suit the taste of those who can hardly spare a few minutes in a week for private religion, even for prayer? There is but one answer to be given to all these questions. We must be converted before we can enjoy heaven. Heaven would be no heaven to any child of Adam without conversion.
Let no man deceive us. There are two things which are of absolute necessity to the salvation of every man and woman on earth. One of them is the mediatorial work of Christ for us - His atonement, satisfaction, and intercession. The other is the converting work of the Holy Spirit in us - His guiding, renewing, and sanctifying grace. We must have both and a heart for heaven. Sacraments are not necessary to salvation - a man may be saved without them. An interest in Christ and conversion are absolutely necessary - without them no one can possibly be saved. All, baptized or unbaptized, young or old, all must be converted or perish. There is no salvation without conversion. It is a necessary thing.
4. Let me now show, in the fourth place, that conversion is a POSSIBLE thing. I think I know the feelings which come across many people's minds, when they read the things which I am writing in this paper. They take refuge in the idea that such a change as conversion is quite impossible, except for a favored few. "It is all very well," they argue, "for parsons to talk of conversion; but the thing cannot be done; we have work to mind, families to provide for, business to attend to. It is no use expecting miracles now. We cannot be converted." Such thoughts are very common. The devil loves to put them before us, and our own lazy hearts are only too ready to receive them - but they will not stand examination. I am not afraid to lay it down that conversion is a possible thing. If it were not so, I would not say another word.
In saying this, however, I would be sorry to be mistaken. I do not for a moment mean that anyone can convert himself, change his own heart, take away his own corrupt nature, put in himself a new spirit. I mean nothing of the kind. I only mean that there is nothing in Scripture, nothing in God, nothing in man's condition, which warrants anyone in saying, "I can never be converted." Anyone, however sinful and hardened, anyone may be converted. I can say it because of the things contained in Christ's Gospel. It is the glory of that Gospel that under it nothing is impossible.
Conversion is a possible thing, because of the almighty power of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him is life. In His hand are the keys of death and hell. He has all power in heaven and earth. He quickens whom He will. It is as easy for Him to create new hearts out of nothing, as it was to create the world out of nothing. It is easy to Him to breathe spiritual life into a stony, dead heart, as it was to breathe natural life into Adam when He formed Him into a living man. His hand is as strong as ever - His love is as great as ever. The Lord Jesus Christ lives, and therefore conversion is not impossible.
But besides this, conversion is a possible thing, because of the Almighty power of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends into the hearts of all whom He undertakes to save. The same divine Spirit who cooperated with the Father and the Son in the work of creation, cooperates specially in the work of conversion. It is He who conveys life from Christ, the great Fountain of Life, into the hearts of sinners. He who moved on the face of the waters before those wonderful words were spoken, "Let there be light," is He Who moves over sinners souls, and takes their natural darkness away. Great indeed is the invisible power of the Holy Spirit! He can soften that which is hard. He can bend that which is stiff and stubborn. He can give eyes to the spiritually blind, ears to the spiritually deaf, tongues to the spiritually mute, feet to the spiritually lame, warmth to the spiritually cold, knowledge to the spiritually ignorant, and life to the spiritually dead. "None touches like Him!" (Job 36:22). He has taught thousands of ignorant sinners, and never failed to make them "wise unto salvation." The Holy Spirit lives, and therefore conversion is never impossible.
What can you say to these things? Away with the idea forever that conversion is not possible. Cast it behind you - it is a temptation of the devil. Look not at yourself, and your own weak heart - for then you may well despair. Look upward at Christ, and the Holy Spirit, and learn that with them nothing is impossible. Yes! the age of spiritual miracles is not yet past! Conversion is a possible thing. If people are not converted, it is because they "will not come to Christ for life." (John 5:40). Conversion is possible.
5. Let me show, in the fifth place, that conversion is a HAPPY thing. I shall have written in vain if I leave this point untouched. There are thousands, I firmly believe, who are ready to admit the truth of all I have said hitherto. Scriptural, real, necessary, possible - all this they willingly allow conversion to be. But will it increase a man's happiness to be converted? Will it add to a man's joys, and lessen his sorrows, to be converted? Here alas, is a point at which many stick fast. They have a secret, lurking fear, that if they are converted they must become melancholy, miserable, and low-spirited.
I assert without hesitation, that the conversion described in Scripture is a happy thing and not a miserable one; and that if converted people are not happy, the fault must be in themselves. The happiness of a true Christian, no doubt, is not quite the same sort as that of a worldly man. It is a calm, solid, deep flowing, substantial joy! It is not made up of excitement, levity, and boisterous spasmodic mirth. It is the sober, quiet joy of one who does not forget death, judgment, eternity, and a world to come. I am confident the converted man is the happiest man.
What says the Scripture? How does it describe the feelings and experience of people who have been converted? Does it give any countenance to the idea that conversion is a sorrowful and melancholy thing? Let us hear what Levi felt, when he decided to follow Christ. We read that "he made a great feast in his own house,"A as if it was an occasion of gladness" (Luke 5:29). Let us hear what Zaccheus the publican felt, when Jesus offered to come to his house. "He received Him joyfully." (Luke 19:6). Let us hear what the Samaritans felt, when they were converted through Philip's preaching. We read that "there was great joy in that city" (Acts 8:8). Let us hear what the Ethiopian eunuch felt in the day of his conversion. "he went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:39). Let us hear what the Philippian jailer felt in the hour of his conversion. We read that "he rejoiced, believing in God with all his house" (Acts 16:34). In fact the testimony of Scripture on this subject is always one and the same. Conversion is always described as the cause of joy and not of sorrow, of happiness and not of misery.
The plain truth, is that people speak ill of conversion because they know nothing really about it. They run down converted men and women as unhappy, because they judge them by their outward appearance of calmness, gravity, and quietness, and know nothing of their inward peace. They forget that it is not those who boast most of their own performances who do most, and it is not those who talk most of their happiness who are in reality the happiest people.
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 3)
Conversion # 1
Conversion # 1
"Repent therefore, and be converted" (Acts 3:19).
"I assure you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:3).
The subject which forms the title of this paper is one which touches all mankind. It ought to come home to all ranks and classes, high or low, rich or poor, old or young, gentle or simple. Anyone may get to heaven without money, rank, or learning. No one, however wise, wealthy, noble, or beautiful, will never get to heaven without conversion.
There are six points of view in which I wish to consider the subject of this paper. I will try to show that conversion is -
1. A Scriptural thing
2. A real thing
3. A necessary thing
4. A possible thing
5. A happy thing
6. A thing that may be seen
1. Let me show, in the first place, that conversion is a Scriptural thing. I mean by this that conversion is a thing plainly mentioned in the Bible. This is the first point we have to ascertain about anything in religion. It matter nothing who say a thing, nothing whether we like or dislike a doctrine. Is it in the Bible? That is the only question. If it is, we have no right to refuse it. If we reject a Bible truth because we do not like it, we do so at the peril of our souls, and might as well become infidels at once. This is a principle which ought never to be forgotten.
Let us turn to the Bible. Hear what David says, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." "Sinners shall be converted unto You" (Psalm 19:7; 51:13). Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ says, "Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:3). Hear what Peter says, "Repent, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19). Hear what James says, "He which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (James 5:20).
I could easily add to this Scriptural evidence. I could quote many passages in which the idea of conversion is contained, though the word itself is not used. To be renewed - to be transformed - to be created anew - to be raised from the dead - to be illuminated - to pass from death to life - to be born again - to put off the old man and put on the new man - all these are Scriptural expressions, which mean the same thing as conversion. They are all the same thing, seen from a different point of view. There can be no doubt of the truth of my first position - that conversion is a Scriptural thing. It is not a mere device of man's invention-it is in the Bible.
I entreat every reader of these pages to beware of ignorant prejudices on religious subjects. I have known people to find fault with doctrines and opinions as enthusiastic, fanatical, and absurd, in total ignorance that they were finding fault with Scripture itself! They have given sad proof that they spoke of things which they did not understand, and that they knew nothing, comparatively, of the contents of the Bible. Take care that you do not expose your own ignorance by talking against conversion. Search the Scriptures. Conversion is a scriptural thing.
2. Let me show, in the second place, that conversion is a REAL thing. I feel it very needful to say something about this point. We live in an age of shams, cheats, deceptions, and impositions. It is an age of white-wash, varnish, lacquer, and veneer. It is an age of plaster, plating and gilding. It is an age of adulterated food, paste diamonds, false weights and measures, unsound timber, and shoddy clothing. It is an age of wind-bags, and whitened sepulchers, and cymbals in religion. I can hardly wonder that many regard all Christian professors as suspicious characters, if not hypocrites, and deny the reality of any such thing as conversion.
I assert confidently that there is such a thing as conversion. There are among people, unmistakable cases of a complete turning round of heart, character, tastes, and life - cases which deserve no other name than that of conversion. I say that when a man turns from sin to God - from worldliness to holiness - from self-righteousness to self-distrust - from carelessness about religion to deep repentance - from unbelief to faith - from indifference to Christ to strong love to Christ - from neglect of prayer and the Bible, to a diligent use of all means of grace - I say boldly, that such a man is a converted man. When a man's heart is turned upside down in the way I have described, so that he loves what he once hated, and hates what he once loved, I say boldly, that it is a case of conversion. To deny it, is mere obstinacy and affectation. Such a change can be described in no other way.
Of such changes the Bible gives many unmistakable patterns. Read 2 Chron. 33:1-19; Matt. 9:9; John 4:1-29; Luke 19:1-10; 8:2; Acts 9:1-22; 16:14-34; 2:37-41; 1 Cor. 6:9-11. In every case of these cases there was a mighty change. Of such changes the history of the Church in every age can supply many wall-known examples. Let anyone study the life of Augustine, Martin Luther, Hugh Latimer, John Bunyan, Colonel Gardiner, John Newton, and Thomas Scott. In everyone of these lives he will find a description of a mighty turning of heart, opinion, and conduct, towards God.
I feel almost ashamed to dwell so long on this point. It seems like spending time in proving that two plus two make four, or that the sun rises in the east. But, alas there are too many people who will allow nothing, and will dispute everything in religion! They know that they are not yet converted themselves, and they therefore try hard to make out that nobody was ever converted at all! I trust I have given you a sufficient answer to all such people. I have shown you that conversion is a real true thing.
3. Let me show you, in the third place, that conversion is a NECESSARY thing. This is a point of great importance. Some worthy people are ready enough to admit that conversion is a Scriptural truth and a reality - but not a thing which needs to be pressed on most English people. The heathen, they grant, need conversion. Even the thieves, and fallen characters, and inhabitants of jails, they allow, may require conversion. But to talk of conversion being necessary for Church-going people, is to talk of things which they cannot see at all. They may not be as good as they ought to be - it would be better if they attended more to religion; but you have no right to say they need conversion. It is uncharitable, harsh, narrow-minded, bitter, wrong, to tell them they require conversion!
This sadly common notion is a complete delusion. It is a pure invention of man's, without a scrap of foundation in God's Word. The Bible teaches expressly that the change of heart, called conversion, is a thing absolutely needed by everyone. It is needed because of the total corruption of human nature. It is needed because of the condition of every man's heart. All people born into the world, of every rank and nation, must have their hearts changed between the cradle and the grave, before they can go to heaven. All, all people, without exception, must be converted.
Without conversion of heart we cannot serve God on earth. We have naturally neither faith, nor fear, nor love, toward God and His Son Jesus Christ. We have no delight in His Word. We take no pleasure in prayer or communion with Him. We have no enjoyment in His ordinances, His house, His people, or His day. We may have a form of Christianity, and keep up a round of ceremonies and religious performances. But without conversion we have no more heart in our religion than a brick or stone. Can a dead corpse serve God? We know it cannot. Well, without conversion we are dead toward God.
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 2)
"Repent therefore, and be converted" (Acts 3:19).
"I assure you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:3).
The subject which forms the title of this paper is one which touches all mankind. It ought to come home to all ranks and classes, high or low, rich or poor, old or young, gentle or simple. Anyone may get to heaven without money, rank, or learning. No one, however wise, wealthy, noble, or beautiful, will never get to heaven without conversion.
There are six points of view in which I wish to consider the subject of this paper. I will try to show that conversion is -
1. A Scriptural thing
2. A real thing
3. A necessary thing
4. A possible thing
5. A happy thing
6. A thing that may be seen
1. Let me show, in the first place, that conversion is a Scriptural thing. I mean by this that conversion is a thing plainly mentioned in the Bible. This is the first point we have to ascertain about anything in religion. It matter nothing who say a thing, nothing whether we like or dislike a doctrine. Is it in the Bible? That is the only question. If it is, we have no right to refuse it. If we reject a Bible truth because we do not like it, we do so at the peril of our souls, and might as well become infidels at once. This is a principle which ought never to be forgotten.
Let us turn to the Bible. Hear what David says, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." "Sinners shall be converted unto You" (Psalm 19:7; 51:13). Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ says, "Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:3). Hear what Peter says, "Repent, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19). Hear what James says, "He which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (James 5:20).
I could easily add to this Scriptural evidence. I could quote many passages in which the idea of conversion is contained, though the word itself is not used. To be renewed - to be transformed - to be created anew - to be raised from the dead - to be illuminated - to pass from death to life - to be born again - to put off the old man and put on the new man - all these are Scriptural expressions, which mean the same thing as conversion. They are all the same thing, seen from a different point of view. There can be no doubt of the truth of my first position - that conversion is a Scriptural thing. It is not a mere device of man's invention-it is in the Bible.
I entreat every reader of these pages to beware of ignorant prejudices on religious subjects. I have known people to find fault with doctrines and opinions as enthusiastic, fanatical, and absurd, in total ignorance that they were finding fault with Scripture itself! They have given sad proof that they spoke of things which they did not understand, and that they knew nothing, comparatively, of the contents of the Bible. Take care that you do not expose your own ignorance by talking against conversion. Search the Scriptures. Conversion is a scriptural thing.
2. Let me show, in the second place, that conversion is a REAL thing. I feel it very needful to say something about this point. We live in an age of shams, cheats, deceptions, and impositions. It is an age of white-wash, varnish, lacquer, and veneer. It is an age of plaster, plating and gilding. It is an age of adulterated food, paste diamonds, false weights and measures, unsound timber, and shoddy clothing. It is an age of wind-bags, and whitened sepulchers, and cymbals in religion. I can hardly wonder that many regard all Christian professors as suspicious characters, if not hypocrites, and deny the reality of any such thing as conversion.
I assert confidently that there is such a thing as conversion. There are among people, unmistakable cases of a complete turning round of heart, character, tastes, and life - cases which deserve no other name than that of conversion. I say that when a man turns from sin to God - from worldliness to holiness - from self-righteousness to self-distrust - from carelessness about religion to deep repentance - from unbelief to faith - from indifference to Christ to strong love to Christ - from neglect of prayer and the Bible, to a diligent use of all means of grace - I say boldly, that such a man is a converted man. When a man's heart is turned upside down in the way I have described, so that he loves what he once hated, and hates what he once loved, I say boldly, that it is a case of conversion. To deny it, is mere obstinacy and affectation. Such a change can be described in no other way.
Of such changes the Bible gives many unmistakable patterns. Read 2 Chron. 33:1-19; Matt. 9:9; John 4:1-29; Luke 19:1-10; 8:2; Acts 9:1-22; 16:14-34; 2:37-41; 1 Cor. 6:9-11. In every case of these cases there was a mighty change. Of such changes the history of the Church in every age can supply many wall-known examples. Let anyone study the life of Augustine, Martin Luther, Hugh Latimer, John Bunyan, Colonel Gardiner, John Newton, and Thomas Scott. In everyone of these lives he will find a description of a mighty turning of heart, opinion, and conduct, towards God.
I feel almost ashamed to dwell so long on this point. It seems like spending time in proving that two plus two make four, or that the sun rises in the east. But, alas there are too many people who will allow nothing, and will dispute everything in religion! They know that they are not yet converted themselves, and they therefore try hard to make out that nobody was ever converted at all! I trust I have given you a sufficient answer to all such people. I have shown you that conversion is a real true thing.
3. Let me show you, in the third place, that conversion is a NECESSARY thing. This is a point of great importance. Some worthy people are ready enough to admit that conversion is a Scriptural truth and a reality - but not a thing which needs to be pressed on most English people. The heathen, they grant, need conversion. Even the thieves, and fallen characters, and inhabitants of jails, they allow, may require conversion. But to talk of conversion being necessary for Church-going people, is to talk of things which they cannot see at all. They may not be as good as they ought to be - it would be better if they attended more to religion; but you have no right to say they need conversion. It is uncharitable, harsh, narrow-minded, bitter, wrong, to tell them they require conversion!
This sadly common notion is a complete delusion. It is a pure invention of man's, without a scrap of foundation in God's Word. The Bible teaches expressly that the change of heart, called conversion, is a thing absolutely needed by everyone. It is needed because of the total corruption of human nature. It is needed because of the condition of every man's heart. All people born into the world, of every rank and nation, must have their hearts changed between the cradle and the grave, before they can go to heaven. All, all people, without exception, must be converted.
Without conversion of heart we cannot serve God on earth. We have naturally neither faith, nor fear, nor love, toward God and His Son Jesus Christ. We have no delight in His Word. We take no pleasure in prayer or communion with Him. We have no enjoyment in His ordinances, His house, His people, or His day. We may have a form of Christianity, and keep up a round of ceremonies and religious performances. But without conversion we have no more heart in our religion than a brick or stone. Can a dead corpse serve God? We know it cannot. Well, without conversion we are dead toward God.
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 2)
The Expectation of Eternal Life
The Expectation of Eternal Life
"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life" (Jude 21).
This poor world is full of sin, sorrow, pain, and death. If we had this life only - we would be most miserable. But the Christian has an unfailing hope of a holier, happier, sublimer and more durable world than this. This hope supports him in every scene of earthly conflict and distress.
The Christian pilgrim in the midst of his strenuous labors, hopes that he will successfully brave all the storms of life, finish his course, fight the good fight of faith, and then lay hold on eternal life in his Father's house above.
How beneficial the advice of the Apostle in the context! He refers to a prediction of Christ's respecting the enemies of Christ and of Christians, "mockers in the last time, etc., verse 17:19. And this has come to pass in the present time. Look around and see. They may be mockers of Christianity - but they have no weight. See their characters described. But Christians are to cleave to Christ, and look for Heaven, verse 20, 21.
1. The Great Object of Christian Expectancy. "Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."
1. Believers come to this eternal life immediately after death, and fully after the resurrection of the body.
2. This life will be enjoyed in Heaven. The residence of the ever blessed God, his palace of splendor, the habitation of his holiness, the place where His honor dwells - the dwelling place of angels and perfected spirits.
It is a place of inexpressible felicity, as it appears from its names. It is called a paradise, a building from God, a mansion of God, a heavenly city, a better country, an unfading inheritance, an eternal kingdom, an unfading crown of glory, peace, rest, and joy in the Lord.
3. It will be a life of complete purity. Sin, in this world, is the great source of estrangement from God - it is that which constantly vexes and distresses the soul. But in Heaven sin can never enter to defile, "Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life!" (Rev. 21:27).
The Church in its triumphant state shall be faultless (Jude 24; Ephesians 5:26-27). All will be like God. (1John 3:2).
4. It will be a life of perfect happiness. There is no perfect happiness in this world. Life here is like the sea - calms and storms, sunshine and clouds.
Sorrow is frequently the lot of God's people. Some are mourning the loss of relatives or friends, or sunk into deep adversity. Some are weeping over the sins of others, parents over their children, pastors over their flocks, and Christians over the wickedness of the world.
All the causes of evil will be annihilated in Heaven; sin shall distress no more, satan shall tempt no more, sickness shall pain no more, the tyrant shall oppress no more, death shall bereave and destroy no more. The Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes!" (Rev. 7:16-17).
5. It will be a life of substantial honor. They will be raised to a kingdom! "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom!" (Luke 12:32). Here on earth, they are counted as lowly and base, but there they will be recognized as the seed-royal of Heaven! It will be a life of honor which conquerors obtain. Crowns of victory are in reserve! Here on earth they wear a crown of thorns but there they will wear a diadem of glory!
It will be a crown of incorruption, of righteousness, a crown of life, meaning they will never die! It will be a crown of gold to denote the priceless and lasting honor to which they will be advanced, and the superlative wealth of the kingdom which they will possess. They will sit upon a throne the throne of Christ. It will be a life of rich enjoyment - a feast and a marriage supper; "Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" (Rev. 19:9).
7. Heaven is represented as enjoyment of the beatific vision
of God, when we shall see Him face to face, and understand the mysteries of creation, providence, and grace. The glory of God and the Lamb are the light of the celestial city, and the nations of them that are redeemed shall walk in the light thereof.
2. The Conduct of the Expectants of Eternal Life
a. They are to keep themselves in the love of God by faith, and prayer - praying in the Holy Spirit. See also Romans 8:26.
b. They are to look for eternal life. They are to expect it as matter of absolute certainty. Christ not only had the words of eternal life, but the title-deeds of that vast inheritance, and has transmitted them to all His followers, and those who believe now enter eternal rest. They are to look for it with humble expectation and deep abasement. They should wait for it with joyful and intense desire. They should live in a daily state of preparation for it. So that when they hear the announcement, "Behold the Bridegroom comes!" they may be ready and go forth to meet Him!
~William Nicholson~
(The End)
"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life" (Jude 21).
This poor world is full of sin, sorrow, pain, and death. If we had this life only - we would be most miserable. But the Christian has an unfailing hope of a holier, happier, sublimer and more durable world than this. This hope supports him in every scene of earthly conflict and distress.
The Christian pilgrim in the midst of his strenuous labors, hopes that he will successfully brave all the storms of life, finish his course, fight the good fight of faith, and then lay hold on eternal life in his Father's house above.
How beneficial the advice of the Apostle in the context! He refers to a prediction of Christ's respecting the enemies of Christ and of Christians, "mockers in the last time, etc., verse 17:19. And this has come to pass in the present time. Look around and see. They may be mockers of Christianity - but they have no weight. See their characters described. But Christians are to cleave to Christ, and look for Heaven, verse 20, 21.
1. The Great Object of Christian Expectancy. "Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."
1. Believers come to this eternal life immediately after death, and fully after the resurrection of the body.
2. This life will be enjoyed in Heaven. The residence of the ever blessed God, his palace of splendor, the habitation of his holiness, the place where His honor dwells - the dwelling place of angels and perfected spirits.
It is a place of inexpressible felicity, as it appears from its names. It is called a paradise, a building from God, a mansion of God, a heavenly city, a better country, an unfading inheritance, an eternal kingdom, an unfading crown of glory, peace, rest, and joy in the Lord.
3. It will be a life of complete purity. Sin, in this world, is the great source of estrangement from God - it is that which constantly vexes and distresses the soul. But in Heaven sin can never enter to defile, "Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life!" (Rev. 21:27).
The Church in its triumphant state shall be faultless (Jude 24; Ephesians 5:26-27). All will be like God. (1John 3:2).
4. It will be a life of perfect happiness. There is no perfect happiness in this world. Life here is like the sea - calms and storms, sunshine and clouds.
Sorrow is frequently the lot of God's people. Some are mourning the loss of relatives or friends, or sunk into deep adversity. Some are weeping over the sins of others, parents over their children, pastors over their flocks, and Christians over the wickedness of the world.
All the causes of evil will be annihilated in Heaven; sin shall distress no more, satan shall tempt no more, sickness shall pain no more, the tyrant shall oppress no more, death shall bereave and destroy no more. The Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes!" (Rev. 7:16-17).
5. It will be a life of substantial honor. They will be raised to a kingdom! "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom!" (Luke 12:32). Here on earth, they are counted as lowly and base, but there they will be recognized as the seed-royal of Heaven! It will be a life of honor which conquerors obtain. Crowns of victory are in reserve! Here on earth they wear a crown of thorns but there they will wear a diadem of glory!
It will be a crown of incorruption, of righteousness, a crown of life, meaning they will never die! It will be a crown of gold to denote the priceless and lasting honor to which they will be advanced, and the superlative wealth of the kingdom which they will possess. They will sit upon a throne the throne of Christ. It will be a life of rich enjoyment - a feast and a marriage supper; "Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" (Rev. 19:9).
7. Heaven is represented as enjoyment of the beatific vision
of God, when we shall see Him face to face, and understand the mysteries of creation, providence, and grace. The glory of God and the Lamb are the light of the celestial city, and the nations of them that are redeemed shall walk in the light thereof.
2. The Conduct of the Expectants of Eternal Life
a. They are to keep themselves in the love of God by faith, and prayer - praying in the Holy Spirit. See also Romans 8:26.
b. They are to look for eternal life. They are to expect it as matter of absolute certainty. Christ not only had the words of eternal life, but the title-deeds of that vast inheritance, and has transmitted them to all His followers, and those who believe now enter eternal rest. They are to look for it with humble expectation and deep abasement. They should wait for it with joyful and intense desire. They should live in a daily state of preparation for it. So that when they hear the announcement, "Behold the Bridegroom comes!" they may be ready and go forth to meet Him!
~William Nicholson~
(The End)
Saturday, August 18, 2018
The Power of the Holly Spirit
The Power of the Holy Spirit
There is hope in the Gospel for any man, so long as he lives. There is infinite willingness in Christ to pardon sin. There is infinite power in the Holy Spirit to change hearts. There are many diseases of the body which are incurable. The cleverest doctors cannot heal them. But, thank God! there no incurable diseases of soul. All manner and quantity of sins can be washed away by Christ! The hardest and most wicked of hearts can be changed.
I say again, while there is life - there is hope. The oldest, the vilest, the worst of sinners may be saved. Only let him come to Christ, confess his sin, and cry to Him for pardon - only let him cast his soul on Christ, and he shall be cured. The Holy Spirit shall be sent down on his heart, according to Christ's promise, and he shall be changed by His Almighty power, into a new creature.
I never despair of anyone becoming a decided Christian, whatever he may have been in days gone by. I know how great the change is from death to life. I know the mountains of division which seem to stand between some men and heaven; I know the hardness, the prejudices, the desperate sinfulness of the natural heart. But I remember that God the Father made the glorious world out of nothing. I remember that the voice of the Lord Jesus could reach Lazarus when, four days dead, and recall him even from the grave. I remember the amazing victories the Spirit of God has won in every nation under heaven. I remember all this - and feel that I never need despair.
Yes! those very people who now seem most utterly dead in sins, may yet be raised to a new being, and walk before God in newness of life. Why should it not be so? the Holy Spirit is a mighty, merciful, and loving Spirit. He turns away from no man, because of his vileness. He passes by no one, because his sins are black. There was nothing in the Corinthians that He should come down and quicken them. Paul reports of them, that they were fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners." "Such," he says, "were some of you!" Yet even them, the Spirit made alive. "You are washed," he writes, "you are sanctified, you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
There was nothing in the Colossians that He should visit their hearts. Paul tells us that they walked in sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry". Yet these also, the Spirit quickened. He made them "put off the old man with his deeds, and put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him" (Col. 3:5-11).
There was nothing in Mary Magdalene that the Spirit should make her soul alive. Once she had been possessed with seven devils; that she had been a woman of vileness and iniquity - yet even her, the Spirit made a new creature, separated from her sins, brought her to Christ, made her last at the Cross, and first at the tomb! Never, never will the Spirit turn away from a soul, because of its corruption. He never has done so - He never will. It is His glory that He has purified the minds of the most impure, and made them temples for His own abode. He may yet take the worst of those who read this tract - and make him a vessel of grace.
Why indeed should it not be so? The Spirit is an Almighty Spirit. He can change the stony heart into a heart of purity. He can break the strongest bad habits like wax before a fire. He has done it often - He will do it again.
The arm of the Holy Spirit is not shortened! His power is not delayed! He is like the Lord Jesus - the same yesterday, today, and forever.
We ministers might well despair, when we look at our own performances. We are often sick of ourselves. When we look at some who belong in our congregations; they seem as hard and insensible as the hardest stone! But we remember the Holy Spirit, and what He has done. He has not changed. He can come down like fire and melt the hardest hearts. He can convert the worst man or woman among our hearers, and mold their character into a new shape. And so we preach on. We hope, because of the Holy Spirit.
Oh, that our hearts would understand that the progress of true religion depends not on human might or power - but on the Holy Spirit! Oh, that many of them would learn to lean less on ministers, and to pray more for the Holy Spirit! You must go at once to the Lord Jesus Christ in prayer, and beseech Him to have mercy on you, and send you the Spirit! (John 7:39). The Holy Spirit is promised to those who ask Him. Give Him no rest until He comes down and makes you a new heart! The Spirit is a loving and good Spirit. But he who despises means of grace, resists the Holy Spirit.
Reader, remember these two things. I firmly believe that no man ever acted honestly and perseveringly on these two pieces of advice, who did not, sooner or later, have the Spirit, and find by experience that He is "mighty to save!"
~J. C. Ryle~
(The End)
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