Tried By Fire # 1
"But He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10).
Job here corrects himself. In the beginning of the chapter we find him saying: "Even today is my complaint bitter; my stroke is heavier than my groaning". Poor Job felt that his lot was unbearable. But he recovers himself. He checks his hasty outburst and revises his impetuous decision. How often we all have to correct ourselves! Only One has ever walked this earth who never had occasion to do so.
Job here comforts himself. He could not fathom the mysteries of Providence but God knew the way he took. Job had diligently sought the calming presence of God, but, for a time, in vain. Behold I go forward, but He is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive Him. On the left hand, where He does work, but I cannot behold Him". But he comforted himself with this blessed fact - though I cannot see God, what is a thousand times better, He can see me - "He knows." One above is neither unmindful nor indifferent to our lot. If He notices the fall of a sparrow; if he counts the hairs of our heads, of course "He knows" the way that I take.
Job here enunciates a noble view of life. How splendidly optimistic he was! He did not allow his afflictions to turn him into a skeptic. He did not permit the sore trials and troubles through which he was passing to overwhelm him. He looked at the bright side of the dark cloud - God's side, hidden from sense and reason. He took a long view of life. He looked beyond the immediate fiery trials and said that the outcome would be gold refined. "But He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me I shall come forth as gold." Three great truths are expressed here: let us briefly consider each separately.
"He knows the way that I take." The omniscience of God is one of the wondrous attributes of Deity. "For His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He sees all his goings" (Job 34:21). "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good (Prov. 15:3). Spurgeon said, "One of the greatest tests of experimental religion is, What is my relationship to God's omniscience?" What is your relationship to it, dear reader? How does it affect you? Does it distress or comfort you? Do you shrink from the thought of God knowing all about your way? perhaps a lying, selfish, hypocritical way! To the sinner this is a terrible thought. He denies it, or if not, he seeks to forget it. But to the Christian, here is real comfort. How cheering to remember that my Father knows all about my trials, my difficulties, my sorrows, my efforts to glorify Him. Precious truth for those in Christ; harrowing thought for all out of Christ - that the way I am taking is fully known to and observed by God.
"He knows the way that I take." Men did not know the way that Job took. He was grievously misunderstood, and for one with a sensitive temperament to be misunderstood, is a sore trial. His very friends thought he was a hypocrite. They believed he was a great sinner and being punished by God. Job knew that he was an unworthy saint, but not a hypocrite. He appealed against their censorious verdict. "He knows the way that I take when he has tried me I shall come forth as gold." Here is instruction for us when like circumstanced. Fellow believer, your fellow men, yes, and your fellow Christians, may misunderstand you, and misinterpret God's dealings with you: but console yourself with the blessed fact that the omniscient One knows.
"He knows the way that I take." In the fullest sense of the word Job himself did not know the way that he took, nor do any of us. Life is profoundly mysterious, and the passing of the years offer no solution. Nor does philosophizing help us. Human volition is a strange enigma. Consciousness bears witness that we are more than machines. The power of choice is exercised by us in every move we make. And yet it is plain that our freedom is not absolute. There are forces brought to bear upon us, both good and evil, which are beyond our power to resist. Both heredity and environment exercise powerful influences upon us. Our surroundings and circumstances are factors which cannot be ignored. And what of providence, which shapes our destinies? Ah, how little do we know the way which we "take." Said the prophet, "I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps" (Jer. 10:23). Here we enter the realm of mystery, and it is idle to deny it. Better far to acknowledge with the wise man, "Man's goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?" (Prov. 20:24).
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Discouragement # 1
Discouragement # 1
We have recently been impressed by the frequency with which God calls upon His people to "be strong and of a good courage" (Deu. 31:6-7; Jos. 1:6, 9, 18). Time after time, we find the Lord, either actually or substantially, exhorting His people thus. The implications are clear; that they are prone to give way to discouragement, that such a condition is a mark of weakness, and that a dispirited saint is dishonoring to the Lord. In this and the companion article, we propose to examine: the character or nature of discouragement, its causes or the roots from which it proceeds, its correctives or how it should be opposed, and its cure or remedy.
Much light is thrown upon this subject by a careful pondering of the first passage in holy Writ wherein the term occurs, namely, when we read of the children of Israel in the wilderness that "the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way" (Num. 21:4). Alas, how like unto them are many of the saints today! The Lord had wrought wondrously for Israel in bringing them out of Egypt and by destroying their foes at the Red Sea; and evidently, they expected a much quicker and easier journey into Canaan than what they actually experienced; and because their expectations were not realized - they became despondent!
The immediate context informs us that king Arad had opposed their progress and had taken some of them prisoners. Whereupon Israel vowed that if the Lord would deliver that nation into their hand, they would utterly destroy their cities. The Lord graciously did so, and they fulfilled their pledge. So far, so good. But then came a further testing: instead of their being led onward to the promised land - which involved their passing through the territory of another hostile people - they were conducted "from mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to compass (to go around) the land of Edom," and that greatly disheartened them. It seemed a retrograde course which entailed a return to the desert, where water was scarce - and their reaction thereto was one of dejection and discouragement.
To become discouraged is natural, yet it is neither glorifying to God, useful to ourselves, nor helpful to our brethren. It was not so in the above instance. The immediate sequel is most solemn, for the very next thing recorded is "They spoke against God and against Moses, and said: "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!" (Num. 21:5). And that, my reader, is written for our instruction and warning, for us to take heart and recognize the dangers attending a spirit of discouragement to open murmuring against God! That one consideration should be sufficient to convince us that so far from a state of discouragement being an innocent infirmity which we may fairly excuse, it is an insidious sin of which we need to make conscience and against which we should pray earnestly. The Lord at once manifested His displeasure against Israel by sending fiery serpents among the people - so that many of them died.
It is not a weakness to be excused - but a fault to be confessed. While it is true on the one hand that circumstances alter cases, and therefore sweeping generalizations and condemnations are to be avoided; yet on the other hand, we must never condone anything which is wrong in the sight of God; and if we are guided by the light of His Word thereon, then it is clear that a state of discouragement is sinful.
When David was dejected, he did not resort to self-pity or regard it as something which was inevitable - but betook himself to task for the same: "Why are you cast down, O my soul?" (Psalm 42:5). Why this faithless fainting, this childish fretfulness? He chided himself for the same, and it is striking to note that twice more (Psalm 43:5; 5, 11) he refused to yield to this spirit of gloom, and inquired into the cause of it. If at first he succeeded not in casting it off, he tried and tried again.
Some are likely to object, "It is natural to become discouraged: there are occasions when the strongest cannot prevent their hearts from being cast down. There is much in this world which has a depressing influence upon the Christian. There is not a little in his own experience which depresses him; while the response he meets with from others in return for his best-meant efforts often throws a dampener upon him." But the very fact that such a spirit is "natural" at once exposes its evil character - it is not spiritual! It is a thing of the flesh, and not a product of the workings of grace within us; and therefore, it is to be reprobated and not palliated. However melancholy may be our temperament, low our natural spirits, poor our health, or distressing our circumstances - it is wrong to yield to spirit of defeat, for the soul to become cast down, and unfitted for the cheerful discharge of our duties and the enjoyment of our privileges.
Of our sinless Saviour, it was prophesied that, despite all the opposition and trials He would encounter, "He shall not fail nor be discouraged" (Isaiah 42:4). It is because we fail, that we become discouraged - a further proof that it is a sin to be mortified and not excused.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
We have recently been impressed by the frequency with which God calls upon His people to "be strong and of a good courage" (Deu. 31:6-7; Jos. 1:6, 9, 18). Time after time, we find the Lord, either actually or substantially, exhorting His people thus. The implications are clear; that they are prone to give way to discouragement, that such a condition is a mark of weakness, and that a dispirited saint is dishonoring to the Lord. In this and the companion article, we propose to examine: the character or nature of discouragement, its causes or the roots from which it proceeds, its correctives or how it should be opposed, and its cure or remedy.
Much light is thrown upon this subject by a careful pondering of the first passage in holy Writ wherein the term occurs, namely, when we read of the children of Israel in the wilderness that "the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way" (Num. 21:4). Alas, how like unto them are many of the saints today! The Lord had wrought wondrously for Israel in bringing them out of Egypt and by destroying their foes at the Red Sea; and evidently, they expected a much quicker and easier journey into Canaan than what they actually experienced; and because their expectations were not realized - they became despondent!
The immediate context informs us that king Arad had opposed their progress and had taken some of them prisoners. Whereupon Israel vowed that if the Lord would deliver that nation into their hand, they would utterly destroy their cities. The Lord graciously did so, and they fulfilled their pledge. So far, so good. But then came a further testing: instead of their being led onward to the promised land - which involved their passing through the territory of another hostile people - they were conducted "from mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to compass (to go around) the land of Edom," and that greatly disheartened them. It seemed a retrograde course which entailed a return to the desert, where water was scarce - and their reaction thereto was one of dejection and discouragement.
To become discouraged is natural, yet it is neither glorifying to God, useful to ourselves, nor helpful to our brethren. It was not so in the above instance. The immediate sequel is most solemn, for the very next thing recorded is "They spoke against God and against Moses, and said: "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!" (Num. 21:5). And that, my reader, is written for our instruction and warning, for us to take heart and recognize the dangers attending a spirit of discouragement to open murmuring against God! That one consideration should be sufficient to convince us that so far from a state of discouragement being an innocent infirmity which we may fairly excuse, it is an insidious sin of which we need to make conscience and against which we should pray earnestly. The Lord at once manifested His displeasure against Israel by sending fiery serpents among the people - so that many of them died.
It is not a weakness to be excused - but a fault to be confessed. While it is true on the one hand that circumstances alter cases, and therefore sweeping generalizations and condemnations are to be avoided; yet on the other hand, we must never condone anything which is wrong in the sight of God; and if we are guided by the light of His Word thereon, then it is clear that a state of discouragement is sinful.
When David was dejected, he did not resort to self-pity or regard it as something which was inevitable - but betook himself to task for the same: "Why are you cast down, O my soul?" (Psalm 42:5). Why this faithless fainting, this childish fretfulness? He chided himself for the same, and it is striking to note that twice more (Psalm 43:5; 5, 11) he refused to yield to this spirit of gloom, and inquired into the cause of it. If at first he succeeded not in casting it off, he tried and tried again.
Some are likely to object, "It is natural to become discouraged: there are occasions when the strongest cannot prevent their hearts from being cast down. There is much in this world which has a depressing influence upon the Christian. There is not a little in his own experience which depresses him; while the response he meets with from others in return for his best-meant efforts often throws a dampener upon him." But the very fact that such a spirit is "natural" at once exposes its evil character - it is not spiritual! It is a thing of the flesh, and not a product of the workings of grace within us; and therefore, it is to be reprobated and not palliated. However melancholy may be our temperament, low our natural spirits, poor our health, or distressing our circumstances - it is wrong to yield to spirit of defeat, for the soul to become cast down, and unfitted for the cheerful discharge of our duties and the enjoyment of our privileges.
Of our sinless Saviour, it was prophesied that, despite all the opposition and trials He would encounter, "He shall not fail nor be discouraged" (Isaiah 42:4). It is because we fail, that we become discouraged - a further proof that it is a sin to be mortified and not excused.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Keeping the Heart
Keeping the Heart
In Christendom today there are thousands of professing Christians against whom little or nothing in the way of fault could be found, so far as their outward lives are concerned. They live moral, clean, upright, honest lives - while at the same time the state of their hearts is totally neglected. It is not sufficient, only to bring our outward deportment into harmony with the revealed will of God. He holds us accountable for what goes on inside, and requires us to keep check on the springs of our actions, the motives which inspire and the principles which regulate us. God requires "truth in the inward parts" (Psalm 51:6). Christ has enjoined us to, "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life" (Luke 21:34).
If I do not look within - how then shall I be able to ascertain whether I possess that poverty of spirit, mourning for unholiness, meekness, hungering and thirsting after righteousness and purity of heart upon which the Saviour pronounces His benediction? (Matthew 5:1-8).
We must remember that salvation itself is both subjective and objective, for it consists not only of what Christ did FOR His people - but also what he by the Holy Spirit did IN them. I have no evidence whatever of my justification, apart from my regeneration and sanctification. The one who can say "I am crucified with Christ" judicially, can also add "Christ lives IN me" (experimentally), and my living by faith in Him is proof that "He loved me and gave Himself for me" ( Galatians 2:20).
The heart is the center of man's moral nature, of the personality; it equals the whole inner man, it is the fount out of which everything else comes, and is the seat of his thoughts and of his affections and of his will (Genesis 6:5). To guard the heart means that we should live to the glory of God in every respect; that His glory should be the supreme desire of our life, that we desire to know Him, love Him, and serve Him.
If we are not to be approved by God - it is by no means sufficient that "we make clean the outside of the cup and platter," yet many suppose that that is all that matters. "Cleanse first that which is within" (Matt. 23:26) is our Lord's command. This is rarely given any attention these days, or none at all. It is the devil who seeks to persuade people that they are not responsible for the state of their hearts, that it is impossible unto those who think to be "called to heaven on flowery beds of ease." But no regenerate soul, with God's Word before him, will credit such falsehood. The Divine command is plain: "Keep your heart with all diligence - for out of it are the issues of life" (Prov. 4:23).
This is the principle task set before us, for it is at the heart that God ever looks. And there can be no pleasing Him, while the heart is unattended to; yes, woe be unto those who disregard it. He who makes no honest endeavor to cast out sinful thoughts and evil imaginations, and who does not mourn over their presence, is a spiritual leper. He who makes no conscience of the workings of unbelief, the cooling of his affections, the surgings of pride - is a stranger to any work of grace in the soul.
Not only does God bid you to "keep your heart," but He requires that you do it "with all diligence." That is, that you make it your main concern and constant care. The Hebrew word of "keep" signifies to "guard," to watch over this heart (that is, the soul or inward man) as a precious treasure of which thieves are ever ready to rob you. The devotions of your lips and the labors of your hands are unacceptable to the Lord - if your heart is not right in His sight.
The Bible lays open, as no other book, the turpitude and horrid nature of sin - as "that abominable thing" which God "hates" (Jere. 4:4), and which we are to detest and shun. It sternly condemns sin in all its forms, and makes known the dreadful curse and wrath of God, which are its due. It not only reproves sin in the outward lives of men - but reveals the secret faults of the heart, which is its chief seat. It warns against the first motions of sin, and legislates for the regulating of our spirits, requiring us to keep clean the fountain from which are "the issues of life." Its promises are made unto holiness, and its blessings bestowed upon "the pure in heart."
The ineffable and exalted holiness of the Bible, is its chief and peculiar excellence, as it is also the principal reason why it is disliked by the majority of the unregenerate. The Bible forbids all impure desires and unjust thoughts - as well as deeds. It prohibits envy and all forms of selfishness. It requires us to "cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and to perfect holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor. 7:1), and bids us to "abstain from all appearance of evil". Heavenly doctrine is to be matched with heavenly character and conduct.
Such a task calls for Divine aid, hence help and grace need to be earnestly and definitely sought of the Holy Spirit each day. So many today are just playing with the solemn realities of God, never embracing and making them their own. How about you, reader? Is this true of you?
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
In Christendom today there are thousands of professing Christians against whom little or nothing in the way of fault could be found, so far as their outward lives are concerned. They live moral, clean, upright, honest lives - while at the same time the state of their hearts is totally neglected. It is not sufficient, only to bring our outward deportment into harmony with the revealed will of God. He holds us accountable for what goes on inside, and requires us to keep check on the springs of our actions, the motives which inspire and the principles which regulate us. God requires "truth in the inward parts" (Psalm 51:6). Christ has enjoined us to, "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life" (Luke 21:34).
If I do not look within - how then shall I be able to ascertain whether I possess that poverty of spirit, mourning for unholiness, meekness, hungering and thirsting after righteousness and purity of heart upon which the Saviour pronounces His benediction? (Matthew 5:1-8).
We must remember that salvation itself is both subjective and objective, for it consists not only of what Christ did FOR His people - but also what he by the Holy Spirit did IN them. I have no evidence whatever of my justification, apart from my regeneration and sanctification. The one who can say "I am crucified with Christ" judicially, can also add "Christ lives IN me" (experimentally), and my living by faith in Him is proof that "He loved me and gave Himself for me" ( Galatians 2:20).
The heart is the center of man's moral nature, of the personality; it equals the whole inner man, it is the fount out of which everything else comes, and is the seat of his thoughts and of his affections and of his will (Genesis 6:5). To guard the heart means that we should live to the glory of God in every respect; that His glory should be the supreme desire of our life, that we desire to know Him, love Him, and serve Him.
If we are not to be approved by God - it is by no means sufficient that "we make clean the outside of the cup and platter," yet many suppose that that is all that matters. "Cleanse first that which is within" (Matt. 23:26) is our Lord's command. This is rarely given any attention these days, or none at all. It is the devil who seeks to persuade people that they are not responsible for the state of their hearts, that it is impossible unto those who think to be "called to heaven on flowery beds of ease." But no regenerate soul, with God's Word before him, will credit such falsehood. The Divine command is plain: "Keep your heart with all diligence - for out of it are the issues of life" (Prov. 4:23).
This is the principle task set before us, for it is at the heart that God ever looks. And there can be no pleasing Him, while the heart is unattended to; yes, woe be unto those who disregard it. He who makes no honest endeavor to cast out sinful thoughts and evil imaginations, and who does not mourn over their presence, is a spiritual leper. He who makes no conscience of the workings of unbelief, the cooling of his affections, the surgings of pride - is a stranger to any work of grace in the soul.
Not only does God bid you to "keep your heart," but He requires that you do it "with all diligence." That is, that you make it your main concern and constant care. The Hebrew word of "keep" signifies to "guard," to watch over this heart (that is, the soul or inward man) as a precious treasure of which thieves are ever ready to rob you. The devotions of your lips and the labors of your hands are unacceptable to the Lord - if your heart is not right in His sight.
The Bible lays open, as no other book, the turpitude and horrid nature of sin - as "that abominable thing" which God "hates" (Jere. 4:4), and which we are to detest and shun. It sternly condemns sin in all its forms, and makes known the dreadful curse and wrath of God, which are its due. It not only reproves sin in the outward lives of men - but reveals the secret faults of the heart, which is its chief seat. It warns against the first motions of sin, and legislates for the regulating of our spirits, requiring us to keep clean the fountain from which are "the issues of life." Its promises are made unto holiness, and its blessings bestowed upon "the pure in heart."
The ineffable and exalted holiness of the Bible, is its chief and peculiar excellence, as it is also the principal reason why it is disliked by the majority of the unregenerate. The Bible forbids all impure desires and unjust thoughts - as well as deeds. It prohibits envy and all forms of selfishness. It requires us to "cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and to perfect holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor. 7:1), and bids us to "abstain from all appearance of evil". Heavenly doctrine is to be matched with heavenly character and conduct.
Such a task calls for Divine aid, hence help and grace need to be earnestly and definitely sought of the Holy Spirit each day. So many today are just playing with the solemn realities of God, never embracing and making them their own. How about you, reader? Is this true of you?
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
The Day of Judgment # 5
The Day of Judgment # 5
The devil and his angels will also be judged on that day; but of the particular nature of the trial we are not informed. All that we know is, that "the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." (Jude 6). They are now miserable, but their cup is not full; therefore they cried out when they saw Jesus, "Have you come to torment us before the time?" (Matt. 8:29). At the breaking up of this great assembly, the present system of the world will be destroyed. For "the present heavens and earth are held in store for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men" ( 2 Peter 3:7).
Reader, deeply fix in your mind the certainty and importance of the transactions of this last, great day. Meditate upon it as a reality in which you have a momentous interest. Let every other day, as it passes, put you in mind of this in which all others will end. Consider also that it draws near. Every moment bears us on towards the great tribunal. Mockers may say, "Where is the promise of His coming? "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10).
O reader, whoever you are, let me entreat you to inquire without delay, whether you are prepared for the scrutiny and judgment of this coming day. Have you made your peace with God? Have you repented of all your sins? Are you in union with Christ by faith? Have you any clear scriptural evidence that your sins are pardoned? What says conscience to these inquires? Be assured, if your own heart condemns you, God, who is greater than your heart, and knows all things, will much more condemn you. But your situation is not like that of them whose day of grace is ended. You are yet in the place of reconciliation. You have yet a little time before you - God only knows how much. Now, then, hear the voice of warning! Hear the voice of mercy! Now "strive to enter in at the strait gate." Now forsake your sins, and live! Accept the offered grace - "lay hold on eternal life!"
Let no consideration induce you to delay your conversion. The importance of salvation - the uncertainty of life - the danger of provoking the Holy Spirit to abandon you - the example of thousands who have perished by procrastination - should urge you to lose no time, but to fall in with the gracious invitation of the gospel. But if you will refuse, then prepare to meet an angry God! Harden yourself against the terrors of the Almighty; summon all your fortitude to bear your dreadful doom from the Judge of living and dead. But I refrain - there is no fortitude or patience in hell.
"Behold, the axe is laid at the root of the tree," and now perhaps you are spared, on account of the prayer of some kind intercessor, for one year. This, for anything you know, may be your last year. If so, it behooves you to make good use of your time and privileges. Let the idea of the judgment be ever before your mind. There you must appear - there you must stand and render up your account - there you must be filled with overwhelming shame and terror - there you must hear the awful final sentence, which will fix your doom irreversibly, unless by a speedy repentance, and by faith in Jesus Christ, you flee from the wrath to come!
May God, of His infinite mercy, cause the truths which you have read in this paper to sink deeply into your mind; and by the light of His Holy Spirit lead you to just views of your own condition, and to saving views of the Lord Jesus Christ - the only Redeemer of lost sinners! Amen
~Archibald Alexander~
(The End)
The devil and his angels will also be judged on that day; but of the particular nature of the trial we are not informed. All that we know is, that "the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." (Jude 6). They are now miserable, but their cup is not full; therefore they cried out when they saw Jesus, "Have you come to torment us before the time?" (Matt. 8:29). At the breaking up of this great assembly, the present system of the world will be destroyed. For "the present heavens and earth are held in store for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men" ( 2 Peter 3:7).
Reader, deeply fix in your mind the certainty and importance of the transactions of this last, great day. Meditate upon it as a reality in which you have a momentous interest. Let every other day, as it passes, put you in mind of this in which all others will end. Consider also that it draws near. Every moment bears us on towards the great tribunal. Mockers may say, "Where is the promise of His coming? "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10).
O reader, whoever you are, let me entreat you to inquire without delay, whether you are prepared for the scrutiny and judgment of this coming day. Have you made your peace with God? Have you repented of all your sins? Are you in union with Christ by faith? Have you any clear scriptural evidence that your sins are pardoned? What says conscience to these inquires? Be assured, if your own heart condemns you, God, who is greater than your heart, and knows all things, will much more condemn you. But your situation is not like that of them whose day of grace is ended. You are yet in the place of reconciliation. You have yet a little time before you - God only knows how much. Now, then, hear the voice of warning! Hear the voice of mercy! Now "strive to enter in at the strait gate." Now forsake your sins, and live! Accept the offered grace - "lay hold on eternal life!"
Let no consideration induce you to delay your conversion. The importance of salvation - the uncertainty of life - the danger of provoking the Holy Spirit to abandon you - the example of thousands who have perished by procrastination - should urge you to lose no time, but to fall in with the gracious invitation of the gospel. But if you will refuse, then prepare to meet an angry God! Harden yourself against the terrors of the Almighty; summon all your fortitude to bear your dreadful doom from the Judge of living and dead. But I refrain - there is no fortitude or patience in hell.
"Behold, the axe is laid at the root of the tree," and now perhaps you are spared, on account of the prayer of some kind intercessor, for one year. This, for anything you know, may be your last year. If so, it behooves you to make good use of your time and privileges. Let the idea of the judgment be ever before your mind. There you must appear - there you must stand and render up your account - there you must be filled with overwhelming shame and terror - there you must hear the awful final sentence, which will fix your doom irreversibly, unless by a speedy repentance, and by faith in Jesus Christ, you flee from the wrath to come!
May God, of His infinite mercy, cause the truths which you have read in this paper to sink deeply into your mind; and by the light of His Holy Spirit lead you to just views of your own condition, and to saving views of the Lord Jesus Christ - the only Redeemer of lost sinners! Amen
~Archibald Alexander~
(The End)
Saturday, August 17, 2019
The Day of Judgment # 4
The Day of Judgment # 4
But those who suffered persecution and death for righteousness' sake, will be most highly distinguished, and most signally rewarded. "Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven!" (Matt. 5:11, 12). They also who have labored much in promoting the Redeemer's kingdom, will receive a reward proportioned to their works of faith and labors of love. But none who have done good shall fail of their reward. Everyone shall receive according to what he has done; and everyone will be satisfied; for the lowest place in glory is a situation too dazzling for our present conceptions, and the whole is a matter of pure grace. These works, considered in themselves, deserve no reward. But it is the will of God that every holy desire, every good word and work, in the members of Christ's body, should receive a mark of his favor - to the honor and glory of Him who is their Head, and who died for their salvation.
When the gracious sentence, "Come, you blessed, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world," is pronounced, the righteous shall be caught up to the Lord, and shall be seated by His side, and be united with Him in the remaining transactions of that great day; for it is written, "The saints shall judge the world," and, "Know you not that you shall judge angels?"
The case of the righteous being disposed of, then will come that awful transaction of pronouncing sentence on the wicked. They will, indeed, have anticipated the sentence. By this time they will be certain of their doom; but the scene itself will far exceed all apprehensions before entertained. To behold the face of inflexible justice turned towards them - to hear the irreversible sentence of condemnation, and that too from the mouth of the benevolent Son of God - to feel in the inmost soul the justice of the sentence - to be as certain of everlasting damnation as they are of existence - are things concerning which we can speak now, but of which we can form but very feeble conceptions, compared with the dreadful reality. In all his existence there will probably be no moment in which the sinner's anguish will be so poignant as in this, when the Judge shall say, "Depart, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels!" (Matt. 25:41).
Every word in this tremendous denunciation will pierce through the soul with more insufferable pain than ten thousand daggers. It is reasonable to think that every person against whom it is pronounced, will endure as much misery at that moment as in the nature of things is possible. And if this were all, the prospect would be appalling; but to be doomed to endless misery in fire, with the devil and his angels! - who can bear the thought without horror and dismay? Yet, as sure as God is true, will this sentence be executed on every impenitent sinner. Men may reason and cavil now, but then every mouth shall be stopped. That the cry of despair and horror will be heard through the great multitude, is certain - such a great and bitter cry as was never heard before. But it is all in vain; repentance comes too late. The day of grace is forever past. The gospel dispensation is ended. This is the consummation of all things.
No change in condition can ever be expected. Those who are saved, have their salvation secured by the oath and promise of God; and those who are lost, have their damnation sealed forever and ever by a judicial sentence which can never be revoked. And from this sentence there is no appeal. There is no higher tribunal to which the cause may be transferred. Neither can any resistance be made to the execution of the sentence. Those who are now bold and daring in their blasphemies and rebellion, will then find that they are in the hands of a sin-avenging God. It will belong to the holy angels, who are mighty in power, to execute the sentence of the Judge. "So shall it be," said our blessed Saviour, "at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." (Matt. 13:49), 50). And it will be as impossible to escape as to resist. The rocks and mountains will not cover them. They cannot cease to exist. Go where they will, God is there to execute deserved wrath upon them. They will therefore be obliged "to go away into everlasting punishment" (Matt. 25:46).
~Archibald Alexander~
(continued with # 5)
But those who suffered persecution and death for righteousness' sake, will be most highly distinguished, and most signally rewarded. "Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven!" (Matt. 5:11, 12). They also who have labored much in promoting the Redeemer's kingdom, will receive a reward proportioned to their works of faith and labors of love. But none who have done good shall fail of their reward. Everyone shall receive according to what he has done; and everyone will be satisfied; for the lowest place in glory is a situation too dazzling for our present conceptions, and the whole is a matter of pure grace. These works, considered in themselves, deserve no reward. But it is the will of God that every holy desire, every good word and work, in the members of Christ's body, should receive a mark of his favor - to the honor and glory of Him who is their Head, and who died for their salvation.
When the gracious sentence, "Come, you blessed, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world," is pronounced, the righteous shall be caught up to the Lord, and shall be seated by His side, and be united with Him in the remaining transactions of that great day; for it is written, "The saints shall judge the world," and, "Know you not that you shall judge angels?"
The case of the righteous being disposed of, then will come that awful transaction of pronouncing sentence on the wicked. They will, indeed, have anticipated the sentence. By this time they will be certain of their doom; but the scene itself will far exceed all apprehensions before entertained. To behold the face of inflexible justice turned towards them - to hear the irreversible sentence of condemnation, and that too from the mouth of the benevolent Son of God - to feel in the inmost soul the justice of the sentence - to be as certain of everlasting damnation as they are of existence - are things concerning which we can speak now, but of which we can form but very feeble conceptions, compared with the dreadful reality. In all his existence there will probably be no moment in which the sinner's anguish will be so poignant as in this, when the Judge shall say, "Depart, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels!" (Matt. 25:41).
Every word in this tremendous denunciation will pierce through the soul with more insufferable pain than ten thousand daggers. It is reasonable to think that every person against whom it is pronounced, will endure as much misery at that moment as in the nature of things is possible. And if this were all, the prospect would be appalling; but to be doomed to endless misery in fire, with the devil and his angels! - who can bear the thought without horror and dismay? Yet, as sure as God is true, will this sentence be executed on every impenitent sinner. Men may reason and cavil now, but then every mouth shall be stopped. That the cry of despair and horror will be heard through the great multitude, is certain - such a great and bitter cry as was never heard before. But it is all in vain; repentance comes too late. The day of grace is forever past. The gospel dispensation is ended. This is the consummation of all things.
No change in condition can ever be expected. Those who are saved, have their salvation secured by the oath and promise of God; and those who are lost, have their damnation sealed forever and ever by a judicial sentence which can never be revoked. And from this sentence there is no appeal. There is no higher tribunal to which the cause may be transferred. Neither can any resistance be made to the execution of the sentence. Those who are now bold and daring in their blasphemies and rebellion, will then find that they are in the hands of a sin-avenging God. It will belong to the holy angels, who are mighty in power, to execute the sentence of the Judge. "So shall it be," said our blessed Saviour, "at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." (Matt. 13:49), 50). And it will be as impossible to escape as to resist. The rocks and mountains will not cover them. They cannot cease to exist. Go where they will, God is there to execute deserved wrath upon them. They will therefore be obliged "to go away into everlasting punishment" (Matt. 25:46).
~Archibald Alexander~
(continued with # 5)
The Day of Judgment # 3
The Day of Judgment # 3
And as externally good actions will then be examined by One who has a full view of the motives from which they proceeded, and the end which the person had in view - is it not certain that many religious actions will then appear to have been mere hypocrisy? that many actions, apparently just and benevolent, were mere efforts of pride and selfishness? and that a life moral and blameless in the eyes of men - was a mere cloak which covered a heart full of unclean lusts? Our most intimate friends here will be astonished when they see our secret iniquities and wicked motives exposed to view. The most detestable crimes will be unveiled in those who passed through life without suspicion! O how many secret murders, perjuries, thefts, blasphemies, and adulteries - will then be brought to light! How much injustice, fraud, cruelty, oppression, pride, malice, revenge will then be unveiled!
The cries of the injured, the widow, and the orphan, always enter into the ears of the Lord, and He now comes to avenge them. Cruel persecutors of God's people, though clothed in purple, and almost adored when living in the world, will now be brought to a severe account. The blood of the martyred saints from beneath the altar has been long crying out, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, do you not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" (Rev. 6:10). And now the day of retribution has arrived!
What will be the length of time occupied with the judgment we know not. It is called a day, but it will differ exceedingly from all other days; and in its duration, probably, as well as in other respects. Our wisdom is to attend to what is revealed, and to repress a vain curiosity in regard to other matters. We may rest assured that the whole process will be wisely conducted, and that complete justice will be done. The Judge of all the earth will do right! He will not condemn the innocent, nor clear the guilty. And His judgment will be most impartial. There will be no respecting of people. The king and the beggar will stand upon equal ground, and will be judged by the same standard, and had no opportunity of clearing up their character, will then be vindicated, and lies and reproaches will have effect no more.
But here a serious difficulty occurs. It may be said, "If the law of God is the rule of judgment, and if all sins are brought into judgment, then certainly every human being must be condemned - for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. According to this view, none can be saved. To remove this difficulty, let it be remembered, that besides the book of the law, there is another book which will be produced there, written from the foundation of the world. This is called THE BOOK OF LIFE. This contains the names - and they shall never be blotted out - of all those who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. These He has undertaken to present to God without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing. They will appear on that day clothed with the righteousness of the Redeemer. The Judge on the throne is their covenanted Surety. He answers to every accusation made against them.
But notwithstanding "there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus;" notwithstanding none can "lay anything to the charge of God's elect;" yet they also shall be brought into judgment. When all things are prepared, and the whole assembly is collected before the solemn tribunal, a separation will be made of the great congregation into two parts, the righteous, and the wicked. The former will be placed on the right hand of the Judge, and with them He will commence. But no sooner shall their numerous sins be brought to view, then it will be made to appear that they are pardoned through the blood of Christ! When the books are opened, a long account will appear against them; but on the other hand, it will be seen that the whole is freely forgiven through the riches of grace in Christ Jesus!
But a most exact account will be taken of all their good works; and they will be mentioned to their honor, and rewarded as though no imperfection had cleaved to them! The least act of kindness done to any of Christ's followers will be magnified and rewarded as if done to Christ Himself. Even the giving a cup of cold water to a disciple, in the name of a disciple, shall not lose its reward. People in the lowest state, servants and slaves, who performed their duty faithfully, shall not be forgotten in that day. "Remember that the Lord will each of us, whether slave or free, for the good work we do." (Eph. 6:8).
~Archibald Alexander~
(continued with # 4)
And as externally good actions will then be examined by One who has a full view of the motives from which they proceeded, and the end which the person had in view - is it not certain that many religious actions will then appear to have been mere hypocrisy? that many actions, apparently just and benevolent, were mere efforts of pride and selfishness? and that a life moral and blameless in the eyes of men - was a mere cloak which covered a heart full of unclean lusts? Our most intimate friends here will be astonished when they see our secret iniquities and wicked motives exposed to view. The most detestable crimes will be unveiled in those who passed through life without suspicion! O how many secret murders, perjuries, thefts, blasphemies, and adulteries - will then be brought to light! How much injustice, fraud, cruelty, oppression, pride, malice, revenge will then be unveiled!
The cries of the injured, the widow, and the orphan, always enter into the ears of the Lord, and He now comes to avenge them. Cruel persecutors of God's people, though clothed in purple, and almost adored when living in the world, will now be brought to a severe account. The blood of the martyred saints from beneath the altar has been long crying out, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, do you not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" (Rev. 6:10). And now the day of retribution has arrived!
What will be the length of time occupied with the judgment we know not. It is called a day, but it will differ exceedingly from all other days; and in its duration, probably, as well as in other respects. Our wisdom is to attend to what is revealed, and to repress a vain curiosity in regard to other matters. We may rest assured that the whole process will be wisely conducted, and that complete justice will be done. The Judge of all the earth will do right! He will not condemn the innocent, nor clear the guilty. And His judgment will be most impartial. There will be no respecting of people. The king and the beggar will stand upon equal ground, and will be judged by the same standard, and had no opportunity of clearing up their character, will then be vindicated, and lies and reproaches will have effect no more.
But here a serious difficulty occurs. It may be said, "If the law of God is the rule of judgment, and if all sins are brought into judgment, then certainly every human being must be condemned - for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. According to this view, none can be saved. To remove this difficulty, let it be remembered, that besides the book of the law, there is another book which will be produced there, written from the foundation of the world. This is called THE BOOK OF LIFE. This contains the names - and they shall never be blotted out - of all those who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. These He has undertaken to present to God without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing. They will appear on that day clothed with the righteousness of the Redeemer. The Judge on the throne is their covenanted Surety. He answers to every accusation made against them.
But notwithstanding "there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus;" notwithstanding none can "lay anything to the charge of God's elect;" yet they also shall be brought into judgment. When all things are prepared, and the whole assembly is collected before the solemn tribunal, a separation will be made of the great congregation into two parts, the righteous, and the wicked. The former will be placed on the right hand of the Judge, and with them He will commence. But no sooner shall their numerous sins be brought to view, then it will be made to appear that they are pardoned through the blood of Christ! When the books are opened, a long account will appear against them; but on the other hand, it will be seen that the whole is freely forgiven through the riches of grace in Christ Jesus!
But a most exact account will be taken of all their good works; and they will be mentioned to their honor, and rewarded as though no imperfection had cleaved to them! The least act of kindness done to any of Christ's followers will be magnified and rewarded as if done to Christ Himself. Even the giving a cup of cold water to a disciple, in the name of a disciple, shall not lose its reward. People in the lowest state, servants and slaves, who performed their duty faithfully, shall not be forgotten in that day. "Remember that the Lord will each of us, whether slave or free, for the good work we do." (Eph. 6:8).
~Archibald Alexander~
(continued with # 4)
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Why Halt Between Two Opinions?
Why Halt Between Two Opinions?
Between truth and error, light and darkness, there is a perpetual conflict. Every human soul experiences something of this. Evidence is always on the side of truth; but by the mind blinded by prejudice and passion, the evidence of truth is not seen, or not perceived with sufficient clearness to give it efficacy. A mind under the influence of depraved dispositions is incapable of judging impartially of the nature and evidence of truth; it is strongly biased by inclination to sinful indulgence, and by a fixed aversion to everything which tends to restrain the evil desires of the corrupt heart. Yet some rays of light will at times dart into such a soul, and awaken serious reflection; and conscience cannot be easy when the obligation of duty is felt, and the course pursued is seen to be a series of transgressions of God's holy law. Conscience asserts the rightful authority of God, and testifies against known sin.
The sinner is brought to a pause. The thoughts of death, judgment, and eternity, are dreadful. He begins to think of a reformation, the necessity of which he cannot doubt; but some darling lust puts in its plea and solicits indulgence. The deceitful heart promises, that if now indulged, it will consent to forsake the beloved sin at some future time - perhaps it promises never to solicit for indulgence again. "This once only" has been the plea which has often decided the eternal destiny of an immortal soul.
When the truth is heard from the pulpit, the sinner is often brought to a stand. He is convinced that his course of life is wrong, and that if persisted in, it must end in ruin. For a moment he hesitates - halts between two opinions - between truth and error, between duty and transgression, between the choice of life or death; but too often the pause is momentary, the hesitation which is painful is brought abruptly to a close.
The young man just entering on the path of sinful indulgence, whose conscience is not yet seared, and who has some knowledge of the truth - has to pass through many a tremendous struggle with his own conscience before he can go on in his sinful course without opposition. Often is he brought to halt between two opinions. Often does he resolve to break the chains of iniquity which begin to entwine around him; but these resolutions are like the cords on Samson's arms - under the power of the next temptation, they are like tread when it touches fire. Repeated efforts proving ineffectual, the vanquished soul gives itself up a willing captive to satan. All serious opposition ceases. And now the sinner begins to justify his course by error and infidelity. He becomes ingenious in finding out arguments in favor of his licentious course. Hereafter there is no more halting between two opinions; he is carried down the strong current, until he plunges into the abyss of perdition!
The prophet addressed the idolatrous Israelites with the question, "How long will you halt between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him." The object of Elijah was to bring them to a decision, one way or the other. Nothing is more unreasonable than hesitation in a matter so important, and where the duty and interest of those addressed were so manifest. But still they are left to choose. If they are willing to serve God, well; if not, choose whom you will serve. Only halt no longer. God hates this perpetual vacillation. "I wish that you were cold or hot," says Christ. "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue you out of my mouth."
Sinner, make up your mind. You are left at perfect liberty. There is no constraint, no concern. God will have none but willing servants. But know, that if you make a wrong choice, if your mind adopt a wrong purpose, and determine to follow an evil course, you will have no one to blame but yourself.
~Archibald Alexander~
(The End)
Between truth and error, light and darkness, there is a perpetual conflict. Every human soul experiences something of this. Evidence is always on the side of truth; but by the mind blinded by prejudice and passion, the evidence of truth is not seen, or not perceived with sufficient clearness to give it efficacy. A mind under the influence of depraved dispositions is incapable of judging impartially of the nature and evidence of truth; it is strongly biased by inclination to sinful indulgence, and by a fixed aversion to everything which tends to restrain the evil desires of the corrupt heart. Yet some rays of light will at times dart into such a soul, and awaken serious reflection; and conscience cannot be easy when the obligation of duty is felt, and the course pursued is seen to be a series of transgressions of God's holy law. Conscience asserts the rightful authority of God, and testifies against known sin.
The sinner is brought to a pause. The thoughts of death, judgment, and eternity, are dreadful. He begins to think of a reformation, the necessity of which he cannot doubt; but some darling lust puts in its plea and solicits indulgence. The deceitful heart promises, that if now indulged, it will consent to forsake the beloved sin at some future time - perhaps it promises never to solicit for indulgence again. "This once only" has been the plea which has often decided the eternal destiny of an immortal soul.
When the truth is heard from the pulpit, the sinner is often brought to a stand. He is convinced that his course of life is wrong, and that if persisted in, it must end in ruin. For a moment he hesitates - halts between two opinions - between truth and error, between duty and transgression, between the choice of life or death; but too often the pause is momentary, the hesitation which is painful is brought abruptly to a close.
The young man just entering on the path of sinful indulgence, whose conscience is not yet seared, and who has some knowledge of the truth - has to pass through many a tremendous struggle with his own conscience before he can go on in his sinful course without opposition. Often is he brought to halt between two opinions. Often does he resolve to break the chains of iniquity which begin to entwine around him; but these resolutions are like the cords on Samson's arms - under the power of the next temptation, they are like tread when it touches fire. Repeated efforts proving ineffectual, the vanquished soul gives itself up a willing captive to satan. All serious opposition ceases. And now the sinner begins to justify his course by error and infidelity. He becomes ingenious in finding out arguments in favor of his licentious course. Hereafter there is no more halting between two opinions; he is carried down the strong current, until he plunges into the abyss of perdition!
The prophet addressed the idolatrous Israelites with the question, "How long will you halt between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him." The object of Elijah was to bring them to a decision, one way or the other. Nothing is more unreasonable than hesitation in a matter so important, and where the duty and interest of those addressed were so manifest. But still they are left to choose. If they are willing to serve God, well; if not, choose whom you will serve. Only halt no longer. God hates this perpetual vacillation. "I wish that you were cold or hot," says Christ. "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue you out of my mouth."
Sinner, make up your mind. You are left at perfect liberty. There is no constraint, no concern. God will have none but willing servants. But know, that if you make a wrong choice, if your mind adopt a wrong purpose, and determine to follow an evil course, you will have no one to blame but yourself.
~Archibald Alexander~
(The End)
The Day of Judgment # 2
The Day of Judgment # 2
And the inquiry will extend not only to positive acts of sin; but also to omissions of duty. Great as is the number of the acts of wickedness, the catalogue of omissions will be greater, and ;not less criminal. The first sin of this sort which will claim the attention of the Judge, will be the omission to entertain and cultivate right sentiments towards God. No more heavy charge will be brought against any individual on that day, than that he neglected to love the Lord his God with all his heart, and soul, and mind, and strength. This is the total violation of the first and greatest command, and the fountain of all other iniquities.
The neglect to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ when He was offered to us a complete Saviour in the gospel, will, to the unfruitful hearers of the word, be an accusation of the highest kind. The heinousness and enormity of unbelief which now affects the consciences of men so little, will on that day appear in a glaring light. It will not be strange if it should call forth reproaches upon the unhappy culprit, from devils who never had a Saviour provided, and from heathen who never had a Saviour offered to them.
In that account which our Lord has given of the process of the judgment, in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, the neglect of kindness to the godly, by visiting, comforting, and aiding them, is the only thing mentioned. Whatever else, then, may be noticed, we are sure this will not be forgotten. The whole passage is so solemn and interesting, that it deserves our deepest attention: "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, "Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me." "The the righteous will answer Him, "Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?" "And the King will answer them, "I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me." Then He will also say to those on the left, "Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels! For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger and you didn't take Me in; I was naked and you didn't clothe Me." Then they too will answer, "Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help You?" "Then He will answer them, "I assure you: Whatever you did not do for the of the least of these, you did not do for Me either." "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matt. 25:31-46).
And let it be well considered, that most of the sins which are mentioned in the discourses or Christ as the ground of condemnation, are sins of omission. The slothful servant, who prepares not himself, is the wicked servant, who will be cast into outer darkness.
The man who wrapped his talent in a napkin and buried it, is condemned out of his own mouth. For "to him that knows to do good," of any kind, "and does it not - to him it is sin!" (James 4:17).
Many who prided themselves in their inoffensive lives and harmless behavior, will find, when the books are opened, a catalogue of omissions which will startle them with horror, and overwhelm them with confusion!
"God does not view things the way men do. People look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7).
"You are the ones who make yourselves look right in other people's sight, but God knows your hearts. For the things that are considered of great value by people are worth nothing in God's sight." (Luke 16:15).
"He Himself knew what was in their hearts." (John 2:25).
"Lord, you know the thoughts of everyone." (Acts 1:24).
"Almighty Lord, You test people justly; You know what is in their hearts and minds." (Jeremiah 20:12).
"You alone know the thoughts of the human heart. Deal with each person as he deserves." (1 Kings 8:39).
~Archibald Alexander~
(continued with # 3)
And the inquiry will extend not only to positive acts of sin; but also to omissions of duty. Great as is the number of the acts of wickedness, the catalogue of omissions will be greater, and ;not less criminal. The first sin of this sort which will claim the attention of the Judge, will be the omission to entertain and cultivate right sentiments towards God. No more heavy charge will be brought against any individual on that day, than that he neglected to love the Lord his God with all his heart, and soul, and mind, and strength. This is the total violation of the first and greatest command, and the fountain of all other iniquities.
The neglect to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ when He was offered to us a complete Saviour in the gospel, will, to the unfruitful hearers of the word, be an accusation of the highest kind. The heinousness and enormity of unbelief which now affects the consciences of men so little, will on that day appear in a glaring light. It will not be strange if it should call forth reproaches upon the unhappy culprit, from devils who never had a Saviour provided, and from heathen who never had a Saviour offered to them.
In that account which our Lord has given of the process of the judgment, in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, the neglect of kindness to the godly, by visiting, comforting, and aiding them, is the only thing mentioned. Whatever else, then, may be noticed, we are sure this will not be forgotten. The whole passage is so solemn and interesting, that it deserves our deepest attention: "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, "Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me." "The the righteous will answer Him, "Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?" "And the King will answer them, "I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me." Then He will also say to those on the left, "Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels! For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger and you didn't take Me in; I was naked and you didn't clothe Me." Then they too will answer, "Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help You?" "Then He will answer them, "I assure you: Whatever you did not do for the of the least of these, you did not do for Me either." "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matt. 25:31-46).
And let it be well considered, that most of the sins which are mentioned in the discourses or Christ as the ground of condemnation, are sins of omission. The slothful servant, who prepares not himself, is the wicked servant, who will be cast into outer darkness.
The man who wrapped his talent in a napkin and buried it, is condemned out of his own mouth. For "to him that knows to do good," of any kind, "and does it not - to him it is sin!" (James 4:17).
Many who prided themselves in their inoffensive lives and harmless behavior, will find, when the books are opened, a catalogue of omissions which will startle them with horror, and overwhelm them with confusion!
"God does not view things the way men do. People look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7).
"You are the ones who make yourselves look right in other people's sight, but God knows your hearts. For the things that are considered of great value by people are worth nothing in God's sight." (Luke 16:15).
"He Himself knew what was in their hearts." (John 2:25).
"Lord, you know the thoughts of everyone." (Acts 1:24).
"Almighty Lord, You test people justly; You know what is in their hearts and minds." (Jeremiah 20:12).
"You alone know the thoughts of the human heart. Deal with each person as he deserves." (1 Kings 8:39).
~Archibald Alexander~
(continued with # 3)
Saturday, August 3, 2019
The Day of Judgment # 1
The Day of Judgment # 1
That a just God will render to every man according to his character and works, is a dictate of reason. Conscience also intimates to every man, when he sins, that he deserves to be punished. When we see or hear of great crimes committed by others, such as murders, perjuries, robbery, or treachery - we feel something within us demanding that such should receive deserved punishment. But we see that the wicked are not always punished in this world, according to their evil deeds. It seem reasonable, therefore, to expect that there will be a judgment after death.
We are not left, however, to the mere dictates of reason on this subject. God, in His Word, has revealed in thee clearest manner that there will be a day of reckoning at the end of the world. This day is appointed, and will certainly come. It is not so certain that we shall ever see the sun rise again, as it is that we shall see the day of judgment. The Lord Jesus Christ is also appointed to act as Judge on that day: "because He has appointed a day, in which He will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom He has ordained." (Acts 17:31). "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10).
When this solemn day will arrive is a profound secret, not revealed to any creature in the universe. But we know that it will come suddenly and unexpectedly on those who shall then be on the earth. As it was in the days of Noah and of Lot, so will it be in the day of judgment. Men will be pursuing their common worldly business and amusements, without apprehension of danger, when the sound of the last trumpet shall be heard - for the trumpet shall sound - and the Son of man shall be seen coming in the clouds of heaven!
The race of man shall not cease from the earth until that day comes. There will then be a generation of living inhabitants, probably very numerous, in the world. These will never die as other men, but they will undergo change equivalent to death and a resurrection; in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, they shall be changed. But all those who are in their graves shall hear the voice of God, and shall come forth, great and small. No sooner shall the trumpet sound, than the scattered dust of unnumbered millions shall resume its proper place in every man. No matter where it lies, or how widely it may have been scattered, one word of the Almighty God is sufficient to bring it to its place, and animate it with new life. The multitude which will then start up into life cannot be conceived, it will be so great. There will stand Adam and all his posterity; there will stand those who lived before the flood, and those who have lived since; there will be seen the ancient patriarchs, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the inspired prophets and apostles; thee will appear kings, emperors, nobles, and their subjects; the learned philosopher and the ignorant multitude; ministers and their congregations, parents and their children, masters and their servants - all, all coming forward to the grand tribunal! Not one of our whole race will be absent from this great assembly. There, reader, shall you and I stand - trembling or rejoicing!
It is useless to inquire where room can be found for so great a multitude to stand, for this will be a day of miracles. All the wonders ever exhibited before will be nothing to the wonders of that day. Indeed, all that is natural will end on that day, and everything will be miraculous. The sun will no longer rise and set, the moon no longer giver her light, and the stars shall no longer appear in the skies. Heaven will appear to have come down to earth, for the King of kings and Lord of heaven will be visible to all, with all His own glory and that of His Father. And all the holy angels will appear in attendance, standing round His throne, ready to execute His orders, whether of justice or of mercy.
When all things are prepared - when the Judge has taken His seat on the tribunal, and all men are brought before Him, the judgment will begin; "and the books will be opened." What books these are, except one, which is "the book of life," we are not informed; but we may be sure that one is the book of God's law, and another the record of human actions which is in the "book of God's "remembrance." It is not necessary to think of more. These contain all that is necessary for conducting the trial of every man. The one contains the law, and the other the testimony. But everything will be conducted with the most perfect justice and equity. Every man will be judged for his own deeds, and according to that knowledge of the law which he had opportunity of acquiring. The omniscience of the Judge will enable him to estimate with perfect exactness all the circumstances of every action; everything which aggravates guilt, and everything which palliates it, will have due consideration. Those who lived under the patriarchal dispensation, will be judged according to the light and advantages then enjoyed. Those who lived under the Mosaic economy, will be judged by the law of Moses. Those who enjoyed the clear light of the gospel, will be dealt with in a manner accordant to their advantages. Those who enjoyed no external revelation, will be judged by that law written on the hearts of all men.
The things which shall be brought under the eye of the Judge, and exhibited to the view of the universe, are, all deeds done in the body - whatever a man has done, whether good or bad. Every secret thing. "For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (Eccl. 12:14). Every idle word, "I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." (Matt. 12:36). The thoughts of the heart shall also be made manifest. Every unholy desire; every proud, envious, or malicious thought; every secret purpose of iniquity; every unhallowed temper; every rebellious and discontented and ungrateful feeling towards God and His government - will be brought into judgment.
~Archibald Alexander~
(continued with # 2)
That a just God will render to every man according to his character and works, is a dictate of reason. Conscience also intimates to every man, when he sins, that he deserves to be punished. When we see or hear of great crimes committed by others, such as murders, perjuries, robbery, or treachery - we feel something within us demanding that such should receive deserved punishment. But we see that the wicked are not always punished in this world, according to their evil deeds. It seem reasonable, therefore, to expect that there will be a judgment after death.
We are not left, however, to the mere dictates of reason on this subject. God, in His Word, has revealed in thee clearest manner that there will be a day of reckoning at the end of the world. This day is appointed, and will certainly come. It is not so certain that we shall ever see the sun rise again, as it is that we shall see the day of judgment. The Lord Jesus Christ is also appointed to act as Judge on that day: "because He has appointed a day, in which He will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom He has ordained." (Acts 17:31). "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10).
When this solemn day will arrive is a profound secret, not revealed to any creature in the universe. But we know that it will come suddenly and unexpectedly on those who shall then be on the earth. As it was in the days of Noah and of Lot, so will it be in the day of judgment. Men will be pursuing their common worldly business and amusements, without apprehension of danger, when the sound of the last trumpet shall be heard - for the trumpet shall sound - and the Son of man shall be seen coming in the clouds of heaven!
The race of man shall not cease from the earth until that day comes. There will then be a generation of living inhabitants, probably very numerous, in the world. These will never die as other men, but they will undergo change equivalent to death and a resurrection; in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, they shall be changed. But all those who are in their graves shall hear the voice of God, and shall come forth, great and small. No sooner shall the trumpet sound, than the scattered dust of unnumbered millions shall resume its proper place in every man. No matter where it lies, or how widely it may have been scattered, one word of the Almighty God is sufficient to bring it to its place, and animate it with new life. The multitude which will then start up into life cannot be conceived, it will be so great. There will stand Adam and all his posterity; there will stand those who lived before the flood, and those who have lived since; there will be seen the ancient patriarchs, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the inspired prophets and apostles; thee will appear kings, emperors, nobles, and their subjects; the learned philosopher and the ignorant multitude; ministers and their congregations, parents and their children, masters and their servants - all, all coming forward to the grand tribunal! Not one of our whole race will be absent from this great assembly. There, reader, shall you and I stand - trembling or rejoicing!
It is useless to inquire where room can be found for so great a multitude to stand, for this will be a day of miracles. All the wonders ever exhibited before will be nothing to the wonders of that day. Indeed, all that is natural will end on that day, and everything will be miraculous. The sun will no longer rise and set, the moon no longer giver her light, and the stars shall no longer appear in the skies. Heaven will appear to have come down to earth, for the King of kings and Lord of heaven will be visible to all, with all His own glory and that of His Father. And all the holy angels will appear in attendance, standing round His throne, ready to execute His orders, whether of justice or of mercy.
When all things are prepared - when the Judge has taken His seat on the tribunal, and all men are brought before Him, the judgment will begin; "and the books will be opened." What books these are, except one, which is "the book of life," we are not informed; but we may be sure that one is the book of God's law, and another the record of human actions which is in the "book of God's "remembrance." It is not necessary to think of more. These contain all that is necessary for conducting the trial of every man. The one contains the law, and the other the testimony. But everything will be conducted with the most perfect justice and equity. Every man will be judged for his own deeds, and according to that knowledge of the law which he had opportunity of acquiring. The omniscience of the Judge will enable him to estimate with perfect exactness all the circumstances of every action; everything which aggravates guilt, and everything which palliates it, will have due consideration. Those who lived under the patriarchal dispensation, will be judged according to the light and advantages then enjoyed. Those who lived under the Mosaic economy, will be judged by the law of Moses. Those who enjoyed the clear light of the gospel, will be dealt with in a manner accordant to their advantages. Those who enjoyed no external revelation, will be judged by that law written on the hearts of all men.
The things which shall be brought under the eye of the Judge, and exhibited to the view of the universe, are, all deeds done in the body - whatever a man has done, whether good or bad. Every secret thing. "For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (Eccl. 12:14). Every idle word, "I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." (Matt. 12:36). The thoughts of the heart shall also be made manifest. Every unholy desire; every proud, envious, or malicious thought; every secret purpose of iniquity; every unhallowed temper; every rebellious and discontented and ungrateful feeling towards God and His government - will be brought into judgment.
~Archibald Alexander~
(continued with # 2)
The Beauty of Holiness
The Beauty of Holiness
"Worship the Lord - in the beauty of holiness" (Psalm 29:2). Holiness is the antithesis of sin; and the beauty of holiness is in direct contrast from the ugliness of sin. Sin is a deformity, a monstrosity. Sin is repulsive, repellent to the infinitely pure God: that is why He selected leprosy, the most loathsome and horrible of all diseases, to be its emblem. When the Prophet was Divinely inspired to depict the condition of degenerate Israel, it was in these words, "From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores" (Isaiah 1:6). O that sin were sickening and hateful to us: not merely its grosser forms - but sin itself.
At the opposite extreme from the hideousness of sin is "the beauty of holiness." Holiness is lovely in the sight of God: necessarily so. It is the reflection of His own nature, for He is "glorious in holiness" (Ex. 15:11). O that it may be increasingly attractive to, and earnestly sought after, by us!
,
Perhaps the simplest way of bringing out the beauty of holiness will be to contrast it from the beauties of time and sense.
First, the beauty of holiness is imperceptible to the natural man, and therein it differs radically from the beauties of mere nature. He can behold and admire a lovely glen, the softly flowing river, the mountain pines, the rushing waterfall; but for the excellence of spiritual graces - he has no eyes. He regards one who (by grace) meekly submits to sore trials - as a moral weakling. He looks upon one who denies self for Christ's sake - as a fool. He considers the man who adheres strictly to the narrow way - as one who misses the best of this life. The natural man is totally incapable of discerning the excellence of that which is of great price in the sight of God.
Do some think we are stating this too strongly? Then let them be reminded of the solemn fact that when the Holy One tabernacled here upon earth, the unregenerate saw in Him "no beauty" that they should desire Him (Isaiah 53:2); and it is the same today. God must remove the scales from the eyes of our heart before we can perceive that holiness is beautiful.
Second, the beauty of holiness is real and genuine, and therein it differs radically from much of the beauty which is seen in this world. How much that appeals to the gaze of the natural man is artificial and fictitious. How much human beauty is made up, the product of the artifices of the salon. Even when physical beauty is natural, how rarely it is accompanied by moral virtues. No wonder our forefathers were accustomed to say, "Beauty is but skin deep." Not so the beauty of holiness: it is rooted in the inner man, and sheds its purifying influence over the entire being. "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain" (Prov. 31:30). But holiness does not disappoint its possessor, for its beauty is spiritual and Divine. True, it has many counterfeits in the religious world - yet the genuine article has a ring to it, which the godly cannot mistake.
Third, the beauty of holiness is abiding, and therein it differs radically from all the beauty of earth. The wooded glen, whose varied tints are so pleasing in the summer sunlight, is leafless and drab when winter comes. The glorious sunset, which human skill can neither produce nor adequately reproduce, disappears within a few minutes. The fairest human countenance quickly withers; "all her beauty is departed" (Lam. 1:6). Even when it is preserved to the end of a short life, "their beauty shall consume in the grave" (Psalm 49:14). Yes, there is change and decay in all we see. The only beauty which is unfading and everlasting, is the beauty of holiness. The fruit of the Spirit will never lose its bloom! Spiritual graces shall endure after this poor world has all gone up in smoke. How fervently, then, should we pray, "Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us" (Psalm 90:17).
Fourth, the beauty of holiness is satisfying, and herein it differs radically from the beauty of the things of time and sense. Sooner or later they either weary on one- or else leave an aching void. Take the globe-trotter who journey east and west, north and south, seeking fresh scenes. How soon he tires, discovering that the loveliest landscape cannot supply contentment of mind, and peace of heart. Man is more than a material creature, and therefore it requires something else than material things - no matter how beautiful - to meed his needs. It is the things of the Spirit which alone afford satisfaction.
"Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Tim. 6:6). True, the Christian is never satisfied with his own holiness: rather does he continue to hunger and thirst after righteousness to the end of his wilderness journey. Nevertheless, the holier we are - the closer we walk with God - the more real rest of soul shall we enjoy. And the blessed sequel will demonstrate the contrast still more plainly: instead of discovering that we have only chased the shadows, the Christian has the assurance: "I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Your likeness" (Psalm 17:15).
Fifth, the beauty of holiness is glorifying to God, and therein it differs radically from much of human beauty. To glorify his Maker is the bounden duty of man, and nothing honors Him so much as our walking in separation from all that is displeasing to Him. But alas, physical charms and spiritual graces are rarely found in the same people. A notable example of this is seen in Absalom, of whom it is recorded, "In all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head - thee was no blemish in him" (2 Sam. 14:25); yet he did not fear God, and perished in his sins. How many a woman has used her personal attractions to entice men - rather than magnify God. How many a man has employed his gifts for self-glorification, rather than the praise of God. But the beauty of holiness ever rebounds to the honor of its Author.
"O worship the Lord - in the beauty of holiness." This is the only kind of beauty which the Lord cares for in our devotions. "Godliness is to the soul, as the light is to the world - to illumine and adorn it. It is not greatness which sets us off before God - but godliness". Ornate architecture and expensive apparel - God has no delight in. It is the loveliness of inward purity and outward sanctity, which pleases the thrice Holy One. Sincerity of heart, fervor of spirit, reverence of demeanor, the exercise of faith, the outgoings of love, are some of the elements which comprise the "beauty of holiness" in our worship.
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
"Worship the Lord - in the beauty of holiness" (Psalm 29:2). Holiness is the antithesis of sin; and the beauty of holiness is in direct contrast from the ugliness of sin. Sin is a deformity, a monstrosity. Sin is repulsive, repellent to the infinitely pure God: that is why He selected leprosy, the most loathsome and horrible of all diseases, to be its emblem. When the Prophet was Divinely inspired to depict the condition of degenerate Israel, it was in these words, "From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores" (Isaiah 1:6). O that sin were sickening and hateful to us: not merely its grosser forms - but sin itself.
At the opposite extreme from the hideousness of sin is "the beauty of holiness." Holiness is lovely in the sight of God: necessarily so. It is the reflection of His own nature, for He is "glorious in holiness" (Ex. 15:11). O that it may be increasingly attractive to, and earnestly sought after, by us!
,
Perhaps the simplest way of bringing out the beauty of holiness will be to contrast it from the beauties of time and sense.
First, the beauty of holiness is imperceptible to the natural man, and therein it differs radically from the beauties of mere nature. He can behold and admire a lovely glen, the softly flowing river, the mountain pines, the rushing waterfall; but for the excellence of spiritual graces - he has no eyes. He regards one who (by grace) meekly submits to sore trials - as a moral weakling. He looks upon one who denies self for Christ's sake - as a fool. He considers the man who adheres strictly to the narrow way - as one who misses the best of this life. The natural man is totally incapable of discerning the excellence of that which is of great price in the sight of God.
Do some think we are stating this too strongly? Then let them be reminded of the solemn fact that when the Holy One tabernacled here upon earth, the unregenerate saw in Him "no beauty" that they should desire Him (Isaiah 53:2); and it is the same today. God must remove the scales from the eyes of our heart before we can perceive that holiness is beautiful.
Second, the beauty of holiness is real and genuine, and therein it differs radically from much of the beauty which is seen in this world. How much that appeals to the gaze of the natural man is artificial and fictitious. How much human beauty is made up, the product of the artifices of the salon. Even when physical beauty is natural, how rarely it is accompanied by moral virtues. No wonder our forefathers were accustomed to say, "Beauty is but skin deep." Not so the beauty of holiness: it is rooted in the inner man, and sheds its purifying influence over the entire being. "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain" (Prov. 31:30). But holiness does not disappoint its possessor, for its beauty is spiritual and Divine. True, it has many counterfeits in the religious world - yet the genuine article has a ring to it, which the godly cannot mistake.
Third, the beauty of holiness is abiding, and therein it differs radically from all the beauty of earth. The wooded glen, whose varied tints are so pleasing in the summer sunlight, is leafless and drab when winter comes. The glorious sunset, which human skill can neither produce nor adequately reproduce, disappears within a few minutes. The fairest human countenance quickly withers; "all her beauty is departed" (Lam. 1:6). Even when it is preserved to the end of a short life, "their beauty shall consume in the grave" (Psalm 49:14). Yes, there is change and decay in all we see. The only beauty which is unfading and everlasting, is the beauty of holiness. The fruit of the Spirit will never lose its bloom! Spiritual graces shall endure after this poor world has all gone up in smoke. How fervently, then, should we pray, "Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us" (Psalm 90:17).
Fourth, the beauty of holiness is satisfying, and herein it differs radically from the beauty of the things of time and sense. Sooner or later they either weary on one- or else leave an aching void. Take the globe-trotter who journey east and west, north and south, seeking fresh scenes. How soon he tires, discovering that the loveliest landscape cannot supply contentment of mind, and peace of heart. Man is more than a material creature, and therefore it requires something else than material things - no matter how beautiful - to meed his needs. It is the things of the Spirit which alone afford satisfaction.
"Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Tim. 6:6). True, the Christian is never satisfied with his own holiness: rather does he continue to hunger and thirst after righteousness to the end of his wilderness journey. Nevertheless, the holier we are - the closer we walk with God - the more real rest of soul shall we enjoy. And the blessed sequel will demonstrate the contrast still more plainly: instead of discovering that we have only chased the shadows, the Christian has the assurance: "I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Your likeness" (Psalm 17:15).
Fifth, the beauty of holiness is glorifying to God, and therein it differs radically from much of human beauty. To glorify his Maker is the bounden duty of man, and nothing honors Him so much as our walking in separation from all that is displeasing to Him. But alas, physical charms and spiritual graces are rarely found in the same people. A notable example of this is seen in Absalom, of whom it is recorded, "In all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head - thee was no blemish in him" (2 Sam. 14:25); yet he did not fear God, and perished in his sins. How many a woman has used her personal attractions to entice men - rather than magnify God. How many a man has employed his gifts for self-glorification, rather than the praise of God. But the beauty of holiness ever rebounds to the honor of its Author.
"O worship the Lord - in the beauty of holiness." This is the only kind of beauty which the Lord cares for in our devotions. "Godliness is to the soul, as the light is to the world - to illumine and adorn it. It is not greatness which sets us off before God - but godliness". Ornate architecture and expensive apparel - God has no delight in. It is the loveliness of inward purity and outward sanctity, which pleases the thrice Holy One. Sincerity of heart, fervor of spirit, reverence of demeanor, the exercise of faith, the outgoings of love, are some of the elements which comprise the "beauty of holiness" in our worship.
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
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