Delight In The Will Of God # 2 (and others)
We may be led to it.
1. By sense of right. The vexing question of ethical speculation does not here matter - whether God wills a thing because it is right, or it is right because He wills it. What He wills, is right. To do right a man's highest duty, and should be his greatest delight.
2. By feelings of interest. It is right to consult our own improvement and enjoyment. Lawful to be pleased at advancing these, provided we are doing God's will. Now always our true interest, in noblest sense, on largest scale, is to do God's will. Hence self-love should conspire with a sense of right in causing us to delight in God's will.
3. By feelings of benevolence. I hope no one present is wholly ignorant of the pleasure derived from benefiting others. "And learn the luxury of doing good" (Goldsmith). Now in doing God's will, we may be sure we are promoting the well-being of our fellow men - whether we can always perceive the connection or not. If it is God's will, it shall be best for all we love, for all mankind, that this should be done. What a pleasure, then, it should be, to do His will.
4. By feelings of gratitude. My brethren, let us think of all our providential and spiritual blessings. And while our hearts glow with gratitude, for all God has done, and is doing, and promises to do for us, shall we not be able to say, "I delight to do Thy will, O my God!"
In doing God's will, we follow the example of Jesus - seen in His whole life, and declared in His own words (John 4:34). Remember Him at Jacob's well - fatigued, needing rest and food, yet busy doing good, and yet saying to His disciples, "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work." In doing this, we are dear to Jesus (Matt. 12:46-50). "Whosoever shall do the will of My Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." We become as near as the dearest kindred.
Oh, it is sweet to do God's will. Oh, ye who delight to do His will, go on, and it shall grow more and more delightful - go on, and the path you tread shall grow more and more a path of light, till it shall lead you into the dazzling glories of the celestial world; and there, oh there, in perfect obedience you shall find perfect delight.
And meanwhile, however, the number shall be multiplying on earth, of those who delight to do God's will. The prayer our Saviour taught His disciples to pray shall rise from many a pious heart, shall stimulate many a toiling brain, shall nerve many a weary laborer, in Christian and in heathen lands, till Christianity, everywhere triumphant, shall cover the earth in a flood of glory, till God's will shall be done on earth, as it is done in heaven.
~John A. Broadus~
(The End)
________________________________
The Best of Saints Are Sinners
A child of God may slip into sin - as a sheep may slip into the mire. But he does not, and cannot wallow in sin - as the swine wallows in the mire.
The best of saints are sinners, though the worst and weakest of saints do not indulge sin or cherish it; or make daily provision for it; or take daily pleasure and delight in sin; or habitually yield a willing and total subjection to the authority and commands of sin.
There is as much difference between sin in a regenerate person - and sin in an unregenerate person, as there is between poison in a man - and poison in a serpent. Poison in a man is most offensive and burdensome, and he readily uses all remedies and antidotes to expel it and get rid of it. But poison in a serpent is in its natural place, and is most pleasing and delightful.
Just so, sin in a regenerate man is most offensive and burdensome, and he readily uses all holy means and antidotes to expel it and to get rid of it. But sin in an unregenerate man is most pleasing and delightful, in being in its natural place.
A godly man may have many sins - yet he has not one beloved sin, one bosom sin, one darling sin. His sins are his greatest grief and torment.
Every godly man hates all known sin, would sincerely have his sins not only pardoned, but destroyed, groans under the burden of sin, combats and conflicts with all known sin, has a sincere willingness to be rid of all sin.
No sincere Christian indulges himself in any trade, course, or way of sin. "Oh," says the gracious soul, "that I could be rid of this proud heart, this unbelieving heart, this unclean heart, this earthly heart, this froward heart of mine!"
O sirs, this is most certain - whoever gives up himself freely, willingly, cheerfully, habitually - to the service of any one particular lust or sin - he is in the state of nature, under wrath, and in the way to eternal ruin!
~Thomas Brooks~
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Saturday, January 5, 2019
Delight In The Will Of God # 1
Delight In The Will Of God # 1
"I delight to do Thy will, O my God! (Psalm 40:8).
This psalm tells of one who has suffered, been graciously relieved, and now responds in grateful praise and grateful obedience. This is not shown by mere externals of worship, but by delighting to do God's will, by having His law in the heart, by proclaiming His glorious character and gracious dealings (v. 1-10).
Verses 5-9 apply to Christ. So it is with various psalms; often the language is exclusively prophetic of Him. These words, therefore, are designed to be adopted by anyone, while at the same time it may look to the great example of the Lord Jesus Christ. Observe, that this delight is not merely to hear, but to do, the will of God.
I. In one sense, the will of God will always be done, whether we do His will or not.
Here we touch a most difficult subject but we need not turn away from it; but we must be humble, and content to take what we can understand, and leave alone what we cannot.
We are compelled to speak of God's will in terms applicable to our own. This is done in Scripture. There are three distinct senses in which this term is employed. First, the will of purpose; it is always done. "Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will" - "Who doeth His will in the army of heaven, and among," etc. (Dan. 5:35). Next, the will of desire, or wish, which is not always done - for inscrutable reasons He permits free agents to act counter to His wish - "How often would I, etc. but ye would not." "Not willing that any should perish," etc. "Who willeth all to be saved," etc. Last, will of command - the wish of one in authority. When expressed, becomes a command. Every command of God it is our solemn duty to obey - but, alas! It is not always done. Of course, it is human imperfection that makes these distinctions necessary, and they must not be pushed too far - yet they are, within limits, just distinctions, and should be born in mind.
Now God's purpose, as distinguished from other senses, is not dependent upon us for accomplishment. It may be accomplished without us, by overruling and finding others willing. But God's will of desire, what is well-pleasing to Him, we should seek to ascertain, and do. His will of command we should learn and obey.
How do we ascertain what is God's will? Partly from our own conscience, aided by general conscience of mankind, but this is by no means an infallible exponent of God's will. What has come to pass, is always in accordance with God's general purpose, however wrong the motives of agents - gives indication as to what we should do. To some extent we may seek the best judgment of others. It is always important to have the mind stored with Scripture. Then we can pray and trust we are doing God's will.
II. We should always do God's will, even if it be not with delight. We seldom, if ever, do anything with perfectly correct motives and feelings. Yet with the most proper sentiments we can at the time command, let us still do our duty.
Sometimes we cannot rise above resignation. Especially when we have to bear what disappoints and distresses us.
Sometimes we may do His will with shrinking and reluctance. Human nature is weak. Even apart from sin, it naturally shrinks from danger, suffering, physical or mental. Even Jesus, to whom the text specially applied. "And now what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? But," etc. Again, "if it be possible, etc., "nevertheless, not My will, but Thine be done." The cost and effort, and a struggle, for a time - yet He did not fail to do it.
Yes, we should always do God's will, even if it is not a delight. And often, the painful effort will change to pleasure, the duty commenced reluctantly will become a sweet joy! Yet, do not condition obedience upon its becoming delightful. It is the will of my God! Then His will I must do!
~John A. Broadus~
(continued with # 2)
"I delight to do Thy will, O my God! (Psalm 40:8).
This psalm tells of one who has suffered, been graciously relieved, and now responds in grateful praise and grateful obedience. This is not shown by mere externals of worship, but by delighting to do God's will, by having His law in the heart, by proclaiming His glorious character and gracious dealings (v. 1-10).
Verses 5-9 apply to Christ. So it is with various psalms; often the language is exclusively prophetic of Him. These words, therefore, are designed to be adopted by anyone, while at the same time it may look to the great example of the Lord Jesus Christ. Observe, that this delight is not merely to hear, but to do, the will of God.
I. In one sense, the will of God will always be done, whether we do His will or not.
Here we touch a most difficult subject but we need not turn away from it; but we must be humble, and content to take what we can understand, and leave alone what we cannot.
We are compelled to speak of God's will in terms applicable to our own. This is done in Scripture. There are three distinct senses in which this term is employed. First, the will of purpose; it is always done. "Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will" - "Who doeth His will in the army of heaven, and among," etc. (Dan. 5:35). Next, the will of desire, or wish, which is not always done - for inscrutable reasons He permits free agents to act counter to His wish - "How often would I, etc. but ye would not." "Not willing that any should perish," etc. "Who willeth all to be saved," etc. Last, will of command - the wish of one in authority. When expressed, becomes a command. Every command of God it is our solemn duty to obey - but, alas! It is not always done. Of course, it is human imperfection that makes these distinctions necessary, and they must not be pushed too far - yet they are, within limits, just distinctions, and should be born in mind.
Now God's purpose, as distinguished from other senses, is not dependent upon us for accomplishment. It may be accomplished without us, by overruling and finding others willing. But God's will of desire, what is well-pleasing to Him, we should seek to ascertain, and do. His will of command we should learn and obey.
How do we ascertain what is God's will? Partly from our own conscience, aided by general conscience of mankind, but this is by no means an infallible exponent of God's will. What has come to pass, is always in accordance with God's general purpose, however wrong the motives of agents - gives indication as to what we should do. To some extent we may seek the best judgment of others. It is always important to have the mind stored with Scripture. Then we can pray and trust we are doing God's will.
II. We should always do God's will, even if it be not with delight. We seldom, if ever, do anything with perfectly correct motives and feelings. Yet with the most proper sentiments we can at the time command, let us still do our duty.
Sometimes we cannot rise above resignation. Especially when we have to bear what disappoints and distresses us.
Sometimes we may do His will with shrinking and reluctance. Human nature is weak. Even apart from sin, it naturally shrinks from danger, suffering, physical or mental. Even Jesus, to whom the text specially applied. "And now what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? But," etc. Again, "if it be possible, etc., "nevertheless, not My will, but Thine be done." The cost and effort, and a struggle, for a time - yet He did not fail to do it.
Yes, we should always do God's will, even if it is not a delight. And often, the painful effort will change to pleasure, the duty commenced reluctantly will become a sweet joy! Yet, do not condition obedience upon its becoming delightful. It is the will of my God! Then His will I must do!
~John A. Broadus~
(continued with # 2)
The Cross of Christ - Or Sinners Saved By Unmerited Kindness # 3
The Cross of Christ - Or Sinners Saved By Unmerited Kindness # 3
Augustine says: "To justify a sinner, to new create him from a wicked person to a righteous man, is a greater act than to make a new heaven and earth!" Nevins says, "Some think it easy to save a soul, to bend a will, to change a heart. But it is God's greatest work. Creation is not so hard. It is the most wonderful species of resurrection. With men it is impossible, with God it is possible. In saving a soul He puts forth a mightier energy than in making many worlds." In his "Views in Theology" Beecher admits that "the power of God in regeneration is represented as among the greatest displays of his omnipotence ever made,k or to be made in the history of the universe. When the fair creation rose fresh in beauty from the hand of God, the morning stars sang together; and all the sons of God shouted for joy; but sweeter songs will celebrate, and louder shouts will attend, the consummation of redemption by the power of God's Spirit; and such brighter glories of God, and illustrations of His power will be manifested to principalities and powers by the Church, as will cause the light of His glory in physical creation to go out and be forgotten, as the stars fade and are lost amid the splendors of the sun." Hervey says, "Without the powerful agency of the blessed Spirit to enlighten our understandings, and to apply the doctrine of the Bible to our hearts, we shall be, even with the word of light and life in our hands, somewhat like blind Bartimeus, sitting amidst the heat of the day; or like the withered arm, with invaluable treasure before it."
Left to the freedom of his own will, man easily destroyed himself; but omnipotence alone can save him. In physical, as in spiritual things, destruction is easy, and restoration difficult. The first Adam though earthy could ruin all whom he represented. But the second Adam must needs to be the Lord from heaven, as His work was to save the lost. Our second birth is the result of the almighty energy of God's Holy Spirit.
This new birth we must all undergo - or be forever undone. "All hangs upon this hinge. If this is not done, you are undone - undone eternally. All your profession, civility, privileges, gifts, and duties are ciphers, and signify nothing - unless regeneration is the figure put in front of them." This great change is a passing from death unto life. Nor can that transition ever be made in any other way. Better to have been born a heathen, a beast or a monster, yes, better never to have been born at all - than not to be born again!
For consider: Of all mercies, this comes through most and greatest difficulties (Ephesians 1:19-20). This is a spiritual mercy, excelling in dignity of nature all others more than gold excels the dirt under your feet (Rev. 3:18). This is a mercy immediately flowing out of the fountain of God's electing love (1 Thess. 1:4, 5). This is a mercy that infallibly secures salvation (Hebrews 6:9). Lastly, this is an eternal mercy (John 4:14).
In due time the regenerate experience their third birth, which is into glory, but of this more hereafter. The first of these births is natural, the second and third are supernatural; the first is carnal, the others are spiritual; the first inclines to sin; the second inclines to holiness; the third forever perfects both holiness and happiness. Each of these births proves that God is almighty, wise and good.
We cannot be too grateful for any of these births; but the pious heart loves to dwell on the first as the beginning of natural life, on the second as the beginning of spiritual life, and on the third as the beginning of everlasting life.
None of these births is the cause of the other, but God is the author of them all. To Him belongs all the glory of our being, of our well-being, of our unfading bliss. In our spiritual regeneration the grace of God - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is very illustrious. Redemption devised by God, and purchased by Christ, is in the new birth applied by the Spirit.
One of the most admirable effects of divine grace in regeneration is the victory gained over the strongest evil inclinations. Many a time the bitterest foes to the gospel, have by the power of the new birth become the warmest friends of truth and righteousness. As David displayed his prowess by slaying Goliath, so the grace of God gains the victory over sins. The jailer at Philippi practiced undeserved cruelty towards his prisoners - but as soon as his heart was changed, he washed their stripes. In particular does the new birth bring a sinner out of himself, and lead him to exalt the Saviour, and glorify God with all his powers. So that the soul rests in God, is satisfied with Him as its chief good, and glories even in shame and reproach for the advancement of His cause. "All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by His boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for His children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond, beyond the reach of change and decay!" (1 Peter 1:3-4).
~William S. Plumer~
(The End)
Augustine says: "To justify a sinner, to new create him from a wicked person to a righteous man, is a greater act than to make a new heaven and earth!" Nevins says, "Some think it easy to save a soul, to bend a will, to change a heart. But it is God's greatest work. Creation is not so hard. It is the most wonderful species of resurrection. With men it is impossible, with God it is possible. In saving a soul He puts forth a mightier energy than in making many worlds." In his "Views in Theology" Beecher admits that "the power of God in regeneration is represented as among the greatest displays of his omnipotence ever made,k or to be made in the history of the universe. When the fair creation rose fresh in beauty from the hand of God, the morning stars sang together; and all the sons of God shouted for joy; but sweeter songs will celebrate, and louder shouts will attend, the consummation of redemption by the power of God's Spirit; and such brighter glories of God, and illustrations of His power will be manifested to principalities and powers by the Church, as will cause the light of His glory in physical creation to go out and be forgotten, as the stars fade and are lost amid the splendors of the sun." Hervey says, "Without the powerful agency of the blessed Spirit to enlighten our understandings, and to apply the doctrine of the Bible to our hearts, we shall be, even with the word of light and life in our hands, somewhat like blind Bartimeus, sitting amidst the heat of the day; or like the withered arm, with invaluable treasure before it."
Left to the freedom of his own will, man easily destroyed himself; but omnipotence alone can save him. In physical, as in spiritual things, destruction is easy, and restoration difficult. The first Adam though earthy could ruin all whom he represented. But the second Adam must needs to be the Lord from heaven, as His work was to save the lost. Our second birth is the result of the almighty energy of God's Holy Spirit.
This new birth we must all undergo - or be forever undone. "All hangs upon this hinge. If this is not done, you are undone - undone eternally. All your profession, civility, privileges, gifts, and duties are ciphers, and signify nothing - unless regeneration is the figure put in front of them." This great change is a passing from death unto life. Nor can that transition ever be made in any other way. Better to have been born a heathen, a beast or a monster, yes, better never to have been born at all - than not to be born again!
For consider: Of all mercies, this comes through most and greatest difficulties (Ephesians 1:19-20). This is a spiritual mercy, excelling in dignity of nature all others more than gold excels the dirt under your feet (Rev. 3:18). This is a mercy immediately flowing out of the fountain of God's electing love (1 Thess. 1:4, 5). This is a mercy that infallibly secures salvation (Hebrews 6:9). Lastly, this is an eternal mercy (John 4:14).
In due time the regenerate experience their third birth, which is into glory, but of this more hereafter. The first of these births is natural, the second and third are supernatural; the first is carnal, the others are spiritual; the first inclines to sin; the second inclines to holiness; the third forever perfects both holiness and happiness. Each of these births proves that God is almighty, wise and good.
We cannot be too grateful for any of these births; but the pious heart loves to dwell on the first as the beginning of natural life, on the second as the beginning of spiritual life, and on the third as the beginning of everlasting life.
None of these births is the cause of the other, but God is the author of them all. To Him belongs all the glory of our being, of our well-being, of our unfading bliss. In our spiritual regeneration the grace of God - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is very illustrious. Redemption devised by God, and purchased by Christ, is in the new birth applied by the Spirit.
One of the most admirable effects of divine grace in regeneration is the victory gained over the strongest evil inclinations. Many a time the bitterest foes to the gospel, have by the power of the new birth become the warmest friends of truth and righteousness. As David displayed his prowess by slaying Goliath, so the grace of God gains the victory over sins. The jailer at Philippi practiced undeserved cruelty towards his prisoners - but as soon as his heart was changed, he washed their stripes. In particular does the new birth bring a sinner out of himself, and lead him to exalt the Saviour, and glorify God with all his powers. So that the soul rests in God, is satisfied with Him as its chief good, and glories even in shame and reproach for the advancement of His cause. "All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by His boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for His children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond, beyond the reach of change and decay!" (1 Peter 1:3-4).
~William S. Plumer~
(The End)
Saturday, December 29, 2018
The Cross of Christ - Or Sinners Saved By Unmerited Kindness # 2
The Cross of Christ - Or Sinners Saved By Unmerited Kindness # 2
Now have the purest churches ever doubted the necessity of this change. They also remarkably agree concerning its nature. The Westminister Assembly teaches that "God is pleased in His appointed and accepted time, effectually to call His people by His Word and Spirit out of that state of sin and death, in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God; taking away their heart of stone, and giving them a heart of flesh; renewing their wills, and, by His almighty power, determining them to that which is good, and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ; yet so as they come most freely, being made willing by His grace." The Latter Confession of Helvetia says, "In regeneration the understanding is illuminated by the Holy Spirit, that it may understand both the mysteries and will of God. And the will itself is not only changed by the Spirit, but is also endued with faculties, that, of its own accord, it may will and do good," and quotes in proof, Romans 8:4; Jer. 31:33; Ezek. 36:27; John 8:36; Phil. 1:6, 29; and 2:13. The Synod of Dort says, "This regenerating grace of God works not upon men as if they were stocks and stones, nor does it abolish the will and properties of their will, or violently constrain it; but does spiritually revive it, heal it, rectify it, and powerfully yet gently bend it: so that where formerly the rebellion of the flesh, and stubbornness did domineer without control, now a willing and sincere obedience to the Spirit begins to reign; in which change the true and spiritual rescue and freedom of our will does consist. And surely, unless the wonderful Worker of all goodness should deal with us in this sort, there were no hope left for man to arise from his lapse by his free-will, through which, when standing, he threw himself headlong into destruction."
The truth is, that if we give up regeneration, the last hope that a sinner may ever again be either holy or happy is gone forever. The Church of Ireland hold that "All God's elect are in their time inseparably united unto Christ, by the effectual and vital influence of the Holy Spirit, derived from him, as from the head, unto every true member of His mystical body. And being thus made one with Christ they are truly regenerated, and made partakers of Him and all His benefits." Indeed nothing could more distress one, who rightly considered his lost estate, than to have the hope, which springs from the doctrine of regeneration, destroyed or seriously shaken. In other words, God does in regeneration but graciously respond to an urgent demand of every enlightened conscience. Every man who has ever had his eyes opened to see his own wretchedness and vileness, will agree to the saying of Usher: "It is not a little reforming will save the man, no, nor can all the morality of the world, nor all the common graces of God's Spirit, nor the outward change of the life: they will not do, unless we are quickened and have a new life wrought in us."
In his old age, when he could no longer see to read, John Newton heard someone recite this text: "By the grace of God I am what I am." He remained silent a short time and then, as if speaking to himself, he said: "I am not what I ought to be. Ah, how imperfect and deficient! I am not what I wish to be. A abhor that which is evil, and I would cleave to that which is good. I am not what I hope to be. Soon, soon I shall put off mortality, and with mortality all sin and imperfection. Though I am not what I ought to be, what I wish to be, and what I hope to be, yet I can truly say, I am not what I once was, a slave to sin and satan! I can heartily join with the apostle and acknowledge - By the grace of God I am what I am!"
God's people are born three times, once into this world, once into a state of grace, and once into glory. They and the finally impenitent have the first, and none but the first birth in common. It brings the same to all. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh." This natural birth is a great wonder. Devout men have always so regarded it. David says, "You are He who took me out of my mother's womb; my praise shall be continually of you." Warm should be the heart and thankful should be the song of her, who is made the joyful mother of a living healthy child. To how many, is the womb the grave. The wonder is that it is not so to more. Every good man is ready to say, "I bless God that ever I was born." "Those born once only, die twice. They die a temporal, and they die an eternal death. But those who are born twice, die only once; for over them the second death has no power."
Our second birth brings us into a state of grace. It is one of the richest of God's covenanted mercies. When one is born anew, a fatal blow is given to satan's kingdom in the heart; for "that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
This is the work of amazing power. It was for good cause that the Synod of Dort taught "that God, in regenerating a man, does employ that omnipotent strength, whereby He may powerfully and infallibly bow and bend his will unto faith and conversion." Paul uses all the strong words he is master of, to teach us that we are renewed by power, by amazing energy. He prayed that his Ephesians might know "what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead." (Eph. 1:18, 19). We know of no greater power than that which accomplished the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet the same power converts the soul!
~William S. Plumer~
(continued with # 3)
Now have the purest churches ever doubted the necessity of this change. They also remarkably agree concerning its nature. The Westminister Assembly teaches that "God is pleased in His appointed and accepted time, effectually to call His people by His Word and Spirit out of that state of sin and death, in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God; taking away their heart of stone, and giving them a heart of flesh; renewing their wills, and, by His almighty power, determining them to that which is good, and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ; yet so as they come most freely, being made willing by His grace." The Latter Confession of Helvetia says, "In regeneration the understanding is illuminated by the Holy Spirit, that it may understand both the mysteries and will of God. And the will itself is not only changed by the Spirit, but is also endued with faculties, that, of its own accord, it may will and do good," and quotes in proof, Romans 8:4; Jer. 31:33; Ezek. 36:27; John 8:36; Phil. 1:6, 29; and 2:13. The Synod of Dort says, "This regenerating grace of God works not upon men as if they were stocks and stones, nor does it abolish the will and properties of their will, or violently constrain it; but does spiritually revive it, heal it, rectify it, and powerfully yet gently bend it: so that where formerly the rebellion of the flesh, and stubbornness did domineer without control, now a willing and sincere obedience to the Spirit begins to reign; in which change the true and spiritual rescue and freedom of our will does consist. And surely, unless the wonderful Worker of all goodness should deal with us in this sort, there were no hope left for man to arise from his lapse by his free-will, through which, when standing, he threw himself headlong into destruction."
The truth is, that if we give up regeneration, the last hope that a sinner may ever again be either holy or happy is gone forever. The Church of Ireland hold that "All God's elect are in their time inseparably united unto Christ, by the effectual and vital influence of the Holy Spirit, derived from him, as from the head, unto every true member of His mystical body. And being thus made one with Christ they are truly regenerated, and made partakers of Him and all His benefits." Indeed nothing could more distress one, who rightly considered his lost estate, than to have the hope, which springs from the doctrine of regeneration, destroyed or seriously shaken. In other words, God does in regeneration but graciously respond to an urgent demand of every enlightened conscience. Every man who has ever had his eyes opened to see his own wretchedness and vileness, will agree to the saying of Usher: "It is not a little reforming will save the man, no, nor can all the morality of the world, nor all the common graces of God's Spirit, nor the outward change of the life: they will not do, unless we are quickened and have a new life wrought in us."
In his old age, when he could no longer see to read, John Newton heard someone recite this text: "By the grace of God I am what I am." He remained silent a short time and then, as if speaking to himself, he said: "I am not what I ought to be. Ah, how imperfect and deficient! I am not what I wish to be. A abhor that which is evil, and I would cleave to that which is good. I am not what I hope to be. Soon, soon I shall put off mortality, and with mortality all sin and imperfection. Though I am not what I ought to be, what I wish to be, and what I hope to be, yet I can truly say, I am not what I once was, a slave to sin and satan! I can heartily join with the apostle and acknowledge - By the grace of God I am what I am!"
God's people are born three times, once into this world, once into a state of grace, and once into glory. They and the finally impenitent have the first, and none but the first birth in common. It brings the same to all. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh." This natural birth is a great wonder. Devout men have always so regarded it. David says, "You are He who took me out of my mother's womb; my praise shall be continually of you." Warm should be the heart and thankful should be the song of her, who is made the joyful mother of a living healthy child. To how many, is the womb the grave. The wonder is that it is not so to more. Every good man is ready to say, "I bless God that ever I was born." "Those born once only, die twice. They die a temporal, and they die an eternal death. But those who are born twice, die only once; for over them the second death has no power."
Our second birth brings us into a state of grace. It is one of the richest of God's covenanted mercies. When one is born anew, a fatal blow is given to satan's kingdom in the heart; for "that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
This is the work of amazing power. It was for good cause that the Synod of Dort taught "that God, in regenerating a man, does employ that omnipotent strength, whereby He may powerfully and infallibly bow and bend his will unto faith and conversion." Paul uses all the strong words he is master of, to teach us that we are renewed by power, by amazing energy. He prayed that his Ephesians might know "what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead." (Eph. 1:18, 19). We know of no greater power than that which accomplished the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet the same power converts the soul!
~William S. Plumer~
(continued with # 3)
The Cross of Christ - Or Sinners Saved By Unmerited Kindness # 1
The Cross of Christ - Or Sinners Saved by Unmerited Kindness # 1
"We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved" (Acts 15:11).
From first to last salvation is all of grace. Paul says: "For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, captives of various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. But when the goodness and love for man appeared from God our Saviour, He saved us - not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:3-5). So that it is clearly by the grace and mediation of our Lord Jesus Christ that the Holy Spirit is sent down to renew our natures, and to accomplish in us the new birth. Pardon saves a sinner from the curse of the law and the lake of fire; acceptance through Christ gives him a title to heaven; but in regeneration the dominion of sin begins to be destroyed, and the soul begins to be fitted for the Master's use.
The new birth is a great mystery, yet it is much insisted on in Scripture. "The washing of regeneration" is as necessary as washing in the blood of Christ. "The renewing of the Holy Spirit" is as essential as the "justification of life." Within the space of four verses our Lord thrice declares how necessary it is to salvation. Hear Him: "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again" (John 3:3, 5, 7). The fallow ground must be broken up or the good seed will not take root in our hearts. The wild olive tree must undergo the operation of engrafting with the good olive tree, or it will remain worthless. All the Scriptures teach as much.
Christ taught that a vile sinner must undergo a great spiritual change, before he could be fit for the service of God. Perhaps there is not a more driveling error that that which teaches that baptism with water is the regeneration, which Jesus Christ and His apostles insist upon. When men can confound the "washing of regeneration" with the washing with water, they are fully prepared to follow, in fact they are already following, in the footsteps of those, who confounded "that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh," with that circumcision, which is "of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." Perhaps too, no error is more mischievous than this. It is monstrous that such error and folly should be taught in lands where God's Word is in general use. To baptism some add an outward reformation, and insist that this should be admitted as sufficient. Supposing this to be the meaning of Christ and His apostles, it is impossible to defend them from the charge of using very mysterious language to convey so simple an idea. But such belief is never entertained by those, who have a fitting respect for God's Word.
It will therefore claim no more attention at this time. Sound divines have very remarkably agreed in telling us what regeneration is. Witherspoon says: "A new birth implies an universal change. It must be of the whole man, not in some particular, but in all without exception." And he shows at length that it is not PARTIAL, EXTERNAL, IMPERFECT; but that it is UNIVERSAL, INWARD, ESSENTIAL, COMPLETE, AND SUPERNATURAL. Charnock says: "regeneration is a mighty and powerful change, wrought in the soul by the efficacious working of the Holy Spirit, wherein a vital principle, a new habit, the law of God, and a divine nature are put into and framed in the heart, enabling it to act holily and pleasingly to God, and to grow up therein to eternal glory." Thomas Scott quotes with approbation another definition, but does not give his author. He says: "Regeneration is a change wrought by the power of the Holy Spirit, in the understanding, will and affections of a sinner; which is the commencement of a new kind of life, and which gives another direction to his judgment, desires, pursuits, and conduct."
Although this change is called by various names, yet the doctrine of Scripture respecting it is uniform. Sometimes it is called a holy calling, a creation, a new creation, a translation, a circumcision of the heart, a resurrection; but whatever be the name, the thing signified is everywhere spoken of in very solemn terms and as a rich fruit of God's grace. Thus says Paul, "It pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by His grace, to reveal His Son in me" (Gal. 1:15, 16). Again: God "has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began" (2 Tim. 1:9). Again Peter says that "the God of all grace has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus" (1 Pet. 5:10).
~William S. Plumer~
(continued with # 2)
"We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved" (Acts 15:11).
From first to last salvation is all of grace. Paul says: "For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, captives of various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. But when the goodness and love for man appeared from God our Saviour, He saved us - not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:3-5). So that it is clearly by the grace and mediation of our Lord Jesus Christ that the Holy Spirit is sent down to renew our natures, and to accomplish in us the new birth. Pardon saves a sinner from the curse of the law and the lake of fire; acceptance through Christ gives him a title to heaven; but in regeneration the dominion of sin begins to be destroyed, and the soul begins to be fitted for the Master's use.
The new birth is a great mystery, yet it is much insisted on in Scripture. "The washing of regeneration" is as necessary as washing in the blood of Christ. "The renewing of the Holy Spirit" is as essential as the "justification of life." Within the space of four verses our Lord thrice declares how necessary it is to salvation. Hear Him: "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, You must be born again" (John 3:3, 5, 7). The fallow ground must be broken up or the good seed will not take root in our hearts. The wild olive tree must undergo the operation of engrafting with the good olive tree, or it will remain worthless. All the Scriptures teach as much.
Christ taught that a vile sinner must undergo a great spiritual change, before he could be fit for the service of God. Perhaps there is not a more driveling error that that which teaches that baptism with water is the regeneration, which Jesus Christ and His apostles insist upon. When men can confound the "washing of regeneration" with the washing with water, they are fully prepared to follow, in fact they are already following, in the footsteps of those, who confounded "that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh," with that circumcision, which is "of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." Perhaps too, no error is more mischievous than this. It is monstrous that such error and folly should be taught in lands where God's Word is in general use. To baptism some add an outward reformation, and insist that this should be admitted as sufficient. Supposing this to be the meaning of Christ and His apostles, it is impossible to defend them from the charge of using very mysterious language to convey so simple an idea. But such belief is never entertained by those, who have a fitting respect for God's Word.
It will therefore claim no more attention at this time. Sound divines have very remarkably agreed in telling us what regeneration is. Witherspoon says: "A new birth implies an universal change. It must be of the whole man, not in some particular, but in all without exception." And he shows at length that it is not PARTIAL, EXTERNAL, IMPERFECT; but that it is UNIVERSAL, INWARD, ESSENTIAL, COMPLETE, AND SUPERNATURAL. Charnock says: "regeneration is a mighty and powerful change, wrought in the soul by the efficacious working of the Holy Spirit, wherein a vital principle, a new habit, the law of God, and a divine nature are put into and framed in the heart, enabling it to act holily and pleasingly to God, and to grow up therein to eternal glory." Thomas Scott quotes with approbation another definition, but does not give his author. He says: "Regeneration is a change wrought by the power of the Holy Spirit, in the understanding, will and affections of a sinner; which is the commencement of a new kind of life, and which gives another direction to his judgment, desires, pursuits, and conduct."
Although this change is called by various names, yet the doctrine of Scripture respecting it is uniform. Sometimes it is called a holy calling, a creation, a new creation, a translation, a circumcision of the heart, a resurrection; but whatever be the name, the thing signified is everywhere spoken of in very solemn terms and as a rich fruit of God's grace. Thus says Paul, "It pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by His grace, to reveal His Son in me" (Gal. 1:15, 16). Again: God "has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began" (2 Tim. 1:9). Again Peter says that "the God of all grace has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus" (1 Pet. 5:10).
~William S. Plumer~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Every Eye # 4 (and others)
Every Eye # 4 (and others)
What will be the sight of that city pictured to us in the Revelation in such glowing words - but whose true glory and beauty no heart of mortal man has ever yet conceived?
Christian rejoice! This sight is for you! This hope is for you! Unworthy in your own eyes; oft lamenting your own infirmities, your lack of love, your failings in the Master's service - yet your eyes shall see and your heart shall overflow with the joys which are at God's right hand.
"Every eye shall see Him!"
Then let your eye now ever be toward Him. Watch, lest your eye be turned aside. Let it never be found "beholding vanity." Let it not be accustomed to delight itself in the unwholesome sights of the theater, or the vain display of self-adornment, or in that which only ministers to the gratification of pride and self-indulgence. Let not your eye shoot forth glances of envy, passion, covetousness, or any unholy thought or desire. Let it not slumber in carnal ease and selfish sloth, while souls are perishing around.
Nay, let your eye be upward, seeking daily aid and grace from above. Be ever looking unto Jesus as your great Pattern and Exemplar, and also as the Fountainhead of all supplies of wisdom, strength, and consolation.
But more than this. Let your eye look around to see the needs and miseries of mankind. Then, with a heart of sympathy and a tongue of love, go forth to cheer and help your brothers and sisters in their distress, and to guide the wanderer back to the fold.
As the good Samaritan looked on the man who had fallen among thieves, and then in self-denying pity stretched out his hand to help, to heal, and to save him - so be it your happy privilege to minister, whenever you can, to the child of sorrow and of need. Let not your "eye affect your heart" - and then spare neither time, nor trouble, nor toil, nor means to raise the fallen, to comfort the mourning, or to save the lost.
Then with double joy shall your eye behold the coming King, and shall receive from His lips a double reward, that inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of His brethren, you have done it unto Him.
You shall rise! my dust, you shall arise,
Not always closed your eyes;
Your life's first Giver
Will give you life forever.
Ah, praise His name!
Then as they who dream, we shall arise,
With Jesus to the skies,
And find that morrow,
The weary pilgrim's sorrow,
All past and gone!
Then within the holiest I tread,
By my Redeemer led,
Through Heaven soaring,
His holy name adoring,
Eternally!
~George Everard~
(The End)
__________________________
The Martyr's Crown
The saints of old were beaten, tried,
Condemned and even crucified.
These martyr men beat no retreat
When flames were licking at their feet.
They saw the tyrants' brandished steel,
But still they offered no appeal.
They struck no bargain for their lives,
For their children or their wives;
All slowly roasted in the flames
While angels wrote each of their names
Within a book God calls His own,
To be proclaimed before His throne.
Then we shall know of their renown
When each receives his martyr's crown,
When God shall say to them, "Well done -
You ran the race, pressed on, and won
When in that race men said "insane!"
But now I gladly own your name.
Now you are home - "come dwell with Me
In joy through all eternity."
~Leonard Ravenhill~
What will be the sight of that city pictured to us in the Revelation in such glowing words - but whose true glory and beauty no heart of mortal man has ever yet conceived?
Christian rejoice! This sight is for you! This hope is for you! Unworthy in your own eyes; oft lamenting your own infirmities, your lack of love, your failings in the Master's service - yet your eyes shall see and your heart shall overflow with the joys which are at God's right hand.
"Every eye shall see Him!"
Then let your eye now ever be toward Him. Watch, lest your eye be turned aside. Let it never be found "beholding vanity." Let it not be accustomed to delight itself in the unwholesome sights of the theater, or the vain display of self-adornment, or in that which only ministers to the gratification of pride and self-indulgence. Let not your eye shoot forth glances of envy, passion, covetousness, or any unholy thought or desire. Let it not slumber in carnal ease and selfish sloth, while souls are perishing around.
Nay, let your eye be upward, seeking daily aid and grace from above. Be ever looking unto Jesus as your great Pattern and Exemplar, and also as the Fountainhead of all supplies of wisdom, strength, and consolation.
But more than this. Let your eye look around to see the needs and miseries of mankind. Then, with a heart of sympathy and a tongue of love, go forth to cheer and help your brothers and sisters in their distress, and to guide the wanderer back to the fold.
As the good Samaritan looked on the man who had fallen among thieves, and then in self-denying pity stretched out his hand to help, to heal, and to save him - so be it your happy privilege to minister, whenever you can, to the child of sorrow and of need. Let not your "eye affect your heart" - and then spare neither time, nor trouble, nor toil, nor means to raise the fallen, to comfort the mourning, or to save the lost.
Then with double joy shall your eye behold the coming King, and shall receive from His lips a double reward, that inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of His brethren, you have done it unto Him.
You shall rise! my dust, you shall arise,
Not always closed your eyes;
Your life's first Giver
Will give you life forever.
Ah, praise His name!
Then as they who dream, we shall arise,
With Jesus to the skies,
And find that morrow,
The weary pilgrim's sorrow,
All past and gone!
Then within the holiest I tread,
By my Redeemer led,
Through Heaven soaring,
His holy name adoring,
Eternally!
~George Everard~
(The End)
__________________________
The Martyr's Crown
The saints of old were beaten, tried,
Condemned and even crucified.
These martyr men beat no retreat
When flames were licking at their feet.
They saw the tyrants' brandished steel,
But still they offered no appeal.
They struck no bargain for their lives,
For their children or their wives;
All slowly roasted in the flames
While angels wrote each of their names
Within a book God calls His own,
To be proclaimed before His throne.
Then we shall know of their renown
When each receives his martyr's crown,
When God shall say to them, "Well done -
You ran the race, pressed on, and won
When in that race men said "insane!"
But now I gladly own your name.
Now you are home - "come dwell with Me
In joy through all eternity."
~Leonard Ravenhill~
Every Eye # 3
Every Eye # 3
Or look at it in another way. Here is a man who has long set his heart on the accomplishment of some great and noble object. It has been his one aim and prayer for many a year. Perhaps it has been the building of a church in some poor or neglected neighborhood. Perhaps it has been the founding of an asylum for orphan children. And now the desire of a lifetime has been fulfilled. What untold pleasure and thankfulness it awakens within him as he sees the reward of his toil and the answer to so many prayers!
And in the believer's sight of the coming King, something similar to every one of these elements of grateful joy will be found, and will burst forth in fullest measure. It will be gladness in its highest form, and with no single cause of alloy.
I remember well an old servant of Christ who faithfully followed the Master upwards of sixty years. A few years before his death his sight suddenly failed him. He sought advice, but he was told that it was impossible to provide a cure. He would never see again while he lived. A bright and happy thought awoke within the heart of the good man. "Then the next person I shall see will be my Saviour!" said this faithful servant of his Lord.
And what that sight will be to a Christian man, who can express?
In that sight, all heart-joys meet. Raise your thoughts to the very highest conceptions of sanctified hope and expectation - and that moment will surpass them all.
Here the desire of the soul will be fully satisfied. We read that "hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life." Through long centuries has the Church waited for the return of her Lord.
Year after year has the earnest and wakeful believer been looking for "that blessed hope," even the glorious appearing of the Son of God. And now the day has come. No more waiting, weary days. No more triumphing of the wicked. No more hiding the pure truth of God beneath the covering of human traditions. No more sorrow or sin to trouble the Christian's heart. The blessed day has come with all its rich treasury of deliverance, peace, felicity and victory.
Here mutual love will be abundantly satisfied. The Bridegroom will rejoice in the Bride - and the Bride will be satisfied forever in the presence of her Lord. It is said by Solomon, "The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hearing," and we find it true in our present state. But it will not be true then. "Your eyes shall see the King in His beauty!" - and this sight will be enough. It will be the one great joy of the redeemed forever. To see Christ, to be with Him, to look deeper into His loving heart, and to share that love through endless ages - this will be the chief element in the pleasures which are at God's right hand.
"The King there in His beauty
Without a veil is seen;
It were a well-spent journey
Though seven deaths lay between.
The Lamb with His fair army
Does on Mount Zion stand,
And glory, glory dwells
In Emmanuel's land.
The Bride eyes hot her garment,
But her dear Bridegroom's face;
I will not gaze at glory,
But on my King of Grace.
Not at the crown He gives,
But on His pierced hand;
The Lamb is all the glory
Of Emmanuel's land."
Here will be the transforming power of this sight. Consider the words of John in his First Epistle, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it does not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!" There will be perfect conformity to His image. Sin will be annihilated in the soul, and no temptations ever be able to stir one thought of evil. This mortal body will put on its garments of glory and immortality. In heavenly purity, in unwearied brightness and activity, in an atmosphere of love, born of the love that inflames the heart of Christ - the risen saint will be satisfied as he awakes in the likeness of His Saviour. And with the sight of Christ Himself, there will be ten thousand sights that will multiply indefinitely the Christian's joy. What will it be to behold angel and archangel, cherubim and seraphim, and all doing homage to Him whom we love?
What will it be to see the saints of olden times, prophets, apostles, martyrs - those whose words have been a guide to us along our journey here? What will it be to see those who have been dear to us in the flesh, and who fell asleep in Christ before ourselves? What will it be to see those to whom God has made us instruments of spiritual good - who through our prayers, efforts, or influence have been led to the Saviour's feet?
~George Everard~
(continued with # 4)
Or look at it in another way. Here is a man who has long set his heart on the accomplishment of some great and noble object. It has been his one aim and prayer for many a year. Perhaps it has been the building of a church in some poor or neglected neighborhood. Perhaps it has been the founding of an asylum for orphan children. And now the desire of a lifetime has been fulfilled. What untold pleasure and thankfulness it awakens within him as he sees the reward of his toil and the answer to so many prayers!
And in the believer's sight of the coming King, something similar to every one of these elements of grateful joy will be found, and will burst forth in fullest measure. It will be gladness in its highest form, and with no single cause of alloy.
I remember well an old servant of Christ who faithfully followed the Master upwards of sixty years. A few years before his death his sight suddenly failed him. He sought advice, but he was told that it was impossible to provide a cure. He would never see again while he lived. A bright and happy thought awoke within the heart of the good man. "Then the next person I shall see will be my Saviour!" said this faithful servant of his Lord.
And what that sight will be to a Christian man, who can express?
In that sight, all heart-joys meet. Raise your thoughts to the very highest conceptions of sanctified hope and expectation - and that moment will surpass them all.
Here the desire of the soul will be fully satisfied. We read that "hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life." Through long centuries has the Church waited for the return of her Lord.
Year after year has the earnest and wakeful believer been looking for "that blessed hope," even the glorious appearing of the Son of God. And now the day has come. No more waiting, weary days. No more triumphing of the wicked. No more hiding the pure truth of God beneath the covering of human traditions. No more sorrow or sin to trouble the Christian's heart. The blessed day has come with all its rich treasury of deliverance, peace, felicity and victory.
Here mutual love will be abundantly satisfied. The Bridegroom will rejoice in the Bride - and the Bride will be satisfied forever in the presence of her Lord. It is said by Solomon, "The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hearing," and we find it true in our present state. But it will not be true then. "Your eyes shall see the King in His beauty!" - and this sight will be enough. It will be the one great joy of the redeemed forever. To see Christ, to be with Him, to look deeper into His loving heart, and to share that love through endless ages - this will be the chief element in the pleasures which are at God's right hand.
"The King there in His beauty
Without a veil is seen;
It were a well-spent journey
Though seven deaths lay between.
The Lamb with His fair army
Does on Mount Zion stand,
And glory, glory dwells
In Emmanuel's land.
The Bride eyes hot her garment,
But her dear Bridegroom's face;
I will not gaze at glory,
But on my King of Grace.
Not at the crown He gives,
But on His pierced hand;
The Lamb is all the glory
Of Emmanuel's land."
Here will be the transforming power of this sight. Consider the words of John in his First Epistle, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it does not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!" There will be perfect conformity to His image. Sin will be annihilated in the soul, and no temptations ever be able to stir one thought of evil. This mortal body will put on its garments of glory and immortality. In heavenly purity, in unwearied brightness and activity, in an atmosphere of love, born of the love that inflames the heart of Christ - the risen saint will be satisfied as he awakes in the likeness of His Saviour. And with the sight of Christ Himself, there will be ten thousand sights that will multiply indefinitely the Christian's joy. What will it be to behold angel and archangel, cherubim and seraphim, and all doing homage to Him whom we love?
What will it be to see the saints of olden times, prophets, apostles, martyrs - those whose words have been a guide to us along our journey here? What will it be to see those who have been dear to us in the flesh, and who fell asleep in Christ before ourselves? What will it be to see those to whom God has made us instruments of spiritual good - who through our prayers, efforts, or influence have been led to the Saviour's feet?
~George Everard~
(continued with # 4)
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