The Great Gathering # 2
4. In the last place, the gathering of all true Christians shall be a meeting without parting. There are no such meetings now. We seem to live in an endless hurry, and can hardly sit down and take breath - before we are off again. "Goodbye" treads on the heels of "Hello!"
The cares of this world, the necessary duties of life, the demands of our families, the work of our various stations and callings - all these things appear to eat up our days, and to make it impossible to have long quiet times of communion with God's people. But, blessed be God - it shall not always be so. The hour comes, and shall soon be here, when "goodbye" and "farewell" shall be words that are laid aside and buried forever! When we meet in a world where the former things have passed away, where there is no more sin, no more sorrow, no more poverty, no more work of body or work of brains, no more need of anxiety for families, no more sickness, no more pain, no more old age, no more death, no more change - when we meet in that endless state of being, calm, and restful, and unhurried - who can tell what the bliss and blessedness will be? I cannot wonder that Paul bids us look up and look forward.
The man who sees nothing much in the second coming of Christ and the public gathering of Christ's people - nothing happy, nothing joyful, nothing pleasant, nothing desirable - such a man may well doubt whether he himself is a true Christian and has got any grace at all!
In closing, let me offer the following APPLICATIONS.
1. I ask you a plain question. Shall you be gathered by the angels into God's home when the Lord returns - or shall you be left behind?
One thing is very certain - there will only be two groups of mankind at the last great day: those who are on the right hand of Christ - and those who are on the left; those who are counted religious - and those who are wicked; those who are safe in the ark - and those who are outside; those who are gathered like wheat into God's barn - and those who are left behind like tares to be burned. What will your portion be?
2. I offer you a plain means of testing your own soul's condition, if you want to know if you will be gathered into God's home. Never, never let it be forgotten, that our tastes on earth are a sure evidence of the state of our hearts; and the state of our hearts here on earth is a sure indication of our eternal home hereafter.
3. If you are a true Christian, I exhort you to be often looking forward. Your best things are yet to come! Look forward! There is a "gathering together" yet to come!
Well, it is an old story. You are only drinking a cup which myriads have drunk before. Look up and look forward. The lonely time will soon be past and over - you will have company enough by and by. "When you wake up after your Lord's likeness - you shall be satisfied" (Psalm 17:15). Yet in a little while you shall see a congregation that shall never break up, and a Sabbath that shall never end. "The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto Him," shall make amends for all!
"Therefore comfort one another with these words!" (1 Thess. 4:18).
~J. C. Ryle~
(The End)
Saturday, September 22, 2018
The Great Gathering! # 1
The Great Gathering! # 1
"Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto Him" (2 Thess. 2:1).
The test which heads this page contains an expression which deserves no common attention. That expression is, "Our gathering together."
"Our gathering together!" Those three words touch a note which ought to find a response in every part of the world. Man is by nature a social being - he does not like to be alone. Go where you will on earth, people generally like meeting together, and seeing one another's faces. It is the exception, and not the rule - to find children of Adam who do not like "gathering together."
Happy is the land where such a state of things exists. Cold and hard is that religion which pretends to frown at social gatherings, and denounces them as wicked. Family affection lies at the very roots of well-ordered society. It is one of the few good things which have survived the fall, and prevent men and women from being mere devils. It is the secret oil on the wheels of our social system which keeps the whole machine going. Anything which helps to keep up family affection and brotherly love is a positive good to a country.
But earthly gatherings after all have something about them that is sad and sorrowful. The happiest parties sometimes contain uncongenial members. The hand of death makes painful gaps in the family circle. People do not talk much on such things; but there are few that do not feel them. I suspect, many people who reach middle age, if they spoke the truth - would say that there are sorrowful things about earthly gatherings.
But is there no better "gathering" yet to come? I thank God that I can give a plain answer to this question. I ask my readers to give me their attention for a few minutes, and I will show them what I mean.
1. There is a "gathering together" of true Christians which is to come. What is it, and when shall it be? The gathering I speak of, shall take place at the end of the world, in the day when Christ returns to earth the second time. As surely as He came the first time - so surely will He come the second time. In the clouds of heaven He went away - and in the clouds of heaven He shall return. Visibly, in the body, He went away - and visibly, in the body, He will return. And the very first thing that Christ will do, will be to "gather together" His people. "He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other" (Matt. 24:31).
The MANNER of this "gathering together" is plainly revealed in Scripture. The dead saints shall be raised, and the living saints shall all be changed. It is written. "The sea shall give up the dead that were in it, and death and hades gave up the dead that were in them." "The dead in Christ shall rise first. Those who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air". "We shall all not sleep - but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." (Revelation 20:13; 1Thess. 4:16; 17; 1Cor. 15:51, 52). And then, when every member of Christ is found, and not one left behind, when soul and body, those old companions, are once more reunited - then shall be the grand "gathering together."
The OBJECT of this gathering together is as clearly revealed in Scripture as its manner.
It is partly for the final reward of Christ's people - that their complete justification from all guilt may be declared to all creation; that they may receive the "unfading crown of glory," and the "kingdom prepared before the foundation of the world;" that they may be admitted publicly into the joy of their Lord.
It is partly for the safety of Christ's people, that, like Noah in the ark, they may be hid and covered before the storm of God's judgment comes down on the wicked; that when the last plagues are falling on the enemies of the Lord - they may be untouched, and unscathed. The saints have no cause to fear the day of gathering, however fearful the signs that may accompany it. Before the final crash of all things begins - they shall be hidden in the secret place of the Most High. The grand gathering is for their safety and their reward.
a. This gathering will be a great one. ALL children of God who have ever lived, from Abel the first saint down to the last born in the day that our Lord comes - all of every age, and nation, and church, and people, and tongues - all shall be assembled together. Not one shall be overlooked or forgotten. Their shall be a multitude which no man can number.
b. This gathering will be a wonderful one. The saints from different lands, saints who died five thousand years ago, shall find their bodies raised and renewed as quickly as those who are alive when the trumpet sounds. Above all, miracles of grace will be revealed. We shall see some in heaven who we never expected would have been saved at all. The confusion of tongues shall at length be reversed, and done away. The assembled multitude will cry with one heart and in one language, "What has God wrought!" (Num. 23:23).
c. This gathering shall be a humbling one. It shall make an end of bigotry and narrow-mindedness forever. The Christians of one denomination shall find themselves side by side with those of another denomination. If they would not tolerate them on earth - they will be obliged to tolerate them in heaven. Never, will the world have seen such a complete overthrow of sectarianism, party-spirit, unbrotherliness, religious jealousy, and religious pride! At last we shall all be completely "clothed with humility" (1 Peter 5:5).
This mighty, wonderful "gathering together," is the gathering which ought to be often in men's thoughts. It deserves consideration - it demands attention. One thought alone will swallow up men's minds - that thought will be, "Shall I be gathered with Christ's people into a place of safety and honor - or will I be left behind to everlasting woe?" Let us take care that we are not left behind!
2. WHY is this "gathering together" of true Christians a thing to be desired? Let us try to answer that question.
Paul evidently thought that the gathering at the last day was a cheering object which Christians ought to keep before their eyes. He classes it with the second coming of our Lord, which he says elsewhere, believers love and long for. He exalts it in the distant horizon as one of those "good things to come," which should animate the faith of every pilgrim in the narrow way. He seems to say that each servant of God will have rest, and a kingdom, and a crown - he will also have besides a happy "gathering together". Why is it a thing that we ought to look forward to with joy, and expect with pleasure?
1. For one thing, the "gathering together" of all true Christians will be a state of things totally unlike their present condition. To be scattered, and not gathered, seems the rule of man's existence now.
2. For another thing, the gathering together of all true Christians will be an assembly entirely of one mind. There are no such assemblies now. Mixture, hypocrisy, and false profession - creep in everywhere. Wherever there is wheat there is tares. Wherever there are wise virgins - there are sure to be foolish. There is no such thing as a perfect church now. There is a Judas Iscariot at every communion table - and a Dema in every apostolic company! And wherever the "sons of God" come together - satan is sure to appear among them.
But all this shall come to an end one day. Our Lord shall at length present to the Father a perfect church, "having neither spot nor wrinkle, nor any such thing" (Ephes. 5:27). How glorious such a Church will be!
3. For another thing, the gathering together of true Christians will be a meeting at which none shall be absent. The weakest lamb shall not be left behind. We shall once more see our beloved friends and neighbors who fell asleep in Christ - better, brighter, more beautiful, more pleasant than ever we found them on earth! We shall hold communion with all the saints of God who have gone before us, from the beginning of the world to the end. Patriarchs and Prophets, Apostles and Fathers, Martyrs and Missionaries, Reformers and Puritans - all the host of God's elect shall be there.
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 2)
"Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto Him" (2 Thess. 2:1).
The test which heads this page contains an expression which deserves no common attention. That expression is, "Our gathering together."
"Our gathering together!" Those three words touch a note which ought to find a response in every part of the world. Man is by nature a social being - he does not like to be alone. Go where you will on earth, people generally like meeting together, and seeing one another's faces. It is the exception, and not the rule - to find children of Adam who do not like "gathering together."
Happy is the land where such a state of things exists. Cold and hard is that religion which pretends to frown at social gatherings, and denounces them as wicked. Family affection lies at the very roots of well-ordered society. It is one of the few good things which have survived the fall, and prevent men and women from being mere devils. It is the secret oil on the wheels of our social system which keeps the whole machine going. Anything which helps to keep up family affection and brotherly love is a positive good to a country.
But earthly gatherings after all have something about them that is sad and sorrowful. The happiest parties sometimes contain uncongenial members. The hand of death makes painful gaps in the family circle. People do not talk much on such things; but there are few that do not feel them. I suspect, many people who reach middle age, if they spoke the truth - would say that there are sorrowful things about earthly gatherings.
But is there no better "gathering" yet to come? I thank God that I can give a plain answer to this question. I ask my readers to give me their attention for a few minutes, and I will show them what I mean.
1. There is a "gathering together" of true Christians which is to come. What is it, and when shall it be? The gathering I speak of, shall take place at the end of the world, in the day when Christ returns to earth the second time. As surely as He came the first time - so surely will He come the second time. In the clouds of heaven He went away - and in the clouds of heaven He shall return. Visibly, in the body, He went away - and visibly, in the body, He will return. And the very first thing that Christ will do, will be to "gather together" His people. "He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other" (Matt. 24:31).
The MANNER of this "gathering together" is plainly revealed in Scripture. The dead saints shall be raised, and the living saints shall all be changed. It is written. "The sea shall give up the dead that were in it, and death and hades gave up the dead that were in them." "The dead in Christ shall rise first. Those who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air". "We shall all not sleep - but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." (Revelation 20:13; 1Thess. 4:16; 17; 1Cor. 15:51, 52). And then, when every member of Christ is found, and not one left behind, when soul and body, those old companions, are once more reunited - then shall be the grand "gathering together."
The OBJECT of this gathering together is as clearly revealed in Scripture as its manner.
It is partly for the final reward of Christ's people - that their complete justification from all guilt may be declared to all creation; that they may receive the "unfading crown of glory," and the "kingdom prepared before the foundation of the world;" that they may be admitted publicly into the joy of their Lord.
It is partly for the safety of Christ's people, that, like Noah in the ark, they may be hid and covered before the storm of God's judgment comes down on the wicked; that when the last plagues are falling on the enemies of the Lord - they may be untouched, and unscathed. The saints have no cause to fear the day of gathering, however fearful the signs that may accompany it. Before the final crash of all things begins - they shall be hidden in the secret place of the Most High. The grand gathering is for their safety and their reward.
a. This gathering will be a great one. ALL children of God who have ever lived, from Abel the first saint down to the last born in the day that our Lord comes - all of every age, and nation, and church, and people, and tongues - all shall be assembled together. Not one shall be overlooked or forgotten. Their shall be a multitude which no man can number.
b. This gathering will be a wonderful one. The saints from different lands, saints who died five thousand years ago, shall find their bodies raised and renewed as quickly as those who are alive when the trumpet sounds. Above all, miracles of grace will be revealed. We shall see some in heaven who we never expected would have been saved at all. The confusion of tongues shall at length be reversed, and done away. The assembled multitude will cry with one heart and in one language, "What has God wrought!" (Num. 23:23).
c. This gathering shall be a humbling one. It shall make an end of bigotry and narrow-mindedness forever. The Christians of one denomination shall find themselves side by side with those of another denomination. If they would not tolerate them on earth - they will be obliged to tolerate them in heaven. Never, will the world have seen such a complete overthrow of sectarianism, party-spirit, unbrotherliness, religious jealousy, and religious pride! At last we shall all be completely "clothed with humility" (1 Peter 5:5).
This mighty, wonderful "gathering together," is the gathering which ought to be often in men's thoughts. It deserves consideration - it demands attention. One thought alone will swallow up men's minds - that thought will be, "Shall I be gathered with Christ's people into a place of safety and honor - or will I be left behind to everlasting woe?" Let us take care that we are not left behind!
2. WHY is this "gathering together" of true Christians a thing to be desired? Let us try to answer that question.
Paul evidently thought that the gathering at the last day was a cheering object which Christians ought to keep before their eyes. He classes it with the second coming of our Lord, which he says elsewhere, believers love and long for. He exalts it in the distant horizon as one of those "good things to come," which should animate the faith of every pilgrim in the narrow way. He seems to say that each servant of God will have rest, and a kingdom, and a crown - he will also have besides a happy "gathering together". Why is it a thing that we ought to look forward to with joy, and expect with pleasure?
1. For one thing, the "gathering together" of all true Christians will be a state of things totally unlike their present condition. To be scattered, and not gathered, seems the rule of man's existence now.
2. For another thing, the gathering together of all true Christians will be an assembly entirely of one mind. There are no such assemblies now. Mixture, hypocrisy, and false profession - creep in everywhere. Wherever there is wheat there is tares. Wherever there are wise virgins - there are sure to be foolish. There is no such thing as a perfect church now. There is a Judas Iscariot at every communion table - and a Dema in every apostolic company! And wherever the "sons of God" come together - satan is sure to appear among them.
But all this shall come to an end one day. Our Lord shall at length present to the Father a perfect church, "having neither spot nor wrinkle, nor any such thing" (Ephes. 5:27). How glorious such a Church will be!
3. For another thing, the gathering together of true Christians will be a meeting at which none shall be absent. The weakest lamb shall not be left behind. We shall once more see our beloved friends and neighbors who fell asleep in Christ - better, brighter, more beautiful, more pleasant than ever we found them on earth! We shall hold communion with all the saints of God who have gone before us, from the beginning of the world to the end. Patriarchs and Prophets, Apostles and Fathers, Martyrs and Missionaries, Reformers and Puritans - all the host of God's elect shall be there.
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Credulous Simpletons # 2 (and others)
Credulous Simpletons # 2 (and others)
"A prudent man gives thought to his steps." Observe well the tense of the verb: it is not that he is concerned about the matter and then takes stock once and for all. No, he continues to be exercised before God as to the state of his soul. The simple may rest satisfied with the fact that they believed on Christ so many years ago, but the prudent are tender about their present relation to God. They realize that nothing but an obedient following of Christ now, a walking with Him now, a communing with Him now, furnishes any satisfactory proof that they were born again at a certain date in the past.
"A prudent man gives thought to his steps." Yes, he not only examines diligently his heart, but he is deeply concerned about his "steps." Instead of complacently assuming that the warning belongs unto others, he is filled with alarm when he reads that, "There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Prov. 14:12). Is it possible that, after all, he may be deceived? Yes, very, very possible; yes, exceedingly likely. Such a soul, truly awakened by the Holy Spirit, can have no rest until he makes sure that he is in the "narrow way" which leads unto life, and which FEW indeed find.
Reader, which are you: a credulous simpleton, or a prudent soul that "gives thought" to your going? If the former, may it please the Lord to shatter your false peace, and make you feel your imminent danger. If the latter, may the Holy Spirit grant increasing diligence to "make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10).
~George Everard~
_______________________________
Dreadful and Murderous Cruelty!
What genuine believer can for a moment question whether his children's eternal salvation ought to be the supreme solicitude of his heart?
If we look to the great bulk of mankind it is perfectly evident that true religion hardly enters into their view. They are very willing that their children should go to church; but as to any concern for the religious character, and the formation of pious habits - they are as destitute of everything of this kind, as if religion were a mere fable, or were nothing more than a mere form. Their chief object is either elegant and fashionable accomplishments, or learning and science - and provided their children excel in these, they never make any inquiry or feel any concern whether they fear God. They would be not only surprised, but would either laugh you to scorn, or scowl upon you with indignation, for proposing such fanatical questions in reference to their children! Yes, this is the way of the greater part of parents, even in this religious country. To train them up to shine and make a figure in society, is all they seek.
~John Angell James~
_________________________
The Surest Guide to Success In This World
What is your life, but a voyage to eternity!
A life altogether unprepared for, must be a life of perpetual mistakes, faults, and miseries.
The chief preparation for life is the formation of a moral and spiritual character. Genuine piety, the parent of sound morality, is the surest guide to success in this world. And as true religion is the best guide to happiness in this world, likewise it is the only way to happiness in the world to come.
True piety will preserve you from all the habits which tend to poverty and misery - and aid the formation of all habits which tend to usefulness and happiness.
~John Angell James~
_________________________
The Idol Of Our Day!
One of the evils of our age, is an excessive love of pleasure, which leads to self-indulgence, and indisposes the mind for sober thought and true piety. Love of pleasure is one of the growing tendencies of the day in which we live, and threatens infinite damage to the present and eternal welfare of mankind, by bringing on an age of frivolity, sensuality and practical atheism.
Find your pleasure, young men in the improvement of your mind, in attention to duties, in true piety, and in active benevolence. Is there not scope enough for enjoyment here?
Excessive worldliness is another of the dangers of this age. In our wealthy and materialistic country, there is most imminent peril of sinking into the mere worldling, and living only to get wealth. Never was there so great a danger of having the conscience benumbed, moral principles prostrated, the heart rendered callous, the intellect emptied of its strength, as in the age in which we live!
Wealth is the idol of our day! Without watchfulness and prayer, you are in danger of bowing devoutly at its shrine, becoming its worshipers, and immolating your souls as a burnt-offering on its altars!
~John Angell James~
_________________________
A Bad Word!
"We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall" (Prov. 16:33).
"Luck!" There is no such thing in our world, none in nature, none in human affairs.
Luck means that an event has no cause at all. It is a bad word - a heathen term. Drop it from your vocabulary! Trust nothing to luck, and expect nothing from it. Avoid all practical dependence upon it or its kindred words fate, chance, fortune.
Never forget your dependence upon God. He can exalt you to prosperity - or sink you into the lowest depth of adversity. He can make everything to which you set your hand to prosper - or to fail. Devoutly acknowledge this. Abhor the atheism that shuts God out of His own world!
~John Angell James~
"A prudent man gives thought to his steps." Observe well the tense of the verb: it is not that he is concerned about the matter and then takes stock once and for all. No, he continues to be exercised before God as to the state of his soul. The simple may rest satisfied with the fact that they believed on Christ so many years ago, but the prudent are tender about their present relation to God. They realize that nothing but an obedient following of Christ now, a walking with Him now, a communing with Him now, furnishes any satisfactory proof that they were born again at a certain date in the past.
"A prudent man gives thought to his steps." Yes, he not only examines diligently his heart, but he is deeply concerned about his "steps." Instead of complacently assuming that the warning belongs unto others, he is filled with alarm when he reads that, "There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Prov. 14:12). Is it possible that, after all, he may be deceived? Yes, very, very possible; yes, exceedingly likely. Such a soul, truly awakened by the Holy Spirit, can have no rest until he makes sure that he is in the "narrow way" which leads unto life, and which FEW indeed find.
Reader, which are you: a credulous simpleton, or a prudent soul that "gives thought" to your going? If the former, may it please the Lord to shatter your false peace, and make you feel your imminent danger. If the latter, may the Holy Spirit grant increasing diligence to "make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10).
~George Everard~
_______________________________
Dreadful and Murderous Cruelty!
What genuine believer can for a moment question whether his children's eternal salvation ought to be the supreme solicitude of his heart?
If we look to the great bulk of mankind it is perfectly evident that true religion hardly enters into their view. They are very willing that their children should go to church; but as to any concern for the religious character, and the formation of pious habits - they are as destitute of everything of this kind, as if religion were a mere fable, or were nothing more than a mere form. Their chief object is either elegant and fashionable accomplishments, or learning and science - and provided their children excel in these, they never make any inquiry or feel any concern whether they fear God. They would be not only surprised, but would either laugh you to scorn, or scowl upon you with indignation, for proposing such fanatical questions in reference to their children! Yes, this is the way of the greater part of parents, even in this religious country. To train them up to shine and make a figure in society, is all they seek.
~John Angell James~
_________________________
The Surest Guide to Success In This World
What is your life, but a voyage to eternity!
A life altogether unprepared for, must be a life of perpetual mistakes, faults, and miseries.
The chief preparation for life is the formation of a moral and spiritual character. Genuine piety, the parent of sound morality, is the surest guide to success in this world. And as true religion is the best guide to happiness in this world, likewise it is the only way to happiness in the world to come.
True piety will preserve you from all the habits which tend to poverty and misery - and aid the formation of all habits which tend to usefulness and happiness.
~John Angell James~
_________________________
The Idol Of Our Day!
One of the evils of our age, is an excessive love of pleasure, which leads to self-indulgence, and indisposes the mind for sober thought and true piety. Love of pleasure is one of the growing tendencies of the day in which we live, and threatens infinite damage to the present and eternal welfare of mankind, by bringing on an age of frivolity, sensuality and practical atheism.
Find your pleasure, young men in the improvement of your mind, in attention to duties, in true piety, and in active benevolence. Is there not scope enough for enjoyment here?
Excessive worldliness is another of the dangers of this age. In our wealthy and materialistic country, there is most imminent peril of sinking into the mere worldling, and living only to get wealth. Never was there so great a danger of having the conscience benumbed, moral principles prostrated, the heart rendered callous, the intellect emptied of its strength, as in the age in which we live!
Wealth is the idol of our day! Without watchfulness and prayer, you are in danger of bowing devoutly at its shrine, becoming its worshipers, and immolating your souls as a burnt-offering on its altars!
~John Angell James~
_________________________
A Bad Word!
"We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall" (Prov. 16:33).
"Luck!" There is no such thing in our world, none in nature, none in human affairs.
Luck means that an event has no cause at all. It is a bad word - a heathen term. Drop it from your vocabulary! Trust nothing to luck, and expect nothing from it. Avoid all practical dependence upon it or its kindred words fate, chance, fortune.
Never forget your dependence upon God. He can exalt you to prosperity - or sink you into the lowest depth of adversity. He can make everything to which you set your hand to prosper - or to fail. Devoutly acknowledge this. Abhor the atheism that shuts God out of His own world!
~John Angell James~
Credulous Simpletons # 1
Credulous Simpletons # 1
"A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps" (Prov. 14:15).
As we all know, there is a class of people who are so gullible that they believe almost everything they hear, every story that is told, every promise that is made them. They are easily imposed upon, for they do not think for themselves, and never properly outgrow their infancy. Thoroughly unsophisticated, they are ready victims for any retailers of fairy-tales who come along.
But there is another class which, concerning natural things, are more cautious and on their guard; who instead of believing every tale, require proof; and who instead of forming estimates by the first glance of the eye, examine things carefully. This second class is, in the affairs of the world, particular, shrewd, not easily imposed upon. We say "in the affairs of the world," for when it comes to things concerning their eternal destiny, many of this very class are, strange to say, most credulous and easily duped. In matters concerning their never-dying souls, they throw caution to the winds, stifle any suspicions they might have, cease to examine things with due care, and allow themselves to be deceived. Let a man styling himself an "evangelist" come to their community, and they will flock to hear him; let him affirm that he believes the Bible to be God's Word, Christ to be the God's Son, and faith in His blood to be God's way of salvation - and he is at once received as "orthodox." Satisfied thus of the evangelist's orthodoxy, they are as ready to receive what he presents, as the poor heathen are to blindly follow what their "priests" tell them.
Or, just as those born in Papist families pliantly yield unto the awful dogma that the Virgin Mary is to be worshiped, so others reared by those belonging to a Protestant denomination which teach that water baptism is requisite in order to obtain the forgiveness of sins, mechanically assent thereto. In like manner, if others sit under a preacher who tells them "All that is necessary in order to salvation is to believe in Christ," thousands of credulous simpletons believe him, to their eternal undoing. Yes, we greatly fear that not a few readers of this magazine, if they received a letter from the editor addressing them as "Dear Brother" or "Dear Sister," would be likely to exclaim, "Well, if Brother Pink thinks I am a Christian, there is no need for me to worry about it."
Yes, "the simple man believes anything." There is no doubt in the writer's mind that one of the factors contributing much unto the babel of tongues now existing in Christendom, is the gullibility of the public. Almost any man (or woman) can start a new religion today; providing he has a pleasing personality, a forceful delivery, or a sensational message - he is sure of a following.
Again, the conflicting sects already in existence are perpetuated because of so many of their adherents blindly accept some man's say so, believing their "church's" interpretation of the Scriptures, instead of prayerfully searching the Word for themselves. Here too we have the explanation of why so many are in a state of mental confusion, knowing not "whom to believe" or "what to believe." They hear one preacher after another, attend this Bible conference and that, read numerous magazines and books; and finding speakers and writers differing so much, these credulous simpletons know not where they stand. Now this feverish rushing around from church to church, this readiness to accept almost anything that is heard or read, this lightness of belief, is a most dangerous thing.
God has bidden His people to "Believe not every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). O how great is the need for so doing; never more requisite and urgent than in these evil days. How often does that warning occur in the New Testament, "Take heed that no man deceive you" (Matt. 24:4; Eph. 5:6; 1 John 3:7, etc.). To take things on trust is the height of folly. Emulate those spoken of in Acts 17:11, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
"A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps" Not only does he measure what he hears and reads by the unerring standard of God's Word, but the prudent man also scrutinizes his own heart, to see if he can find there the evidences and fruits of his own heart, and to see if he can find there the evidences and fruits of regeneration and sanctification. He wishes to make sure that the Holy Spirit has wrought a miracle of grace within him. Deeply impressed with the solemnity of eternity, knowing how prone man is to give himself the benefit of the doubt, he dares not to take anything for granted, he cries, "Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind" (Psalm 26:2).
A prudent man gives thought to his steps. Yes, he takes warning from the empty profession all around him, and is fearful lest he should prove to be one of the foolish virgins. He refuses to be beguiled by the voice of flatters, who tell him that all is well with his soul. Even though a preacher assures him that he is saved, that satisfies him not. He demands something more than a head-knowledge of the letter of Scripture he wants to know that the law of God has been written on his heart (Heb. 8:10). And in seeking proof of this he spares no pains, and considers no diligence or effort too great.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
"A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps" (Prov. 14:15).
As we all know, there is a class of people who are so gullible that they believe almost everything they hear, every story that is told, every promise that is made them. They are easily imposed upon, for they do not think for themselves, and never properly outgrow their infancy. Thoroughly unsophisticated, they are ready victims for any retailers of fairy-tales who come along.
But there is another class which, concerning natural things, are more cautious and on their guard; who instead of believing every tale, require proof; and who instead of forming estimates by the first glance of the eye, examine things carefully. This second class is, in the affairs of the world, particular, shrewd, not easily imposed upon. We say "in the affairs of the world," for when it comes to things concerning their eternal destiny, many of this very class are, strange to say, most credulous and easily duped. In matters concerning their never-dying souls, they throw caution to the winds, stifle any suspicions they might have, cease to examine things with due care, and allow themselves to be deceived. Let a man styling himself an "evangelist" come to their community, and they will flock to hear him; let him affirm that he believes the Bible to be God's Word, Christ to be the God's Son, and faith in His blood to be God's way of salvation - and he is at once received as "orthodox." Satisfied thus of the evangelist's orthodoxy, they are as ready to receive what he presents, as the poor heathen are to blindly follow what their "priests" tell them.
Or, just as those born in Papist families pliantly yield unto the awful dogma that the Virgin Mary is to be worshiped, so others reared by those belonging to a Protestant denomination which teach that water baptism is requisite in order to obtain the forgiveness of sins, mechanically assent thereto. In like manner, if others sit under a preacher who tells them "All that is necessary in order to salvation is to believe in Christ," thousands of credulous simpletons believe him, to their eternal undoing. Yes, we greatly fear that not a few readers of this magazine, if they received a letter from the editor addressing them as "Dear Brother" or "Dear Sister," would be likely to exclaim, "Well, if Brother Pink thinks I am a Christian, there is no need for me to worry about it."
Yes, "the simple man believes anything." There is no doubt in the writer's mind that one of the factors contributing much unto the babel of tongues now existing in Christendom, is the gullibility of the public. Almost any man (or woman) can start a new religion today; providing he has a pleasing personality, a forceful delivery, or a sensational message - he is sure of a following.
Again, the conflicting sects already in existence are perpetuated because of so many of their adherents blindly accept some man's say so, believing their "church's" interpretation of the Scriptures, instead of prayerfully searching the Word for themselves. Here too we have the explanation of why so many are in a state of mental confusion, knowing not "whom to believe" or "what to believe." They hear one preacher after another, attend this Bible conference and that, read numerous magazines and books; and finding speakers and writers differing so much, these credulous simpletons know not where they stand. Now this feverish rushing around from church to church, this readiness to accept almost anything that is heard or read, this lightness of belief, is a most dangerous thing.
God has bidden His people to "Believe not every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). O how great is the need for so doing; never more requisite and urgent than in these evil days. How often does that warning occur in the New Testament, "Take heed that no man deceive you" (Matt. 24:4; Eph. 5:6; 1 John 3:7, etc.). To take things on trust is the height of folly. Emulate those spoken of in Acts 17:11, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
"A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps" Not only does he measure what he hears and reads by the unerring standard of God's Word, but the prudent man also scrutinizes his own heart, to see if he can find there the evidences and fruits of his own heart, and to see if he can find there the evidences and fruits of regeneration and sanctification. He wishes to make sure that the Holy Spirit has wrought a miracle of grace within him. Deeply impressed with the solemnity of eternity, knowing how prone man is to give himself the benefit of the doubt, he dares not to take anything for granted, he cries, "Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind" (Psalm 26:2).
A prudent man gives thought to his steps. Yes, he takes warning from the empty profession all around him, and is fearful lest he should prove to be one of the foolish virgins. He refuses to be beguiled by the voice of flatters, who tell him that all is well with his soul. Even though a preacher assures him that he is saved, that satisfies him not. He demands something more than a head-knowledge of the letter of Scripture he wants to know that the law of God has been written on his heart (Heb. 8:10). And in seeking proof of this he spares no pains, and considers no diligence or effort too great.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Jewels From James #1
Jewels From James # 1
Do You Indeed ACT As You Pray?
I need not prove to you that prayer, as a duty, is essential to Christian conduct; and, as a privilege, is equally indispensable to Christian enjoyment. All Christians give themselves to this devout exercise. Their petitions are copious, comprehensive, and seemingly earnest.
What solemn professions they make to God! What ardent desires they express! What numerous blessings they seek! What strong resolutions they form!
If we so pray - how ought we to live? What kind of people must we be - to live up to the standard of our prayers? And ought we not, in some measure at least, to reach this standard? Should there not be a harmony, a consistency, a proportion - between our practice and our prayers?
Do you indeed ACT as you pray? Do you understand the import, and feel the obligation of your own petitions? Do you rise from your knees where you have asked and knocked - to seek? Do you really want, wish for, and endeavor to obtain an answer to your prayers? Are you really intent upon doing, and being - what you ask for in prayer?
Our prayers are to act upon ourselves; they have, or ought to have, great power in the formation of character and the regulation of conduct.
It is plain, therefore, that much of prayer is mere words. We either do not understand, or do not consider, or do not mean - what we say. Do we go from praying - to acting, and to live for salvation, for heaven, for eternity?
"Spirituality of mind" is the subject of innumerable prayers from some who never take a step to promote it! But, on the contrary, who are doing all they can to make themselves carnally minded! How many repeat that petition, "Lead us not into temptation," who, instead of most carefully keeping at the utmost possible distance from all inducements to sin, place themselves in the very path of sin!
How often do we pray to have the mind of Christ, and to imitate the example of Jesus. But where is the assiduous endeavor, the laboring effort, to copy this high model, in its self-denying condescension, its profound humility, its beautiful meekness, its indifference to worldly comforts, its forgiving mercy, its devotedness to God?
How often do we pray to be delivered from evil temptations and irascible feelings. And yet we indulge them on every slight provocation, and take no pains to subdue them!
It is unnecessary to multiply the illustrations of the inconsistency between our prayers and our practice.
_________________________
So Hideous and So Dreadful Is The Offspring!
How dreadful is the nature of sin! Sin is the parent of death. Death the first-born of sin. What must be the parent - when so hideous and so dreadful is the offspring! Who can have watched the harbingers of death - the groans, the pains, the dying strife - without being struck with the fearful nature of man's revolt from God?
Death in itself, and by itself - is horrid and revolting! To see all this inflicted upon a Christian, a child of God, an heir of glory; to see no way even to the kingdom of God, to the realms of immortality - but this dark valley of corruption, earth, and worms - this gives us a most impressive idea of the dreadful nature of sin! How such scenes should enlarge our views of the malignity of sin, and embitter our hearts against it!
Oh sin, sin - what have you done!
_________________________________
The Prevailing Sin of Christians
Increasing deadness to the world, and growing spirituality of mind, are sure results of "sanctified affliction."
The love of the world is the great snare of the church in every age! Worldly-mindedness is now the prevailing sin of Christians. We see them on all hands too eager to make themselves happy on earth, and seeking their enjoyments, if not in the sinful amusements of the world - yet in its "innocent and home-bred comforts." They look not at unseen and eternal things, but at seen and temporal things. Theirs is too much a life of "sense", refined it is true from its gross sinfulness - but still a life of sense, rather than a life of faith.
Hence there is "a needs be" for severe trials, if not to separate them and keep them separate from open and gross sins - yet to lift up their affections to things above, and to lead them to seek their happiness from God, the fountain of life; from Christ, the Redeemer of their souls; and from heaven, the object of their expectations.
When the world has been crucified to us, and we have been crucified to the world; when we have been taught its vanity and emptiness as a satisfying portion for the soul; when we have lost much of our anxiety to obtain its possessions, and of our dread of losing them; when we have turned from the folly of hewing out broken cisterns which can hold no water, and led more to the fountain of living waters; when we have lost our dependence on our comforts and possessions for happiness, and feel and rejoice in a glorious independence from "created good" for bliss - when there is really and truly a conscious elevation of soul towards God and divine things - there is the evidence that we are sanctified by our trials.
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but not I keep Your word. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes. I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me" (Psalm 119:67, 71, 75).
~John Angell James~
Do You Indeed ACT As You Pray?
I need not prove to you that prayer, as a duty, is essential to Christian conduct; and, as a privilege, is equally indispensable to Christian enjoyment. All Christians give themselves to this devout exercise. Their petitions are copious, comprehensive, and seemingly earnest.
What solemn professions they make to God! What ardent desires they express! What numerous blessings they seek! What strong resolutions they form!
If we so pray - how ought we to live? What kind of people must we be - to live up to the standard of our prayers? And ought we not, in some measure at least, to reach this standard? Should there not be a harmony, a consistency, a proportion - between our practice and our prayers?
Do you indeed ACT as you pray? Do you understand the import, and feel the obligation of your own petitions? Do you rise from your knees where you have asked and knocked - to seek? Do you really want, wish for, and endeavor to obtain an answer to your prayers? Are you really intent upon doing, and being - what you ask for in prayer?
Our prayers are to act upon ourselves; they have, or ought to have, great power in the formation of character and the regulation of conduct.
It is plain, therefore, that much of prayer is mere words. We either do not understand, or do not consider, or do not mean - what we say. Do we go from praying - to acting, and to live for salvation, for heaven, for eternity?
"Spirituality of mind" is the subject of innumerable prayers from some who never take a step to promote it! But, on the contrary, who are doing all they can to make themselves carnally minded! How many repeat that petition, "Lead us not into temptation," who, instead of most carefully keeping at the utmost possible distance from all inducements to sin, place themselves in the very path of sin!
How often do we pray to have the mind of Christ, and to imitate the example of Jesus. But where is the assiduous endeavor, the laboring effort, to copy this high model, in its self-denying condescension, its profound humility, its beautiful meekness, its indifference to worldly comforts, its forgiving mercy, its devotedness to God?
How often do we pray to be delivered from evil temptations and irascible feelings. And yet we indulge them on every slight provocation, and take no pains to subdue them!
It is unnecessary to multiply the illustrations of the inconsistency between our prayers and our practice.
_________________________
So Hideous and So Dreadful Is The Offspring!
How dreadful is the nature of sin! Sin is the parent of death. Death the first-born of sin. What must be the parent - when so hideous and so dreadful is the offspring! Who can have watched the harbingers of death - the groans, the pains, the dying strife - without being struck with the fearful nature of man's revolt from God?
Death in itself, and by itself - is horrid and revolting! To see all this inflicted upon a Christian, a child of God, an heir of glory; to see no way even to the kingdom of God, to the realms of immortality - but this dark valley of corruption, earth, and worms - this gives us a most impressive idea of the dreadful nature of sin! How such scenes should enlarge our views of the malignity of sin, and embitter our hearts against it!
Oh sin, sin - what have you done!
_________________________________
The Prevailing Sin of Christians
Increasing deadness to the world, and growing spirituality of mind, are sure results of "sanctified affliction."
The love of the world is the great snare of the church in every age! Worldly-mindedness is now the prevailing sin of Christians. We see them on all hands too eager to make themselves happy on earth, and seeking their enjoyments, if not in the sinful amusements of the world - yet in its "innocent and home-bred comforts." They look not at unseen and eternal things, but at seen and temporal things. Theirs is too much a life of "sense", refined it is true from its gross sinfulness - but still a life of sense, rather than a life of faith.
Hence there is "a needs be" for severe trials, if not to separate them and keep them separate from open and gross sins - yet to lift up their affections to things above, and to lead them to seek their happiness from God, the fountain of life; from Christ, the Redeemer of their souls; and from heaven, the object of their expectations.
When the world has been crucified to us, and we have been crucified to the world; when we have been taught its vanity and emptiness as a satisfying portion for the soul; when we have lost much of our anxiety to obtain its possessions, and of our dread of losing them; when we have turned from the folly of hewing out broken cisterns which can hold no water, and led more to the fountain of living waters; when we have lost our dependence on our comforts and possessions for happiness, and feel and rejoice in a glorious independence from "created good" for bliss - when there is really and truly a conscious elevation of soul towards God and divine things - there is the evidence that we are sanctified by our trials.
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but not I keep Your word. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes. I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me" (Psalm 119:67, 71, 75).
~John Angell James~
The Blood of the Lamb # 4
The Blood of the Lamb # 4
A day is still to come when sadness shall flee away, and God Himself will say 'Refrain from weeping, for the former things are passed away.' There shall be no sadness in heaven, for there shall be no sin! The days of our tribulation shall be forgotten! We shall be able at last to love our God without coldness, to reverence His holiness without torment, to trust Him without despair, to serve Him without weariness, without interruption, without distraction. The days of weakness and corruption will be past, and we shall be like our Lord in holiness as well as happiness; in purity as well as immortality.
And now, beloved, let me ask you what is the purpose for which the Church has been established upon earth, and ministers have been appointed to watch for your souls? What is the object of Bibles and ordinances, and prayer and preaching? Is it not simply this - that you may be numbered with the saints in glory everlasting, that you may enjoy those blessings you have heard described?
Then search and see what SOLEMN QUESTIONS spring out of my text. Have you taken up the cross? are you denying yourself? do you know anything of this spiritual tribulation? Be very sure, that unless you will declare yourself decidedly on the Lord's side, and fight His battle with the ungodly world, and the lusts of the flesh, and the wiles of the devil; you will never stand before the throne in robes of white, and carry the palm of victory in your hand!
That carelessness about sin, that trifling with temptation, that earnestness about the things of time, that forgetfulness about eternity, that readiness to swim with the tide of religion, that unwillingness to become more serious than your neighbors, that fear of being thought righteous overmuch, that love of the world's good opinion - is this what you call coming out of great tribulation? Is this living in the Spirit? Is this striving and laboring after eternal life? Oh, look to your foundations, set your house in order. No empty "trust in God's mercy" will ever save you. You were not baptized unto idleness and indifference. Without a real hatred of sin, and a real forsaking of sin, Christ can profit you nothing. You never can be made white with the blood of the Lamb - unless you desire to have this earth's defilements really washed away!
And then consider, lastly, O unhappy worldling - could you be happy in heaven? Do you think that men who count it a great trouble to come to church, and find the services a weariness and rejoice when they are over - do you think that such would be ready to serve God day and night? Will those who take no pleasure in drawing near to Jesus in prayer - delight to be forever in His presence and dwell with Him? Are you who never hunger and thirst after righteousness - are you to be satisfied with the living fountains of water? Are you who never grieve over the wickedness of this world - are you likely to understand the privilege of that holy rest, when God shall wipe away all tears? Oh, no, it cannot be, it cannot be!
Whatever a man sows - he shall also reap! Whatever we love in time - we shall love in eternity! You must be born again - or heaven itself would be a miserable abode! There is no place in heaven for the worldly-minded and profane. You must be renewed in the spirit. You must become new creatures! How long will you insult your Redeemer by putting it off? Oh! pray to the Lord Jesus Christ, to send His Holy Spirit upon you! Go to the fountain while the door of mercy is yet open!
But blessed are all you who mourn for your sin - for you shall be comforted. Blessed are you who are persecuted for righteousness sake - for great is your reward in heaven. It is a single step, and you shall be forever with the Lord, where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest!
The saints whose faith and patience you have so often admired; the holy men and women of whom you have so often said, "Oh, that I were like them"; the ministers who have shown you the way of life, and implored you to be steadfast and unmovable; the friends who have advised you to come out of the world - all are waiting to receive you! There shall be no more parting, no weeping, no separation again! And you, even you, this vile body being changed, shall sing the song of the redeemed: "Unto Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father - to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever! In this world you may have tribulation - but be of good cheer - your Lord and Saviour has overcome the world!
~J. C. Ryle~
(The End)
A day is still to come when sadness shall flee away, and God Himself will say 'Refrain from weeping, for the former things are passed away.' There shall be no sadness in heaven, for there shall be no sin! The days of our tribulation shall be forgotten! We shall be able at last to love our God without coldness, to reverence His holiness without torment, to trust Him without despair, to serve Him without weariness, without interruption, without distraction. The days of weakness and corruption will be past, and we shall be like our Lord in holiness as well as happiness; in purity as well as immortality.
And now, beloved, let me ask you what is the purpose for which the Church has been established upon earth, and ministers have been appointed to watch for your souls? What is the object of Bibles and ordinances, and prayer and preaching? Is it not simply this - that you may be numbered with the saints in glory everlasting, that you may enjoy those blessings you have heard described?
Then search and see what SOLEMN QUESTIONS spring out of my text. Have you taken up the cross? are you denying yourself? do you know anything of this spiritual tribulation? Be very sure, that unless you will declare yourself decidedly on the Lord's side, and fight His battle with the ungodly world, and the lusts of the flesh, and the wiles of the devil; you will never stand before the throne in robes of white, and carry the palm of victory in your hand!
That carelessness about sin, that trifling with temptation, that earnestness about the things of time, that forgetfulness about eternity, that readiness to swim with the tide of religion, that unwillingness to become more serious than your neighbors, that fear of being thought righteous overmuch, that love of the world's good opinion - is this what you call coming out of great tribulation? Is this living in the Spirit? Is this striving and laboring after eternal life? Oh, look to your foundations, set your house in order. No empty "trust in God's mercy" will ever save you. You were not baptized unto idleness and indifference. Without a real hatred of sin, and a real forsaking of sin, Christ can profit you nothing. You never can be made white with the blood of the Lamb - unless you desire to have this earth's defilements really washed away!
And then consider, lastly, O unhappy worldling - could you be happy in heaven? Do you think that men who count it a great trouble to come to church, and find the services a weariness and rejoice when they are over - do you think that such would be ready to serve God day and night? Will those who take no pleasure in drawing near to Jesus in prayer - delight to be forever in His presence and dwell with Him? Are you who never hunger and thirst after righteousness - are you to be satisfied with the living fountains of water? Are you who never grieve over the wickedness of this world - are you likely to understand the privilege of that holy rest, when God shall wipe away all tears? Oh, no, it cannot be, it cannot be!
Whatever a man sows - he shall also reap! Whatever we love in time - we shall love in eternity! You must be born again - or heaven itself would be a miserable abode! There is no place in heaven for the worldly-minded and profane. You must be renewed in the spirit. You must become new creatures! How long will you insult your Redeemer by putting it off? Oh! pray to the Lord Jesus Christ, to send His Holy Spirit upon you! Go to the fountain while the door of mercy is yet open!
But blessed are all you who mourn for your sin - for you shall be comforted. Blessed are you who are persecuted for righteousness sake - for great is your reward in heaven. It is a single step, and you shall be forever with the Lord, where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest!
The saints whose faith and patience you have so often admired; the holy men and women of whom you have so often said, "Oh, that I were like them"; the ministers who have shown you the way of life, and implored you to be steadfast and unmovable; the friends who have advised you to come out of the world - all are waiting to receive you! There shall be no more parting, no weeping, no separation again! And you, even you, this vile body being changed, shall sing the song of the redeemed: "Unto Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father - to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever! In this world you may have tribulation - but be of good cheer - your Lord and Saviour has overcome the world!
~J. C. Ryle~
(The End)
Saturday, September 1, 2018
The Blood of the Lamb # 3
The Blood of the Lamb # 3
3. The third and last part of my text is that which describes the reward of the redeemed. "They washed their robes, and made them white in the Lamb's blood. Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve Him day and night in His temple. He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. They will never be hungry, neither thirsty any more; neither will the sun beat on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shepherds them, and leads them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Here is a list of privileges. You have heard of tribulation - but it leads, you see, to comfort. You have heard of the Cross - but the end is indeed a crown.
Now we can tell you something of the affliction of God's children, for we are able to speak that we know - but when we have to treat of the glory which shall be revealed, we are on ground which human eye has not seen, and we must be careful not to go beyond what is written.
The saints "shall serve God day and night." There shall be no weariness in heaven; there shall be no earthly labors to distract our attention. Here, in this present world, alas! the cares of the world are continually breaking in, and these poor frail bodies of ours do often bind us down to the earth by their weakness, even when the spirit is willing. We may be on the mount for a short season sometimes - but our powers are soon exhausted. But there we shall have no wandering thoughts, no distractions, no bodily wants, we shall never faint!
How little indeed do we worship God in spirit and in truth; at our very best moments, how cold and dull we feel towards our blessed Redeemer, how willing to allow any excuse for shortening our prayers and diminishing our communion with our Father who is in heaven. But those who stand before the throne of God shall feel no fatigue, they will require no repose, they will count it their highest privilege to be continually singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, and saying, "Blessing and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him who sits on the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever!"
But let us read on. "He who sits on the throne shall dwell among them." They shall no longer walk by faith, and see through a glass darkly. They shall see face to face the God in whom they have believed, and behold His countenance as that of a familiar friend. They shall have no more dark seasons, they shall never feel that their beloved Lord is at a distance, they shall never tremble lest they compel Him to withdraw Himself by their lack of service - but they shall see Him as He is, and be forever at His side. And if, while presently groaning in their body of sin, the Christian finds such peace and comfort in drawing near to God in prayer - if even in the flesh he has tasted that it is a joyful thing to pour out his heart before the throne of mercy - oh! who shall describe his blessedness when he shall find himself forever in his Redeemer's presence, and shall be told - It is finished, you shall never leave this holy place?
It is a pleasant thing to have the company of those we love: our very earthly happiness is incomplete while those who have the keys of our affection, the husband, the wife, the brother, the sister, the friends who are as our own souls, are far away. But there shall be no such incompleteness in heaven; there we shall have the presence of our glorious Lord before our eyes, who loved us and gave Himself for us, and paid the price of our salvation, even His own blood, and the Scripture shall be fulfilled which says, "In Your presence there is fullness of joy,and at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore!"
But we may not linger here. We read, "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more." They shall have no more needs and necessities; they shall no longer stand in need of daily application for the bread of life, and their souls starving in the wilderness of this world; they shall not walk as pilgrims trembling lest their spiritual food should not support them, and thirsting after a fuller draught of the water of life. But they shall find that prophecy made good, "When I awake up after Your likeness, I shall be satisfied!"
But again, "the sun shall not light on them, nor any heat." There shall be no more trial and persecution. There shall not be one reviling tongue nor one ensnaring temptation. The mockers and the flatterers and the scoffers shall be silent forever, the fiery darts of the wicked will all be quenched; there will be nothing to mar and disturb the Christian's peace. the time will have come at last when he may rest! He will be far above the scene of his old conflicts, and the strife shall never be renewed.
But what is the crowning privilege? "The Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shepherds them, and leads them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes!" The Lord Jesus Christ Himself shall minister to their comforts; the same kind hand which raised them from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, which healed their spiritual diseases, and brought them health and peace, and made them new creatures upon earth - the same hand shall welcome them in heaven, and conduct them as highly favored guests to a banquet of happiness - such as no eye has ever seen, nor heart ever conceived!
Time was when He sought them out as wandering sheep in the wilderness of this world, and made them members of His little flock by the renewing of the Holy Spirit, and refreshed their weary, heavy laden souls with the water of life. And the same Jesus who began the good work in the days of their tribulation upon earth, the same Good Shepherd shall complete the work in heaven! Here on earth, they have tasted something of the streams, a little trembling company, from north and south, east and west. But there they will be gathered around the fountain itself, and there will be one fold and one shepherd, one heart and one mind, and none shall make them afraid.
And then there shall be no more weeping, for "God Himself shall wipe away all tears." A dwelling-place in which there shall be no weeping! I know no part of heaven more difficult to imagine. We live in a world of sorrow, a very valley of tears; tears for ourselves and tears for others, tears over our own shortcomings, tears over the unbelief of those we love, tears over disappointed hopes, tears over the graves of those on whom our affections are set, and all because of sin! There would have been no sorrow if Adam had never fallen - but our very weeping is a proof of sin!
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 4)
3. The third and last part of my text is that which describes the reward of the redeemed. "They washed their robes, and made them white in the Lamb's blood. Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve Him day and night in His temple. He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. They will never be hungry, neither thirsty any more; neither will the sun beat on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shepherds them, and leads them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Here is a list of privileges. You have heard of tribulation - but it leads, you see, to comfort. You have heard of the Cross - but the end is indeed a crown.
Now we can tell you something of the affliction of God's children, for we are able to speak that we know - but when we have to treat of the glory which shall be revealed, we are on ground which human eye has not seen, and we must be careful not to go beyond what is written.
The saints "shall serve God day and night." There shall be no weariness in heaven; there shall be no earthly labors to distract our attention. Here, in this present world, alas! the cares of the world are continually breaking in, and these poor frail bodies of ours do often bind us down to the earth by their weakness, even when the spirit is willing. We may be on the mount for a short season sometimes - but our powers are soon exhausted. But there we shall have no wandering thoughts, no distractions, no bodily wants, we shall never faint!
How little indeed do we worship God in spirit and in truth; at our very best moments, how cold and dull we feel towards our blessed Redeemer, how willing to allow any excuse for shortening our prayers and diminishing our communion with our Father who is in heaven. But those who stand before the throne of God shall feel no fatigue, they will require no repose, they will count it their highest privilege to be continually singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, and saying, "Blessing and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him who sits on the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever!"
But let us read on. "He who sits on the throne shall dwell among them." They shall no longer walk by faith, and see through a glass darkly. They shall see face to face the God in whom they have believed, and behold His countenance as that of a familiar friend. They shall have no more dark seasons, they shall never feel that their beloved Lord is at a distance, they shall never tremble lest they compel Him to withdraw Himself by their lack of service - but they shall see Him as He is, and be forever at His side. And if, while presently groaning in their body of sin, the Christian finds such peace and comfort in drawing near to God in prayer - if even in the flesh he has tasted that it is a joyful thing to pour out his heart before the throne of mercy - oh! who shall describe his blessedness when he shall find himself forever in his Redeemer's presence, and shall be told - It is finished, you shall never leave this holy place?
It is a pleasant thing to have the company of those we love: our very earthly happiness is incomplete while those who have the keys of our affection, the husband, the wife, the brother, the sister, the friends who are as our own souls, are far away. But there shall be no such incompleteness in heaven; there we shall have the presence of our glorious Lord before our eyes, who loved us and gave Himself for us, and paid the price of our salvation, even His own blood, and the Scripture shall be fulfilled which says, "In Your presence there is fullness of joy,and at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore!"
But we may not linger here. We read, "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more." They shall have no more needs and necessities; they shall no longer stand in need of daily application for the bread of life, and their souls starving in the wilderness of this world; they shall not walk as pilgrims trembling lest their spiritual food should not support them, and thirsting after a fuller draught of the water of life. But they shall find that prophecy made good, "When I awake up after Your likeness, I shall be satisfied!"
But again, "the sun shall not light on them, nor any heat." There shall be no more trial and persecution. There shall not be one reviling tongue nor one ensnaring temptation. The mockers and the flatterers and the scoffers shall be silent forever, the fiery darts of the wicked will all be quenched; there will be nothing to mar and disturb the Christian's peace. the time will have come at last when he may rest! He will be far above the scene of his old conflicts, and the strife shall never be renewed.
But what is the crowning privilege? "The Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shepherds them, and leads them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes!" The Lord Jesus Christ Himself shall minister to their comforts; the same kind hand which raised them from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, which healed their spiritual diseases, and brought them health and peace, and made them new creatures upon earth - the same hand shall welcome them in heaven, and conduct them as highly favored guests to a banquet of happiness - such as no eye has ever seen, nor heart ever conceived!
Time was when He sought them out as wandering sheep in the wilderness of this world, and made them members of His little flock by the renewing of the Holy Spirit, and refreshed their weary, heavy laden souls with the water of life. And the same Jesus who began the good work in the days of their tribulation upon earth, the same Good Shepherd shall complete the work in heaven! Here on earth, they have tasted something of the streams, a little trembling company, from north and south, east and west. But there they will be gathered around the fountain itself, and there will be one fold and one shepherd, one heart and one mind, and none shall make them afraid.
And then there shall be no more weeping, for "God Himself shall wipe away all tears." A dwelling-place in which there shall be no weeping! I know no part of heaven more difficult to imagine. We live in a world of sorrow, a very valley of tears; tears for ourselves and tears for others, tears over our own shortcomings, tears over the unbelief of those we love, tears over disappointed hopes, tears over the graves of those on whom our affections are set, and all because of sin! There would have been no sorrow if Adam had never fallen - but our very weeping is a proof of sin!
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 4)
The Blood of the Lamb # 2
The Blood of the Lamb # 2
This seems a hard saying - but I would have you know these heavy trials are laid on us for the most wise and merciful purposes. We live in such a fair and pleasant world, we are so surrounded with so much that is smiling and mirthful, that if we were not often obliged to taste of sickness and trial or disappointments, we would forget our heavenly home, and pitch our tents in this Sodom. This is why God's people pass through great tribulations. This is why they are often called upon to suffer the sting of affliction and anxiety - or weep over the grave of those whom they have loved as their own soul. It is their Father's hand which chastens them! It is thus He weans their affections from things below - and fixes them on Himself! It is thus He trains them for eternity, and cuts the threads one by one which bind their wavering hearts to earth.
No doubt such chastening is grievous for the time - but still it brings many a hidden grace to light, cuts down many a secret seed of evil. We shall see those who have suffered the most shining among the brightest stars in the assembly of heaven. The purest gold is that which has been longest in the refiners furnace. The brightest diamond is often that which has required the most grinding and polishing. "For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory!"
The saints are men who have come out of the great tribulation, they are never left to perish in it; the last night of weeping will soon be spent, the last wave of trouble will have rolled over us, and then we shall have a peace which passes all understanding; we shall be at home forever with the Lord.
I repeat, this seems at first sight a hard saying; and yet it is a true one. Count up the enemies which encompass the children of God - this world with its unkindness or its snares and seductions; the flesh with its unceasing backwardness and indifference to the Lord's service; the devil with his arts and devices - and see whether you could give a more correct picture of the saint's experience than may be found in the words, "these are those who came out of the great tribulation." An unconverted man may not understand this, and a thoughtless man may not consider it; they neither know nor care about this spiritual conflict; it is foolishness to them - but those who are born again, and have learned the value of their own souls, can set to their seals that it is all true.
2. The second question rising out of the text is this: "How did these shining ones reach that blessed place where John saw them?" Think not it was their own righteousness which brought salvation, and their own strength which upheld them. The Cross will surely lead to the crown - but the Cross will never deserve it; not all the tears which they have shed, not all the patience they have shown in tribulation, could ever avail to make atonement for transgressions - or wash away one single sin. What says the apostle? "They have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." They have not been ashamed to acknowledge their iniquities, and they have laid them all before the Lord Jesus Christ, and for His Cross and sufferings, and for His righteousness sake, they have sought a free forgiveness, and they have found it. Lay this to heart, all you who are wise in your own eyes and holy in your own sight. No doubt there were prophets and righteous men of old, men who had wrought miracles and given their bodies to be burned, men who had been valiant for the truth even unto death, in that great multitude which John beheld - but none came boasting of his own attainments and clothed in his own apparel - they were all washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb!
And lay this well to heart, all you that are pressed down with the burden of your sins, if any such there be, and dare not lift up your eyes to heaven. No doubt there were exceedingly great sinners in that company, many who had been thieves and harlots - the very filth of the earth and of-scouring of all things - and yet they found a place of forgiveness and, behold - they are washed, and became white as the driven snow. They were in a world of tribulation like yourselves - but they found time to listen to the gospel, and when they listened they believed. They did not scorn of the goodly land before them; they did not make light of their Master's invitations - but they loathed themselves for their past transgressions and forgetfulness, and with earnest supplication and prayer sought to the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. And no sooner did they knock than the door was opened!
They were washed, they were sanctified, they were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God; they obtained a free pardon, and their iniquities were all taken away. They were all saved by the free grace of God, they were washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb, they were more than conquerors through Him who loved them.
They will say, "We were once without God in the world - without light and without hope. We cared nothing but fulfilling the desires of the flesh and the mind, we were known as drunkards and revelers and fornicators. Many a time we hardened our hearts against advice. But at last our conscience spoke so loudly that we dared no longer delay. We tried to keep God's law - but we could not answer it one in a thousand, it brought us to flat despair. We made a great profession, and men said we were converted - but it would not do - sin lay upon us like a mountain, all unatoned for, and we were miserable. But we heard a voice, saying, "If any man thirsts, let him come unto Me and drink!" "He who believes on Me, though he were dead yet shall he live!" "Come unto Me and I will give you rest!" And when we heard it, we went at once to the Lord Jesus Christ, we waited for nothing, we laid all our sorrows and all our wickedness before Him, and, behold, that very day we were healed and made whole, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing!" Such is the answer you would get from many in that company which the apostle saw.
This is the way you must walk in, if you would ever stand with them in glory. You must lay aside all pride and self-dependence, you must use the tax collector's prayer, you must believe yourself a miserable undeserving sinner, you must lay hold on the Cross of Christ with a simple childlike faith, and pray that you may be washed in His blood and pardoned for His name's sake. Show me another way of salvation which will bring you peace at the last; I cannot find one in the Bible.
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 3)
This seems a hard saying - but I would have you know these heavy trials are laid on us for the most wise and merciful purposes. We live in such a fair and pleasant world, we are so surrounded with so much that is smiling and mirthful, that if we were not often obliged to taste of sickness and trial or disappointments, we would forget our heavenly home, and pitch our tents in this Sodom. This is why God's people pass through great tribulations. This is why they are often called upon to suffer the sting of affliction and anxiety - or weep over the grave of those whom they have loved as their own soul. It is their Father's hand which chastens them! It is thus He weans their affections from things below - and fixes them on Himself! It is thus He trains them for eternity, and cuts the threads one by one which bind their wavering hearts to earth.
No doubt such chastening is grievous for the time - but still it brings many a hidden grace to light, cuts down many a secret seed of evil. We shall see those who have suffered the most shining among the brightest stars in the assembly of heaven. The purest gold is that which has been longest in the refiners furnace. The brightest diamond is often that which has required the most grinding and polishing. "For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory!"
The saints are men who have come out of the great tribulation, they are never left to perish in it; the last night of weeping will soon be spent, the last wave of trouble will have rolled over us, and then we shall have a peace which passes all understanding; we shall be at home forever with the Lord.
I repeat, this seems at first sight a hard saying; and yet it is a true one. Count up the enemies which encompass the children of God - this world with its unkindness or its snares and seductions; the flesh with its unceasing backwardness and indifference to the Lord's service; the devil with his arts and devices - and see whether you could give a more correct picture of the saint's experience than may be found in the words, "these are those who came out of the great tribulation." An unconverted man may not understand this, and a thoughtless man may not consider it; they neither know nor care about this spiritual conflict; it is foolishness to them - but those who are born again, and have learned the value of their own souls, can set to their seals that it is all true.
2. The second question rising out of the text is this: "How did these shining ones reach that blessed place where John saw them?" Think not it was their own righteousness which brought salvation, and their own strength which upheld them. The Cross will surely lead to the crown - but the Cross will never deserve it; not all the tears which they have shed, not all the patience they have shown in tribulation, could ever avail to make atonement for transgressions - or wash away one single sin. What says the apostle? "They have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." They have not been ashamed to acknowledge their iniquities, and they have laid them all before the Lord Jesus Christ, and for His Cross and sufferings, and for His righteousness sake, they have sought a free forgiveness, and they have found it. Lay this to heart, all you who are wise in your own eyes and holy in your own sight. No doubt there were prophets and righteous men of old, men who had wrought miracles and given their bodies to be burned, men who had been valiant for the truth even unto death, in that great multitude which John beheld - but none came boasting of his own attainments and clothed in his own apparel - they were all washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb!
And lay this well to heart, all you that are pressed down with the burden of your sins, if any such there be, and dare not lift up your eyes to heaven. No doubt there were exceedingly great sinners in that company, many who had been thieves and harlots - the very filth of the earth and of-scouring of all things - and yet they found a place of forgiveness and, behold - they are washed, and became white as the driven snow. They were in a world of tribulation like yourselves - but they found time to listen to the gospel, and when they listened they believed. They did not scorn of the goodly land before them; they did not make light of their Master's invitations - but they loathed themselves for their past transgressions and forgetfulness, and with earnest supplication and prayer sought to the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. And no sooner did they knock than the door was opened!
They were washed, they were sanctified, they were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God; they obtained a free pardon, and their iniquities were all taken away. They were all saved by the free grace of God, they were washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb, they were more than conquerors through Him who loved them.
They will say, "We were once without God in the world - without light and without hope. We cared nothing but fulfilling the desires of the flesh and the mind, we were known as drunkards and revelers and fornicators. Many a time we hardened our hearts against advice. But at last our conscience spoke so loudly that we dared no longer delay. We tried to keep God's law - but we could not answer it one in a thousand, it brought us to flat despair. We made a great profession, and men said we were converted - but it would not do - sin lay upon us like a mountain, all unatoned for, and we were miserable. But we heard a voice, saying, "If any man thirsts, let him come unto Me and drink!" "He who believes on Me, though he were dead yet shall he live!" "Come unto Me and I will give you rest!" And when we heard it, we went at once to the Lord Jesus Christ, we waited for nothing, we laid all our sorrows and all our wickedness before Him, and, behold, that very day we were healed and made whole, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing!" Such is the answer you would get from many in that company which the apostle saw.
This is the way you must walk in, if you would ever stand with them in glory. You must lay aside all pride and self-dependence, you must use the tax collector's prayer, you must believe yourself a miserable undeserving sinner, you must lay hold on the Cross of Christ with a simple childlike faith, and pray that you may be washed in His blood and pardoned for His name's sake. Show me another way of salvation which will bring you peace at the last; I cannot find one in the Bible.
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 3)
The Blood of the Lamb # 1
The Blood of the Lamb # 1
"These are those who came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve Him day and night in His temple. He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. They will never be hungry, neither thirsty any more; neither will the sun beat on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shepherds them, and leads them to springs of water of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 7:14-17).
This is a very glorious account, and yet we need not wonder, for it was a vision of heavenly things. You may call it a short glimpse within the veil which separated this world from the world to come. We read in the verses before our text, that the apostle John saw in the spirit a great multitude which no man could number, clothed with white robes, and bearing palms in their hands, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. And not knowing himself who or what these might be, he received information from one of the elders (or chief angels), and was told in the words you have heard, that these were the blessed company of all faithful people, the redeemed out of every nation and kindred and tongue, the true children of God, the heirs of everlasting salvation.
I propose this morning to consider fully the account which this elder gave. I counsel you, beloved, to search and see what you know of it in our own selves. The day shall come when the sun shall become black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon shall become as blood, and the stars of heaven shall fall unto the earth, and those who are strangers to the character described in our text shall find it had been better for them if they had never been born. Blessed are those who are not ashamed to confess that they seek a more abiding city than this world, even a heavenly one, and count all things loss if they can only win Christ and be found in Him.
There are three points to be examined in our text.
1. First, where did these saints come from, whom John saw.
2. Second, how they had been able to reach the place where he saw them.
3. Third and last, what was their reward.
1. First, then, we learn that God's saints have come out of great tribulation. That is, they have come out of a world full of sin and danger, a world in which they have so much to encounter which is hurtful to their souls that you may truly call it a place of great tribulation. How strange that seems! This earth so fair and lovely as it appears, so full of everything to make life enjoyable; this earth on which millions set all their affections and have not a thought beyond it - is a wilderness beset with trials and difficulties to every true believer. Write this down on your memory, that if you make up your mind to follow Christ and have your soul saved, you will sooner or later have to go through great tribulation.
Brethren, why are these things so? Because the world you live in is a fallen world, the devil is the prince of it, and by far the greater part of the men and women in it have shut their eyes and given themselves up to his service. Once become a follower of Christ, you will iniquity abounding on every side, you will see your blessed Saviour's laws trampled under foot, you will find the immense majority of those around you to be spiritually dark, sleeping and dead - some altogether thoughtless, some resting on a form of godliness without the power; and if you love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, to see your Redeemer thus despised, will make the world a place of tribulation.
But this is not all. The earthly-minded, the thoughtless, will never let you hold on your way in peace. Oh no! You are condemning their practises and fashions, you are a witness against their deadness and neglect of true religion; and so if you set your face towards Zion they will try to turn you back. One day they will accuse you of pride, another of self-conceit; sometimes they will annoy you with arguments, sometimes they will avoid your company - but, one way or another, you will soon discover that the worldly-minded will never let you go quietly to heaven. You cannot please them. You may exercise yourself like Paul to have a conscience void of offence towards all men; it matters not, you cannot serve the Lord and mammon, and if you walk with God, you will find your way is spoken against by nearly all.
And then there is your own HEART - deceitful, treacherous, and cold - the flesh lusting against the spirit warring with the flesh; your readiness to make excuses, your deadness in the use of means, your wandering thought in prayer, your lack of faith in times of sorrow, your presumptuous self-confidence in time of joy. O Christian, you have an enemy within which needs your constant watchfulness; you have a fountain of trials in your own bosom; you will have daily occasion to crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts.
And add to this those CARES which you have in common with all children of Adam - sickness, disease and pain, the loss of property, the unkindness of friends, the daily toil for a livelihood, the fear of poverty, the many nameless causes of anxiety which every week brings around - and say whether it be not true that all God's people come out of great tribulation. They must deny themselves, they must take up the Cross, they must reckon on many a trial, if they would enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mark well, beloved, this truth - the path to glory has been always filled with thorns; it is the experience of all those holy men who have left us an example that we should walk in their steps: Abraham, and Jacob, and Moses, and David, and Job, and Daniel, there was not one of them who was not perfected through sufferings.
We are all too much disposed to think a time may come when we shall have a season of repose and not be harassed with these vexations and disappointments. Almost everyone supposes he is tried more than his neighbors - but let us not be deceived - this earth is not our rest; it is a place that so many run well for a time, and seem to have the love of Christ in their hearts, and yet, when persecution or affliction arises for the word's sake, they fall away. They had not counted the cost; they had reckoned on the reward without the labor; they had forgotten this most important point in the character of God's saints, "they are men who have come out of great tribulation."
~J. C. Ryle~
(continue with # 2)
"These are those who came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve Him day and night in His temple. He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. They will never be hungry, neither thirsty any more; neither will the sun beat on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shepherds them, and leads them to springs of water of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 7:14-17).
This is a very glorious account, and yet we need not wonder, for it was a vision of heavenly things. You may call it a short glimpse within the veil which separated this world from the world to come. We read in the verses before our text, that the apostle John saw in the spirit a great multitude which no man could number, clothed with white robes, and bearing palms in their hands, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. And not knowing himself who or what these might be, he received information from one of the elders (or chief angels), and was told in the words you have heard, that these were the blessed company of all faithful people, the redeemed out of every nation and kindred and tongue, the true children of God, the heirs of everlasting salvation.
I propose this morning to consider fully the account which this elder gave. I counsel you, beloved, to search and see what you know of it in our own selves. The day shall come when the sun shall become black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon shall become as blood, and the stars of heaven shall fall unto the earth, and those who are strangers to the character described in our text shall find it had been better for them if they had never been born. Blessed are those who are not ashamed to confess that they seek a more abiding city than this world, even a heavenly one, and count all things loss if they can only win Christ and be found in Him.
There are three points to be examined in our text.
1. First, where did these saints come from, whom John saw.
2. Second, how they had been able to reach the place where he saw them.
3. Third and last, what was their reward.
1. First, then, we learn that God's saints have come out of great tribulation. That is, they have come out of a world full of sin and danger, a world in which they have so much to encounter which is hurtful to their souls that you may truly call it a place of great tribulation. How strange that seems! This earth so fair and lovely as it appears, so full of everything to make life enjoyable; this earth on which millions set all their affections and have not a thought beyond it - is a wilderness beset with trials and difficulties to every true believer. Write this down on your memory, that if you make up your mind to follow Christ and have your soul saved, you will sooner or later have to go through great tribulation.
Brethren, why are these things so? Because the world you live in is a fallen world, the devil is the prince of it, and by far the greater part of the men and women in it have shut their eyes and given themselves up to his service. Once become a follower of Christ, you will iniquity abounding on every side, you will see your blessed Saviour's laws trampled under foot, you will find the immense majority of those around you to be spiritually dark, sleeping and dead - some altogether thoughtless, some resting on a form of godliness without the power; and if you love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, to see your Redeemer thus despised, will make the world a place of tribulation.
But this is not all. The earthly-minded, the thoughtless, will never let you hold on your way in peace. Oh no! You are condemning their practises and fashions, you are a witness against their deadness and neglect of true religion; and so if you set your face towards Zion they will try to turn you back. One day they will accuse you of pride, another of self-conceit; sometimes they will annoy you with arguments, sometimes they will avoid your company - but, one way or another, you will soon discover that the worldly-minded will never let you go quietly to heaven. You cannot please them. You may exercise yourself like Paul to have a conscience void of offence towards all men; it matters not, you cannot serve the Lord and mammon, and if you walk with God, you will find your way is spoken against by nearly all.
And then there is your own HEART - deceitful, treacherous, and cold - the flesh lusting against the spirit warring with the flesh; your readiness to make excuses, your deadness in the use of means, your wandering thought in prayer, your lack of faith in times of sorrow, your presumptuous self-confidence in time of joy. O Christian, you have an enemy within which needs your constant watchfulness; you have a fountain of trials in your own bosom; you will have daily occasion to crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts.
And add to this those CARES which you have in common with all children of Adam - sickness, disease and pain, the loss of property, the unkindness of friends, the daily toil for a livelihood, the fear of poverty, the many nameless causes of anxiety which every week brings around - and say whether it be not true that all God's people come out of great tribulation. They must deny themselves, they must take up the Cross, they must reckon on many a trial, if they would enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mark well, beloved, this truth - the path to glory has been always filled with thorns; it is the experience of all those holy men who have left us an example that we should walk in their steps: Abraham, and Jacob, and Moses, and David, and Job, and Daniel, there was not one of them who was not perfected through sufferings.
We are all too much disposed to think a time may come when we shall have a season of repose and not be harassed with these vexations and disappointments. Almost everyone supposes he is tried more than his neighbors - but let us not be deceived - this earth is not our rest; it is a place that so many run well for a time, and seem to have the love of Christ in their hearts, and yet, when persecution or affliction arises for the word's sake, they fall away. They had not counted the cost; they had reckoned on the reward without the labor; they had forgotten this most important point in the character of God's saints, "they are men who have come out of great tribulation."
~J. C. Ryle~
(continue with # 2)
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