The Narrow Way # 2
2. Why is this gate a "narrow" one? For at least three reasons:
First, because of sin. "The wicked shall be turned into hell, all the nations that forget God? (Psalm 9:17). The gate of heaven is far too narrow to admit such characters. The New Testament plainly affirms the same fact: "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a man is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them!" (Ephesians 5:5-7).
Second, because of the LAW. There are two principal errors about the Law, and I know not which is the more dangerous and disastrous: that one can earn heaven by obeying it; that one may enter heaven without that personal and practical godliness which the Law requires. "Follow peace with all, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). Where there is not this personal conformity to the will of God - the strong hand of the Law will close the door of heaven.
Third, because none can take the world along with him: this Gate is far too "narrow" to admit those who love the world.
3. What is meant by "entering" this narrow gate? FIRST, the acceptance of those teachings of truth, of duty, of happiness, which were unfolded by Christ - the honest and actual receiving into the heart of His holy, searching, flesh-withering instructions. This is like a person, with great difficulty, forcing his way though a very narrow entrance way. I say "with great difficulty," for Christ's precepts and commandments are, to the last degree, unpalatable to an unrenewed heart, and cannot be willingly and gladly received without a rigid denial of self and relinquishment of sinful pleasures, pursuits, and interests. Christ has plainly warned us that it is impossible for a man to serve two masters. Self must be repudiated, and Christ must be received as "the Lord" (Col. 2:6), or He will not save us
SECOND, a deliberate abandoning of the Broad Road, or the flesh-pleasing mode of life. Until this has been done, there is no salvation possible for any sinner. Christ Himself taught this plainly in Luke 15 - the "prodigal" must leave the far country before he could journey to the Father's house! The same pointed truth is taught again in James 4:8-10, "Draw near to God - and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners,and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change you laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord - and He will life you up."
Ah, my friend, to really and actually enter this "narrow gate" is no easy matter! For that reason the Lord bade the people "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life" (John 6:27).
Those words do not picture salvation as a thing of simple and easy attainment. Ponder also Christ's emphatic exhortation in Luke 13:24 "Make every effort to enter through the narrow gate, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to." That He should utter such a statement, clearly implies that there are formidable difficulties and obstacles to be overcome, and that slothful nominal professors will surely not enter in. Let it be carefully noted that the Greek word for "strive" (namely, "agonizomal") in Luke 13:24 is the same one that is used in 1 Corinthians 9:25,k "And everyone that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things;" and is also rendered "laboring fervently" in Colossians 4:12, and "fight" in 1 Timothy 6:12!
And how are we to strive so as to enter the narrow gate? The general answer is, "lawfully" (2 Timothy 2:5). But to particularize: We are to strive by prayer and supplication, diligently seeking deliverance from those things which would bar our entrance. We are to earnestly cry to Christ for help from those foes which are seeking to overcome us. We are to come constantly to the Throne of Grace, that we may there find grace to help us to repudiate and turn away with loathing from everything which is abhorred by God, even though it involves our cutting off of a right hand and plucking out of a right eye; and grace to help us do those things which He has commanded. We must be "temperate in all things," especially those things which the flesh craves and the world loves.
Why is such striving necessary to enter the narrow gate?
First, because satan is striving to destroy your soul. "Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour!" (1 Peter 5:8). Therefore must he be resisted "steadfast in the faith."
Second, because natural appetites of the flesh are striving to destroy you: "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims,abstain from fleshy lusts, which war against the soul" (1 Peter 2:11).
Third, because the whole world is arrayed against you, and if it cannot burn, it will seek to turn you by its alluring promises, Delilah-like deceits, and fatal enticements. Unless you overcome the world, the world will overcome you to the eternal destruction of your soul.
From what has been before us, we may plainly discover why it is that the vast majority of our fellow-men and women, yes, and of professing Christians also, will fail to reach Heaven: it is because they prefer sin to holiness, indulging the lusts of the flesh to walking according to the scriptures, self to Christ, the world to God. It is as the Lord Jesus declared, "Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19). Men refuse to deny self, abandon their idols, and submit to Christ as Lord - and without this, none can take the first step toward Heaven and enter through the Narrow Gate!"
THE NARROW WAY
Just as entering the "Narrow Gate" signifies he heart's acceptance of Christ's holy teaching, so to walk along the "Narrow Way" means for the heart and life to be constantly regulated thereby. Walking along the Narrow Way denotes a steady perseverance in faith and obedience to the Lord Jesus; overcoming all opposition, rejecting every temptation to forsake the path of fidelity to Him. It is called the "Narrow Way" because all self-pleasing and self-seeking is shut out!
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 3)
Saturday, November 24, 2018
The Narrow Way # 1
The Narrow Way # 1
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction - and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life - and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).
The second half of Matthew 7 forms the applicatory part of that most important discourse of our Lord's, known as "the Sermon on the Mount." One leading design of the Sermon was to show the spiritual nature and wide extent of that obedience which characterizes the true subjects of Christ's kingdom, and which obedience is absolutely necessary for the enjoyment of that ultimate state of blessedness which Divine grace has provided for them. As the Prophet of God, Christ made known that the righteousness which obtains in His kingdom greatly exceeds the "righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees."
Now the Jews imagined that all of them were the subjects of the Messiah's kingdom; that by virtue of their descent from Abraham, they were the rightful heirs of it; that the "righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees" (that system of religious and moral duty taught by them) met all the requirements of God's law. But this was a delusion, and the Lord Jesus here exposed that fleshly descent from Abraham could not give title unto a spiritual kingdom. That which was merely natural - was no qualification for the supernatural realm. Only they were accounted the true children of Abraham - who had his faith (Romans 4:16), who did his works (John 8:39), and who were united to Christ (Galatians 3:29).
In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord delineated the inward state of those who belonged to His spiritual kingdom (Matthew 5:4-11); described the outward conduct by which they might e identified (Matt. 5:13-16); expounded the personal righteousness which God's justice demanded (Matt. 5:17-28); and defined that utter repudiation of sin which He required from His people (Matt. 5:29-30). So high are the demands of the thrice holy One, so uncompromising are the requirements of His ineffable character, that none can dwell with Him eternally - who do not in this world - loathe, resist, and turn from all that is repulsive to His pure eye. Nothing short of the complete denying of self, the abandoning of the dearest idol, the forsaking of the most cherished sinful course - figuratively represented under the cutting off of a right hand and the plucking out of a right eye - is what He claims from every one who would have communion with Himself.
Such plain and pointed declarations of Christ must have seemed "hard sayings" to the multitudes who listened to Him; such piercing and flesh-withering demands would probably cause many of His Jewish hearers to think within themselves, "Who then can be saved? This is indeed a strait gate and a narrow way."
Anticipating their secret objections, the Lord plainly declared that the GATE unto salvation is "strait" and the WAY which leads unto life is "narrow." Yet, He went on to point out, that it is your wisdom, your interest, your duty to enter that "GATE" and walk that "WAY". He acknowledged and faithfully warned them that there was a "Wide gate" soliciting their entrance, and a "Broad road" inviting them to walk therein; but that gate leads to perdition, that road ends in hell. The "Strait Gate" is the only gate to "life," the "Narrow Way" is the only one which conducts to heaven.
Few indeed find it, few have the least inclination for it; but that very fact ought only to provide an additional incentive to my giving all diligence to enter therein.
In the verses which are now to be before us, Christ defined and described the Way of Salvation, though we sorrowfully admit that modern evangelists rarely expound it. What we shall now endeavor to set forth is very different from what most have been taught - but you reject it at your eternal peril. We repeat, that in that passage we are about to consider, He who was Truth incarnate made known the only way of escaping perdition and securing heaven, namely, by entering the "Strait Gate" and treading the "Narrow Way."
THE NARROW GATE
The Greek word for "strait" signifies restrained or narrow and is so rendered in the revised version. Now a "gate" serves two purposes; it lets in and it shuts out. All who enter this Narrow Gate gain admittance to that "Way" which "leads unto life;" but all who enter not y this Narrow Gate, are eternally barred from God's presence. The second use of this Gate, is solemnly illustrated at the close of the parable of the ten virgins. There, our Lord pictures the foolish ones as being without the necessary "oil" (the work of the Spirit in the heart), and while they went to buy it, the Bridegroom came, and "the door was shut" (Matt. 25:10); and though they then besought Him to open it to them, He answered "I know you not."
1. What is denoted by this figure of the "narrow gate?" We believe the reference is to the searching and solemn teaching of Him who is Truth Incarnate. It is only as the heart bows to the righteousness of God's claims and demands upon us, as set forth by His Son - that any soul can enter that path which alone leads to Him. While the heart is rebellious against Him - there fan be no approach to Him, for, "Can two walk together except they be agreed?"
It is true, blessedly, and gloriously true, that Christ Himself is "the Door" (John 10:9), and He is so in a threefold way, according to the three principal functions of His mediatorial office. He is "the Door" into God's presence as the Prophet, the Priest, and the King. Now it is only as Christ is truly received as God's authoritative Prophet, only as His holy teachings are really accepted by a contrite heart, that any one is prepared to savingly welcome Him as Priest. Christ is the "Way" and "the Truth before He is the "Life" (John 14:6), as He is "first King of righteousness, and after that, also King of peace" (Hebrews 7:2). In other words, His cleansing blood is only available for those who are willing to throw down the weapons of their warfare against God, and surrender themselves to His holy rule. The wicked must forsake His way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, if he is to be pardoned by God (Isa. 55:7); and this is only another way of saying that Christ must be received as Prophet, before He is embraced as Priest.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction - and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life - and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).
The second half of Matthew 7 forms the applicatory part of that most important discourse of our Lord's, known as "the Sermon on the Mount." One leading design of the Sermon was to show the spiritual nature and wide extent of that obedience which characterizes the true subjects of Christ's kingdom, and which obedience is absolutely necessary for the enjoyment of that ultimate state of blessedness which Divine grace has provided for them. As the Prophet of God, Christ made known that the righteousness which obtains in His kingdom greatly exceeds the "righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees."
Now the Jews imagined that all of them were the subjects of the Messiah's kingdom; that by virtue of their descent from Abraham, they were the rightful heirs of it; that the "righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees" (that system of religious and moral duty taught by them) met all the requirements of God's law. But this was a delusion, and the Lord Jesus here exposed that fleshly descent from Abraham could not give title unto a spiritual kingdom. That which was merely natural - was no qualification for the supernatural realm. Only they were accounted the true children of Abraham - who had his faith (Romans 4:16), who did his works (John 8:39), and who were united to Christ (Galatians 3:29).
In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord delineated the inward state of those who belonged to His spiritual kingdom (Matthew 5:4-11); described the outward conduct by which they might e identified (Matt. 5:13-16); expounded the personal righteousness which God's justice demanded (Matt. 5:17-28); and defined that utter repudiation of sin which He required from His people (Matt. 5:29-30). So high are the demands of the thrice holy One, so uncompromising are the requirements of His ineffable character, that none can dwell with Him eternally - who do not in this world - loathe, resist, and turn from all that is repulsive to His pure eye. Nothing short of the complete denying of self, the abandoning of the dearest idol, the forsaking of the most cherished sinful course - figuratively represented under the cutting off of a right hand and the plucking out of a right eye - is what He claims from every one who would have communion with Himself.
Such plain and pointed declarations of Christ must have seemed "hard sayings" to the multitudes who listened to Him; such piercing and flesh-withering demands would probably cause many of His Jewish hearers to think within themselves, "Who then can be saved? This is indeed a strait gate and a narrow way."
Anticipating their secret objections, the Lord plainly declared that the GATE unto salvation is "strait" and the WAY which leads unto life is "narrow." Yet, He went on to point out, that it is your wisdom, your interest, your duty to enter that "GATE" and walk that "WAY". He acknowledged and faithfully warned them that there was a "Wide gate" soliciting their entrance, and a "Broad road" inviting them to walk therein; but that gate leads to perdition, that road ends in hell. The "Strait Gate" is the only gate to "life," the "Narrow Way" is the only one which conducts to heaven.
Few indeed find it, few have the least inclination for it; but that very fact ought only to provide an additional incentive to my giving all diligence to enter therein.
In the verses which are now to be before us, Christ defined and described the Way of Salvation, though we sorrowfully admit that modern evangelists rarely expound it. What we shall now endeavor to set forth is very different from what most have been taught - but you reject it at your eternal peril. We repeat, that in that passage we are about to consider, He who was Truth incarnate made known the only way of escaping perdition and securing heaven, namely, by entering the "Strait Gate" and treading the "Narrow Way."
THE NARROW GATE
The Greek word for "strait" signifies restrained or narrow and is so rendered in the revised version. Now a "gate" serves two purposes; it lets in and it shuts out. All who enter this Narrow Gate gain admittance to that "Way" which "leads unto life;" but all who enter not y this Narrow Gate, are eternally barred from God's presence. The second use of this Gate, is solemnly illustrated at the close of the parable of the ten virgins. There, our Lord pictures the foolish ones as being without the necessary "oil" (the work of the Spirit in the heart), and while they went to buy it, the Bridegroom came, and "the door was shut" (Matt. 25:10); and though they then besought Him to open it to them, He answered "I know you not."
1. What is denoted by this figure of the "narrow gate?" We believe the reference is to the searching and solemn teaching of Him who is Truth Incarnate. It is only as the heart bows to the righteousness of God's claims and demands upon us, as set forth by His Son - that any soul can enter that path which alone leads to Him. While the heart is rebellious against Him - there fan be no approach to Him, for, "Can two walk together except they be agreed?"
It is true, blessedly, and gloriously true, that Christ Himself is "the Door" (John 10:9), and He is so in a threefold way, according to the three principal functions of His mediatorial office. He is "the Door" into God's presence as the Prophet, the Priest, and the King. Now it is only as Christ is truly received as God's authoritative Prophet, only as His holy teachings are really accepted by a contrite heart, that any one is prepared to savingly welcome Him as Priest. Christ is the "Way" and "the Truth before He is the "Life" (John 14:6), as He is "first King of righteousness, and after that, also King of peace" (Hebrews 7:2). In other words, His cleansing blood is only available for those who are willing to throw down the weapons of their warfare against God, and surrender themselves to His holy rule. The wicked must forsake His way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, if he is to be pardoned by God (Isa. 55:7); and this is only another way of saying that Christ must be received as Prophet, before He is embraced as Priest.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy, Holy
"Who is like You, glorious in holiness?" (Exodus 15:11).
God is infinitely holy, transcendently holy, superlatively holy, constantly holy, unchangeably holy, exemplary holy, gloriously holy.
All the holiness that is in the best and choicest Christians is but a mixed holiness, a weak and imperfect holiness. Their unholiness is always more than their holiness. Ah, what a great deal of pride is mixed with a little humility, of unbelief is mixed with a little faith, of peevishness is mixed with a little meekness, of earthliness is mixed with a little heavenliness, of carnality is mixed with a little spirituality, of harshness is mixed with a little tenderness!
Oh, but the holiness of God is pure holiness, it is a holiness without mixture; there is not the least drop or the least dregs of unholiness in God! "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all" ( 1 John 1:5).
In God there is all wisdom without any folly, all truth without any falsehood, all light without any darkness, and all holiness without any sinfulness.
God is universally holy. He is holy in all His ways, and holy in all His works. His precepts are holy precepts, His promises are holy promises, His threatenings are holy threatenings, His love is a holy love, His hatred is a holy hatred, His nature is holy, His attributes are holy, His actions are all holy.
He is holy in sparing; and holy in punishing. He is holy in justifying of some; and holy in condemning of others. He is holy in bringing some to heaven; and holy in throwing others to hell.
God is holy in all His sayings, in all His doings, in whatever He puts His hand to, in whatever He sets His heart to. His frowns are holy, His smiles are holy. When He gives, His givings are holy givings; when He takes away, His takings are holy takings.
"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty!" (Isaiah 6:3).
God is eminently holy. He is transendently holy. He is superlatively holy. He is glorious in holiness. There is no fathoming, there is no measuring, there is no comprehending, there is no searching, of that infinite sea of holiness, which is in God. O sirs! you shall as soon stop the sun in its course, and change the day into night, and raise the dead, and make a world, and count the stars of heaven, and empty the sea with a cockle-shell, as you shall be able either to conceive or express that transcendent holiness which is in God!
God's holiness is infinite. It an neither be limited, nor lessened, nor increased.
God is the spring of all holiness and purity. All that holiness which is in angels and men flows from God, as the streams from the fountain, as the beams from the sun, as the branches from the root, as the effect from the cause.
Ministers may pray that their people may be holy, parents may pray that their children may be holy; but they cannot give holiness, nor communicate holiness to their nearest and dearest relations. God alone is the giver and the author of all holiness. It is only the Holy One who can cause holiness to flow into sinners' hearts; it is only He who can form, and frame, and infuse holiness into the souls of men. A man shall sooner make a world - than he shall make another holy. It is only a holy God, who can enlighten the mind, and bow the will, and melt the heart, and raise the affections, and purge the conscience, and reform the life, and put the whole man into a holy gracious temper.
God is exemplary holy. He is the rule, example, and pattern of holiness. "Be holy, as I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15). God's holiness is the copy which we must always have in our eye,and endeavor most exactly to write after.
~Thomas Brooks~
(The End)
"Who is like You, glorious in holiness?" (Exodus 15:11).
God is infinitely holy, transcendently holy, superlatively holy, constantly holy, unchangeably holy, exemplary holy, gloriously holy.
All the holiness that is in the best and choicest Christians is but a mixed holiness, a weak and imperfect holiness. Their unholiness is always more than their holiness. Ah, what a great deal of pride is mixed with a little humility, of unbelief is mixed with a little faith, of peevishness is mixed with a little meekness, of earthliness is mixed with a little heavenliness, of carnality is mixed with a little spirituality, of harshness is mixed with a little tenderness!
Oh, but the holiness of God is pure holiness, it is a holiness without mixture; there is not the least drop or the least dregs of unholiness in God! "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all" ( 1 John 1:5).
In God there is all wisdom without any folly, all truth without any falsehood, all light without any darkness, and all holiness without any sinfulness.
God is universally holy. He is holy in all His ways, and holy in all His works. His precepts are holy precepts, His promises are holy promises, His threatenings are holy threatenings, His love is a holy love, His hatred is a holy hatred, His nature is holy, His attributes are holy, His actions are all holy.
He is holy in sparing; and holy in punishing. He is holy in justifying of some; and holy in condemning of others. He is holy in bringing some to heaven; and holy in throwing others to hell.
God is holy in all His sayings, in all His doings, in whatever He puts His hand to, in whatever He sets His heart to. His frowns are holy, His smiles are holy. When He gives, His givings are holy givings; when He takes away, His takings are holy takings.
"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty!" (Isaiah 6:3).
God is eminently holy. He is transendently holy. He is superlatively holy. He is glorious in holiness. There is no fathoming, there is no measuring, there is no comprehending, there is no searching, of that infinite sea of holiness, which is in God. O sirs! you shall as soon stop the sun in its course, and change the day into night, and raise the dead, and make a world, and count the stars of heaven, and empty the sea with a cockle-shell, as you shall be able either to conceive or express that transcendent holiness which is in God!
God's holiness is infinite. It an neither be limited, nor lessened, nor increased.
God is the spring of all holiness and purity. All that holiness which is in angels and men flows from God, as the streams from the fountain, as the beams from the sun, as the branches from the root, as the effect from the cause.
Ministers may pray that their people may be holy, parents may pray that their children may be holy; but they cannot give holiness, nor communicate holiness to their nearest and dearest relations. God alone is the giver and the author of all holiness. It is only the Holy One who can cause holiness to flow into sinners' hearts; it is only He who can form, and frame, and infuse holiness into the souls of men. A man shall sooner make a world - than he shall make another holy. It is only a holy God, who can enlighten the mind, and bow the will, and melt the heart, and raise the affections, and purge the conscience, and reform the life, and put the whole man into a holy gracious temper.
God is exemplary holy. He is the rule, example, and pattern of holiness. "Be holy, as I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15). God's holiness is the copy which we must always have in our eye,and endeavor most exactly to write after.
~Thomas Brooks~
(The End)
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Holy Living In Preparation Of Christ's Returning # 3
Holy Living In Preparation Of Christ's Returning # 3
But you must be careful here. You must be sanctified by faith, but by faith in what? There are some who seem to think they must have faith in sanctified self. They mistake the meaning of Scripture, and speak of the possession of a sinless heart, or of having been able to live so long without sin. They put their attainments forth, as if they must believe that God has already cleansed their nature from all defilement - instead of regarding the final aim of God's dealings with them, that now self and the evil principle within should be daily mortified and kept under control - and then when Christ appears, they should be like Him, for they shall be Him as He is.
To myself, any view of the kind seems a most dangerous and deadly error. It must lead to spiritual pride. It must lead to self-glorifying. It must hinder that daily confession of sin and humiliation before God, which is so precious in His sight.
Very striking was the way in which a young lady who had held these erroneous views, very strongly repudiated them on her death-bed. Again and again before her death, with the utmost emphasis she repeated the words of John, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us?" (1 John 1:6).
And so it is. The more we see of God and His law and His holiness - the more shall we discover the treachery, the remaining deadness, coldness, unbelief, and worldliness of our own nature. The more shall we see how far we come below the standard of our Lord's life. The more shall we discern in our wandering thoughts when at prayer in our unwillingness to bear the cross, in our many failures and shortcomings - that from the first to last we can only hope to be saved as sinners washed in the blood of Christ, and having no righteousness or perfection of any kind except as we stand in Him, the holy and the sinless Redeemer.
Nevertheless, the great truth of sanctification by faith is not to be withheld because sometimes it is perverted and mistaken. You must never glory in self, but you must always glory in Christ, for power as well as for pardon and peace. You must continually, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, stir up your faith in Christ and expect Him to do great things for you. You must look to Him, to keep the serpent in you chained and harmless. You must look to Him day by day, to keep you from the least willful outbreak of your own evil heart. You must look to Him to strengthen and raise up in you the new man, and to make every grace vigorous and active. You must look to Him for more light to know what the will of God is in everything - and then for the will and the power to act in accordance with it. If you wish to be holy, live upon Christ, lean upon Christ perpetually. Make Him the first to whom you go in the morning, and the last to whom you speak at night.
Remember His presence as being always near you. Remember His love as being ever the same. Remember Him as your Shepherd, your Advocate, your Guardian and your Guide. Remember His faithful promises, and rest upon them. Remember His loving care, and depend upon it.
Remembering Jesus, trusting in Jesus, glorying in Jesus, while ever remembering your own exceeding unworthiness and sinfulness - you will grow in grace and be preserved without blame until He comes again.
The last point I would urge in this: Nothing is more helpful in holy living, than a vivid and constant recollection that Christ will soon return. It is not needful that you should be able clearly to see the sequence of events at His appearing. You may have many difficulties about the millennium and other theological concerns; but let one thought stand out clearly before you: Christ is returning in His glory, and I shall see Him and shall be like Him and with Him forever!
Cherish this hope amidst life's troubles and temptations. Let your soul be animated by the inspiring conviction that amidst all the confusion and evil and error that abound. Christ will come and put an end to all the sin under which the world groans.
Be assured that to every true Christian, the brightness and gladness of that day will be altogether beyond his utmost thoughts. Be assured that on that day, you will see the numberless answers to your prayers as you have never seen them here; and that all that has been dark and sorrowful and trying - will be manifested as among the all things that work together for your good.
"Oh quickly come, Great King of all,
Reign all around us and within;
Let sin no more our souls enthrall,
Let pain and sorrow die with sin:
Oh quickly come, for grief and pain,
Can never cloud Your glorious reign!"
~George Everard~
(The End)
But you must be careful here. You must be sanctified by faith, but by faith in what? There are some who seem to think they must have faith in sanctified self. They mistake the meaning of Scripture, and speak of the possession of a sinless heart, or of having been able to live so long without sin. They put their attainments forth, as if they must believe that God has already cleansed their nature from all defilement - instead of regarding the final aim of God's dealings with them, that now self and the evil principle within should be daily mortified and kept under control - and then when Christ appears, they should be like Him, for they shall be Him as He is.
To myself, any view of the kind seems a most dangerous and deadly error. It must lead to spiritual pride. It must lead to self-glorifying. It must hinder that daily confession of sin and humiliation before God, which is so precious in His sight.
Very striking was the way in which a young lady who had held these erroneous views, very strongly repudiated them on her death-bed. Again and again before her death, with the utmost emphasis she repeated the words of John, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us?" (1 John 1:6).
And so it is. The more we see of God and His law and His holiness - the more shall we discover the treachery, the remaining deadness, coldness, unbelief, and worldliness of our own nature. The more shall we see how far we come below the standard of our Lord's life. The more shall we discern in our wandering thoughts when at prayer in our unwillingness to bear the cross, in our many failures and shortcomings - that from the first to last we can only hope to be saved as sinners washed in the blood of Christ, and having no righteousness or perfection of any kind except as we stand in Him, the holy and the sinless Redeemer.
Nevertheless, the great truth of sanctification by faith is not to be withheld because sometimes it is perverted and mistaken. You must never glory in self, but you must always glory in Christ, for power as well as for pardon and peace. You must continually, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, stir up your faith in Christ and expect Him to do great things for you. You must look to Him, to keep the serpent in you chained and harmless. You must look to Him day by day, to keep you from the least willful outbreak of your own evil heart. You must look to Him to strengthen and raise up in you the new man, and to make every grace vigorous and active. You must look to Him for more light to know what the will of God is in everything - and then for the will and the power to act in accordance with it. If you wish to be holy, live upon Christ, lean upon Christ perpetually. Make Him the first to whom you go in the morning, and the last to whom you speak at night.
Remember His presence as being always near you. Remember His love as being ever the same. Remember Him as your Shepherd, your Advocate, your Guardian and your Guide. Remember His faithful promises, and rest upon them. Remember His loving care, and depend upon it.
Remembering Jesus, trusting in Jesus, glorying in Jesus, while ever remembering your own exceeding unworthiness and sinfulness - you will grow in grace and be preserved without blame until He comes again.
The last point I would urge in this: Nothing is more helpful in holy living, than a vivid and constant recollection that Christ will soon return. It is not needful that you should be able clearly to see the sequence of events at His appearing. You may have many difficulties about the millennium and other theological concerns; but let one thought stand out clearly before you: Christ is returning in His glory, and I shall see Him and shall be like Him and with Him forever!
Cherish this hope amidst life's troubles and temptations. Let your soul be animated by the inspiring conviction that amidst all the confusion and evil and error that abound. Christ will come and put an end to all the sin under which the world groans.
Be assured that to every true Christian, the brightness and gladness of that day will be altogether beyond his utmost thoughts. Be assured that on that day, you will see the numberless answers to your prayers as you have never seen them here; and that all that has been dark and sorrowful and trying - will be manifested as among the all things that work together for your good.
"Oh quickly come, Great King of all,
Reign all around us and within;
Let sin no more our souls enthrall,
Let pain and sorrow die with sin:
Oh quickly come, for grief and pain,
Can never cloud Your glorious reign!"
~George Everard~
(The End)
Holy Living In Preparation of Christ's Return # 2
Holy Living In Preparation of Christ's Return # 2
There is not a single passage bearing on the person, offices, or character of Christ, but has been used by the Holy Spirit to draw souls closer to Him, and so detach them from the world.
There is not a precept but has been employed by the Spirit, to quicken some Christian in the way of God's commandments.
There is not a privilege revealed as the portion of God's children, but has been an instrument for encouraging some of God's saints in running the heavenly race.
There is not a view of God's holiness or justice or character, but has been useful in implanting or nourishing in some soul a godly fear which has been a wholesome restraint in the hour of temptation.
Therefore, in the cultivation of holiness, let the quiet, meditative study of Scripture hold a high place. Consider it as one of Christ's pasture-fields, to which He would daily lead you, and there make you to taste afresh the sweetness of His grace.
Ponder the Scripture until it reaches the very depth of your heart. Do not leave the passage until you have found some kindling of love to Christ, some thoughts to strengthen your faith, some reminder of a precious promise, some aspiration of a holier walk. A few of the practical details of a holy life may be named as requiring continual watchfulness.
The careful use of TIME touches every part of the Christian life. A beautiful illustration has been given of this:
The hours are like a chain of little golden vessels passing before you day and night. You cannot arrest their progress. You can put something into each as it passes. You can put in a good thought or word or deed - or a bad thought or word or deed. Or you can let it go empty. Once past, you cannot recall it. Twenty-four vessels every day! Eight of them pass while we are asleep - one third of them empty. Alas! how many more through our negligence and sloth every day pass empty!
Alas! for the contents of many of them! Golden vessels filled with wood, hay, stubble! Some of them filled with what is worse than worthless - evil thoughts and words and deeds. But they pass on continually until they come before the throne of God. And there account is taken of their contents. Of how many are you satisfied that God should note their contents? "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time!" (Ephesians 5:15-16). "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom!" (Psalm 90:12).
In order to live a holy life - the CONSCIENCE must be kept tender and sensitive. When the soul is in a healthy condition, the conscience will ever be mindful of the approach of sin, and shrink from it in whatever form it may present itself. Sin may come under the guise of an angel. It may profess a good end, or plead the example of some saint of God. It may hide its deformity or its danger, by calling itself only a natural infirmity. But the eagle eye of the Spirit-taught Christian will discern the cloven foot, will mark the covert disobedience, the evil from which Christ would have turned away, adn will abhor it and detest it as an abominable thing which God hates! You must be in sympathy with God in detecting hidden forms of evil, in trying the things that differ, in that wise and godly fear that will always refuse the persuasion of act or speak amiss, however it may be disguised.
"Ah, give ,e, Lord, the tender heart
That trembles at the approach of sin!
A godly fear of sin impart,
Implant and root it deep within,
That I may fear Your gracious power,
And never dare to offend You more."
In order to live a holy life - the WILL must be yielded up entirely to God. The chief sin of man is to set up his will against God's will, and to go on his way quite irrespective of that which God has commanded.
But in conversion, the will is given up to God. "Teach me to do Your will," is the believer's prayer. "Lord, what will You have me to do?" is the genuine expression of the heart renewed by the Spirit. And the more this purpose is followed out, the more holy will the Christian be.
What is our will when rebelling against God - but the source of endless trouble and remorse? Is not God's will the truest will, the best will, the will that leads to peace and rest, as well as holiness and Heaven?
When there comes a great temptation to follow our own way through a prospect of gain or passing pleasure, if we hearken to the same, does it not invariably bring its own bitter punishment after it? But if we deny self, and do that which we know to be right, have we not found again and again a great reward? Has not, perchance, the comfort or blessing we desired become our own, without sting of a guilty conscience, which would have marred all its enjoyment? Would that we could ever say, "Your will be done," and cling to Jesus in our grief!
"O earth below, in Heaven above,
There is no rest but in His love;
All else must fail the weary heart,
But His peace that won't depart."
To help us to endure cheerfully whatever may happen to us, let us be firmly persuaded that the hand of Infinite Love is ordering and directing all things for our profit and His glory.
Another important element in a holy life, is the exercise and control over the temper. Often the temper is like a fiery steed that will rush heedlessly into the fray, or over the side of a precipice. If you wish to follow Christ, you must put on the bridle, and know how to keep in check all hast and passion and irritability. A single outburst of temper may do yourself and others an amount of injury that weeks and months may scarcely undo. To avoid this evil, you must learn to live always in the presence of God. The holy calm of nearness to God, is the very best preservative from yielding to an unruly spirit. How can I willingly break the charm of this happy fellowship and bring dishonor upon His name? Such will be the thought of the Christian that thus lives in the consciousness of a Father's presence and love.
There is one point I have not yet named, but which answers many questions. By faith you must be sanctified - as well as justified. By faith it is that Christ must ever dwell in your heart, and thus influence your whole life.
~George Everard~
(continued with # 3)
There is not a single passage bearing on the person, offices, or character of Christ, but has been used by the Holy Spirit to draw souls closer to Him, and so detach them from the world.
There is not a precept but has been employed by the Spirit, to quicken some Christian in the way of God's commandments.
There is not a privilege revealed as the portion of God's children, but has been an instrument for encouraging some of God's saints in running the heavenly race.
There is not a view of God's holiness or justice or character, but has been useful in implanting or nourishing in some soul a godly fear which has been a wholesome restraint in the hour of temptation.
Therefore, in the cultivation of holiness, let the quiet, meditative study of Scripture hold a high place. Consider it as one of Christ's pasture-fields, to which He would daily lead you, and there make you to taste afresh the sweetness of His grace.
Ponder the Scripture until it reaches the very depth of your heart. Do not leave the passage until you have found some kindling of love to Christ, some thoughts to strengthen your faith, some reminder of a precious promise, some aspiration of a holier walk. A few of the practical details of a holy life may be named as requiring continual watchfulness.
The careful use of TIME touches every part of the Christian life. A beautiful illustration has been given of this:
The hours are like a chain of little golden vessels passing before you day and night. You cannot arrest their progress. You can put something into each as it passes. You can put in a good thought or word or deed - or a bad thought or word or deed. Or you can let it go empty. Once past, you cannot recall it. Twenty-four vessels every day! Eight of them pass while we are asleep - one third of them empty. Alas! how many more through our negligence and sloth every day pass empty!
Alas! for the contents of many of them! Golden vessels filled with wood, hay, stubble! Some of them filled with what is worse than worthless - evil thoughts and words and deeds. But they pass on continually until they come before the throne of God. And there account is taken of their contents. Of how many are you satisfied that God should note their contents? "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time!" (Ephesians 5:15-16). "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom!" (Psalm 90:12).
In order to live a holy life - the CONSCIENCE must be kept tender and sensitive. When the soul is in a healthy condition, the conscience will ever be mindful of the approach of sin, and shrink from it in whatever form it may present itself. Sin may come under the guise of an angel. It may profess a good end, or plead the example of some saint of God. It may hide its deformity or its danger, by calling itself only a natural infirmity. But the eagle eye of the Spirit-taught Christian will discern the cloven foot, will mark the covert disobedience, the evil from which Christ would have turned away, adn will abhor it and detest it as an abominable thing which God hates! You must be in sympathy with God in detecting hidden forms of evil, in trying the things that differ, in that wise and godly fear that will always refuse the persuasion of act or speak amiss, however it may be disguised.
"Ah, give ,e, Lord, the tender heart
That trembles at the approach of sin!
A godly fear of sin impart,
Implant and root it deep within,
That I may fear Your gracious power,
And never dare to offend You more."
In order to live a holy life - the WILL must be yielded up entirely to God. The chief sin of man is to set up his will against God's will, and to go on his way quite irrespective of that which God has commanded.
But in conversion, the will is given up to God. "Teach me to do Your will," is the believer's prayer. "Lord, what will You have me to do?" is the genuine expression of the heart renewed by the Spirit. And the more this purpose is followed out, the more holy will the Christian be.
What is our will when rebelling against God - but the source of endless trouble and remorse? Is not God's will the truest will, the best will, the will that leads to peace and rest, as well as holiness and Heaven?
When there comes a great temptation to follow our own way through a prospect of gain or passing pleasure, if we hearken to the same, does it not invariably bring its own bitter punishment after it? But if we deny self, and do that which we know to be right, have we not found again and again a great reward? Has not, perchance, the comfort or blessing we desired become our own, without sting of a guilty conscience, which would have marred all its enjoyment? Would that we could ever say, "Your will be done," and cling to Jesus in our grief!
"O earth below, in Heaven above,
There is no rest but in His love;
All else must fail the weary heart,
But His peace that won't depart."
To help us to endure cheerfully whatever may happen to us, let us be firmly persuaded that the hand of Infinite Love is ordering and directing all things for our profit and His glory.
Another important element in a holy life, is the exercise and control over the temper. Often the temper is like a fiery steed that will rush heedlessly into the fray, or over the side of a precipice. If you wish to follow Christ, you must put on the bridle, and know how to keep in check all hast and passion and irritability. A single outburst of temper may do yourself and others an amount of injury that weeks and months may scarcely undo. To avoid this evil, you must learn to live always in the presence of God. The holy calm of nearness to God, is the very best preservative from yielding to an unruly spirit. How can I willingly break the charm of this happy fellowship and bring dishonor upon His name? Such will be the thought of the Christian that thus lives in the consciousness of a Father's presence and love.
There is one point I have not yet named, but which answers many questions. By faith you must be sanctified - as well as justified. By faith it is that Christ must ever dwell in your heart, and thus influence your whole life.
~George Everard~
(continued with # 3)
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Holy Living In Preparation For Christ's Appearing # 1
Holy Living In Preparation For Christ's Returning # 1
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. 5:23).
"God saved us and called us to live a holy life" (2 Tim. 1:9).
Who can estimate too highly the value of a holy life? It is the purpose of Christ's redeeming work: He "gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14).
Holiness is absolutely essential to the enjoyment of true peace. Whatever doctrines persons hold, or spiritual feelings they may enjoy, they are of no real benefit to them unless they lead to a holy walk. Sin is like an aching tooth, and wherever it is permitted to abide, there can be no true rest or peace.
Moreover, holy living is one of the mightiest powers for good in the Church of Christ.
A congregation eminent for the holiness of its members is like a burning-glass manifesting the rays of the Divine glory, and having a power to set on fire the hearts of men, and to inflame them with zeal in God's service. A single Christian who is living a very holy and devoted life cannot fail to be a blessing wherever he lives, and the least word he speaks for Christ is mighty because backed up by his own example.
Therefore seek to be holy. You are God's representative in an evil world. You are to adorn the doctrine of Christ in all things. You are to strive to be a blessing to others. You desire to enjoy the peace of God which passes understanding. Therefore you must be holy. You must make it your distinct aim every day you live, to perfect holiness in the fear of God.
Look at the prayer of the Apostle at the heading of this address. Turn it into a petition for yourself. Plead it before God in the name of Jesus in all its fullness of meaning.
"O God, the God of peace, I look unto You. I have no help but in You. You alone can make me holy by the power of Your good Spirit. Do Your work in me thoroughly. Let no evil thing remain. may every power of mind and body be set apart for Your service. Oh keep me and preserve me day by day. Make me blameless and without reproach. Prepare me to stand without fault before Christ at the great day of His coming, I ask this for Jesus' sake. Amen"
But if you wish to be holy and earnestly long to be made like Christ in all things - then you must weigh well the teaching of the Word of God. You must follow the light which that Word affords. It will name a few points of main importance.
You can only be sanctified by God as you know Him as the "God of peace." Before you can be made holy, you must be at peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ. You must begin with free forgiveness and complete reconciliation through His blood. The holiness rests on the basis of a perfect justification, whereby you stand before God in Christ accounted righteous in His sight. There are some who try to climb up to justification and acceptance by their holiness or good works or good feelings. But they always fail. It is jut the other way.
You are not to be holy that you may be forgiven - but you are to be forgiven and justified that you may become holy. You must begin on the lowest round of the ladder. You must take the place of the sinner, and then look to Christ to pardon and justify you freely through His blood and righteousness.
"Mine is the sin, but Yours is righteousness,
Mine is the guilt, but Yours the cleansing blood;
Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace,
Your blood, Your righteousness, O Lord my God."
You can only be sanctified by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Remember the words of Paul. "God has chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth (2 Thess. 2:13). It is only as the Holy Spirit the Comforter dwells within you, and reigns within you as a new power and a new life that you can in any way rise above your own evil nature and think or act aright. From the first desire to live a better life, to the first note of praise in glory - the whole work must be that of the Holy Spirit. Hence you must by all means seek to realize and be filled with the constant presence of the Holy Spirit. Remind yourself frequently of your need of His power and grace. Let it be your persistent, believing cry that the Father would send the Spirit to work mightily in you. Let it be your greatest sorrow in any way to grieve that blessed Spirit, either by willful sin or by slighting His motions in your heart. Often breathe forth a longing desire for His humbling, comforting, enlightening ray.
"O most blessed Light Divine,
Shine within these hearts of Thine,
And our inmost being fill.
Where You are not, man has nothing,
Nothing good in deed or thought,
Nothing free from taint of ill."
Very various and manifold are the agencies the Spirit employs. Very frequently, it is a season of suffering or sorrow. The soul is brought low in the valley of humiliation. Comforts are removed, and troubles increase. Then heavenly things become more real, God is known more fully as a sure Refuge, the promises stand out with clearer brightness.
As the late Dean Champneys put it, the railway light is only seen as you enter the dark tunnel. Just so, in the dark moments of adversity, the bright lamp of promise shines out with double glory. Never forget, Christian, that there are two promises which go side by side along the road to Zion. One is, "In the world you shall have tribulation," and the other, "In Me you might have peace" (John 16:31). And the Holy Spirit very frequently uses the first, to bring the second. It is by the teachings of sorrow, that a deeper and surer peace is wrought in the soul.
No less does the Holy Spirit use the Word of God as a great instrument of sanctification. Our Lord's prayer is being constantly fulfilled. "Sanctify them through Your truth - Your Word is truth" (John 17:17). Every line of Holy Scripture teems with warning, promise, doctrine, or example that has a sanctifying tendency when it is received in meekness and obedience.
~George Everard~
(continued with # 2)
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. 5:23).
"God saved us and called us to live a holy life" (2 Tim. 1:9).
Who can estimate too highly the value of a holy life? It is the purpose of Christ's redeeming work: He "gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14).
Holiness is absolutely essential to the enjoyment of true peace. Whatever doctrines persons hold, or spiritual feelings they may enjoy, they are of no real benefit to them unless they lead to a holy walk. Sin is like an aching tooth, and wherever it is permitted to abide, there can be no true rest or peace.
Moreover, holy living is one of the mightiest powers for good in the Church of Christ.
A congregation eminent for the holiness of its members is like a burning-glass manifesting the rays of the Divine glory, and having a power to set on fire the hearts of men, and to inflame them with zeal in God's service. A single Christian who is living a very holy and devoted life cannot fail to be a blessing wherever he lives, and the least word he speaks for Christ is mighty because backed up by his own example.
Therefore seek to be holy. You are God's representative in an evil world. You are to adorn the doctrine of Christ in all things. You are to strive to be a blessing to others. You desire to enjoy the peace of God which passes understanding. Therefore you must be holy. You must make it your distinct aim every day you live, to perfect holiness in the fear of God.
Look at the prayer of the Apostle at the heading of this address. Turn it into a petition for yourself. Plead it before God in the name of Jesus in all its fullness of meaning.
"O God, the God of peace, I look unto You. I have no help but in You. You alone can make me holy by the power of Your good Spirit. Do Your work in me thoroughly. Let no evil thing remain. may every power of mind and body be set apart for Your service. Oh keep me and preserve me day by day. Make me blameless and without reproach. Prepare me to stand without fault before Christ at the great day of His coming, I ask this for Jesus' sake. Amen"
But if you wish to be holy and earnestly long to be made like Christ in all things - then you must weigh well the teaching of the Word of God. You must follow the light which that Word affords. It will name a few points of main importance.
You can only be sanctified by God as you know Him as the "God of peace." Before you can be made holy, you must be at peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ. You must begin with free forgiveness and complete reconciliation through His blood. The holiness rests on the basis of a perfect justification, whereby you stand before God in Christ accounted righteous in His sight. There are some who try to climb up to justification and acceptance by their holiness or good works or good feelings. But they always fail. It is jut the other way.
You are not to be holy that you may be forgiven - but you are to be forgiven and justified that you may become holy. You must begin on the lowest round of the ladder. You must take the place of the sinner, and then look to Christ to pardon and justify you freely through His blood and righteousness.
"Mine is the sin, but Yours is righteousness,
Mine is the guilt, but Yours the cleansing blood;
Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace,
Your blood, Your righteousness, O Lord my God."
You can only be sanctified by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Remember the words of Paul. "God has chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth (2 Thess. 2:13). It is only as the Holy Spirit the Comforter dwells within you, and reigns within you as a new power and a new life that you can in any way rise above your own evil nature and think or act aright. From the first desire to live a better life, to the first note of praise in glory - the whole work must be that of the Holy Spirit. Hence you must by all means seek to realize and be filled with the constant presence of the Holy Spirit. Remind yourself frequently of your need of His power and grace. Let it be your persistent, believing cry that the Father would send the Spirit to work mightily in you. Let it be your greatest sorrow in any way to grieve that blessed Spirit, either by willful sin or by slighting His motions in your heart. Often breathe forth a longing desire for His humbling, comforting, enlightening ray.
"O most blessed Light Divine,
Shine within these hearts of Thine,
And our inmost being fill.
Where You are not, man has nothing,
Nothing good in deed or thought,
Nothing free from taint of ill."
Very various and manifold are the agencies the Spirit employs. Very frequently, it is a season of suffering or sorrow. The soul is brought low in the valley of humiliation. Comforts are removed, and troubles increase. Then heavenly things become more real, God is known more fully as a sure Refuge, the promises stand out with clearer brightness.
As the late Dean Champneys put it, the railway light is only seen as you enter the dark tunnel. Just so, in the dark moments of adversity, the bright lamp of promise shines out with double glory. Never forget, Christian, that there are two promises which go side by side along the road to Zion. One is, "In the world you shall have tribulation," and the other, "In Me you might have peace" (John 16:31). And the Holy Spirit very frequently uses the first, to bring the second. It is by the teachings of sorrow, that a deeper and surer peace is wrought in the soul.
No less does the Holy Spirit use the Word of God as a great instrument of sanctification. Our Lord's prayer is being constantly fulfilled. "Sanctify them through Your truth - Your Word is truth" (John 17:17). Every line of Holy Scripture teems with warning, promise, doctrine, or example that has a sanctifying tendency when it is received in meekness and obedience.
~George Everard~
(continued with # 2)
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