God's Call to the Life Above # 2
Security
Then, as the psalmist indicates, it is not only ascendancy which comes from the mountains but also security. "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so is the Lord round about His people...". The heights are the places for strongholds, for refuges. And our strength, our safety is to get away from the low things, to leave behind what is mean and contemptible, and to get up into fellowship with the Lord on high. On the low levels we become the playthings of bad influences and cross currents - there are always evil powers which are at work down there in the dark. We will find deliverance and security by rising on to higher ground.
The devil and evil forces are tremendously concerned with getting us down and holding us down, so that they can harass and play havoc with our spiritual lives. Down...down...that is the drive and direction of the evil one, who plans to get us down and keep us down in the place where he has the strength. Our refuge is not to fight on that low ground, but to flee to the heights, to escape to the Lord in the secret place of the most High.
I think that the Lord Jesus did just this. At the time when He was aware of all the pressure and down-drag of earthly conditions and disappointments even with His own disciples, He said: Let Me go away for a while and go into the mountains to My Father. It was thus that He was able to return marvellously fortified, and we can do the same, finding our way of escape by fellowship with God in the heights.
VISION
There are further points about mountains, a fairly obvious one, and that is that they are places of vision, places where one can see the far distances. At the end of the Bible we are taken to an exceeding great and high mountain and shown the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, so that the last scene in the Bible is a mountain scene, and the mountain is truly one of vision, showing the Church in the full expression of its heavenly glory. Surely it is of supreme importance that God's people should have their vision enlarged. Our vision is too small, our purpose in life is too small; our conception of our salvation is often too small. We tend to narrow our thoughts so much that it is important for us to ascend into the Mount of Vision, for the loss of vision always brings about a falling to pieces. Those Christians who have no great sense of God's purposes and of His ability to reach His end and fulfill His intentions will find themselves at the mercy of the doubts and fears which defeat men down here on this earth.
GRAVITATION UPWARD
The reader may agree with all that has been said and yet still be puzzled as to how such elevation to the heights can be realized. The answer is that it is already a working power in the new nature of the Christian. The beginning of the Christian life is the discovery that Christ has come from heaven to take us back to heaven, and so has given us life from above. From that day that a man really comes into vital union with our risen and ascended Lord there begins within him a process of gravitation upwards. He now discovers that he does not really belong to earth, but has a heavenly nature which responds to God's call to the life on high. As he progresses, he finds that his new life leads him further and further away from the world in which he lives, and although this involves him in some difficulties and even embarrassment, he cannot find himself at home here as he once could. This very inward pull is evidence that he is a child of the heavenly country.
The consummation of the believer's life is certainly upward - for he is to be caught up to be forever with the Lord. So the life is a constant movement upward, from its first beginnings to its glorious end. This means that, like his Lord, he must learn to respond to the heavenly gravitation, not clinging to earthly interests and possessions, not being bound by earthly considerations, but giving always an inward answer to the call of heaven.
So far as Christ was concerned even His physical going up into a mountain illustrated how eager He was to respond to this call. And I believe that when at last He ascended to the Father, His heart was filled with the deepest satisfaction at home-going. It will surely be the same with us. We shall not go reluctantly and with regrets; no, we shall be rising to where we belong and what we were made for; we shall be rising to the final ascendancy, and in doing so we shall be answering to everything in our new constitution. Spiritually, we are a mountain people. Let us now seek grace day by day, so that we may repudiate all earth-boundness and refuse to dwell in the valley. We may often have to pass through it, but we must never settle down there, for we belong to the heights in Christ. "Here we have no abiding city, but we seek one to come" (Hebrews 13:14).
~T. Austin-Sparks~
(The End)
Saturday, December 29, 2018
God's Call To The Life Above # 1
God's Call To The Life Above # 1
"They that trust in the Lord are as mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people, from this time forth and for evermore" (Psalm 125:1-2).
Psalms 120 to 134 form a little volume of their own, called the Psalms or Songs of Ascent. They tell of the climb up out of the deep, dark valley on to the sunny heights, which is where the Lord always desires His people to be.
Psalm 84 speaks of passing through the valley of weeping, but in that connection we ought to underline the two words "passing through," for this valley is never meant to be the dwelling place of the people of God but only a passage through which they pass. Zion, the mountain home, is where God wants His people to abide. It is surely instructive to note that the Lord established periodic ascents as an ordinance in Israel; all their males had to go up to Jerusalem three times in every year. God meant these going-up ordinances to be government in nature; that is, the people of Israel were not to be governed by the plains or valleys, but to be a people of the mountains. They might have to spend time, perhaps much time, down below but their normal life was continually interrupted by the command to go up. Their life, their real life, was up in the high places. If we could have joined their caravans as three times a year they made ready and got on the march, leaving the valleys and the plains and going on the upward way to Jerusalem, we would have found that these journeys had a tremendous influence on the life of the people. These songs, for instance, became songs for all time; they were provided for the ascents of those particular occasions, but they were not reserved for the three times a year, becoming the perpetual songs of Israel in which we ourselves find much of abiding value. This is because the Lord's mind for His people is that they should not abide in the deep and shadowy places, though from time to time they may have to pass through the valleys, but that they should be a people of the heights, with their lives governed by that which is above and not by what is below.
I have been very much impressed with the large place which mountains had in the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus, as may be verified in Matthew's Gospel, which begins in chapter 5 with the Mount of Instruction and finishes in chapter 28 with the Mount of Commission. It can be noted that all through the Gospel the peak events were associated with mountains, as though these found an answer, a response, in the very heart and nature of our Lord. Is it not true that Jesus came down and passed through this valley of weeping in order to meet us and lift us up out of it?
His whole life, in every aspect and activity of praying, teaching and working, was a life on a rising plane, a lifting, returning move to heaven which would take back with Him as many others as possible. There was nothing in the low level of this world's ways to give Him any pleasure, so it is not surprising that He loved the mountain heights. The very nature and spirit of the Lord Jesus was a complete contradiction of the natural course of human movement which is steadily slipping lower and lower. The Lord Jesus is in direct contrast to this; the whole effect and influence of His presence anywhere being to lift upwards. He only came by way of this valley of tears to lift us up out of it.
ASCENDANCY
Mountains suggest and represent elevation, ascendancy - "I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains." To take our eyes off what is here - self, circumstances and the rest - and to set them on the One who is the Lord over all, high and lifted up on the throne, is itself an elevating experience. "Looking off unto Jesus" is the one thing which will bring us up out of the valley of despair, for where our vision rests affects the course of our lives. It is in every sense an uplifting experience to be joined to the Lord in heaven; it is morally elevating and spiritually emancipating.
Perhaps what most of us need is a higher level of life. We are too small. Our valley is a hemmed in place, it is narrow and limiting. We must get on to the mountains to find enlargement, with a sense of being liberated from the littleness of life, freed from its smallness and pettiness. If this is true naturally, it helps to interpret a spiritual truth, reminding us that God has "raised us up together with Christ." Individually and collectively in the Church, a very great deal of the trouble, weakness and even paralysis which we suffer is due to our failure to maintain our true position in the heavenlies in Christ. If we could get up higher, move on to higher ground and leave behind the things which belong to the shadows, we should find ourselves living in the good of the mighty will of God in us.
~T. Austin-Sparks~
((continued with # 2)
"They that trust in the Lord are as mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people, from this time forth and for evermore" (Psalm 125:1-2).
Psalms 120 to 134 form a little volume of their own, called the Psalms or Songs of Ascent. They tell of the climb up out of the deep, dark valley on to the sunny heights, which is where the Lord always desires His people to be.
Psalm 84 speaks of passing through the valley of weeping, but in that connection we ought to underline the two words "passing through," for this valley is never meant to be the dwelling place of the people of God but only a passage through which they pass. Zion, the mountain home, is where God wants His people to abide. It is surely instructive to note that the Lord established periodic ascents as an ordinance in Israel; all their males had to go up to Jerusalem three times in every year. God meant these going-up ordinances to be government in nature; that is, the people of Israel were not to be governed by the plains or valleys, but to be a people of the mountains. They might have to spend time, perhaps much time, down below but their normal life was continually interrupted by the command to go up. Their life, their real life, was up in the high places. If we could have joined their caravans as three times a year they made ready and got on the march, leaving the valleys and the plains and going on the upward way to Jerusalem, we would have found that these journeys had a tremendous influence on the life of the people. These songs, for instance, became songs for all time; they were provided for the ascents of those particular occasions, but they were not reserved for the three times a year, becoming the perpetual songs of Israel in which we ourselves find much of abiding value. This is because the Lord's mind for His people is that they should not abide in the deep and shadowy places, though from time to time they may have to pass through the valleys, but that they should be a people of the heights, with their lives governed by that which is above and not by what is below.
I have been very much impressed with the large place which mountains had in the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus, as may be verified in Matthew's Gospel, which begins in chapter 5 with the Mount of Instruction and finishes in chapter 28 with the Mount of Commission. It can be noted that all through the Gospel the peak events were associated with mountains, as though these found an answer, a response, in the very heart and nature of our Lord. Is it not true that Jesus came down and passed through this valley of weeping in order to meet us and lift us up out of it?
His whole life, in every aspect and activity of praying, teaching and working, was a life on a rising plane, a lifting, returning move to heaven which would take back with Him as many others as possible. There was nothing in the low level of this world's ways to give Him any pleasure, so it is not surprising that He loved the mountain heights. The very nature and spirit of the Lord Jesus was a complete contradiction of the natural course of human movement which is steadily slipping lower and lower. The Lord Jesus is in direct contrast to this; the whole effect and influence of His presence anywhere being to lift upwards. He only came by way of this valley of tears to lift us up out of it.
ASCENDANCY
Mountains suggest and represent elevation, ascendancy - "I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains." To take our eyes off what is here - self, circumstances and the rest - and to set them on the One who is the Lord over all, high and lifted up on the throne, is itself an elevating experience. "Looking off unto Jesus" is the one thing which will bring us up out of the valley of despair, for where our vision rests affects the course of our lives. It is in every sense an uplifting experience to be joined to the Lord in heaven; it is morally elevating and spiritually emancipating.
Perhaps what most of us need is a higher level of life. We are too small. Our valley is a hemmed in place, it is narrow and limiting. We must get on to the mountains to find enlargement, with a sense of being liberated from the littleness of life, freed from its smallness and pettiness. If this is true naturally, it helps to interpret a spiritual truth, reminding us that God has "raised us up together with Christ." Individually and collectively in the Church, a very great deal of the trouble, weakness and even paralysis which we suffer is due to our failure to maintain our true position in the heavenlies in Christ. If we could get up higher, move on to higher ground and leave behind the things which belong to the shadows, we should find ourselves living in the good of the mighty will of God in us.
~T. Austin-Sparks~
((continued with # 2)
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Though We Mourn - We Must Not Murmur (and others)
Though We Mourn - We Must Not Murmur (and others)
"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will leave this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of the Lord! (Job 1:21).
"See, I am the only God! There are no others. I kill, and I make alive! I wound, and I heal, and no one can rescue you from My power!" (Deuteronomy 32:39).
When a holy and beloved object of our affection is removed by death, we ought to sorrow. Humanity demands it; and Christianity, in the person of the weeping Jesus, allows it. The man without a tear, is a savage or a Stoic - but not a Christian. God intends when He bestows His gifts - that they should be received with smiles of gratitude; and when He recalls them - that they should be surrendered with drops of sacred grief." Sorrow is an affection implanted by the Creator in the soul, for wise and beneficent purposes; and it ought not to be ruthlessly torn up by the roots - but directed in its exercise by reason and piety.
The work of grace, though it is above nature - is not against it. The man who tells me not to weep at the grave - insults me, mocks me, and wishes to degrade me! Tears are the silent, pure, sincere testimony of my heart to the excellence of the gift He gave in mercy; and in mercy, no doubt, as well as judgment, He has recalled.
But, then, though we mourn - we must not murmur. We may sorrow - but not with the violent and uncontrolled grief of the heathen, who have no hope. Our sorrow must flow, deep as we like, but noiseless and still - in the channels of submission. It must be a sorrow so quiet, as to hear all the words of consolation which our heavenly Father utters amidst the gentle strokes of His rod. It must be sorrow so reverential, as to as to adore Him for the exercise of His prerogative in taking away what and whom He pleases. It must be sorrow so composed, as to prepare us for doing His will as well as bearing it. It must be a sorrow so meek and gentle, as to justify Him in His dispensations. It must be a sorrow so confiding, as to be assured that there is as much love in taking the mercy away - as there was in bestowing it. It must be a sorrow so grateful, as to be thankful for the mercies left - as well as afflicted for the mercies lost. It must be a sorrow so trustful, as to look forward to the future with hope. It must be a sorrow so patient, as to bear all the aggravations that accompany or follow the bereavement with unruffled acquiescence. It must be a sorrow so holy, as to lift the prayer of faith for Divine grace, to sanctify the stroke. It must be a sorrow so lasting, as to preserve through all the coming years of life, the benefit of that event, which in one solemn moment changed the whole aspect of our earthly existence.
~John Angell James~
__________________________
They Slay Their Own Children!
A mother should never forget that those little engaging creatures which play about the room so gaily and so so innocently, with all the unconsciousness of childhood, are young immortals - beings destined to eternity - creatures placed on earth on probation for heaven - and that much will depend on her, whether the everlasting ages shall be spent by them in torment - or in bliss!
This is an overwhelming thought!
All should realize the sublime idea that their houses are the schools for eternity; their children the scholars; themselves the teachers; and evangelical religion the lesson.
Those parents who neglect the religious education of their children, whatever they may impart, are more guilty than Herod! He slew the children of others, they slay their own children! He slew only the body, they slay the soul! He slew them by hired assassins, they slay their children themselves!
We shudder at the cruelties of those who sacrificed their babies to Moloch. But how much more dreadful an immolation do they practice, who offer up their sons and daughters to satan, by neglecting the education of their souls, and leaving them to grow up in ignorance of God and their eternal destiny!
Mothers, Your religion, if it is genuine, will teach you at once the greatness of the work, and your own insufficiency to perform it aright in your own strength. You business is to train immortal beings for God, heaven, and eternity!
~John Angell James~
"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will leave this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of the Lord! (Job 1:21).
"See, I am the only God! There are no others. I kill, and I make alive! I wound, and I heal, and no one can rescue you from My power!" (Deuteronomy 32:39).
When a holy and beloved object of our affection is removed by death, we ought to sorrow. Humanity demands it; and Christianity, in the person of the weeping Jesus, allows it. The man without a tear, is a savage or a Stoic - but not a Christian. God intends when He bestows His gifts - that they should be received with smiles of gratitude; and when He recalls them - that they should be surrendered with drops of sacred grief." Sorrow is an affection implanted by the Creator in the soul, for wise and beneficent purposes; and it ought not to be ruthlessly torn up by the roots - but directed in its exercise by reason and piety.
The work of grace, though it is above nature - is not against it. The man who tells me not to weep at the grave - insults me, mocks me, and wishes to degrade me! Tears are the silent, pure, sincere testimony of my heart to the excellence of the gift He gave in mercy; and in mercy, no doubt, as well as judgment, He has recalled.
But, then, though we mourn - we must not murmur. We may sorrow - but not with the violent and uncontrolled grief of the heathen, who have no hope. Our sorrow must flow, deep as we like, but noiseless and still - in the channels of submission. It must be a sorrow so quiet, as to hear all the words of consolation which our heavenly Father utters amidst the gentle strokes of His rod. It must be sorrow so reverential, as to as to adore Him for the exercise of His prerogative in taking away what and whom He pleases. It must be sorrow so composed, as to prepare us for doing His will as well as bearing it. It must be a sorrow so meek and gentle, as to justify Him in His dispensations. It must be a sorrow so confiding, as to be assured that there is as much love in taking the mercy away - as there was in bestowing it. It must be a sorrow so grateful, as to be thankful for the mercies left - as well as afflicted for the mercies lost. It must be a sorrow so trustful, as to look forward to the future with hope. It must be a sorrow so patient, as to bear all the aggravations that accompany or follow the bereavement with unruffled acquiescence. It must be a sorrow so holy, as to lift the prayer of faith for Divine grace, to sanctify the stroke. It must be a sorrow so lasting, as to preserve through all the coming years of life, the benefit of that event, which in one solemn moment changed the whole aspect of our earthly existence.
~John Angell James~
__________________________
They Slay Their Own Children!
A mother should never forget that those little engaging creatures which play about the room so gaily and so so innocently, with all the unconsciousness of childhood, are young immortals - beings destined to eternity - creatures placed on earth on probation for heaven - and that much will depend on her, whether the everlasting ages shall be spent by them in torment - or in bliss!
This is an overwhelming thought!
All should realize the sublime idea that their houses are the schools for eternity; their children the scholars; themselves the teachers; and evangelical religion the lesson.
Those parents who neglect the religious education of their children, whatever they may impart, are more guilty than Herod! He slew the children of others, they slay their own children! He slew only the body, they slay the soul! He slew them by hired assassins, they slay their children themselves!
We shudder at the cruelties of those who sacrificed their babies to Moloch. But how much more dreadful an immolation do they practice, who offer up their sons and daughters to satan, by neglecting the education of their souls, and leaving them to grow up in ignorance of God and their eternal destiny!
Mothers, Your religion, if it is genuine, will teach you at once the greatness of the work, and your own insufficiency to perform it aright in your own strength. You business is to train immortal beings for God, heaven, and eternity!
~John Angell James~
The Fruits and Effects He Produces (and others)
The Fruits and Effects He Produces (and others)
"When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment" (John 16:8).
Where the Holy Spirit is, there will always be deep conviction of sin - and true repentance for it. It is His special office to convict of sin.
He shows the exceeding holiness of God.
He teaches the exceeding corruption and infirmity of our nature.
He strips us of our blind self-righteousness.
He opens our eyes to our awful guilt, folly and danger.
He fills the heart with sorrow, contrition, and abhorrence for sin - as the abominable thing which God hates.
He who knows nothing of all this, and saunters carelessly through life, thoughtless about sin, and indifferent and unconcerned about his soul - is a dead man before God! He has not the Holy Spirit.
The presence of the Holy Spirit in a man's heart can only be known by the fruits and effects He produces. Mysterious and invisible to mortal eye as His operations are - they always lead to certain visible and tangible results.
Just as you know there is life in a tree by its sap, buds, leaves and fruits - just so you may know the Spirit to be in a man's heart by the influence He exercises over his thoughts, affections, opinions, habits, and life. I lay this down broadly and unhesitatingly. I see it clearly marked out in our Lord Jesus Christ's words, "Every tree is known by his own fruit" (Luke 6:44.)
~J. C. Ryle~
(The End)
___________________________
All Others Are Walking To Perdition!
"Enoch walked with God" (Genesis 5:24).
Walking with God! is this our religion? Does this aptly set forth our life? It makes no difference to which church we belong, nor what creed we adopt, nor what ceremonies we profess, nor what zeal for religious things we have - if we are not walking with God!
Reconciliation with Him through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; a habitual acting as in His sight and with a view to His approbation, and a life of devotional communion with Him - is true religion - in whomever or wherever found.
Walking with God? Is this religion ours?
Do we intelligently, experimentally, know the meaning of that phrase - walking with God? Let us set it down before us, look at it, ponder it, and never cease to study it, until we know its meaning, and feel its force!
None are walking to heaven, but those who are walking with God! All others are walking to perdition! We hear a great deal about other things that are connected with religion - its doctrines, its forms, its creeds - but walking with God is true religion. If we know nothing of this, we know nothing of true piety!
It is walking with God - and not any external matter, that distinguishes the real from the nominal Christian!
And it is "close walking with God" which distinguishes the earnest Christian from the comparatively lukewarm one. The earnest Christian walks closely with God, presses, so to speak, to His very side; while the other, like Peter, during his season of cowardice, follows afar off.
"Walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).
~John Angell James~
"When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment" (John 16:8).
Where the Holy Spirit is, there will always be deep conviction of sin - and true repentance for it. It is His special office to convict of sin.
He shows the exceeding holiness of God.
He teaches the exceeding corruption and infirmity of our nature.
He strips us of our blind self-righteousness.
He opens our eyes to our awful guilt, folly and danger.
He fills the heart with sorrow, contrition, and abhorrence for sin - as the abominable thing which God hates.
He who knows nothing of all this, and saunters carelessly through life, thoughtless about sin, and indifferent and unconcerned about his soul - is a dead man before God! He has not the Holy Spirit.
The presence of the Holy Spirit in a man's heart can only be known by the fruits and effects He produces. Mysterious and invisible to mortal eye as His operations are - they always lead to certain visible and tangible results.
Just as you know there is life in a tree by its sap, buds, leaves and fruits - just so you may know the Spirit to be in a man's heart by the influence He exercises over his thoughts, affections, opinions, habits, and life. I lay this down broadly and unhesitatingly. I see it clearly marked out in our Lord Jesus Christ's words, "Every tree is known by his own fruit" (Luke 6:44.)
~J. C. Ryle~
(The End)
___________________________
All Others Are Walking To Perdition!
"Enoch walked with God" (Genesis 5:24).
Walking with God! is this our religion? Does this aptly set forth our life? It makes no difference to which church we belong, nor what creed we adopt, nor what ceremonies we profess, nor what zeal for religious things we have - if we are not walking with God!
Reconciliation with Him through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; a habitual acting as in His sight and with a view to His approbation, and a life of devotional communion with Him - is true religion - in whomever or wherever found.
Walking with God? Is this religion ours?
Do we intelligently, experimentally, know the meaning of that phrase - walking with God? Let us set it down before us, look at it, ponder it, and never cease to study it, until we know its meaning, and feel its force!
None are walking to heaven, but those who are walking with God! All others are walking to perdition! We hear a great deal about other things that are connected with religion - its doctrines, its forms, its creeds - but walking with God is true religion. If we know nothing of this, we know nothing of true piety!
It is walking with God - and not any external matter, that distinguishes the real from the nominal Christian!
And it is "close walking with God" which distinguishes the earnest Christian from the comparatively lukewarm one. The earnest Christian walks closely with God, presses, so to speak, to His very side; while the other, like Peter, during his season of cowardice, follows afar off.
"Walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).
~John Angell James~
Saturday, December 15, 2018
The Privilege of Prayer
The Privilege of Prayer
"Wait on your God continually" (Hosea 12:6).
"Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).
None can tell the privilege of prayer - if only it is real and true. Prayer is the great feeder and sustainer of the Divine life. Prayer fans the flame of grace, and makes it burn brighter and brighter. Prayer counterplots the devil, and confounds all his devices. Pray gives force and power to every effort for the good of others.
Therefore pray. Pray in sincerity. Pray frequently. Never, never grow weary of prayer.
Do you remember when Hagar cast her son down under the shrubs on the way to Egypt? He had no water, and it seemed that he must die. But what is told us afterwards? "God heard the voice of the lad;" and the angel of God called to Hagar out of Heaven and said unto her, "What ails you, Hagar? Do not be afraid - God has heard the voice of the lad where he is" (Genesis 21:17).
I am not sure whether it is meant that Ishmael prayed, or that God heard the cry of his distress and need. In either case it is a great encouragement to a lad to pray; for if it were but the cry of his distress that God heard - how much more will He hear and regard the earnest cry of faith and prayer! And God heard him "where he was," under the shrub. And God will hear you wherever you pray. Wherever you pray in your heart, if it is but a word, but a sigh toward Heaven, an upward look - there is an eye to notice it, and an ear to receive it.
Perhaps you ask - How shall I pray? Prayer and praise are the bounden duty of man towards the Creator who formed him capable of worship. Do no slight this duty. Do not neglect prayer, or hurry over it, or be content with a few words in bed. Look upon a day without prayer as a robbery of your own soul, an injury to those connected with you, and a dishonor to God Himself.
Make a reality of your prayers. Think them over beforehand. Beware of lip prayer, for God searches the heart. Beware of mere formal, unfelt prayers, for "God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth." Speak to God as to a kind Father or a loving Friend.
Be particular in asking what you really need and desire. Confess, one by one, the sins of which conscience accuses you. Think of the daily mercies you receive, and heartily thank God for them. Be very real in every prayer you offer. Whether it is short or long, only let it be the genuine expression of your desires, and it will not be lost.
Now think of your Father in Heaven. Oh, if only you knew Him! If only you knew one half of His kind thoughts toward you, and His willingness to help you! You would rejoice to come to Him, if it were but for a moment's prayer. You would find a real pleasure in every season for prayer
Consider this: God delights in the true-hearted prayers of His children. He delights to listen to them, and then to give the most appropriate answer to their petitions, in His infinite wisdom. Now, if God delights to hearken and give - then should you not delight to ask and receive?
Give God credit for His tender Fatherliness. Remember His heart of love towards those who seek Him. Remember too, the channel through which your prayers arise to Heaven. The Lord Jesus Christ is ever pleading at the Father's right hand, and He gives you His name as the ground of your confidence.
Remember too, that the Holy Spirit is ever ready to assist you in prayer. He will prompt and suggest that for which you should pray. When you feel dead and cold in prayer, He is ready to come and quicken your heart that you may desire spiritual things, and realize that the Father is near to hear you.
"Whatever the care that breaks your rest,
Whatever the wish that swells your breast,
Spread before God that wish, that care,
And change anxiety to prayer!"
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16).
~George Everard~
(The End)
"Wait on your God continually" (Hosea 12:6).
"Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).
None can tell the privilege of prayer - if only it is real and true. Prayer is the great feeder and sustainer of the Divine life. Prayer fans the flame of grace, and makes it burn brighter and brighter. Prayer counterplots the devil, and confounds all his devices. Pray gives force and power to every effort for the good of others.
Therefore pray. Pray in sincerity. Pray frequently. Never, never grow weary of prayer.
Do you remember when Hagar cast her son down under the shrubs on the way to Egypt? He had no water, and it seemed that he must die. But what is told us afterwards? "God heard the voice of the lad;" and the angel of God called to Hagar out of Heaven and said unto her, "What ails you, Hagar? Do not be afraid - God has heard the voice of the lad where he is" (Genesis 21:17).
I am not sure whether it is meant that Ishmael prayed, or that God heard the cry of his distress and need. In either case it is a great encouragement to a lad to pray; for if it were but the cry of his distress that God heard - how much more will He hear and regard the earnest cry of faith and prayer! And God heard him "where he was," under the shrub. And God will hear you wherever you pray. Wherever you pray in your heart, if it is but a word, but a sigh toward Heaven, an upward look - there is an eye to notice it, and an ear to receive it.
Perhaps you ask - How shall I pray? Prayer and praise are the bounden duty of man towards the Creator who formed him capable of worship. Do no slight this duty. Do not neglect prayer, or hurry over it, or be content with a few words in bed. Look upon a day without prayer as a robbery of your own soul, an injury to those connected with you, and a dishonor to God Himself.
Make a reality of your prayers. Think them over beforehand. Beware of lip prayer, for God searches the heart. Beware of mere formal, unfelt prayers, for "God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth." Speak to God as to a kind Father or a loving Friend.
Be particular in asking what you really need and desire. Confess, one by one, the sins of which conscience accuses you. Think of the daily mercies you receive, and heartily thank God for them. Be very real in every prayer you offer. Whether it is short or long, only let it be the genuine expression of your desires, and it will not be lost.
Now think of your Father in Heaven. Oh, if only you knew Him! If only you knew one half of His kind thoughts toward you, and His willingness to help you! You would rejoice to come to Him, if it were but for a moment's prayer. You would find a real pleasure in every season for prayer
Consider this: God delights in the true-hearted prayers of His children. He delights to listen to them, and then to give the most appropriate answer to their petitions, in His infinite wisdom. Now, if God delights to hearken and give - then should you not delight to ask and receive?
Give God credit for His tender Fatherliness. Remember His heart of love towards those who seek Him. Remember too, the channel through which your prayers arise to Heaven. The Lord Jesus Christ is ever pleading at the Father's right hand, and He gives you His name as the ground of your confidence.
Remember too, that the Holy Spirit is ever ready to assist you in prayer. He will prompt and suggest that for which you should pray. When you feel dead and cold in prayer, He is ready to come and quicken your heart that you may desire spiritual things, and realize that the Father is near to hear you.
"Whatever the care that breaks your rest,
Whatever the wish that swells your breast,
Spread before God that wish, that care,
And change anxiety to prayer!"
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16).
~George Everard~
(The End)
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Spiritual Joy # 4 (and others)
Spiritual Joy # 4 (and others)
Think of the aid your joy will afford you in reference to all your other duties. It will shed an influence upon everything. It is this that will make you hail the Sabbath with delight, that will draw you to the throne of grace with boldness, enable you to read the Scriptures with pleasure, and render your sacramental seasons times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The sanctuary, the closet, the Bible, and the Lord's table - will all be in shadow, and appear gloomy - if joy is absent. But spiritual joy will shed light upon all of these means of grace - and place them in sunshine.
Joy will assist you in the wayfare of the Christian life, and cause you to overcome the tediousness of your way, by the songs of the Lord. In the working out of our salvation, there must be not only fear and trembling, but hope and joy. Spiritual joy is the oil to the wheels of obedience. It is this which braces up the soul for action, and carries it forward through difficult and self-denying duties.
How can we best vanquish the world, that ever present, and every where present foe, which comes in so many forms, and with such golden pleas? How, but by a heart already well pleased with its own happiness in Christ. Spiritual joy is the world's vanquisher! The heart by holy joy rises above the world, sees it below, covered with smoke and dust, and finds itself in a brighter, purer, happier region, with the cloudless sun above, and all around filled with His glory. What has the world to offer comparable to that which is rejoicing faith has found in Christ?
You are called, in this extraordinary age, to the great enterprise of the world's conversion; and in order to achieve it, you must make sacrifices of time, money, and ease. And how is this done? A happy church will be a working church. It is the joyous mind that aims at great things. The apostles and first disciples, though persecuted men, were joyous men. They counted it all joy even to fall into divers temptations. They astonished the world with the spectacle of moral heroes, who could smile at chains, imprisonment, and death. Religion appeared in all its power and glory as a superhuman principle, a something heavenly and divine, in such a scene, and many were converted to the faith by the martyr's joy as well as by his testimony.
Christians, imitate these examples. Do not tell the world you are happy, but appear so. Verify the assertion by your own experience, so often made, and so often expressed by Christians themselves, that the church of Christ is the seat of blessedness. Be in spirit a refutation of the world's slander upon religion, in the assertion that it is a sour, unhappy, gloomy spirit. A happy church would, almost by its very appearance without its labor, convert nations. The first beams of the millennial morning will be seen in this heavenly effulgence resting upon the church.
Therefore be happy Christians as well as holy ones. Exemplify in this, as in every other respect, the spirit of the gospel. Be like your Divine Master, in the purity, simplicity, and joyfulness, with which you devote yourselves to the service of mankind. Bring more of His serene and happy spirit into your work. Let your piety be seen by all to be a perennial fountain of peace and joy to your own soul, under the various appointments of Divine providence here. Anticipate the felicities of heaven here below. You stand in the porch of the celestial temple- appear like men who not only hear the songs within, but expect soon to see the everlasting gates thrown open to admit you to God's presence, where there is fullness of joy, and to His right hand, where there are pleasures forevermore!
~John Angell James~
(The End)
_____________________________
Like Water to the Flame of Joy
"I have spoken these things to you, so that My joy may be in you, and your joy may be full." (John 15:11).
One of the reasons why so little spiritual joy is experienced by the majority of Christians, is because of sin. Sin weakens spiritual joy- and ought to do so! I do not now mean immorality - for that extinguishes joy! I mean the lesser workings of our corruption, the sins of the heart, the sins of the tongue, the sins of the character, sins known only to God and conscience, sins of omission, and sins of defect. Such sins may not put out the light of our piety altogether - but they surround it with an impure atmosphere, a thick fog - which prevents its light from shining upon the heart!
The religion of many is altogether too feeble. They are too worldly, too lukewarm, live too far from God - to derive much joy and peace from their piety. Spiritual joy is joy in God, in Christ, in holiness, in heaven! And when, therefore, the professor lives so little in the closet, communes so little with his Bible, and lives so far from God- it can be no wonder that his religion does not make him happy!
Sin is like water to the flame of joy. Cultivate all the branches of holiness; for holiness is happiness. Spiritual joy is the oil to the wheels of obedience. It is this which braces up the soul for action, and carries it forward through difficult and self-denying duties.
How can we best vanquish the world, that ever present foe, which comes in so many forms? How, but by a heart already well-pleased with its own happiness in Christ. Spiritual joy is the world's vanquisher! What has the world to offer comparable to this which a rejoicing faith has found in Christ?
"The joy of the Lord is your strength!" (Nehemiah 8:10).
~John Angell James~
Think of the aid your joy will afford you in reference to all your other duties. It will shed an influence upon everything. It is this that will make you hail the Sabbath with delight, that will draw you to the throne of grace with boldness, enable you to read the Scriptures with pleasure, and render your sacramental seasons times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The sanctuary, the closet, the Bible, and the Lord's table - will all be in shadow, and appear gloomy - if joy is absent. But spiritual joy will shed light upon all of these means of grace - and place them in sunshine.
Joy will assist you in the wayfare of the Christian life, and cause you to overcome the tediousness of your way, by the songs of the Lord. In the working out of our salvation, there must be not only fear and trembling, but hope and joy. Spiritual joy is the oil to the wheels of obedience. It is this which braces up the soul for action, and carries it forward through difficult and self-denying duties.
How can we best vanquish the world, that ever present, and every where present foe, which comes in so many forms, and with such golden pleas? How, but by a heart already well pleased with its own happiness in Christ. Spiritual joy is the world's vanquisher! The heart by holy joy rises above the world, sees it below, covered with smoke and dust, and finds itself in a brighter, purer, happier region, with the cloudless sun above, and all around filled with His glory. What has the world to offer comparable to that which is rejoicing faith has found in Christ?
You are called, in this extraordinary age, to the great enterprise of the world's conversion; and in order to achieve it, you must make sacrifices of time, money, and ease. And how is this done? A happy church will be a working church. It is the joyous mind that aims at great things. The apostles and first disciples, though persecuted men, were joyous men. They counted it all joy even to fall into divers temptations. They astonished the world with the spectacle of moral heroes, who could smile at chains, imprisonment, and death. Religion appeared in all its power and glory as a superhuman principle, a something heavenly and divine, in such a scene, and many were converted to the faith by the martyr's joy as well as by his testimony.
Christians, imitate these examples. Do not tell the world you are happy, but appear so. Verify the assertion by your own experience, so often made, and so often expressed by Christians themselves, that the church of Christ is the seat of blessedness. Be in spirit a refutation of the world's slander upon religion, in the assertion that it is a sour, unhappy, gloomy spirit. A happy church would, almost by its very appearance without its labor, convert nations. The first beams of the millennial morning will be seen in this heavenly effulgence resting upon the church.
Therefore be happy Christians as well as holy ones. Exemplify in this, as in every other respect, the spirit of the gospel. Be like your Divine Master, in the purity, simplicity, and joyfulness, with which you devote yourselves to the service of mankind. Bring more of His serene and happy spirit into your work. Let your piety be seen by all to be a perennial fountain of peace and joy to your own soul, under the various appointments of Divine providence here. Anticipate the felicities of heaven here below. You stand in the porch of the celestial temple- appear like men who not only hear the songs within, but expect soon to see the everlasting gates thrown open to admit you to God's presence, where there is fullness of joy, and to His right hand, where there are pleasures forevermore!
~John Angell James~
(The End)
_____________________________
Like Water to the Flame of Joy
"I have spoken these things to you, so that My joy may be in you, and your joy may be full." (John 15:11).
One of the reasons why so little spiritual joy is experienced by the majority of Christians, is because of sin. Sin weakens spiritual joy- and ought to do so! I do not now mean immorality - for that extinguishes joy! I mean the lesser workings of our corruption, the sins of the heart, the sins of the tongue, the sins of the character, sins known only to God and conscience, sins of omission, and sins of defect. Such sins may not put out the light of our piety altogether - but they surround it with an impure atmosphere, a thick fog - which prevents its light from shining upon the heart!
The religion of many is altogether too feeble. They are too worldly, too lukewarm, live too far from God - to derive much joy and peace from their piety. Spiritual joy is joy in God, in Christ, in holiness, in heaven! And when, therefore, the professor lives so little in the closet, communes so little with his Bible, and lives so far from God- it can be no wonder that his religion does not make him happy!
Sin is like water to the flame of joy. Cultivate all the branches of holiness; for holiness is happiness. Spiritual joy is the oil to the wheels of obedience. It is this which braces up the soul for action, and carries it forward through difficult and self-denying duties.
How can we best vanquish the world, that ever present foe, which comes in so many forms? How, but by a heart already well-pleased with its own happiness in Christ. Spiritual joy is the world's vanquisher! What has the world to offer comparable to this which a rejoicing faith has found in Christ?
"The joy of the Lord is your strength!" (Nehemiah 8:10).
~John Angell James~
Spiritual Joy # 3
Spiritual Joy # 3
Some are waiting to rejoice until they have attained a sinless perfection, forgetting that if they are never to rejoice until then, they will never have peace until they get to heaven; and thus show by such a delay that they are rather looking to rejoice in themselves, than in the Lord. Oh! how numerous are the machinations of satan to keep God's people from being happy, when he cannot keep them from being holy - how numerous and how subtle are the methods by which he causes the children of light to walk in darkness!
Limited knowledge of the scheme of redemption, and the great truths of the gospel, is a common hindrance to spiritual joy. As the source of spiritual comfort is in the truth, we can receive that comfort only in proportion as the truth is understood and believed. In the minds of many godly people there is much confusion of thought; much mixture of law and gospel; a lack of clear discrimination between justification and sanctification; and an equal lack, of course, of discrimination between grace in God and merit in man. They are ever looking for marks and evidences in themselves, instead of looking to Christ; and find more to distress and harass them in the least ascertainable imperfections in themselves, or in a single dull season of prayer - than in all the fullness of grace in the Saviour to comfort them! By thus dwelling continually upon himself in the way of gloomy despondency, the Christian is apt to acquire a sickly, feeble, morbid mold of piety. It is not humility, penitence, and an aim at something better, (of which the believer cannot have too much,) but discontent, wretchedness, and a hopeless sorrow. Christians, study as well as read the gospel. Labor to comprehend the system of salvation by grace through faith. Penetrate to the bottom, as far as possible, of that wondrous word GRACE; and especially grow in the knowledge of that glorious union between justice and mercy, which is established by the death of Christ!
Christians are kept back from joy, sometimes, by being afraid to let their religion make them happy. Even though they do not deny in words that they have some right and reason to rejoice, and that it would be no presumption in them to be glad in the Lord; yet they seem afraid to go to high degree of spiritual delight, lest it should "exalt them above measure." There are times when most Christians have a more vivid and delightful sense of Divine truth, when there is an unusual transparency of the soul's atmosphere, through which the eye of faith discerns spiritual objects with particular clearness, and when the soul seems instinctively to exult. The note of praise is struck with new strength, and the heart is beginning to swell into a fullness of delight. At that moment a surmise creeps over the soul, "i must restrain these feelings - they will endanger my humility, inflate me with pride, and expose me to satan's temptations!" All spiritual joy is now checked - and the mind which was invited to soar, cowers down, and dooms itself to creep!
SIN damps spiritual joy - and ought to do so! I do not now mean immorality, for this puts it quite out, but the lesser workings of our corruption - the sins of the heart, the sins of the tongue, the sins of the character. Sins known only to God and conscience. Sins of omission and of defect. Sins that do not unchristianize us, any more than they excommunicate us from the church. Such sins unopposed, unmortified - do, and must, prevent or diminish our joy. They may not put out the light of our piety altogether - but they surround it with an impure atmosphere, a thick fog, which prevents its light from shining upon the heart.
And then connected with this, I may observe, that the piety of many is too feeble altogether; they are too worldly, too lukewarm, live too far from God, to derive much joy and peace from their piety. Spiritual joy, is joy in God, in Christ, in holiness, in heaven! And when, therefore, the professor who lives so little in the closet, communes so little with his Bible, attends so little to the frame of his own mind, and lives so far from God, that he doubts himself, and others doubt for him, whether he loves God or not - it can be no wonder that his religion does not make him happy!
The religion of some people is just enough to make them miserable. It spoils them for the world, without fitting them for the church. These are the men who are so taken up with the world, that they do not desire the joy of true religion, and are unwilling to cast out a single earthly care or enjoyment, though it were to make was for all the consolations of the Spirit. My dear friends, let me now entreat you to avoid these hindrances, and to seek after more of that heavenly, holy, happy frame of mind. Pray for it, for it is a fruit of the Spirit. Find time for private, silent meditation. Watch against sin. Cultivate all the branches of holiness; for holiness is happiness. Be diligent, yes, give all diligence to make your calling and election sure.
Do you need MOTIVES for this? Think of your own happiness. You are not to be indifferent to this. God wills you to be happy, and has most abundantly provided means to make you so. You must enter into His design and strive to be joyful. God loves to see His children happy, and does not allow them to be indifferent to their own peace.
~John Angell James~
(continued with # 4)
Some are waiting to rejoice until they have attained a sinless perfection, forgetting that if they are never to rejoice until then, they will never have peace until they get to heaven; and thus show by such a delay that they are rather looking to rejoice in themselves, than in the Lord. Oh! how numerous are the machinations of satan to keep God's people from being happy, when he cannot keep them from being holy - how numerous and how subtle are the methods by which he causes the children of light to walk in darkness!
Limited knowledge of the scheme of redemption, and the great truths of the gospel, is a common hindrance to spiritual joy. As the source of spiritual comfort is in the truth, we can receive that comfort only in proportion as the truth is understood and believed. In the minds of many godly people there is much confusion of thought; much mixture of law and gospel; a lack of clear discrimination between justification and sanctification; and an equal lack, of course, of discrimination between grace in God and merit in man. They are ever looking for marks and evidences in themselves, instead of looking to Christ; and find more to distress and harass them in the least ascertainable imperfections in themselves, or in a single dull season of prayer - than in all the fullness of grace in the Saviour to comfort them! By thus dwelling continually upon himself in the way of gloomy despondency, the Christian is apt to acquire a sickly, feeble, morbid mold of piety. It is not humility, penitence, and an aim at something better, (of which the believer cannot have too much,) but discontent, wretchedness, and a hopeless sorrow. Christians, study as well as read the gospel. Labor to comprehend the system of salvation by grace through faith. Penetrate to the bottom, as far as possible, of that wondrous word GRACE; and especially grow in the knowledge of that glorious union between justice and mercy, which is established by the death of Christ!
Christians are kept back from joy, sometimes, by being afraid to let their religion make them happy. Even though they do not deny in words that they have some right and reason to rejoice, and that it would be no presumption in them to be glad in the Lord; yet they seem afraid to go to high degree of spiritual delight, lest it should "exalt them above measure." There are times when most Christians have a more vivid and delightful sense of Divine truth, when there is an unusual transparency of the soul's atmosphere, through which the eye of faith discerns spiritual objects with particular clearness, and when the soul seems instinctively to exult. The note of praise is struck with new strength, and the heart is beginning to swell into a fullness of delight. At that moment a surmise creeps over the soul, "i must restrain these feelings - they will endanger my humility, inflate me with pride, and expose me to satan's temptations!" All spiritual joy is now checked - and the mind which was invited to soar, cowers down, and dooms itself to creep!
SIN damps spiritual joy - and ought to do so! I do not now mean immorality, for this puts it quite out, but the lesser workings of our corruption - the sins of the heart, the sins of the tongue, the sins of the character. Sins known only to God and conscience. Sins of omission and of defect. Sins that do not unchristianize us, any more than they excommunicate us from the church. Such sins unopposed, unmortified - do, and must, prevent or diminish our joy. They may not put out the light of our piety altogether - but they surround it with an impure atmosphere, a thick fog, which prevents its light from shining upon the heart.
And then connected with this, I may observe, that the piety of many is too feeble altogether; they are too worldly, too lukewarm, live too far from God, to derive much joy and peace from their piety. Spiritual joy, is joy in God, in Christ, in holiness, in heaven! And when, therefore, the professor who lives so little in the closet, communes so little with his Bible, attends so little to the frame of his own mind, and lives so far from God, that he doubts himself, and others doubt for him, whether he loves God or not - it can be no wonder that his religion does not make him happy!
The religion of some people is just enough to make them miserable. It spoils them for the world, without fitting them for the church. These are the men who are so taken up with the world, that they do not desire the joy of true religion, and are unwilling to cast out a single earthly care or enjoyment, though it were to make was for all the consolations of the Spirit. My dear friends, let me now entreat you to avoid these hindrances, and to seek after more of that heavenly, holy, happy frame of mind. Pray for it, for it is a fruit of the Spirit. Find time for private, silent meditation. Watch against sin. Cultivate all the branches of holiness; for holiness is happiness. Be diligent, yes, give all diligence to make your calling and election sure.
Do you need MOTIVES for this? Think of your own happiness. You are not to be indifferent to this. God wills you to be happy, and has most abundantly provided means to make you so. You must enter into His design and strive to be joyful. God loves to see His children happy, and does not allow them to be indifferent to their own peace.
~John Angell James~
(continued with # 4)
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Spiritual Joy # 2
Spiritual Joy # 2
From all this it must be evident that spiritual joy is a very different thing from what some people would wish to represent it, who, imagining that religion has been disparaged, as it certainly has been, by the gloom and sourness of some of its professors, oscillate to the opposite extreme, and attempt to justify a lamentable degree of frivolity, merriment, and lightness, by the excuse, "that pious people ought to be cheerful; and that this is the way to win the people of the world to piety." So indeed they should be cheerful; but then it should be by the joy of their religion. Nothing spectral in appearance, nor sepulchral in tone, nor ascetic in habit, nor cynical in spirit, should characterize a Christian; he is a child of light, and should live, and act, and speak as such; he should be like one of the sons of the morning dropped from paradise, and bending his way back to it again, and bearing the trials of earth, with the recollection of his happy destiny, and the prospect of his future glory - he should have something of the bliss of heaven, but withal much of its seriousness too.
I shall now inquire into the reasons why so little of this joy is experienced by the majority of Christian professors. I assume that the multitude have far less than they might or should have. Look at the prosperous among them, and whence does their joy arise? From their religion? Or from their good spirits, their health, their family, their friends, their success, and home enjoyment? Look at the afflicted - how oppressed with care; how tortured with anxiety; how overwhelmed with sorrow; how cheerless for the present, and how hopeless for the future, do they seem to be! How few appear to have the peace that passes all understanding, the joy which is unspeakable and full of glory! The Bible tells the world that the springs of true happiness gush out from the hill of Zion, at the foot of the Cross - and so they do- but how little do many who profess to have drank the living water, appear as if they had been at the crystal stream, and were satisfied with it.
Why is this? Is there in reality, not enough in the objects of spiritual truth to yield this joy? Yes, for they have comforted millions in the valley of tears, in every variety and degree of human woe; they are the rejoicing of spirits made perfect; the bliss of angels, and the joy of God's own heart. Is it that the sources are inaccessible to them? No - they are open to every child of God. Is it that God is unwilling to impart this joy to them; that in a way of sovereignty He has withdrawn it? No - it is a mistake to suppose that God, by any positive act of His own, hinders our peace, or extinguishes it; that in a way of sovereignty, and not as a chastisement for sin, but for the purpose of trying and exercising the graces of His people, He withdraws from them what is usually denominated sensible comfort, and causes them to experience darkness and despondency. "This view," says Wardlaw, "has long appeared to me not a little hazardous. It is too much calculated to make believers well pleased and satisfied with themselves, in circumstances which ought to excite them to self-jealousy, and searching of heart. It seems to me at once more safe, and more spiritual, to regard the lack of peace and joy as arising invariably (except where there is a physical cause in a nervous constitution) from, and indicating something wrong in - the spiritual temperament of our minds - some sin, or some defect in ourselves. It is of essential consequence for us to be impressed with the conviction that if we are destitute of peace and joy, the cause is in ourselves - uniformly and exclusively in ourselves. It is not that God has withdrawn from us - but that we have withdrawn from God."
The true causes of the lack of spiritual joy in professors, are the following -
Some are professors only, and though they have a name to live, are dead; and being destitute of faith, are destitute, of course, of all joy and peace in believing. Let the joyless professor search himself, and ask if he is anything more than "a Christian in name."
Many do not desire this joy, at least they do not greatly covet it. They certainly would have some kind of enjoyment; they desire to be gratified; but it is only the joy of friendship, of health, of success in business, of a comfortable home, and a quiet fireside that they long for; not the peace of believing, not the pleasure of communing with God, not the delight of holiness and hope, not the felicity of a sense of pardoned sin, and the gratification arising from the exercises of devotion. They never go to God in prayer, saying, "Lord, lift up the light of your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their grain and their wine increased; for with you is the fountain of life - in your light shall I see light."
Great Mistakes are made by many in reference to spiritual joy. Some imagine it is only a privilege to be hoped, waited for, and expected in a way of sovereign favor; but not a duty to be performed. That it is a duty is evident from the frequency with which it is enjoined, as well as promised. We are commanded to "rejoice in the Lord," and nothing hinders us but our lack of faith. If it is our duty to believe, it is equally our duty to rejoice. It is a sin to be cheerless, as well as to be morose. True, joy is a work of the Holy Spirit, a gift of God; but so is faith, and love, and holiness.
Some imagine that though it is both a duty and a privilege for others - yet it is not for them. Why not? The source of joy is in the promise, not in yourselves, and it is to be drawn out by faith. And is not the promise as much to you as anyone? Some are waiting for what, perhaps, they will never have; a degree of rapture, of which their frame is scarcely susceptible. They are supposed that spiritual joy means something mystic, ecstatic, almost seraphic; some enrapt emotion frame which leaves them at a loss to determine whether in the body or out of the body. They are not contented with the calm, sweet, serene enjoyment of peace. Some have not attained to the full assurance of hope, have not received the witness of the Spirit, and because they have not the joy of assurance, reject that of faith; or because they have not the joy of a strong faith, spurn that of a weak one.
~John Angell James~
(continued with # 3)
From all this it must be evident that spiritual joy is a very different thing from what some people would wish to represent it, who, imagining that religion has been disparaged, as it certainly has been, by the gloom and sourness of some of its professors, oscillate to the opposite extreme, and attempt to justify a lamentable degree of frivolity, merriment, and lightness, by the excuse, "that pious people ought to be cheerful; and that this is the way to win the people of the world to piety." So indeed they should be cheerful; but then it should be by the joy of their religion. Nothing spectral in appearance, nor sepulchral in tone, nor ascetic in habit, nor cynical in spirit, should characterize a Christian; he is a child of light, and should live, and act, and speak as such; he should be like one of the sons of the morning dropped from paradise, and bending his way back to it again, and bearing the trials of earth, with the recollection of his happy destiny, and the prospect of his future glory - he should have something of the bliss of heaven, but withal much of its seriousness too.
I shall now inquire into the reasons why so little of this joy is experienced by the majority of Christian professors. I assume that the multitude have far less than they might or should have. Look at the prosperous among them, and whence does their joy arise? From their religion? Or from their good spirits, their health, their family, their friends, their success, and home enjoyment? Look at the afflicted - how oppressed with care; how tortured with anxiety; how overwhelmed with sorrow; how cheerless for the present, and how hopeless for the future, do they seem to be! How few appear to have the peace that passes all understanding, the joy which is unspeakable and full of glory! The Bible tells the world that the springs of true happiness gush out from the hill of Zion, at the foot of the Cross - and so they do- but how little do many who profess to have drank the living water, appear as if they had been at the crystal stream, and were satisfied with it.
Why is this? Is there in reality, not enough in the objects of spiritual truth to yield this joy? Yes, for they have comforted millions in the valley of tears, in every variety and degree of human woe; they are the rejoicing of spirits made perfect; the bliss of angels, and the joy of God's own heart. Is it that the sources are inaccessible to them? No - they are open to every child of God. Is it that God is unwilling to impart this joy to them; that in a way of sovereignty He has withdrawn it? No - it is a mistake to suppose that God, by any positive act of His own, hinders our peace, or extinguishes it; that in a way of sovereignty, and not as a chastisement for sin, but for the purpose of trying and exercising the graces of His people, He withdraws from them what is usually denominated sensible comfort, and causes them to experience darkness and despondency. "This view," says Wardlaw, "has long appeared to me not a little hazardous. It is too much calculated to make believers well pleased and satisfied with themselves, in circumstances which ought to excite them to self-jealousy, and searching of heart. It seems to me at once more safe, and more spiritual, to regard the lack of peace and joy as arising invariably (except where there is a physical cause in a nervous constitution) from, and indicating something wrong in - the spiritual temperament of our minds - some sin, or some defect in ourselves. It is of essential consequence for us to be impressed with the conviction that if we are destitute of peace and joy, the cause is in ourselves - uniformly and exclusively in ourselves. It is not that God has withdrawn from us - but that we have withdrawn from God."
The true causes of the lack of spiritual joy in professors, are the following -
Some are professors only, and though they have a name to live, are dead; and being destitute of faith, are destitute, of course, of all joy and peace in believing. Let the joyless professor search himself, and ask if he is anything more than "a Christian in name."
Many do not desire this joy, at least they do not greatly covet it. They certainly would have some kind of enjoyment; they desire to be gratified; but it is only the joy of friendship, of health, of success in business, of a comfortable home, and a quiet fireside that they long for; not the peace of believing, not the pleasure of communing with God, not the delight of holiness and hope, not the felicity of a sense of pardoned sin, and the gratification arising from the exercises of devotion. They never go to God in prayer, saying, "Lord, lift up the light of your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their grain and their wine increased; for with you is the fountain of life - in your light shall I see light."
Great Mistakes are made by many in reference to spiritual joy. Some imagine it is only a privilege to be hoped, waited for, and expected in a way of sovereign favor; but not a duty to be performed. That it is a duty is evident from the frequency with which it is enjoined, as well as promised. We are commanded to "rejoice in the Lord," and nothing hinders us but our lack of faith. If it is our duty to believe, it is equally our duty to rejoice. It is a sin to be cheerless, as well as to be morose. True, joy is a work of the Holy Spirit, a gift of God; but so is faith, and love, and holiness.
Some imagine that though it is both a duty and a privilege for others - yet it is not for them. Why not? The source of joy is in the promise, not in yourselves, and it is to be drawn out by faith. And is not the promise as much to you as anyone? Some are waiting for what, perhaps, they will never have; a degree of rapture, of which their frame is scarcely susceptible. They are supposed that spiritual joy means something mystic, ecstatic, almost seraphic; some enrapt emotion frame which leaves them at a loss to determine whether in the body or out of the body. They are not contented with the calm, sweet, serene enjoyment of peace. Some have not attained to the full assurance of hope, have not received the witness of the Spirit, and because they have not the joy of assurance, reject that of faith; or because they have not the joy of a strong faith, spurn that of a weak one.
~John Angell James~
(continued with # 3)
Spiritual Joy # 1
Spiritual Joy # 1
I devote this address to the consideration of a topic intimately connected with your present happiness as Christians; I mean, "spiritual joy," which follows justification; for "being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Before justification, we have no right to joy; and after it, we have no reason for misery. The spirit of true religion is essentially a spirit of pure and elevated joy, and it is thus distinguished from superstition, which is as essentially a spirit of gloom, and fear, and abject sorrow. Situated as the believer is between one paradise lost by sin, and another restored by grace - he may be expected to combine in his experience, the seemingly opposing states of mind described by the apostle, where he says, "sorrowful - yet always rejoicing," and the tears which he sheds for his transgressions, however numerous and penitential, should still be irradiated with a predominant smile of delight, and appear like dew-drops sparkling in the sun.
The most superficial acquaintance with the Bible must teach us that it is a book to make us happy - as well as holy. The two Testaments are like two ministering angels sent down from heaven to conduct the child of sin and sorrow - to the fountain of peace! Even the older economy contains innumerable exhortations to the people of God, to rejoice and be glad; yes, "to cry out, and shout for joy." And if a believer when placed amidst the clouds and shadows of the Jewish dispensation, where he could not but be awed by the thunders of Sinai, and pressed in no small measure with the spirit of bondage, was called upon to rejoice, how much more may such a frame of mind be expected in the Christian, on whom the Sun of righteousness has risen, and poured the noon-tide brightness of his glory!
The Christian, then, ought to be both a joyful, as well as a righteous man. His religion should not only adorn his character with the beauties of holiness, but array his countenance with the smile of peace. Yet how few seem to rise to this privilege. If we look into the Bible, we might expect to see all who really believe it, and live under its influence, as so many happy spirits, carrying about with them the springs of their own felicity, independent alike of the joys and sorrows of mortality; neither greatly elevated by the one, nor much depressed by the other - and yet when we look at the great bulk of professors of religion, we are sadly disappointed, and even in reference to their happiness as well as to their conduct, are led to ask, "What do you have, more than others?"
By spiritual joy, I do not mean simply the joy of pious people, for all their joy does not answer to this description. But I mean - the joy produced by true religion. It is that holy peace which is the result of Divine truth - understood, believed, and contemplated. It is not mere exhilaration of the animal spirits, the joyousness produced by good health, worldly prosperity, friendship, or gratification of taste. Much of the Christian's enjoyment upon earth is produced by those susceptibilities and possessions which belong to him as a man - and this portion of his gratification is perfectly innocent; but this is not properly speaking spiritual joy. True it is that his spiritual delight may blend itself, and does, with his more common pleasures, sweetening, sanctifying, and elevating them all; and may indeed itself be somewhat modified by them - but still it is of a different kind. It is the joy of faith, of hope, of love - it is joy in God, in Christ, in holiness, in heaven.
It begins when the trembling sinner, after a season of unrelieved anxiety and oppression on account of his sin, loses the burden of his guilt at the Cross - and in that case it is altogether the joy of faith; it continued to increase as he advances in holiness, and is then the joy of love, united with that of faith; it is sustained amidst all the trials of earth, by the prospect of heaven, and then it is swelled by hope, adding its influence to that of faith and love. This is spiritual joy, that agreeable and comfortable state of mind, which is produced by the believing contemplation of the great object of revealed truth of God, in His nature, attributes, providence, and covenant relations to His people of Christ - in His person, work, faithfulness, and grace - of the promises of Scripture; and all this strengthened by the joy resulting from the testimony of a good conscience, the consciousness of growing holiness, and the assurance of hope.
Such is spiritual joy - not necessarily a state of great excitement. Occasionally, indeed, it does rise into a strong and elevated emotion; it is more than peace, it is delight; more than delight, it is ecstasy. The saints have sometimes soared on the wing of rapture into the element of devotion so highly as to be far above the ordinary attitude of religious experience. But the physical nature of some scarcely admits of this excitement at all, nor can any bear it long. It should be recollected that the differences of our mental temperament and constitutional susceptibility will much modify even our spiritual feelings. The joy of some believers, as to the emotion itself, will be much stronger than that of others, without supposing there may be any clearer understanding of the objects that produce it, any stronger faith in them, or any greater practical influence of them; but simply because there is a stronger physical susceptibility of excited emotion.
Hence the necessity of suggesting the remark - that emotion alone is a very equivocal and deceptive test of personal piety. Spiritual joy is ordinarily a calm, unruffled feeling; a composed and serene state of mind. It is usually denominated peace, and though unspeakable and full of glory, because it is produced in part by the hope of celestial bliss, it is still a tranquil river, and not a torrent, that flows through the soul, noiseless in proportion as it is deep. Or, changing the metaphor, it is a sweet rest, diffusing a feeling of joyous repose over the heart, rather than filling it with the tumultuous exhilaration of a festival. "It is that peace of which the Saviour spoke, when being about to leave the world, and wishing to comfort His sorrowing disciples, He said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you;" His peace, the sweet serenity of mind which He enjoyed Himself, and in the enjoyment of mind which He went forward in the performance of every duty, and met with such calm dignity, such entire self-command, such cheerful resignation to the Divine will, the overwhelming trials He had to endure."
~John Angell James~
(continued with # 2)
I devote this address to the consideration of a topic intimately connected with your present happiness as Christians; I mean, "spiritual joy," which follows justification; for "being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Before justification, we have no right to joy; and after it, we have no reason for misery. The spirit of true religion is essentially a spirit of pure and elevated joy, and it is thus distinguished from superstition, which is as essentially a spirit of gloom, and fear, and abject sorrow. Situated as the believer is between one paradise lost by sin, and another restored by grace - he may be expected to combine in his experience, the seemingly opposing states of mind described by the apostle, where he says, "sorrowful - yet always rejoicing," and the tears which he sheds for his transgressions, however numerous and penitential, should still be irradiated with a predominant smile of delight, and appear like dew-drops sparkling in the sun.
The most superficial acquaintance with the Bible must teach us that it is a book to make us happy - as well as holy. The two Testaments are like two ministering angels sent down from heaven to conduct the child of sin and sorrow - to the fountain of peace! Even the older economy contains innumerable exhortations to the people of God, to rejoice and be glad; yes, "to cry out, and shout for joy." And if a believer when placed amidst the clouds and shadows of the Jewish dispensation, where he could not but be awed by the thunders of Sinai, and pressed in no small measure with the spirit of bondage, was called upon to rejoice, how much more may such a frame of mind be expected in the Christian, on whom the Sun of righteousness has risen, and poured the noon-tide brightness of his glory!
The Christian, then, ought to be both a joyful, as well as a righteous man. His religion should not only adorn his character with the beauties of holiness, but array his countenance with the smile of peace. Yet how few seem to rise to this privilege. If we look into the Bible, we might expect to see all who really believe it, and live under its influence, as so many happy spirits, carrying about with them the springs of their own felicity, independent alike of the joys and sorrows of mortality; neither greatly elevated by the one, nor much depressed by the other - and yet when we look at the great bulk of professors of religion, we are sadly disappointed, and even in reference to their happiness as well as to their conduct, are led to ask, "What do you have, more than others?"
By spiritual joy, I do not mean simply the joy of pious people, for all their joy does not answer to this description. But I mean - the joy produced by true religion. It is that holy peace which is the result of Divine truth - understood, believed, and contemplated. It is not mere exhilaration of the animal spirits, the joyousness produced by good health, worldly prosperity, friendship, or gratification of taste. Much of the Christian's enjoyment upon earth is produced by those susceptibilities and possessions which belong to him as a man - and this portion of his gratification is perfectly innocent; but this is not properly speaking spiritual joy. True it is that his spiritual delight may blend itself, and does, with his more common pleasures, sweetening, sanctifying, and elevating them all; and may indeed itself be somewhat modified by them - but still it is of a different kind. It is the joy of faith, of hope, of love - it is joy in God, in Christ, in holiness, in heaven.
It begins when the trembling sinner, after a season of unrelieved anxiety and oppression on account of his sin, loses the burden of his guilt at the Cross - and in that case it is altogether the joy of faith; it continued to increase as he advances in holiness, and is then the joy of love, united with that of faith; it is sustained amidst all the trials of earth, by the prospect of heaven, and then it is swelled by hope, adding its influence to that of faith and love. This is spiritual joy, that agreeable and comfortable state of mind, which is produced by the believing contemplation of the great object of revealed truth of God, in His nature, attributes, providence, and covenant relations to His people of Christ - in His person, work, faithfulness, and grace - of the promises of Scripture; and all this strengthened by the joy resulting from the testimony of a good conscience, the consciousness of growing holiness, and the assurance of hope.
Such is spiritual joy - not necessarily a state of great excitement. Occasionally, indeed, it does rise into a strong and elevated emotion; it is more than peace, it is delight; more than delight, it is ecstasy. The saints have sometimes soared on the wing of rapture into the element of devotion so highly as to be far above the ordinary attitude of religious experience. But the physical nature of some scarcely admits of this excitement at all, nor can any bear it long. It should be recollected that the differences of our mental temperament and constitutional susceptibility will much modify even our spiritual feelings. The joy of some believers, as to the emotion itself, will be much stronger than that of others, without supposing there may be any clearer understanding of the objects that produce it, any stronger faith in them, or any greater practical influence of them; but simply because there is a stronger physical susceptibility of excited emotion.
Hence the necessity of suggesting the remark - that emotion alone is a very equivocal and deceptive test of personal piety. Spiritual joy is ordinarily a calm, unruffled feeling; a composed and serene state of mind. It is usually denominated peace, and though unspeakable and full of glory, because it is produced in part by the hope of celestial bliss, it is still a tranquil river, and not a torrent, that flows through the soul, noiseless in proportion as it is deep. Or, changing the metaphor, it is a sweet rest, diffusing a feeling of joyous repose over the heart, rather than filling it with the tumultuous exhilaration of a festival. "It is that peace of which the Saviour spoke, when being about to leave the world, and wishing to comfort His sorrowing disciples, He said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you;" His peace, the sweet serenity of mind which He enjoyed Himself, and in the enjoyment of mind which He went forward in the performance of every duty, and met with such calm dignity, such entire self-command, such cheerful resignation to the Divine will, the overwhelming trials He had to endure."
~John Angell James~
(continued with # 2)
The Narrow Way # 3
The Narrow Way # 3
In Genesis 18:19 it is called "the Way of the Lord;" in Exodus 13:21, 32:8 "the way;" in 1 Samuel 12:23 "the good and right way;" in Psalm 25:9 "His Way;" in Proverbs 4:11 "the Way of Wisdom;" In Proverbs 8:20 "the Way of righteousness;" in Proverbs 10:17 "the Way of life;" in Isaiah 35:8 "the Way of holiness;" in Jeremiah 6:16 "the good Way;" in 2 Peter 2:2 "the Way of truth;" in 2 Peter 2:15 "the right Way."
The Narrow Way must be followed - no matter how much it may militate against my worldly interests. It is right here that the testing point is reached. Unto the natural man, it is much easier and far more pleasant - to indulge the flesh and follow our worldly propensities. The Broad Road, where the flesh is allowed "liberty" - under the pretense of the Christian's not "being under the law" - is easy, smooth, and attractive; but it ends in "destruction!" Though the Narrow Way leads to life, only FEW tread it.
Multitudes make a profession and claim to be saved - but their lives give no evidence that they are "strangers and pilgrims" here on earth, or that their "treasure" is in heaven. They are afraid of being thought narrow and peculiar, strict and puritanical. satan has deceived them - they imagine that they can get to heaven by an easier route than by denying self, taking up their cross daily, and following Christ!
There are multitudes of religionists who are attempting to combine the "two ways," making the best of both worlds an serving two masters. They wish to gratify "self" in time - and enjoy the happiness of Heaven in eternity. Crowds of nominal Christians are deluding themselves into believing that they can do so - but they are terribly deceived! A profession which is not verified by mortifying the deeds of the body in the power of the Spirit (Romans 8:13), is vain. A faith which is not evidenced by complete submission to Christ, is only the faith of demons. A love which does not keep Christ's commandments, is an imposition (John 14:23). A claim to being a Christian, where there is no real yieldedness to the will of God, is daring presumption. The reason why so few will enter Eternal Life - is because the multitudes are not seeking it in the way of God's appointing! None seek it aright - but those who pass through the Narrow Gate, and who, despite many discouragements and falls, continue to press forward along the Narrow Way.
Now notice, carefully, the very next thing which immediately followed our Lord's reference to the two ways in Matthew 7: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing - but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matt. 7:15). Why does this come in next? Who are the false prophets against which a serious soul needs to be on his guard?
They are those who teach that Heaven may be reached without treading the Narrow Way! They are those who loudly insist that eternal life may be obtained on much easier terms. They come in sheep's clothing - they appear (to undiscerning souls) to exalt Christ, to emphasize His precious blood, to magnify God's grace. BUT they do NOT insist upon repentance; they fail to tell their hearers that nothing but a broken heart which hates sin, can truly believe in Christ. They do not teach that a saving faith is a living one which purifies the heart (Acts 15:9) and overcomes the world (1 John 5:4).
These false prophets are known by their "fruits", the primary reference being to their converts - the fruits of their fleshly labors. Their converts are on the Broad Road, which is not the path of open wickedness and vice - but of a religion which pleases the flesh! It is that "way which seems right unto a man - but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12). Those who are on the Broad Road (this way which seems right to so many), have a head knowledge of the Truth - but they walk not in it. The Narrow Way is bounded by the commandments and precepts of scripture; the Broad Road is that path which has broken out beyond the bounds of scripture. Titus 2:11-12 supplies the test as to which "way" we are in: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world."
Before closing, let us anticipate and seek to remove an objection. Probably many of you are saying, "I thought Christ was the Way to the Father" (John 14:6). So He is! But how?
First, in that He has removed every legal obstacle, and thereby opened a way to heaven for His people.
Second, He has left us an example that we should follow HIS steps." The mere opening of a door does not give me entrance into a house - I must tread the path leading to it, and mount steps. Christ has, by His life of unreserved obedience to God, shown us the Way which leads to Heaven: "When He puts forth His own sheep, HE goes before them - and the sheep follow Him" (John 10:4).
Third, in that He is willing and ready to bestow grace and strength to walk therein. Christ did not come here and die - in order to make it unnecessary for me to please and obey God. No indeed! "He died for all, that those who live should not henceforth live unto themselves - but unto Him who died for them!" (2 Cor. 5:15). "He gave Himself for our sins - that He might deliver us from this present evil world" (Gal. 1:4). "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). Christ came here to "save His people not now delivered from the power of sin, from the deceptions of satan, from the love of the world, and from the pleasing of self - then you are NOT saved. May it please the God of all grace to add His blessing.
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
In Genesis 18:19 it is called "the Way of the Lord;" in Exodus 13:21, 32:8 "the way;" in 1 Samuel 12:23 "the good and right way;" in Psalm 25:9 "His Way;" in Proverbs 4:11 "the Way of Wisdom;" In Proverbs 8:20 "the Way of righteousness;" in Proverbs 10:17 "the Way of life;" in Isaiah 35:8 "the Way of holiness;" in Jeremiah 6:16 "the good Way;" in 2 Peter 2:2 "the Way of truth;" in 2 Peter 2:15 "the right Way."
The Narrow Way must be followed - no matter how much it may militate against my worldly interests. It is right here that the testing point is reached. Unto the natural man, it is much easier and far more pleasant - to indulge the flesh and follow our worldly propensities. The Broad Road, where the flesh is allowed "liberty" - under the pretense of the Christian's not "being under the law" - is easy, smooth, and attractive; but it ends in "destruction!" Though the Narrow Way leads to life, only FEW tread it.
Multitudes make a profession and claim to be saved - but their lives give no evidence that they are "strangers and pilgrims" here on earth, or that their "treasure" is in heaven. They are afraid of being thought narrow and peculiar, strict and puritanical. satan has deceived them - they imagine that they can get to heaven by an easier route than by denying self, taking up their cross daily, and following Christ!
There are multitudes of religionists who are attempting to combine the "two ways," making the best of both worlds an serving two masters. They wish to gratify "self" in time - and enjoy the happiness of Heaven in eternity. Crowds of nominal Christians are deluding themselves into believing that they can do so - but they are terribly deceived! A profession which is not verified by mortifying the deeds of the body in the power of the Spirit (Romans 8:13), is vain. A faith which is not evidenced by complete submission to Christ, is only the faith of demons. A love which does not keep Christ's commandments, is an imposition (John 14:23). A claim to being a Christian, where there is no real yieldedness to the will of God, is daring presumption. The reason why so few will enter Eternal Life - is because the multitudes are not seeking it in the way of God's appointing! None seek it aright - but those who pass through the Narrow Gate, and who, despite many discouragements and falls, continue to press forward along the Narrow Way.
Now notice, carefully, the very next thing which immediately followed our Lord's reference to the two ways in Matthew 7: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing - but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matt. 7:15). Why does this come in next? Who are the false prophets against which a serious soul needs to be on his guard?
They are those who teach that Heaven may be reached without treading the Narrow Way! They are those who loudly insist that eternal life may be obtained on much easier terms. They come in sheep's clothing - they appear (to undiscerning souls) to exalt Christ, to emphasize His precious blood, to magnify God's grace. BUT they do NOT insist upon repentance; they fail to tell their hearers that nothing but a broken heart which hates sin, can truly believe in Christ. They do not teach that a saving faith is a living one which purifies the heart (Acts 15:9) and overcomes the world (1 John 5:4).
These false prophets are known by their "fruits", the primary reference being to their converts - the fruits of their fleshly labors. Their converts are on the Broad Road, which is not the path of open wickedness and vice - but of a religion which pleases the flesh! It is that "way which seems right unto a man - but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12). Those who are on the Broad Road (this way which seems right to so many), have a head knowledge of the Truth - but they walk not in it. The Narrow Way is bounded by the commandments and precepts of scripture; the Broad Road is that path which has broken out beyond the bounds of scripture. Titus 2:11-12 supplies the test as to which "way" we are in: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world."
Before closing, let us anticipate and seek to remove an objection. Probably many of you are saying, "I thought Christ was the Way to the Father" (John 14:6). So He is! But how?
First, in that He has removed every legal obstacle, and thereby opened a way to heaven for His people.
Second, He has left us an example that we should follow HIS steps." The mere opening of a door does not give me entrance into a house - I must tread the path leading to it, and mount steps. Christ has, by His life of unreserved obedience to God, shown us the Way which leads to Heaven: "When He puts forth His own sheep, HE goes before them - and the sheep follow Him" (John 10:4).
Third, in that He is willing and ready to bestow grace and strength to walk therein. Christ did not come here and die - in order to make it unnecessary for me to please and obey God. No indeed! "He died for all, that those who live should not henceforth live unto themselves - but unto Him who died for them!" (2 Cor. 5:15). "He gave Himself for our sins - that He might deliver us from this present evil world" (Gal. 1:4). "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). Christ came here to "save His people not now delivered from the power of sin, from the deceptions of satan, from the love of the world, and from the pleasing of self - then you are NOT saved. May it please the God of all grace to add His blessing.
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
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