An Essay on the Character of the Apostle Paul, Considered as an Example and Pattern of a Minister of Jesus Christ # 4

An Essay on the Character of the Apostle Paul Considered as an Example and Pattern of a Minister of Jesus Christ #4

These then, are the essentials of religion; and though they are produced by the same power of the Holy Spirit, and derived from a knowledge of the same truths, and therefore cannot be separated, they may properly be distinguished - for the conviction of those who pretend to one without the other. The most specious appearances of holiness, which are not accompanied with faith in Christ, may be safely rejected as counterfeits! On the other hand, a profession of faith which is not evidenced by the fruits of holiness, by gracious tempers, and a tenor of life befitting the Gospel - is dead, deluding, and destructive!

If the question is removed another step, and it should be asked, "which, or how many, of the doctrines of Scripture are necessary to produce the faith and holiness supposed requisite?" It may suffice to say, that, in the nature of things, no person can be expected to believe in Christ, until convinced of his need of Him, and of His ability, as a Saviour, fully to answer his expectations. And as a supreme love to God, and a hatred of all sin - are evidently included in the idea of holiness, it supposes a disposition of mind which every man's experience proves to be beyond the power of fallen human nature. And therefore a competent knowledge and cordial acceptance of what the Scripture teaches concerning the nature and desert of sin; the person and mediatory acts of Christ; the causes, ends, and effects of His mediation; together with the necessity of that change of heart which is expressed by a being born again - appear to be essentially necessary to that faith and holiness which are described in the Gospel.

The secondary points of religion include all those particulars of revelation which a person possessed of the above-mentioned essentials, may as yet be unacquainted with, or unable to judge of with certainty. A careful application to the Scripture, a diligent waiting upon God in prayer, and an improvement of the means of grace - will, by the divine blessing, which is promised to those who seek in this manner - increase our light, comprehension, and certainty, with regard to these points; which, though not essentially necessary to the being of a Christian, are exceedingly conducive to his well-being, to his growth and establishment in the truth.

This subject may be, perhaps, illustrated from the physical body, in which what we call the vital parts may be considered as essential to life, because there can be no life without them. We may easily conceive that a man may life without an arm or leg, or several members and organs, which, though highly valuable for use and comfort, are not necessarily connected with life. But if we conceive of him as deprived of his head, heart, or lungs - we can no longer consider him as living. Yet it is desirable to have a body not only barely alive - but thriving.

Just so in true religion: those who are truly partakers of it, will not too curiously inquire - how much knowledge, or what degree of practice - is barely consistent with a possibility of life. But they will earnestly desire to be acquainted with the whole will of God, and that every part of it may have a suitable influence upon their practice.

But, in the mean time, a consolation is provided, in the promises of God made to those who have received the seeds of faith and true holiness, against the fears, doubts, and involuntary mistakes which, from remaining ignorance, they are yet subject to. God will supply what is lacking, pardon what is amiss, and lead them on from strength to strength. They are to walk by the light already afforded, to wait on Him for an increase, to be wary of themselves, and gentle to others. And things which as yet, they do not understand, God will, in His due time, reveal to them. But to return from this digression:

5. Every part of Paul's history and writings demonstrates unselfish spirit, and that his uncommon labors were directed to no other ends than the glory of God and the good of men. No man had, probably, so great an influence over his hearers, or could have a juster claim, from the nature and number of his services, to a suitable provision for himself. But he could say, with truth, "I will not burden you, for I am not seeking what you have - but you!" To cut off all occasions of misapprehension on this head, he usually submitted to work with his own hands rather than be dependent on his friends.

~John Newton~

(continued with # 5)