Words of Counsel to the Newly Converted # 1

Words of Counsel to the Newly Converted # 1

The question that is here proposed must naturally arise in the minds of all those who have truly given themselves to God.

The vow you have lately made has been marked in Heaven. God has heard that profession which your lips have uttered - and He calls upon you henceforth to serve Him only. If you understand the character of the service in which you have engaged, if you have been thoroughly honest in the promise you have made - will you not pause and consider how you may faithfully carry out these obligations? Will you not ask in all earnestness - "Lord, what will You have me to do?"

I will endeavor, from the Word of God, to answer this inquiry. I will strive to point out to you the path which, by God's grace, you should daily tread.

First, of all, let me remind you, that steadfast perseverance in well-doing is the best proof that your profession is sincere. You must not depend on any mere feelings, or any temporary excitement - these may be only as the morning cloud that passes away. Neither must you rely upon any resolutions and determinations which you have formed - these may prove as the new ropes with which Sampson was bound, and may be snapped asunder in the first moment of temptation.

It is not by these, however necessary they may be - but by a quiet, abiding continuance in holy living and holy walking, that you will prove yourself to be in truth one of the Lord's followers. Hearken to the words of Christ Himself: "If you continue in my Word then are you My disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Hear again the words of Paul: "We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end."

How may you hope to do this? By what means may you be enabled to continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant to your life's end?

Go back again - and yet again, to foundation truths. There are great truths which we need to carry with us as our companions even to the last day of our pilgrimage, and all our strength and progress in the Divine life depends upon the grasp we take of them. We never get beyond them. They are as necessary when we are close to the promised inheritance - as when we first set out.

Our own exceeding sinfulness, the utter worthlessness of any righteousness that we can bring, our utter inability to do anything good of ourselves, the cleansing power of the blood of Christ, the might and grace of His Spirit to mortify sin and to renew the soul in the image of God, the prefect freeness of His invitations to all who will come to Him, His faithfulness and tender care towards the nearest of His flock - such truths as these the Christian needs every day, every hour of his life. Make them the subject of frequent meditation. Let them, by the Spirit's power, be engrafted more and more deeply upon your heart and memory.

Especially remember, that by the exercise of faith in Christ, you will receive all spiritual gifts and blessings out of His fullness, and thus daily grow in grace.

What was the secret of Paul's zeal and steadfastness in the service of Christ? He himself has told us: "The just shall live by faith." This was the key-note of his ministry, and his strength in every conflict. Thrice he repeats this sentence. In writing to the Church in Rome, to the Galatians, and to the Hebrews, he lays it down in each case as a truth which should never be forgotten. What this faith is by which the Christian is to be upheld, he declares in another place: "The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).

To exercise the same faith in the Son of God is most necessary. In every need, we must make a fresh application to Him for the grace that is requisite. "There is one promise upon which I live," said a Christian woman, "and it is this, 'Him that comes unto Me, I will never cast out.' I go to Christ in the strength of this promise a hundred times a day." Follow in your life an example like this. Never be weary of calling upon Christ - and He will never be weary of hearing your cry. Whatever doubts may cross your mind as to you salvation, whatever fears as to whether you be indeed a Christian - yet this is certain - the door is still open, Christ is still full of grace and mercy, and He will never reject a sinner on his first application, or a backslider on his return to Him. Therefore turn again in faith, and every fear shall flee away.

No good word, or work, or thought
Bring I to gain Your grace:
Pardon I accept unbought,
Your offer I embrace.

Coming, as at first I came,
To take and not bestow on Thee;
Friend of sinners, spotless Lamb,
Your blood was shed for me!

Feed constantly in the green pastures which the good Shepherd provides for His flock. Especially would I name five of these green pastures where Christ nourishes and strengthens the sols of those that love Him.

1. Be diligent in the study of Holy Scripture. Make it your daily practice to read some portion of your Bible with real attention, and with dependence upon the Spirit's aid. As you read, often stay awhile and ask yourself: What does this mean? What duty does this teach me? Of what sin does this remind me? How does this warning or promise speak to myself?

~George Everard~

(continued with # 2)