Luke 21 # 7
Section 124. The Second Coming of Christ, Luke 21:25-33
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of Heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near: And he spoke to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, you see and know of your own selves that summer is now near at hand. So likewise you, when you see these things come to pass, know you that the kingdom of God is near at hand. Truly I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, until all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away."
The subject of this portion of our Lord's great prophecy, is His own second coming to judge the world. The strong expressions of the passage appear inapplicable to any event less important than this. To confine the words before us, to the taking of Jerusalem by the Romans, is an unnatural straining of Scripture language.
We see, firstly, in this passage - how terrible will be the circumstances accompanying the second coming of Christ. Our Lord tells us that "there will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory."
This is a singularly solemn picture. It may not be easy perhaps to attach a precise meaning to every part of it. One thing however, is abundantly plain. The second coming of Christ will be attended by everything which can make it alarming to the senses and heart of man.
If the giving of the law at Sinai was so terrible that even Moses said, "I exceedingly fear and tremble" - then the return of Christ when He comes to earth in power and great glory, shall be much more terrible.
If the hardy Roman soldiers "became as dead men," when an angel rolled the stone away and Christ rose again - then how much greater will the terror be when Christ shall return to judge the world. No wonder that Paul said, "Knowing the terrors of the Lord, we persuade men" (Hebrews 12:21; Matt. 28:4; 2 Cor. 5:11).
The thoughtless and impenitent man may well tremble, when he hear of this second coming of Christ. What will he do when worldly business is suddenly stopped, and the precious things of the world are made worthless? What will he do when the graves on every side are opening, and the trumpet is summoning men to judgment? What will he do when that same Jesus whose Gospel he has so shamefully neglected - shall appear in the clouds of Heaven, and put down every enemy under His feet? Surely he will call on the rocks to fall on him, and on the hills to cover him (Hosea 10:8). But he will call in vain for help, if he has never called on Christ before.
Happy will they be in that day - who have fled beforehand from the wrath to come, and been washed in the blood of the Lamb!
We see, secondly, in this passage - how complete will be the security of true Christians at the second coming of Christ. We read that our Lord said to His disciples, "When these things begin to come to pass - then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near."
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 8)
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Saturday, December 21, 2019
What Is A Christian Life?
What Is A Christian Life?
A great many people seem to misunderstand Christianity and the Christian life. The misconception is not always the same.
In some cases, no more is implied than intellectual belief of the doctrines of Christianity. A Christian is one who is "sound in the faith," although his life may lamentably fail as an exemplification of the spirit of the gospel.
In other cases, attachment to the Church, with more or less scrupulous observance of its rites, is considered the essential thing in Christian life. The personal character may be very faulty, and there may be no practical application of the principles of the gospel to the conduct. Pride, bitterness, selfishness, malice, dishonesty, and harshness may abound. But because the person observes the ordinances of the Church, he considers himself a Christian man.
Then there is an emotional religion, which measures itself by the depth and intensity of its feelings. It grows rapturous in song and prayer, and in all the expressions of its devotional spirit. But here again the conduct is not affected. The missionary hymn is sung with ecstasy - but nothing is put into the collection plate which passes after the hymn is sung. Christian love is ardently praised in the conference meeting, and the duty of Christians to dwell together in brotherly love is earnestly urged. He agrees with the speaker's notions - but he is the same selfish and unreasonable creature as before. His religion does not affect his living.
Now all of these conceptions of religion fail at the vital point. Each of them may represent a fragment of the true ideal of Christian life, but neither of them realizes its central and essential thought. They are all external, and take no account of character and conduct.
The Bible idea is different: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." "The fruit of the Spirit consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth." "If you love Me, then you will keep My commandments." A Christian life is a regenerated life. Heaven is for those with holy character. Anyone who would enter its gates must first be made fit by being transformed into heavenly character. "Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful - but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life." (Revelation 21:27).
Thus the teaching of the Scriptures is that a true Christian life is one that has come under new influences, a new life, a divine principle - entering the heart and changing all within and then without. It is the Spirit entering into him and influencing his whole life.
True religion, therefore, takes hold upon the life and leaves its seal upon the character. It has a creed, but it does not wear its doctrines merely as so many diamonds, to shine in their cold beauty. Rather, it takes them into the heart, and, as the bare, dry rose bush in the springtime receives the air, the rain, and the sunshine, and puts forth roses fragrant and beautiful - so true religion assimilates its beliefs and gives as the outcome the lovely things of renewed spiritual life. It attaches itself to this Church, and observes its rites, but it does so that by learning the truth it may walk in the truth, and that enjoying its ordinances it may gather strength and grow into nobleness and beauty.
It experiences deep feelings. Love is its inner fire, which, burning brightly, transfigures the dull earthly existence and gives energy to all the active exercises of the life. No true religion is without emotion. Love to God is the fountain and spring of all. Neither devotions, nor self-sacrifice, nor costly ministries are of any avail - if the heart is not given to God.
Nothing counts with God, until there is sincere love for Him in the heart. True religion has deep feelings - the degree of their intensity making the real measure of holiness in the life. But these feelings do not exhaust themselves in mere emotions or find expression only in word or song - they become impulses to earnest activities and holy ministries. The missionary hymn is sung with no less ecstasy, but the hand is ready with its gifts when the song has ceased. Christian love is no less ardently extolled; but after the meeting the heart is tender, the voice is gentle, and the affections commended is lived out in all life's varied relations.
In a true Christian life, the beliefs in the heart manifest themselves, in greater or less measure - in the conduct and the character. No emotion should exhaust itself in its own rapture, but should become an inspiration to some act or word or thought of love.
Thus it is character which is the true and final test of religion. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control. "Whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are loely, whatever things are of good report" - those are the things that prove one a Christian. Not those who say, "Lord, Lord," - but those who "obey His commandments," shall enter into Heaven.
If being holy means anything at all, it means being true, honest, upright, noble, pure, gentle, patient, unselfish. Holiness is not all prayer and church-going and hymn-singing; it is life and conduct. It is not a Sunday religion, but a week day life, at home, in business, in all our conduct. We are Christians only so far as the Christ living in us, is manifested in a Christlike life.
~J. R. Miller~
(The End)
A great many people seem to misunderstand Christianity and the Christian life. The misconception is not always the same.
In some cases, no more is implied than intellectual belief of the doctrines of Christianity. A Christian is one who is "sound in the faith," although his life may lamentably fail as an exemplification of the spirit of the gospel.
In other cases, attachment to the Church, with more or less scrupulous observance of its rites, is considered the essential thing in Christian life. The personal character may be very faulty, and there may be no practical application of the principles of the gospel to the conduct. Pride, bitterness, selfishness, malice, dishonesty, and harshness may abound. But because the person observes the ordinances of the Church, he considers himself a Christian man.
Then there is an emotional religion, which measures itself by the depth and intensity of its feelings. It grows rapturous in song and prayer, and in all the expressions of its devotional spirit. But here again the conduct is not affected. The missionary hymn is sung with ecstasy - but nothing is put into the collection plate which passes after the hymn is sung. Christian love is ardently praised in the conference meeting, and the duty of Christians to dwell together in brotherly love is earnestly urged. He agrees with the speaker's notions - but he is the same selfish and unreasonable creature as before. His religion does not affect his living.
Now all of these conceptions of religion fail at the vital point. Each of them may represent a fragment of the true ideal of Christian life, but neither of them realizes its central and essential thought. They are all external, and take no account of character and conduct.
The Bible idea is different: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." "The fruit of the Spirit consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth." "If you love Me, then you will keep My commandments." A Christian life is a regenerated life. Heaven is for those with holy character. Anyone who would enter its gates must first be made fit by being transformed into heavenly character. "Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful - but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life." (Revelation 21:27).
Thus the teaching of the Scriptures is that a true Christian life is one that has come under new influences, a new life, a divine principle - entering the heart and changing all within and then without. It is the Spirit entering into him and influencing his whole life.
True religion, therefore, takes hold upon the life and leaves its seal upon the character. It has a creed, but it does not wear its doctrines merely as so many diamonds, to shine in their cold beauty. Rather, it takes them into the heart, and, as the bare, dry rose bush in the springtime receives the air, the rain, and the sunshine, and puts forth roses fragrant and beautiful - so true religion assimilates its beliefs and gives as the outcome the lovely things of renewed spiritual life. It attaches itself to this Church, and observes its rites, but it does so that by learning the truth it may walk in the truth, and that enjoying its ordinances it may gather strength and grow into nobleness and beauty.
It experiences deep feelings. Love is its inner fire, which, burning brightly, transfigures the dull earthly existence and gives energy to all the active exercises of the life. No true religion is without emotion. Love to God is the fountain and spring of all. Neither devotions, nor self-sacrifice, nor costly ministries are of any avail - if the heart is not given to God.
Nothing counts with God, until there is sincere love for Him in the heart. True religion has deep feelings - the degree of their intensity making the real measure of holiness in the life. But these feelings do not exhaust themselves in mere emotions or find expression only in word or song - they become impulses to earnest activities and holy ministries. The missionary hymn is sung with no less ecstasy, but the hand is ready with its gifts when the song has ceased. Christian love is no less ardently extolled; but after the meeting the heart is tender, the voice is gentle, and the affections commended is lived out in all life's varied relations.
In a true Christian life, the beliefs in the heart manifest themselves, in greater or less measure - in the conduct and the character. No emotion should exhaust itself in its own rapture, but should become an inspiration to some act or word or thought of love.
Thus it is character which is the true and final test of religion. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control. "Whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are loely, whatever things are of good report" - those are the things that prove one a Christian. Not those who say, "Lord, Lord," - but those who "obey His commandments," shall enter into Heaven.
If being holy means anything at all, it means being true, honest, upright, noble, pure, gentle, patient, unselfish. Holiness is not all prayer and church-going and hymn-singing; it is life and conduct. It is not a Sunday religion, but a week day life, at home, in business, in all our conduct. We are Christians only so far as the Christ living in us, is manifested in a Christlike life.
~J. R. Miller~
(The End)
Luke Chapter 21 # 6
Luke Chapter 21 # 6
We should mark, secondly, in this passage - our Lord's words about flight in time of danger. He says respecting the days preceding the siege of Jerusalem, "Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains - let those in the city get out - and let those in the country not enter the city."
The lesson of these words is very instructive. They teach us plainly that there is nothing cowardly or unworthy of a Christian in endeavoring to escape from danger. There is nothing unfitting our Christian profession, in a diligent use of means in order to secure our safety. To meet death patiently and courageously, if it comes on us in the path of God's providence - is a duty incumbent on every believer. But to court death and suffering, and rush needlessly into danger - is the part of the fanatic and enthusiast, not of the wise disciple of Christ. It is those who use all means which God has placed within their reach, who may confidently expect God's protection. There is a wide difference between presumption and genuine faith.
We should mark, thirdly, in this passage - our Lord's words about vengeance. He says, with reference to the siege of Jerusalem, "These are the days of vengeance (punishment) that all things which are written may be fulfilled."
There is something particularly solemn in this expression. It shows us that the sins of the Jewish nation had been long noted down in the book of God's remembrance. The Jews by their unbelief and impenitence, had been treasuring up wrath against themselves for many hundred years. The anger of God, like a pent-up river - had been silently accumulating for ages. The fearful tribulation which attended the siege of Jerusalem, would only be the outburst of a thunderstorm which had been gradually gathering since the days of the kings! It would only be the fall of a sword which had been long hanging over Israel's head!
The lesson of the expression is one which we shall do well to lay to heart. We must never allow ourselves to suppose that the conduct of wicked men or nations is not observed by God. All is seen - and all is known! A reckoning day will certainly arrive at last. It is a mighty truth of Scripture, that "God requires that which is past!" (Ecc. 3:15). In the days of Abraham, "the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full" - and four hundred years passed away before they were punished. Yet punishment came at last, when Joshua and the twelve tribes of Israel took possession of Canaan. God's sentence against an evil work" is not always executed speedily - but it does not follow that it will not be executed at all. The wicked may flourish for many years "like a green bay tree" - but his latter end will be that his sin will surely find him out.
We should mark, lastly, in this passage - our Lord's words about the times of the Gentiles. We read that He said, "Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles is fulfilled."
A fixed period is here foretold, during which Jerusalem was to be given over into the hands of Gentile rulers, and the Jews were to have no dominion over their ancient city. A fixed period is likewise foretold which was to be the time of the Gentiles visitation - the time during which they were to enjoy privileges, and occupy a position something like that of Israel in ancient days.
Both periods are one day to end. Jerusalem is to be once more restored to its ancient inhabitants. The Gentiles, because of their hardness and unbelief - are to be stripped of their privileges and endure the just judgments of God. But the times of the Gentiles are not yet run out. We ourselves are living within them at the present day.
The subject before us is a very affecting one, and ought to raise within us great searchings of heart. While the nations of Europe are absorbed in political conflicts and worldly business - the sands in their hour-glass are ebbing away. While governments are disputing about secular things - their days are numbered in the sight of God. Yet in a few years, and "the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled." Their day of visitation will be past and gone. Their misused privileges will be taken away. The judgments of God shall fall on them. They shall be cast aside as vessels in which God has no pleasure. Their dominion shall crumble away, and their vaunted institutions shall fall to pieces. The Jews shall be restored. The Lord Jesus shall come again in power and great glory. The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ, and the "times of the Gentiles" shall come to an end!
Happy is he who knows these things, and lives a life of faith in the Son of God! He is the man, and he alone - who is ready for the great things coming on the earth, and the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ. The kingdom to which He belongs, is the only kingdom which shall never be destroyed. The King whom he serves - is the only King whose dominion shall never be taken away" (Daniel 2:44; 7:14).
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 7)
We should mark, secondly, in this passage - our Lord's words about flight in time of danger. He says respecting the days preceding the siege of Jerusalem, "Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains - let those in the city get out - and let those in the country not enter the city."
The lesson of these words is very instructive. They teach us plainly that there is nothing cowardly or unworthy of a Christian in endeavoring to escape from danger. There is nothing unfitting our Christian profession, in a diligent use of means in order to secure our safety. To meet death patiently and courageously, if it comes on us in the path of God's providence - is a duty incumbent on every believer. But to court death and suffering, and rush needlessly into danger - is the part of the fanatic and enthusiast, not of the wise disciple of Christ. It is those who use all means which God has placed within their reach, who may confidently expect God's protection. There is a wide difference between presumption and genuine faith.
We should mark, thirdly, in this passage - our Lord's words about vengeance. He says, with reference to the siege of Jerusalem, "These are the days of vengeance (punishment) that all things which are written may be fulfilled."
There is something particularly solemn in this expression. It shows us that the sins of the Jewish nation had been long noted down in the book of God's remembrance. The Jews by their unbelief and impenitence, had been treasuring up wrath against themselves for many hundred years. The anger of God, like a pent-up river - had been silently accumulating for ages. The fearful tribulation which attended the siege of Jerusalem, would only be the outburst of a thunderstorm which had been gradually gathering since the days of the kings! It would only be the fall of a sword which had been long hanging over Israel's head!
The lesson of the expression is one which we shall do well to lay to heart. We must never allow ourselves to suppose that the conduct of wicked men or nations is not observed by God. All is seen - and all is known! A reckoning day will certainly arrive at last. It is a mighty truth of Scripture, that "God requires that which is past!" (Ecc. 3:15). In the days of Abraham, "the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full" - and four hundred years passed away before they were punished. Yet punishment came at last, when Joshua and the twelve tribes of Israel took possession of Canaan. God's sentence against an evil work" is not always executed speedily - but it does not follow that it will not be executed at all. The wicked may flourish for many years "like a green bay tree" - but his latter end will be that his sin will surely find him out.
We should mark, lastly, in this passage - our Lord's words about the times of the Gentiles. We read that He said, "Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles is fulfilled."
A fixed period is here foretold, during which Jerusalem was to be given over into the hands of Gentile rulers, and the Jews were to have no dominion over their ancient city. A fixed period is likewise foretold which was to be the time of the Gentiles visitation - the time during which they were to enjoy privileges, and occupy a position something like that of Israel in ancient days.
Both periods are one day to end. Jerusalem is to be once more restored to its ancient inhabitants. The Gentiles, because of their hardness and unbelief - are to be stripped of their privileges and endure the just judgments of God. But the times of the Gentiles are not yet run out. We ourselves are living within them at the present day.
The subject before us is a very affecting one, and ought to raise within us great searchings of heart. While the nations of Europe are absorbed in political conflicts and worldly business - the sands in their hour-glass are ebbing away. While governments are disputing about secular things - their days are numbered in the sight of God. Yet in a few years, and "the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled." Their day of visitation will be past and gone. Their misused privileges will be taken away. The judgments of God shall fall on them. They shall be cast aside as vessels in which God has no pleasure. Their dominion shall crumble away, and their vaunted institutions shall fall to pieces. The Jews shall be restored. The Lord Jesus shall come again in power and great glory. The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ, and the "times of the Gentiles" shall come to an end!
Happy is he who knows these things, and lives a life of faith in the Son of God! He is the man, and he alone - who is ready for the great things coming on the earth, and the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ. The kingdom to which He belongs, is the only kingdom which shall never be destroyed. The King whom he serves - is the only King whose dominion shall never be taken away" (Daniel 2:44; 7:14).
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 7)
Saturday, December 14, 2019
The One Mediator!
The One Mediator!
"There is one Mediator between God and men - the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5).
The mediation of Christ is the glory of the gospel! No one has seen the glory of the method of grace - who has not distinctly, clearly, and spiritually seen the nature of the mediation of Jesus. God and man are by nature separated; nor can they be reconciled or united - but by a Mediator. The cause of this separation is sin. The sin of man is rebellion against the just authority of God. The sin of man is deep-rooted, cruel, and wicked enmity against God. The sin of man is moral filth, in consequence of which he cannot be admitted into the presence of God.
Sinful man aims at nothing less than the destruction of the very being of the absolutely holy God; for if the sinner had the power - he would chase God Almighty out of all the worlds He has created, and deprive Him of His existence and very being! The character of man, is that of the enemy of God - he is the avowed, determined, and implacable enemy of God! And his enmity is so deep and dreadful - that nothing short of the divine power and influence of the Holy Spirit can subdue it, nothing but a new creation can change his character!
How then can such a vile being, in such a dreadful state - be admitted into the presence of the thrice holy God? Into the presence of that God:
1. Whose justice demands that the rights of the divine nature be maintained, and the sins of the sinner be punished!
2. Whose holiness is like a burning, glowing fire, and will not, cannot - allow anything impure to approach Him!
3. Whose truth is as immutable as His throne, and will not rescind or falsify His threatenings!
4. Whose power makes earth to tremble, and the perpetual mountains to bow!
How can such a holy God, and such vile creatures - meet and embrace, and love each other?
Only through a Mediator, one who can lay His hand upon both!
The Mediator required must be one who can approach to and deal with God for man; whose dignity, glory, and majesty, are such, that it shall be no dishonor to Jehovah to admit Him to His council, and enter into terms with Him for man's
redemption.
The Mediator must be one who has ability to prevail with and reconcile men. He must have power to subdue the stubborn will, to cleanse the filthy nature, and to bring the rebel at a humble suppliant to the divine throne!
He must be willing to undertake this great and arduous work, and to go through with it, let it cost what it may of toil, suffering and power.
He must be able to meet and fulfill all the conditions of the covenant obeying the precepts of the law, suffering its dreadful penalty, and new-creating the rebel man.
He must therefore be God - or how could He deal with God, undertake for millions of sinners, and deliberately engage in such an dreadful work?
If He is not God - then He is infinitely beneath God; for there is an infinite distance between God and the most exalted creature.
Jesus is both God and man. God by nature, and man by choice - the God-man, therefore the Mediator.
His WORK was first to lay a foundation for bringing God and man together upon just and honorable principles - this He did by His obedience and death. Then He must actually bring the parties together into friendship and agreement - this He does by His gospel and the Holy Spirit. Then He must keep the parties together, in peace and love - and this He does through His intercession, constantly pleading His blood for sinners in the holiest, and sending down the Holy Spirit to sanctify, teach and guide them!
Wonderful union of God and man! Amazing mystery! That God and man should become one, through Jesus. The rebel and the Sovereign - one! The vile sinner and the Holiest - one! But so it is, and Jesus will be our one Mediator to us in ultimate glory forever. There is one Mediator, and but ONE! We need no more!
~James Smith~
(The End)
"There is one Mediator between God and men - the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5).
The mediation of Christ is the glory of the gospel! No one has seen the glory of the method of grace - who has not distinctly, clearly, and spiritually seen the nature of the mediation of Jesus. God and man are by nature separated; nor can they be reconciled or united - but by a Mediator. The cause of this separation is sin. The sin of man is rebellion against the just authority of God. The sin of man is deep-rooted, cruel, and wicked enmity against God. The sin of man is moral filth, in consequence of which he cannot be admitted into the presence of God.
Sinful man aims at nothing less than the destruction of the very being of the absolutely holy God; for if the sinner had the power - he would chase God Almighty out of all the worlds He has created, and deprive Him of His existence and very being! The character of man, is that of the enemy of God - he is the avowed, determined, and implacable enemy of God! And his enmity is so deep and dreadful - that nothing short of the divine power and influence of the Holy Spirit can subdue it, nothing but a new creation can change his character!
How then can such a vile being, in such a dreadful state - be admitted into the presence of the thrice holy God? Into the presence of that God:
1. Whose justice demands that the rights of the divine nature be maintained, and the sins of the sinner be punished!
2. Whose holiness is like a burning, glowing fire, and will not, cannot - allow anything impure to approach Him!
3. Whose truth is as immutable as His throne, and will not rescind or falsify His threatenings!
4. Whose power makes earth to tremble, and the perpetual mountains to bow!
How can such a holy God, and such vile creatures - meet and embrace, and love each other?
Only through a Mediator, one who can lay His hand upon both!
The Mediator required must be one who can approach to and deal with God for man; whose dignity, glory, and majesty, are such, that it shall be no dishonor to Jehovah to admit Him to His council, and enter into terms with Him for man's
redemption.
The Mediator must be one who has ability to prevail with and reconcile men. He must have power to subdue the stubborn will, to cleanse the filthy nature, and to bring the rebel at a humble suppliant to the divine throne!
He must be willing to undertake this great and arduous work, and to go through with it, let it cost what it may of toil, suffering and power.
He must be able to meet and fulfill all the conditions of the covenant obeying the precepts of the law, suffering its dreadful penalty, and new-creating the rebel man.
He must therefore be God - or how could He deal with God, undertake for millions of sinners, and deliberately engage in such an dreadful work?
If He is not God - then He is infinitely beneath God; for there is an infinite distance between God and the most exalted creature.
Jesus is both God and man. God by nature, and man by choice - the God-man, therefore the Mediator.
His WORK was first to lay a foundation for bringing God and man together upon just and honorable principles - this He did by His obedience and death. Then He must actually bring the parties together into friendship and agreement - this He does by His gospel and the Holy Spirit. Then He must keep the parties together, in peace and love - and this He does through His intercession, constantly pleading His blood for sinners in the holiest, and sending down the Holy Spirit to sanctify, teach and guide them!
Wonderful union of God and man! Amazing mystery! That God and man should become one, through Jesus. The rebel and the Sovereign - one! The vile sinner and the Holiest - one! But so it is, and Jesus will be our one Mediator to us in ultimate glory forever. There is one Mediator, and but ONE! We need no more!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Luke Chapter 21 # 5
Luke Chapter 21 # 5
We should notice, lastly, in this passage - Christ's gracious promise to His disciples. He says, "but not a hair of your head shall perish." Out blessed Lord well knew the hearts of His disciples. He saw that the prophecy He had just spoken, might well make them faint. He supplies them with a cheering word of encouragement, "But not a hair of your head shall perish!"
The promise before us is wide and comprehensive, and one which is the property of all believers in every age. A literal interpretation of it is clearly impossible. It cannot apply to the bodies of disciples. To say that, would be contradictory to the obvious fact that James and other apostles died violent deaths. A figurative interpretation must evidently be placed upon the words. They form a great proverbial saying. They teach us that whatever sufferings a disciple of Christ may go through - his best things can never be injured. His life is hidden with Christ in God. His treasure in Heaven can never be touched. His soul is beyond the reach of harm. Even his vile body shall be raised again, and made like his Saviour's glorious body at the last day.
If we know anything of true religion - then let us lean back on the words of the glorious promises in every time of need. If we believe in Christ - then let us rest in the comfortable thought that Christ has pledged His word that we shall never perish. We may lose much by serving Christ - but we shall never lose our eternal souls. The world may deprive a believer of property, friends, country, home, liberty, health, and life. It has done so in innumerable cases from the days of Stephen to the present time. The roll of the noble army of martyrs, is a very long one.
But there is one thing the world cannot do to any believer. It cannot deprive him of his saving interest in Christ's love. It cannot break the union between Christ and his soul. Surely, it is worth while to be a thorough-going believer! "I am persuaded," says Paul, "that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature - shall be able to separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39).
Section 123. The Destruction of Jerusalem, Luke 21:20:24
And when you shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is near: Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereunto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
The subject of these verses before us, is the capturing of the city of Jerusalem by the Romans. It was fit and right that this great event, which wound up the Old Testament dispensation - should be especially described by our Lord's mouth. It was fitting that the last days of that holy city, which had been the seat of God's presence for so many centuries - should receive a special notice in the greatest prophecy which was ever delivered to the Church.
We should mark in this passage - our Lord Jesus Christ's perfect knowledge. He gives us a fearful picture of the miseries which were coming on Jerusalem. Forty years before the armies of Titus encompassed the city - the dreadful circumstances which would attend the siege are minutely described. The distress of weak and helpless women - the slaughter of myriads of Jews - the final scattering of Israel in captivity among all nations - the treading down of the holy city by the Gentiles - are things which our Lord narrates with as much particularity as if He saw them with His own eyes!
Foreknowledge like this is a special attribute of God. Of ourselves we "know not what a day may bring forth." (Prov. 27:1). To say what will happen to any city or kingdom in forty years from the present time - is far beyond the power of man. The words of Isaiah are very solemn, "I am God - and there is no other. I am God - "and there is none like Me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times - what is still to come. My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." (Isaiah 46:9, 10).
He who could speak with authority of things to come, as our Lord did in this place - must have been true God as well as true man.
The Christian should continually keep this perfect knowledge of Christ in mind. Past things, present things, and things to come - are all naked and open to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do! The recollection of the sins of youth, may well make us humble. The sense of present weakness, may make us anxious. The fear of trials yet to come, may make our hearts faint. But it is a strong consolation to think that Christ knows all. For past, present, and future things - we may safely trust Him. Nothing can ever happen to us - that Christ has not known long ago.
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 6)
We should notice, lastly, in this passage - Christ's gracious promise to His disciples. He says, "but not a hair of your head shall perish." Out blessed Lord well knew the hearts of His disciples. He saw that the prophecy He had just spoken, might well make them faint. He supplies them with a cheering word of encouragement, "But not a hair of your head shall perish!"
The promise before us is wide and comprehensive, and one which is the property of all believers in every age. A literal interpretation of it is clearly impossible. It cannot apply to the bodies of disciples. To say that, would be contradictory to the obvious fact that James and other apostles died violent deaths. A figurative interpretation must evidently be placed upon the words. They form a great proverbial saying. They teach us that whatever sufferings a disciple of Christ may go through - his best things can never be injured. His life is hidden with Christ in God. His treasure in Heaven can never be touched. His soul is beyond the reach of harm. Even his vile body shall be raised again, and made like his Saviour's glorious body at the last day.
If we know anything of true religion - then let us lean back on the words of the glorious promises in every time of need. If we believe in Christ - then let us rest in the comfortable thought that Christ has pledged His word that we shall never perish. We may lose much by serving Christ - but we shall never lose our eternal souls. The world may deprive a believer of property, friends, country, home, liberty, health, and life. It has done so in innumerable cases from the days of Stephen to the present time. The roll of the noble army of martyrs, is a very long one.
But there is one thing the world cannot do to any believer. It cannot deprive him of his saving interest in Christ's love. It cannot break the union between Christ and his soul. Surely, it is worth while to be a thorough-going believer! "I am persuaded," says Paul, "that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature - shall be able to separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39).
Section 123. The Destruction of Jerusalem, Luke 21:20:24
And when you shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is near: Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereunto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
The subject of these verses before us, is the capturing of the city of Jerusalem by the Romans. It was fit and right that this great event, which wound up the Old Testament dispensation - should be especially described by our Lord's mouth. It was fitting that the last days of that holy city, which had been the seat of God's presence for so many centuries - should receive a special notice in the greatest prophecy which was ever delivered to the Church.
We should mark in this passage - our Lord Jesus Christ's perfect knowledge. He gives us a fearful picture of the miseries which were coming on Jerusalem. Forty years before the armies of Titus encompassed the city - the dreadful circumstances which would attend the siege are minutely described. The distress of weak and helpless women - the slaughter of myriads of Jews - the final scattering of Israel in captivity among all nations - the treading down of the holy city by the Gentiles - are things which our Lord narrates with as much particularity as if He saw them with His own eyes!
Foreknowledge like this is a special attribute of God. Of ourselves we "know not what a day may bring forth." (Prov. 27:1). To say what will happen to any city or kingdom in forty years from the present time - is far beyond the power of man. The words of Isaiah are very solemn, "I am God - and there is no other. I am God - "and there is none like Me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times - what is still to come. My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." (Isaiah 46:9, 10).
He who could speak with authority of things to come, as our Lord did in this place - must have been true God as well as true man.
The Christian should continually keep this perfect knowledge of Christ in mind. Past things, present things, and things to come - are all naked and open to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do! The recollection of the sins of youth, may well make us humble. The sense of present weakness, may make us anxious. The fear of trials yet to come, may make our hearts faint. But it is a strong consolation to think that Christ knows all. For past, present, and future things - we may safely trust Him. Nothing can ever happen to us - that Christ has not known long ago.
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 6)
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Luke Chapter 21 # 4
Luke Chapter 21 # 4
But the words before us have yet to receive a more complete accomplishment. They describe the time which shall immediately precede the second coming of Jesus Christ. The "time of the end" shall be a time of war, and not of universal peace. The Christian dispensation shall pass away like the Jewish one - amid wars, tumults, and desolation, amid a general crash of empires and kingdoms, such as the eyes of man have never yet seen.
A thorough understanding of these things is of great importance to our souls. Nothing is so calculated to chill the heart and dampen the faith of a Christian - as indulgence in unscriptural expectations. Let us dismiss from our minds the vain idea that nations will ever give up wars entirely, before Jesus Christ comes again. So long as the devil is the prince of this world, and the hearts of the many are unconverted - so long there must be strife and fighting. There will be no universal peace before the second coming of the Prince of peace. Then, and only then, "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." (Isaiah 2:4).
Let us cease to expect that missionaries and ministers will ever convert the world, and teach all mankind to love one another. They will do nothing of the kind! They were never intended to do it! They will call out a witnessing people who shall serve Christ in every land - but they will do no more. The bulk of mankind will always refuse to obey the Gospel. The nations will always go on quarreling, wrangling, and fighting. The last days of the earth - shall be its worst days. The last war, shall be the most fearful and terrible was that ever desolated the earth.
The duty of the true Christian is clear and plain. Whatever others do - he must give all diligence to make his own calling and election sure. While others are occupied in national conflicts and political speculations - the Christian must steadily seek first the kingdom of God. So doing, he shall feel his feet upon a rock - when the foundations of the earth are out of course, and the kingdoms of this earth are going to ruin. He shall be like Noah, safe within the ark. He shall be "hidden in the day of the Lord's anger!" (Zephaniah 2:3).
We should notice, for another thing, in this passage - Christ's prediction concerning His own disciples. He does not prophesy smooth things, and promise them an uninterrupted course of temporal comfort. He says that they shall be "persecuted," put in "prison," "brought before kings and rulers," "betrayed," "put to death," and "hated by all men - for His name's sake."
The words of this prophecy were doubtless intended to apply to e very age of the Church of Christ. They began to be fulfilled in the days of the apostles. The book of Acts supplies us with many instances of their fulfillment. They have been repeatedly fulfilled during the last eighteen hundred years. Wherever there have been disciples of Christ - there has always been persecution, more or less. They will yet receive a more full accomplishment before the end comes. The last tribulation will probably be marked by special violence and bitterness. It will be a "great tribulation." (Revelation 7:14).
Let it be a settled principle in our minds, that the true Christian must always enter the kingdom of God "through much tribulation." (Acts 14:22). His best things are yet to come! This present world is not our home. If we are faithful and decided servants of Christ - then the world will certainly hate us, as it hated our Master. In one way or another, true believers will always be persecuted. No consistency of conduct, however faultless; no kindness and amiability of character, however striking - will exempt a believer from the world's dislike, as long as he lives.
It is foolish to be surprised at this. It is mere waste of time to murmur at it. It is a part of the cross - and we must bear it patiently. The children of Cain will hate the children of Abel - as long as the earth continues. "Marvel not, my brethren," says John, "if the world hates you." "If you were of the world," says our Lord, "the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world - therefore the world hates you" (1 John 3:13; John 15:18, 19).
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 5)
But the words before us have yet to receive a more complete accomplishment. They describe the time which shall immediately precede the second coming of Jesus Christ. The "time of the end" shall be a time of war, and not of universal peace. The Christian dispensation shall pass away like the Jewish one - amid wars, tumults, and desolation, amid a general crash of empires and kingdoms, such as the eyes of man have never yet seen.
A thorough understanding of these things is of great importance to our souls. Nothing is so calculated to chill the heart and dampen the faith of a Christian - as indulgence in unscriptural expectations. Let us dismiss from our minds the vain idea that nations will ever give up wars entirely, before Jesus Christ comes again. So long as the devil is the prince of this world, and the hearts of the many are unconverted - so long there must be strife and fighting. There will be no universal peace before the second coming of the Prince of peace. Then, and only then, "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." (Isaiah 2:4).
Let us cease to expect that missionaries and ministers will ever convert the world, and teach all mankind to love one another. They will do nothing of the kind! They were never intended to do it! They will call out a witnessing people who shall serve Christ in every land - but they will do no more. The bulk of mankind will always refuse to obey the Gospel. The nations will always go on quarreling, wrangling, and fighting. The last days of the earth - shall be its worst days. The last war, shall be the most fearful and terrible was that ever desolated the earth.
The duty of the true Christian is clear and plain. Whatever others do - he must give all diligence to make his own calling and election sure. While others are occupied in national conflicts and political speculations - the Christian must steadily seek first the kingdom of God. So doing, he shall feel his feet upon a rock - when the foundations of the earth are out of course, and the kingdoms of this earth are going to ruin. He shall be like Noah, safe within the ark. He shall be "hidden in the day of the Lord's anger!" (Zephaniah 2:3).
We should notice, for another thing, in this passage - Christ's prediction concerning His own disciples. He does not prophesy smooth things, and promise them an uninterrupted course of temporal comfort. He says that they shall be "persecuted," put in "prison," "brought before kings and rulers," "betrayed," "put to death," and "hated by all men - for His name's sake."
The words of this prophecy were doubtless intended to apply to e very age of the Church of Christ. They began to be fulfilled in the days of the apostles. The book of Acts supplies us with many instances of their fulfillment. They have been repeatedly fulfilled during the last eighteen hundred years. Wherever there have been disciples of Christ - there has always been persecution, more or less. They will yet receive a more full accomplishment before the end comes. The last tribulation will probably be marked by special violence and bitterness. It will be a "great tribulation." (Revelation 7:14).
Let it be a settled principle in our minds, that the true Christian must always enter the kingdom of God "through much tribulation." (Acts 14:22). His best things are yet to come! This present world is not our home. If we are faithful and decided servants of Christ - then the world will certainly hate us, as it hated our Master. In one way or another, true believers will always be persecuted. No consistency of conduct, however faultless; no kindness and amiability of character, however striking - will exempt a believer from the world's dislike, as long as he lives.
It is foolish to be surprised at this. It is mere waste of time to murmur at it. It is a part of the cross - and we must bear it patiently. The children of Cain will hate the children of Abel - as long as the earth continues. "Marvel not, my brethren," says John, "if the world hates you." "If you were of the world," says our Lord, "the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world - therefore the world hates you" (1 John 3:13; John 15:18, 19).
~J. C. Ryle~
(continued with # 5)
The Rest # 2
The Rest # 2
They are now a poor, tried, tempted, and restless people; strangers and pilgrims upon the earth, as all their fathers were.
satan tempts them, sinners try them, fears harass them, Providence perplexes them, and they often cry out, "O that I had wings like a dove, then would I fly away and be at rest!"
Believer, let the prospect of this eternal glorious rest, cheer you in toil and trouble! Your work will soon be finished, your trouble will soon come to an end, and then the rest - the glorious rest, remains for you! Let it encourage you to labor and suffer; labor for Jesus, who is preparing the rest for you; suffer in the cause of Jesus, acquiescing in His will, who once suffered for you, and now rests as you will soon.
Think of the Christian believers - what they suffered, and how they suffered; they "joyfully accepted the confiscation of their property, because they knew that they had better and lasting possessions."
Let your Heavenly rest, quicken, your pace homewards! You are going to a rest - a perfect, uninterrupted, and eternal rest; a rest in Heaven, a rest with Jesus, a rest in the presence of your God forever; therefore gird up the loins of your mind, and press on towards the mark, cheered by the prospect at the end of the race.
Remember, Christian, this rest is SECURE, for Jesus has taken possession of it for you. "I am going," said He, "to prepare a place for you." "Where," said the Apostle, alluding to Heaven, "Where the forerunner has for us entered, even Jesus." Yes, Jesus is gone there for you, He has taken possession in your name, He is preparing your place, and will soon come and receive you to Himself!
Remember too, that it is NEAR very near. Perhaps much nearer than you may think.
You may be sighing, sorrowing, striving, wrestling, doubting, fearing, and cast down today - and tomorrow you may be in your Heavenly rest!
Today, you may be lying, like Lazarus, at the rich man's gate, full of sores; tomorrow, you may be in Heaven!
Today, you may be dwelling in Mesech, or in the tents of Kedar; tomorrow, you may be basking in the beams of Immanuel's glory!
Today, you may be on the bed of sickness, suffering, and pain; tomorrow, you may be in the presence of Jesus, where there is no more pain, neither sorrow nor crying!
Who can tell how near we all are to our Heavenly and everlasting rest?
Remember also, that your very trials, toils, and sufferings here on earth, may SWEETEN your rest to you! And that soon, very soon - you may be rejoicing over your present sorrows, and praising God for what now fills you with grief and sadness. Things will look very different there - from what they do here. Never, never forget, then, in your darkness nights, in your most trying days, in the midst of every storm and tempest, when passing over burning sands and under a scorching sky - that there remains a rest for the people of God, and a rest for you!
"Arise and depart; for this is not your resting place, because it is defiled, it is ruined, beyond all remedy!"
"There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary are at rest!"
But, "there is NO REST, says my God, to the wicked!" His soul is restless now, and, dying as he is - he will be restless forever. "And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever. There is no rest day or night!" O think of an eternity of unrest! Think of an eternity of toil, agony, and woe! Think, and so think as to accept and act upon the invitation of Jesus, who is now at this moment saying unto you, "Come unto Me, and I will give you rest; take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you shall find rest unto your souls!"
~James Smith~
(The End)
They are now a poor, tried, tempted, and restless people; strangers and pilgrims upon the earth, as all their fathers were.
satan tempts them, sinners try them, fears harass them, Providence perplexes them, and they often cry out, "O that I had wings like a dove, then would I fly away and be at rest!"
Believer, let the prospect of this eternal glorious rest, cheer you in toil and trouble! Your work will soon be finished, your trouble will soon come to an end, and then the rest - the glorious rest, remains for you! Let it encourage you to labor and suffer; labor for Jesus, who is preparing the rest for you; suffer in the cause of Jesus, acquiescing in His will, who once suffered for you, and now rests as you will soon.
Think of the Christian believers - what they suffered, and how they suffered; they "joyfully accepted the confiscation of their property, because they knew that they had better and lasting possessions."
Let your Heavenly rest, quicken, your pace homewards! You are going to a rest - a perfect, uninterrupted, and eternal rest; a rest in Heaven, a rest with Jesus, a rest in the presence of your God forever; therefore gird up the loins of your mind, and press on towards the mark, cheered by the prospect at the end of the race.
Remember, Christian, this rest is SECURE, for Jesus has taken possession of it for you. "I am going," said He, "to prepare a place for you." "Where," said the Apostle, alluding to Heaven, "Where the forerunner has for us entered, even Jesus." Yes, Jesus is gone there for you, He has taken possession in your name, He is preparing your place, and will soon come and receive you to Himself!
Remember too, that it is NEAR very near. Perhaps much nearer than you may think.
You may be sighing, sorrowing, striving, wrestling, doubting, fearing, and cast down today - and tomorrow you may be in your Heavenly rest!
Today, you may be lying, like Lazarus, at the rich man's gate, full of sores; tomorrow, you may be in Heaven!
Today, you may be dwelling in Mesech, or in the tents of Kedar; tomorrow, you may be basking in the beams of Immanuel's glory!
Today, you may be on the bed of sickness, suffering, and pain; tomorrow, you may be in the presence of Jesus, where there is no more pain, neither sorrow nor crying!
Who can tell how near we all are to our Heavenly and everlasting rest?
Remember also, that your very trials, toils, and sufferings here on earth, may SWEETEN your rest to you! And that soon, very soon - you may be rejoicing over your present sorrows, and praising God for what now fills you with grief and sadness. Things will look very different there - from what they do here. Never, never forget, then, in your darkness nights, in your most trying days, in the midst of every storm and tempest, when passing over burning sands and under a scorching sky - that there remains a rest for the people of God, and a rest for you!
"Arise and depart; for this is not your resting place, because it is defiled, it is ruined, beyond all remedy!"
"There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary are at rest!"
But, "there is NO REST, says my God, to the wicked!" His soul is restless now, and, dying as he is - he will be restless forever. "And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever. There is no rest day or night!" O think of an eternity of unrest! Think of an eternity of toil, agony, and woe! Think, and so think as to accept and act upon the invitation of Jesus, who is now at this moment saying unto you, "Come unto Me, and I will give you rest; take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you shall find rest unto your souls!"
~James Smith~
(The End)
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