Eternity!
We are too much taken up with the things of time. We think too little, too seldom - of eternity and its solemn realities. No word is more vast, no subject is more serious - than ETERNITY! Eternity is existence without limit - no commencement, no succession of periods, no end. In this sense, God only is eternal in His nature, perfections, and purposes.
As God is eternal, the believer has an eternal FATHER - who ever livers, ever loves, and ever cares for him.
He has an eternal PORTION the limits of which he can never reach, the fullness of which he can never exhaust, and of the variety in which he can never weary.
He has an eternal INHERITANCE - which he can never lose, of which He can never be deprived, and which shall never pass from him into the possession of another.
Eternity is duration without cessation, a point towards which we are tending, a state in which we shall soon be placed. In eternity, there will be no mixtures as here in this world - the wheat and the chaff; in the church - both saints and sinners; in the believer - sin and holiness, fear and confidence, the old man and the new.
There is no mixture in hell - there all are bad, and there is wrath without mercy, justice without grace, holiness without love.
There are no mixtures in HEAVEN - there all are good, and there is pleasure without pain, joy without sorrow, and holiness without sin.
There are no trials either in heaven (or hell). Here we are tried by providence, by the gospel, by ordinances; we are tried to prove or improve us. God tries our faith, our fervor, and all our principles.
Once in hell - in hell forever! Once in heaven - in heaven forever! Eternity, O how affecting the thought! Eternity, O how ponderous the idea! Time introduces to eternity. Every moment brings it nearer. A moment may plunge us into it!
How trifling time would be - if eternity did not follow it. But living once, we exist forever. Exist we must, but how - and where? O how terrible the idea of eternity, to a thoughtful sinner! O how glorious the prospect of eternity, to the happy believer!
Life! O how important is life!
Death is our entrance upon eternity. After death, we shall hear no gospel preached, we shall receive no loving messages from a gracious God, there will be no place for repentance, no work for faith.
If lost - we shall be lost forever. If we die in sin - we shall lie under the power and condemnation of sin forever. If saved - our salvation is eternal. If we die in Jesus - we shall never know condemnation, or suffer pain.
Holiness alone, can qualify us to enjoy eternity. Without holiness - no one can see the Lord with comfort, stand before Him with acceptance, or enjoy the unveiling of His glory.
We must be born again. So our second birth qualifies us for the employments and enjoyments of eternity.
We were never so near to eternity as at this moment. Solemn thought, we never had so little time to prepare for it! Before another day, we may be in eternity!
Eternity, stupendous theme! Compared herewith, our life's a dream; Eternity, O, solemn sound, A deep, where all our thoughts are drowned!
Eternity, the dread abode
And habitation of our God!
His glory fills the vast expanse,
Beyond the reach of mortal sense.
But an eternity there is
Of endless woe - or joyful bliss;
And, swift as time fulfills its round,
We to eternity are bound!
And is eternity so near?
And must we all, and soon, be there?
Prepare our souls, O blessed God,
To meet our long, our last abode!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Saturday, April 18, 2020
Whose Slave Are You?
Whose Slave Are You?
Scripture religion is variously represented. Sometimes it is a glorious privilege - and sometimes a solemn duty. It is in reality, both. A more glorious privilege man cannot enjoy - than to be the adopted child of God; a more solemn duty cannot devolve on a creature - than to be the slave of the Son of God. Slaves are known often by their uniform - and God's slaves are to be known by their holiness. Slaves of old, were often known by their master's brand - and the slaves of Christ were often known by their sufferings. Like the Apostle of old, they "bear about in the body; the marks," or brand, "of the Lord Jesus."
There are two distinct classes of slaves in the world, and it is important to know to which we belong. The apostle teaches us how to do this, especially when he says, "Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey - whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness/" (Romans 6:16).
This passage suggests an inquiry. Who is your Master? There are but two great masters in the world - and we all sere one or the other. Who then is your master?
Is it satan? If so - then sin is your service. You neglect what God requires - and you do what God forbids. You indulge the lusts of the flesh, enjoy the lust of the eye, and walk in the pride of life.
The world is your home! Only give you enough of the world, and health and opportunity to enjoy it - and you need no more. You would rather have your portion in Paris - than in paradise.
If so, then hell will be your wages! For the wages of sin is death. If you obey satan, you love sin and live in its indulgence. You follow the multitude in the broad road that leads to destruction. You yield to the flesh, and allow it to tyrannize over your conscience and affections.
Who is your master? Is it Christ? Then holiness is your delight, and obedience to gospel precepts is your joy. The Church of God is your home, and believers in Christ are your brethren. Eternal life will be your reward, not as merited or deserved by you - but as freely given you by your generous and gracious Master. The gift of God is eternal life - if you obey Christ, you reverence the divine word, both the holy law, and the gracious Gospel. You hallow your Saviour's name, never using it lightly, or uttering it without reverence. You rely on His precious blood and glorious righteousness, as the ground of your acceptance with God. You yield to His Spirit - speaking to you in the word, or working within you, and prompting you to perform good works. You unite with His people - whom you esteem the excellent of the earth, and in whom is all your delight. You look and long for His glorious appearing, and as you anticipate His second advent, you often exclaim, "O to see my Master!"
The passage also exhibits a Distinction. If you obey satan - then you are slaves. He works in you. He rules over you. He leads you captive at his will. You know nothing of liberty - but are tied and bound by the fetters of sin, and chained with unbelief. You are his property. He dwells in you. He lays claim to you. He often appoints you to the most degrading services. You are his companions - gladly walking with him in the broad way to eternal destruction. You are satan's child - and to you the language of Jesus may be applied, "You are of your father the devil - and the lusts of your father you will do!"
If you are Christ's - then you are a free man, for whom Jesus employs He liberates, and if the Son makes us free, then are we free indeed! Our freedom is worthy of the name. You are His brother, as He said, "Whoever shall do the will of My Father who is in heaven, the same is My brother, and sister, and mother."
If you are Christ's - then you are His co-heirs. "Heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ." O how wonderful for a slave to be a free man - not only a free man - but the master's brother - not only the Master's brother - but a joint heir with Him of His vast property, and magnificent estates!
How much then depends on the question, "Who is your master?" How plain is the answer, "You are slaves to the one whom you obey."
Let us then examine - whose are we? Christ's or satan's - we must be. To belong to both at the same time is impossible. Therefore Jesus said, "You cannot serve both God and mammon."
Who has our hearts? What engages our thoughts? Whom do we habitually aim to please? Let us then prove to whom we belong. This is to be done by our service. Mere profession proves nothing - but obedience does.
All the slaves of satan, will at last be commanded to depart from the Saviour - into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his demons. All the slaves of Jesus, will be invited by the all-glorious King to acompany Him, and take possession of the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world. Do not wonder then, that we press home the question, "Whose slave are you?"
~James Smith~
(The End)
Scripture religion is variously represented. Sometimes it is a glorious privilege - and sometimes a solemn duty. It is in reality, both. A more glorious privilege man cannot enjoy - than to be the adopted child of God; a more solemn duty cannot devolve on a creature - than to be the slave of the Son of God. Slaves are known often by their uniform - and God's slaves are to be known by their holiness. Slaves of old, were often known by their master's brand - and the slaves of Christ were often known by their sufferings. Like the Apostle of old, they "bear about in the body; the marks," or brand, "of the Lord Jesus."
There are two distinct classes of slaves in the world, and it is important to know to which we belong. The apostle teaches us how to do this, especially when he says, "Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey - whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness/" (Romans 6:16).
This passage suggests an inquiry. Who is your Master? There are but two great masters in the world - and we all sere one or the other. Who then is your master?
Is it satan? If so - then sin is your service. You neglect what God requires - and you do what God forbids. You indulge the lusts of the flesh, enjoy the lust of the eye, and walk in the pride of life.
The world is your home! Only give you enough of the world, and health and opportunity to enjoy it - and you need no more. You would rather have your portion in Paris - than in paradise.
If so, then hell will be your wages! For the wages of sin is death. If you obey satan, you love sin and live in its indulgence. You follow the multitude in the broad road that leads to destruction. You yield to the flesh, and allow it to tyrannize over your conscience and affections.
Who is your master? Is it Christ? Then holiness is your delight, and obedience to gospel precepts is your joy. The Church of God is your home, and believers in Christ are your brethren. Eternal life will be your reward, not as merited or deserved by you - but as freely given you by your generous and gracious Master. The gift of God is eternal life - if you obey Christ, you reverence the divine word, both the holy law, and the gracious Gospel. You hallow your Saviour's name, never using it lightly, or uttering it without reverence. You rely on His precious blood and glorious righteousness, as the ground of your acceptance with God. You yield to His Spirit - speaking to you in the word, or working within you, and prompting you to perform good works. You unite with His people - whom you esteem the excellent of the earth, and in whom is all your delight. You look and long for His glorious appearing, and as you anticipate His second advent, you often exclaim, "O to see my Master!"
The passage also exhibits a Distinction. If you obey satan - then you are slaves. He works in you. He rules over you. He leads you captive at his will. You know nothing of liberty - but are tied and bound by the fetters of sin, and chained with unbelief. You are his property. He dwells in you. He lays claim to you. He often appoints you to the most degrading services. You are his companions - gladly walking with him in the broad way to eternal destruction. You are satan's child - and to you the language of Jesus may be applied, "You are of your father the devil - and the lusts of your father you will do!"
If you are Christ's - then you are a free man, for whom Jesus employs He liberates, and if the Son makes us free, then are we free indeed! Our freedom is worthy of the name. You are His brother, as He said, "Whoever shall do the will of My Father who is in heaven, the same is My brother, and sister, and mother."
If you are Christ's - then you are His co-heirs. "Heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ." O how wonderful for a slave to be a free man - not only a free man - but the master's brother - not only the Master's brother - but a joint heir with Him of His vast property, and magnificent estates!
How much then depends on the question, "Who is your master?" How plain is the answer, "You are slaves to the one whom you obey."
Let us then examine - whose are we? Christ's or satan's - we must be. To belong to both at the same time is impossible. Therefore Jesus said, "You cannot serve both God and mammon."
Who has our hearts? What engages our thoughts? Whom do we habitually aim to please? Let us then prove to whom we belong. This is to be done by our service. Mere profession proves nothing - but obedience does.
All the slaves of satan, will at last be commanded to depart from the Saviour - into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his demons. All the slaves of Jesus, will be invited by the all-glorious King to acompany Him, and take possession of the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world. Do not wonder then, that we press home the question, "Whose slave are you?"
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, April 11, 2020
It Is Finished!
It Is Finished!
"When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' Then bowing His head, he gave up His spirit." (John 19:30).
How terribly have these blessed words of Christ been misunderstood, misappropriated and misapplied! How many seem to think that on the Cross the Lord Jesus accomplished a work which rendered it unnecessary for the beneficiaries of it to live holy lives on earth. So many have been deluded into thinking that, so far as reaching heaven is concerned, it matters not how they walk provided they are "resting on the finished work of Christ." They may be unfruitful, untruthful, disobedient, yet (though they may possibly miss some millennial crown) so long as they repudiate all righteousness of their own and have faith in Christ - they imagine they are "eternally secure."
All around us are people who are worldly-minded, money-lovers, and pleasure-seekers, yet who think all is well with them because they have "accepted Christ as their personal Saviour." In their aspirations, conversations, and recreations, there is practically nothing to differentiate them from those who make no profession at all. Neither in their home life nor social life, is there anything but empty pretensions to distinguish them from others. The fear of God is not upon them, the commands of God have no authority over them, the holiness of God has no attraction for them.
"It is finished!" How solemn to realize that these words of Christ must have been used to lull thousands into a false peace. Yet such is the case. We have come into close contact with many who have no private prayer life, who are selfish, covetous and dishonest - but who suppose that a merciful God will overlook all such things, provided they once put their trust in the Lord Jesus. What a horrible perversion of the truth! What a turning of God's grace "into a license for immorality!" (Jude 4). Yes, those who now live the most self-seeking and flesh-pleasing lives, talk about their faith in the blood of the Lamb, and suppose they are safe. How the devil has deceived them!
"It is finished!" Do those blessed words signify that Christ so satisfied the requirement of God's holiness, that holiness no longer has any real and pressing claims upon us? Perish the thought! Even to the redeemed, God says, "Be holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). Did Christ "magnify the law and make it honorable" (Isaiah 42:21) that we might be lawless" Did He "fulfill all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15) to purchase for us an immunity from loving God with all our hearts and serving Him with all our faculties? Did Christ die in order to secure a divine indulgence that we might live to please SELF? Many seem to think so. No, the Lord Jesus has left His people an example that they should "follow (not ignore) His steps."
"It is finished!" What was finished? The need for sinners to repent? No indeed. The need for turning to God from idols? No indeed. The need for mortifying my members which ae upon earth? No indeed. The need for being sanctified wholly, in spirit, and soul, and body? No indeed. Christ died not to make my sorrow for, hatred of, and striving against sin, useless. Christ died not to absolve me from the full discharge of my responsibilities unto God. Christ did not die - so that I might go on retaining the friendship and fellowship of the world. How very strange that any should think that He did. Yet the actions of many show that this is their idea.
"It is finished." What was finished? The sacrificial types were accomplished, the prophecies, of His sufferings were fulfilled, the work given Him by the Father had been perfectly done, a sure foundation had been laid on which a righteous God could pardon the vilest transgressor of the law who threw down the weapons of his warfare against Him. Christ had now performed all that was necessary in order for the Holy Spirit to come and work in the hearts of His people; convincing them of their rebellion, slaying their enmity against God, and producing in them a loving and obedient heart.
O, dear reader, make no mistake on this point. The "finished work of Christ avails you nothing - if your heart has never been broken through an agonizing consciousness of your sinfulness. The "finished work of Christ" avails you nothing - unless you have been saved from the power and pollution of sin. It avails you nothing - if you still love the world. It avails you nothing - unless you are a "new creature" in Him. If you value your soul, search the Scriptures to see for yourself; take no man's word for it!
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
"When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' Then bowing His head, he gave up His spirit." (John 19:30).
How terribly have these blessed words of Christ been misunderstood, misappropriated and misapplied! How many seem to think that on the Cross the Lord Jesus accomplished a work which rendered it unnecessary for the beneficiaries of it to live holy lives on earth. So many have been deluded into thinking that, so far as reaching heaven is concerned, it matters not how they walk provided they are "resting on the finished work of Christ." They may be unfruitful, untruthful, disobedient, yet (though they may possibly miss some millennial crown) so long as they repudiate all righteousness of their own and have faith in Christ - they imagine they are "eternally secure."
All around us are people who are worldly-minded, money-lovers, and pleasure-seekers, yet who think all is well with them because they have "accepted Christ as their personal Saviour." In their aspirations, conversations, and recreations, there is practically nothing to differentiate them from those who make no profession at all. Neither in their home life nor social life, is there anything but empty pretensions to distinguish them from others. The fear of God is not upon them, the commands of God have no authority over them, the holiness of God has no attraction for them.
"It is finished!" How solemn to realize that these words of Christ must have been used to lull thousands into a false peace. Yet such is the case. We have come into close contact with many who have no private prayer life, who are selfish, covetous and dishonest - but who suppose that a merciful God will overlook all such things, provided they once put their trust in the Lord Jesus. What a horrible perversion of the truth! What a turning of God's grace "into a license for immorality!" (Jude 4). Yes, those who now live the most self-seeking and flesh-pleasing lives, talk about their faith in the blood of the Lamb, and suppose they are safe. How the devil has deceived them!
"It is finished!" Do those blessed words signify that Christ so satisfied the requirement of God's holiness, that holiness no longer has any real and pressing claims upon us? Perish the thought! Even to the redeemed, God says, "Be holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). Did Christ "magnify the law and make it honorable" (Isaiah 42:21) that we might be lawless" Did He "fulfill all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15) to purchase for us an immunity from loving God with all our hearts and serving Him with all our faculties? Did Christ die in order to secure a divine indulgence that we might live to please SELF? Many seem to think so. No, the Lord Jesus has left His people an example that they should "follow (not ignore) His steps."
"It is finished!" What was finished? The need for sinners to repent? No indeed. The need for turning to God from idols? No indeed. The need for mortifying my members which ae upon earth? No indeed. The need for being sanctified wholly, in spirit, and soul, and body? No indeed. Christ died not to make my sorrow for, hatred of, and striving against sin, useless. Christ died not to absolve me from the full discharge of my responsibilities unto God. Christ did not die - so that I might go on retaining the friendship and fellowship of the world. How very strange that any should think that He did. Yet the actions of many show that this is their idea.
"It is finished." What was finished? The sacrificial types were accomplished, the prophecies, of His sufferings were fulfilled, the work given Him by the Father had been perfectly done, a sure foundation had been laid on which a righteous God could pardon the vilest transgressor of the law who threw down the weapons of his warfare against Him. Christ had now performed all that was necessary in order for the Holy Spirit to come and work in the hearts of His people; convincing them of their rebellion, slaying their enmity against God, and producing in them a loving and obedient heart.
O, dear reader, make no mistake on this point. The "finished work of Christ avails you nothing - if your heart has never been broken through an agonizing consciousness of your sinfulness. The "finished work of Christ" avails you nothing - unless you have been saved from the power and pollution of sin. It avails you nothing - if you still love the world. It avails you nothing - unless you are a "new creature" in Him. If you value your soul, search the Scriptures to see for yourself; take no man's word for it!
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
Saturday, April 4, 2020
The Power of Prayer
The Power of Prayer
"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16).
The power of prayer never can be fully understood on the earth. What wonders it has wrought cannot even be imagined. It is one of the forces of the world which is not down in the philosopher's scheme, and whose influence on the events and results of life is not the subject of mathematical calculation. It is not estimated in the preparation of tables of probabilities. In secret, in their inner chambers, lowly ones bow, pleading with God, and immediately new elements come in to modify the flow of events.
What lost souls prayer has saved, leading them as by an invisible hand to the Cross! What wanderers prayer has reclaimed, turning them from paths of sin and shame into ways of holiness! What fainting ones prayer has cheered and upborne in hours of weakness and danger, as in quiet closets voices of love have pleaded! What tempted ones prayer has delivered from the hands of the destroyer, and made strong for victory and noble service!
Only Heaven's great final revealing can make known all the wonders wrought in this world by prayer.
Surely among all prayers that go up to God, none are dearer or more prevailing, than the intercession fo parents for their children. They are hallowed breathings of the purest, tenderest love. Such prayers, if persistent, believing and importunate - may we not say that God always answers in some way in the end?
Monica, the mother of Augustine, prays for her son. For a time he goes deeper and deeper into sin, and it seems that the mother's supplications are unheard or unavailing. But she faints not; she will not give him up; she refuses to be disheartened. For many years her son wanders far from God - but she stays at her altar, undismayed, believing still and pleading with renewed earnestness. At last her intercessions are answered in one hour when Augustine falls down at Jesus' feet in submission, and instantly turns all the wealth of his sinful life into the service of his new Master. There are thousands more who have been saved by a mother's prayers.
So it is that a parent's prayers often meet and arrest a wandering, sinning child. When he seems farthest away from God and from home, and when he is least expecting such a message, suddenly he is halted. An invisible hand is laid upon his arm; he is bound with strong chains, and borne back resistlessly to the bosom of God. It was the home prayers that did it.
A personal allusion may not be amiss. The writer, when a boy of sixteen, one day carelessly opened the door of his mother's room, not knowing that she was engaged in her devotions. There I saw her bowed in prayer, pleading so earnestly with God that she had not been disturbed by my entrance. Instantly I withdrew, awed by the solemnity which filled the place; but as I softly closed the door, I heard my own name and the fragment of a sentence of prayer which revealed to me the fact that my mother was making intercession for me. Through all the events of the crowded years since that day, that momentary glimpse of my mother on her knees in intercession for me has been a power both of restraint and inspiration in my life.
It is utterly impossible to measure the influence on my life of that one moment's glimpse of my mother on her knees. It was a revelation, and told not only of one prayer, but of like intercession every day and every night. So it was a perpetual power all the years while my mother lived. And when she went home to God, one of the elements of my sorrow was that her daily intercession would no more rise from earth to Heaven for me.
The parent may die without seeing his supplications answered, or his child converted; but his prayers do not die with him. They remain where faith has fastened them; one end around God's throne, and the other around the heart of the child - fast anchoring it to Heaven. And some day, perhaps years after the parent has gone home to God, the angels will haul in the great cable of prayer and give her her child, her heart's treasure, the answer to all her prayers!
Let every one, parents and friends, seek to bind our loved ones fast to the feet of God with chains of prayer!
~J. R. Miller~
(The End)
"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16).
The power of prayer never can be fully understood on the earth. What wonders it has wrought cannot even be imagined. It is one of the forces of the world which is not down in the philosopher's scheme, and whose influence on the events and results of life is not the subject of mathematical calculation. It is not estimated in the preparation of tables of probabilities. In secret, in their inner chambers, lowly ones bow, pleading with God, and immediately new elements come in to modify the flow of events.
What lost souls prayer has saved, leading them as by an invisible hand to the Cross! What wanderers prayer has reclaimed, turning them from paths of sin and shame into ways of holiness! What fainting ones prayer has cheered and upborne in hours of weakness and danger, as in quiet closets voices of love have pleaded! What tempted ones prayer has delivered from the hands of the destroyer, and made strong for victory and noble service!
Only Heaven's great final revealing can make known all the wonders wrought in this world by prayer.
Surely among all prayers that go up to God, none are dearer or more prevailing, than the intercession fo parents for their children. They are hallowed breathings of the purest, tenderest love. Such prayers, if persistent, believing and importunate - may we not say that God always answers in some way in the end?
Monica, the mother of Augustine, prays for her son. For a time he goes deeper and deeper into sin, and it seems that the mother's supplications are unheard or unavailing. But she faints not; she will not give him up; she refuses to be disheartened. For many years her son wanders far from God - but she stays at her altar, undismayed, believing still and pleading with renewed earnestness. At last her intercessions are answered in one hour when Augustine falls down at Jesus' feet in submission, and instantly turns all the wealth of his sinful life into the service of his new Master. There are thousands more who have been saved by a mother's prayers.
So it is that a parent's prayers often meet and arrest a wandering, sinning child. When he seems farthest away from God and from home, and when he is least expecting such a message, suddenly he is halted. An invisible hand is laid upon his arm; he is bound with strong chains, and borne back resistlessly to the bosom of God. It was the home prayers that did it.
A personal allusion may not be amiss. The writer, when a boy of sixteen, one day carelessly opened the door of his mother's room, not knowing that she was engaged in her devotions. There I saw her bowed in prayer, pleading so earnestly with God that she had not been disturbed by my entrance. Instantly I withdrew, awed by the solemnity which filled the place; but as I softly closed the door, I heard my own name and the fragment of a sentence of prayer which revealed to me the fact that my mother was making intercession for me. Through all the events of the crowded years since that day, that momentary glimpse of my mother on her knees in intercession for me has been a power both of restraint and inspiration in my life.
It is utterly impossible to measure the influence on my life of that one moment's glimpse of my mother on her knees. It was a revelation, and told not only of one prayer, but of like intercession every day and every night. So it was a perpetual power all the years while my mother lived. And when she went home to God, one of the elements of my sorrow was that her daily intercession would no more rise from earth to Heaven for me.
The parent may die without seeing his supplications answered, or his child converted; but his prayers do not die with him. They remain where faith has fastened them; one end around God's throne, and the other around the heart of the child - fast anchoring it to Heaven. And some day, perhaps years after the parent has gone home to God, the angels will haul in the great cable of prayer and give her her child, her heart's treasure, the answer to all her prayers!
Let every one, parents and friends, seek to bind our loved ones fast to the feet of God with chains of prayer!
~J. R. Miller~
(The End)
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