The Supremacy Of God # 1

 The Supremacy Of God # 1

In one of his letters to Erqasmus, Luther said, "Your thoughts of God are too human." Probably that renowned scholar resented such a rebuke, the more so, since it proceeded from a niner's son; nevertheless, it was thoroughly deserved.

We too, though having no standing among the religious leaders of this degenerate age, give the same charge against the majority of the preachers of our day, and against those who, instead of searching the Scriptures for themselves, lazily accept the teaching of others.

The most dishonoring and degrading conceptions of the rule and reign of the Almighty are now held almost everywhere. To countless thousands, even among those professing to be  Christians, the God of the Scriptures is quite unknown.

Of old, God  complained to an apostate Israel, "You thought I was just like you." (Psalm 50:21). Such must now be His indictment against an apostate Christendom. Men imaging that the Most High is moved by sentiment, rather that actuated by principle. They suppose that His omnipotence is such an idle fiction that satan is thwarting His designs on every side. They think that if He has formed any plan or purpose at all, then it must be like theirs, constantly subject to change. They openly declare that whatever power God possesses must be restricted, lest He invade the citadel of man's "free will" and reduce him to a "machine." They lower the all-efficacious atonement, which has actually redeemed everyone for whom it was made, to a mere "remedy," which sin-sick souls may use if they feel disposed to; and they enervate the invincible work of the Holy Spirit to an "offer" of the Gospel which sinners may accept or reject as they please.

The God of this twentieth century no more resembles the Supreme Sovereign of Holy Writ, than does the dim flickering of a candle resembles the glory of the midday sun. The God who is now talked about in the average pulpit, spoken of in the ordinary Sunday School, mentioned in much of the religious literature of the day, and preached in most of the so-called Bible Conferences is the figment of human imagination, an invention of mushy sentimentality.

The heathen outside of the pale of Christendom form gods out of wood and stone - while the millions of heathen inside Christendom manufacture a God out of their own carnal mind! In reality, they are but atheists, for there is no other possible alternative between an absolutely supreme God, and no God at all. A God whose will is resisted, whose designs are frustrated, whose purpose is checkmated - possesses no title to Deity, and so far from being a fit object of worship, merits nothing but contempt!

The supremacy of the true and living God might well be argued from the infinite distance which separated the mightiest creatures from the almighty Creator. He is the Potter, they are but the clay in His hands, to be molded into vessels of honor, or to be dashed into pieces (Psalm 2:9) as He pleases. Were all the citizens of Heaven and all the inhabitants of the earth to combine in revolt against Him, it would occasion Him no uneasiness, and would have less  effect upon His eternal and unassailable Throne than has the spray of Mediterranean's waves upon the towering rocks of Gibraltar. So puerile and powerless is the creature to affect the Most High. Scripture itself tells us that when the Gentile heads unite with apostate Israel to defy Jehovah and His Christ, "He who sits in the heavens shall laugh!" (Psalm 2:4).

The absolute and universal supremacy of God is plainly and positively affirmed in many Scriptures. "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all. Riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler of everything. In Your hand are power and might, and it is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all." ( 1 Chronicles 29:11-12).

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 2)

The Scriptures And Sin # 3

 The Scriptures And Sin # 3

4. An individual is spiritually profited, when the Word produces in him a deeper hatred of sin. "You who love the Lord, hate evil" (Psalm 97:10). "We cannot love God without hating that which He hates. We are not only to avoid evil, and refuse to continue in it - but we must be up in arms against it, and bear towards it a hearty indignation" (Spurgeon). One of the surest tests to apply to the professed conversion, is the heart's attitude towards sin. Where the principle of holiness has been implanted, there will necessarily be a loathing of all that is unholy. If our hatred of evil is genuine, we are thankful when the Word reproves even the evil which we suspected not.

This was the experience of David: "Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way" (Psalm 119:104). Observe well, it is not merely "I abstain from," but "I hate". Not only "some" or "many", but "every false way." And not only "every evil," but "every false way."Therefore I esteem all your precepts concerning all things to be right, and I hate every false way" (Psalm 119:128).

But it is the very opposite with the wicked: "Seeing you hate instruction, and cast My Words behind you" (Psalm 50:17). In Proverbs 8:13, we read, "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil," and this godly fear comes through reading the Word. Rightly has it been said, "Until sin is hated - it cannot be mortified. You will never cry against it, as the Jews did against Christ. Crucify it, Crucify it! - until sin is really as abhorred as He was!

5. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word causes a forsaking of sin. "Let every one who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity" (2 Timothy 2:19). The more the Word is read with the definite object of discovering what is pleasing and what is displeasing to the Lord, the more will His will become known, and if our hearts are right with Him the more will our ways be conformed therein. There will be a "walking in the truth" (3 John 4).

At the close of 2 Corinthians 6 some precious promises are given to those who separate themselves from unbelievers. Observe there, the application which the Holy Spirit makes of them. He does not say, "Since we have these promises - be comforted and become complacent thereby" - but "Since we have these promises - let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." (2 Corinthians 2:1).

"Now you are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you." (John 15:3). Here is another important rule by which we should frequently test ourselves: Is the reading and studying of God's Word producing a purging of my ways? Of old the question was asked, "How shall a young man cleanse his way?" and the Divine answer is "by taking heed thereto according to Your Word." Yes, not simply by reading, believing, or memorizing it, but but by the personal application of the Word to our "way." It is by taking heed tosuch exhortations as flee from sexual immorality, flee from odolatary, flees these things - a covetouslove for money, flees also youthful lusts - that the Christian is brought into practical separation from evil; for sin has not only to be confessed, but forsaken. (Proverbs 28:13).

6. An individual is spiritually profited, when the Word fortifies against sin. The Holy Scriptures are given to us not only for the purpose of revealing our innate sinfulness, and the many, many ways in which we come short of the glory of God - but also to teach us how to obtain deliverance from sin, and how to be kept from displeasing God. "Your Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11).

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 4)

The Scriptures And Sin # 2

 The Scriptures And Sin # 2

2. An individual is spiritually profited, when the Word makes him sorrow over sin. Of the stoney-ground hearer it is said that he "hears the Word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the Word, he quickly falls away. (Matt. 13:20-21). But of those who were convicted under the preaching of Peter, it is recorded that they were cut to the heart. (Acts 2:37).

The same contrast exists today. Many will listen to a flowery sermon, or an address on "prophecy" that displays oratorical powers exhibits the intellectual skill of the speaker - but which, usually contains no searching application to the conscience. It is received with approhbation, but no one is humbled before God or brought into a closer walk with Him through it.

But let a faithful servant of the Lord (who by grace is not seeking to acquire a reputation for his "brilliance" bring the teaching of Scripture to bear upon character and conduct, exposing the sad failures of even the best of God's people - and though the crowd will despise the messenger, the truly regenerate will be thankful for the message which causes them to mourn before God and cry, "Oh, what a wretched man that I am!"

So it is in the private reading of the Word. It is when the Holy Spirit applies it in such a way that I am made to see and feel my inward corruption, that I am really blessed.

What a word is that in Jeremiah 31:19: "After I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh; I was ashamed, yes, even confounded." Do you, my reader know anything of such an experience? Does your study of the Word produce a broken heart and lead to a humbling of yourself before God? Does it convict you of your sins in such a way that you are brought to daily repentance before Him? The paschal lamb had to be eaten with "bitter herbs" (Exodus 12:8); so as we really feed on the Word, the Holy Spirit makes it "bitter" to us before it becomes sweet to our taste.

Note the order in Revelation 10:9. "So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, "Take it and eat it. It will be bitter in your stomach, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey." This is ever the experimental order: there must be mourning, before comfort (Matt. 5:4); humbling, before exalting (1 Peter 5:6).

3. An individual is spiritually profited, when the Word leads to confession of sin. The Scriptures are profitable for "reproof" (2 Timothy 3:16), and an honest soul will acknowledge its faults. Of the lost it is said, "For everyone who loves evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved" (John 3:20). "God be merciful to me a sinner!" is the cry of a renewed heart, and every time we are quickened by the Word (Psalm 119) there is a fresh revealing to us and a fresh owning by us of our transgressions before God. "He who covers his sins shall not prosper; but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). There can be no spiritual prosperity or fruitfulness while we conceal within our hearts our guilty secrets; only as they are freely owned before God, and that in detail, shall we enjoy His mercy.

There is no real peace for the conscience and no rest for the heart, while we cherish unconfessed sin. Relief comes when it is fully unbosomed to God. Mark well the experience of David. "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer (Psalm 32:3-4). Is this figurative but forcible language unintelligible upon you? Or does your own spiritual history explain it? There is many a verse of Scripture which no commentary but that of personal experience can satisfactorily interpret. Blessed indeed is the immediate sequel here: "Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD" - and You forgave the guilt of my sin." (Psalm 32:5).

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 3)

The Scriptures And Sin # 1

 The Scriptures And Sin # 1

There is grave reason to believe that much Bible reading and Bible study of the last few years has been of no spiritual profit to those who engaged in it. Yes, we go further; we greatly fear that in many instances it has proved a curse rather than a blessing. This is strong language , we are well aware, yet no stronger than the case calls for. Divine gifts may be misused, and Divine mercies abused. That this has been so in the present instance, is evident by the fruits produced. Even the natural man may (and often does) take up the study of the sciences. Where this is the case, his store of knowledge is increased, and so also is his pride. Like a scientist engaged in making interesting experiments, the intellectual searcher of the Word is quite elated when he makes some discovery in it; but the joy of the latter is no more spiritual than would be that of the former. Again, just as the successes of the scientist generally increase his sense of self-importance and cause him to look with disdain upon others less knowledgeable than himself- so alas, is it often the case with those who have investigated Bible numerics, typology, prophecy, and other such subjects.

The Word of God may be taken up from various motives. Some read it to satisfy their literary pride. In certain circles it has become both the respectable and popular thing to obtain a general acquaintance with the contents of the Bible, simply because it is regarded as an educational defect to be ignorant of them. Some read it to satisfy their sense of curiosity, as they might any other book of note. Others read it to satisfy their sectarian pride. They consider it a duty to be well versed in the particular tenets of their own denomination and so search eagerly for proof-texts of their own denomination and so read it for the purpose of being able to argue successfully with those who differ from them. But in all this, there is no thought of God, no yearning for spiritual edification - and therefore no real benefit to the soul.

Of what, then, does a true profiting from the Word consist? Does not 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 furnish a clear answer to our question? There we read, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Observe what is here omitted: the Holy Scriptures are given us not for intellectual gratification or carnal speculation, but to furnish unto "every good work," and that by teaching, reproving and correcting us. Let us endeavor to amplify this by the help of other passages.

1. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word convicts him of sin. This is the first office to reveal our depravity, to expose our vileness, to make known our wickedness. A man's moral life may be irreproachable, and his dealings with his fellows may be faultless; but when the Holy Spirit applies the Word to his heart and conscience, opening his sin-blinded eyes to see his relation and attitude to God, he cires, "Woe is me, for I am undone!" It is in this way that each truly saved soul is brought to realize his deed of Christ" (Luke 5:31). Yet it is not until the Spirit applies the Word in divine power, that any individual is made to feel that he is sin-sick, sick unto death.

Such conviction that brings home to the heart that the awful ravages which sin has wrought in each person, is not to be restricted to the initial experience which immediately precedes conversion. Each time that God blesses His Word in my heart, I am made to feel how far, far short I come from the standard which He has set before me, namely, "But just as He who called you is holy - so be holy in all you do" (1 Peter 1:15).

Here, then is the first test to apply: As I read the woeful failures of different ones in Scripture, does it make me realize how sadly like unto them I am? As I read of lthe blessed and perfect life of Christ, does it make me recognize how terribly unlike Him I am?

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 2)

The Word of God # 3

 The Word of God # 3

This book is infallible - here are no mistakes, misquotations, or exceptions, all is the Word of God, and worthy of God.

This book is lively - it gives life, quickens the dull and sleepy, and preserves the life given.

This book is ministerial - being the seed of God, the scepter of the Messiah, and the sword of the Spirit.

This book is necessary - for our information, consolation, and establishment.

This book is nourishing - it strengthens our faith, animates our hope, and quickens our love.

This book is conquering - it overcomes satan, destroys sin, and leads sinners as willing captives to the Prince of peace.

This book is original - nothing is borrowed, stolen, or altered - all is of divine origin.

This book is penetrating - it wounds the heart, pierces the conscience, and divides between soul and spirit.

This book is perfect - as a whole, and in every part; it contains a perfect system of doctrine, a perfect code of precepts, and a perfect variety of truth to meet every possible cause.

The Bible is compared to a fire, that burns; a hummer, that breaks; a sword, that pierces and slays; a light, that shines in a dark place; a lantern, that guides the feet; milk, which nourishes and feeds; a suit of armor, which protects the person; incorruptible seed, which always brings forth fruit.

It is called the Word of God, the word of righteousness, the word of reconciliation, the word of life, the word of faith, the word of salvation, the word of grace, the word of truth, the faithful word, a more sure word of prophecy, the word of the saint's testimony, and the word of Christ.

Jeremiah exclaims, "Your words were found, and I ate them; and your word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart!"

David appeals to the Lord and says, "Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I will delight myself in your statutes, I will not forget your word. Your word is very pure, therefore your servant loves it. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night - that I may meditate on your word."

Jesus said, "The Scriptures testify of Me."

Paul insists, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

O, for greater love to the Scriptures - that we may know them, enjoy them, conform to them, exercise faith in them, and make them our delight! May we read them daily, pray over them constantly, meditate on them frequently, and manifest their holy tendency in life and death. May our memories be  stored with them, our hearts be sanctified by them, and our lives correspond with them.

O may these heavenly pages be

My ever delight;

And still new beauties may I see,

And still increasing light!

~James Smith~

Affliction - The Lot of Saints Below

 Affliction - The Lot of Saints Below

While I am mortal, I must taste of the waters of Mara; drink of the cup of adversity; and swim the tempestuous ocean. It is the perfection of angels, that they could never experience the pain of mental disquiet, or the pangs of anguish. And it is the happiness of departed saints, to obtain joy for mourning, a crown for crosses; and to forget their misery, if not wholly, yet to remember it as waters, once swelled to a dreadful flood - but which now have forever flown away. It is, then the misery of the sons of men, only while here, to be, as it were, a mark set up for the arrows of tribulation, and to be engaged in constant war, and in perpetual broils. But it is the privileges of the Christian soldier to wear the shield of faith, with which he shall be able to quench the fiery darts of satan, and to ward off the sling-stones of tribulation which pelt him from every quarter. How, then, may I triumph under all my afflictions? Consider,

1. Afflictions come from God, whatever, be the instrument. "You have chastised me, and I was chastised - you have afflicted me in faithfulness."

2. Afflictions are sent out of love. "Whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives."

3. Afflictions are for my good. "Our human fathers punished us for a short time, as it seemed right to them; but God does it for our own good, so that we may share His holiness."

4. Afflictions are for the exercise of grace, even of that noble grace of faith. "Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

5. Afflictions are noble antidotes against, and preservatives from sin. "Before I was afflicted, I strayed - but now I keep Your Word."

6. Afflictions assimilate the saints to their glorious Head, their sympathizing and feeling High Priest, who was a "man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." In the work of redemption, the Captain of their salvation was made perfect through sufferings.

7. Afflictions give a general disgust of all created things, and prove the creature to be subject to vanity; hence, says one much tempered in affliction, "I have seen an end of all perfection."

8. Afflictions teach humanity and sympathy to fellow-creatures in the same circumstances. 

9. Afflictions make very humble, and break the haughty mind and being down the lofty thought.

10. Afflictions make the man rightly exercised therein, to know himself, and think on his former ways; to resort often to the throne of grace, go often to God.

11. Afflictions give clear and certain proof of the providence of God.

12. Afflictions prepare for glory, and make us fit to join the company of those who came out of great tribulation.

Shall I, then, despise the discipline of heaven, from which none are exempted, no, not even the Son of God? Yes, all the heirs of glory are brought up in the school of the cross. O royal privilege, inestimable blessing, to be under the care of heaven!

 Who then, should bind His power, or doubt His faithfulness? God will never break His Word, whatever men may think; nor falsify His faithful promise. Cursed unbelief implies, that either God promises what He never intends to perform, or what He is not able to perfect; both which are blasphemous!! 

Take courage, O my soul! and mind that in a little while - and sin will be no more, and sorrow will be no more, and temptations will be no more, and troubles will be no more; and time will be no more! But yet a little while, and love, and life and light, and liberty, and joy, and glory, rapture and delight - in a word, God and all His fullness - are yours for evermore!

~James Meikle~

The Word of God # 2

The Word of God # 2

This holy writing is intended for earth, it is placed before our eyes to be copied into our memories, and observed in our lives. The world has it, the church owns it, and every part of God's family may equally enjoy it. It is intended for the whole of this life, to be used through our entire journey - but will be dispensed with when we get home. It is here in written characters, there in substance, and both here and there prized and enjoyed. It is here to be read, believed, and tasted; but its fullest blessings are reserved for that better land. Now we need it, while on earth we cannot dispense with it - but in heaven we shall be able to do without it.

This book is pure - unmixed with error, untainted by sin, and worthy of a holy God.

This book is true - and may therefore be firmly believed, implicitly trusted, and unreservedly depended upon.

This book is sure - and cannot possibly deceive, lead astray, or sanction a mistake.

This book is right - being in perfect accordance with the holiness, justice, and grace of God.

This book is divine - the offspring of God, bearing the impress of divinity, and is always acknowledged by Jehovah when pleaded at His throne.

This book is spiritual - and therefore cannot be understood by the carnal, the worldly wise, or anyone who is untaught of God.

This book is mysterious - containing mysteries which are to be believed, reverenced, and acknowledged,  though never in this world to be fully comprehended.

This book is excellent - in its matter, style, and design.

This book is extensive - embracing more than the human mind can contain, then any creature could invent, or the whole of time will unfold.

This book is firm - and cannot be removed, driven out of the world.

This book is full - containing all that is necessary, ornamental, or useful.

This book is feeding - it feeds the memory, the intellect, and the heart.

This book is filling - it satisfies the illiterate, the learner, and the scholar.

This book is glorious - and glorifies God, the Saviour, the Holy Spirit, and the church.

This book is harmonious - every part accords, harmonizes, and agrees.

This book is honest - it exposes, commends, and reproves, as the case may be.

This book is immutable - it can undergo no change in its doctrines, requirements, or promises.

This book is irrevocable - heaven and earth may pass away, but its predictions, threatenings, and promises shall stand forever.

This book is invitings - forGod stoops to write, instruct, and give wisdom to worms.

This book is incomparable - it never had, has not now, nor ever will have - an equal!

~James Smith~

(continued with # 2)