“Praise and thankfulness be the only heavenly work that can be done on earth; the only joyful employment that shall last to all eternity in another life; a work that should…continually glorify God; yet how unthankful are most professors?”
“Are not we unmindful of the gracious dealings of God with us? Have not we forgotten the God of our salvation, and been “unmindful of the rock of our strength?’”
“I wonder not that many complain of their decays of love to God, while they forget his wonders of grace and love to their souls.”
“And did we oftener recount the mercies of God, they would work endearments betwixt God and our souls: did we consider what a wonder it is that God should draw us out of nothing; that he who stoops to “behold the things of heaven” should put his finger to our workmanship: that he should curiously work us, as needle work, in the dark vaults of nature; and that when we were fuller of sin than the toad of poison, that yet he should feed a toad and clothe a cockatrice: the fire of love to God would burn within our breasts. How is God provoked by this sin?
“God took it ill at the hands of the Israelites that they “remembered not his hand; nor the day in which he delivered them:” how much more do we grieve the Lord, who remember not the goodness and salvation of the Lord in Canaan, yea, in Zion? How have we forgot the God that bridled nature’s proud waves and said, “Hither to ye shall go and no further?” When we were ripe for judgment then mercy stepped in, and yet how slow to give thanks?”
“Did not he present the face of Christ as lovely to thy soul, who before was “despised and rejected?” And hath not Christ fed thee with fresh supplies of free grace that have watered thy soul every moment so that you have been “Kept through his mighty power?” And yet, O wretched heart! How unthankful hast thou been? “Thou hast forgotten all his benefits.”
The above quote comes from “A Gospel Glass”, by Lewis Stuckley. While reading, my mind was filled with the many scriptures where God had commanded that His people remember, that they be careful to diligently pass all God had entrusted to them down to their children. The Psalms rehearsed over and over the greatness, goodness, and loving kindnesses of God. The prophets time and time again lamented that the people had forgotten, they did not consider, somewhere along the way they neglected to set their mind on the things of God, they became indifferent to the God of their salvation. They no longer talked with their children of the things of God as commanded. They no longer retained God in their minds, and eventually, they were “destroyed for a lack of knowledge.”
I wanted to end the post with the words “Thou hast forgotten all his benefits,” for those are truly heartbreaking words. How could we forget Christ? What loathsome, wicked and ungrateful creatures we are. For the words are true, our Beloved puts His hand on the latch, yet we are too comfortable and drowsy (our minds filled with what?), to arouse ourselves and go to Him. And even after we have so sorely mistreated Him, He doesn’t forsake us, but stands behind the lattice to allure us back to Him, then we remember His beauty and worth, we sing His praises and search for Him, no longer resting content in the fog of forgetfulness. And yet, we forget.
But, that is not where Mr. Stuckley stopped. Like the prophets of old, he felt obligated to warn his readers of the consequences of such ungrateful forgetfulness.
“A man would think it were impossible that every unpleasing providence should make us so forgetful of all the mighty works that have been done within doors upon our souls. How just is it with God to plague us for this our unkindness unto him? “because thou hast forgotten,” “therefore the harvest shall be all an heap.” In the beginning all succeeded well according to our desire: “In the day the plant grew, and in the morning the seed flourished;” but because of unthankfulness extreme misery followed. Wonder not that the showers are withheld; that the Lord causeth the sun to set on the prophets at noon-day; that the manna falls not at your doors; that the “hidden manna” and “white stone” are denied you; you have been unthankful – you have “not taken care for the fragments that nothing be lost.”
May we be brought to repentance before the warning of this dear saint becomes our reality.
“God knows what a controversy there is with the land for the unthankfulness of them that dwell therein. Because you have not served God with joy and praise in the days of plenty, therefore it is but a righteous thing that you serve in scarcity and famine of bread – of the word of the Lord.”
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Follow holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” ~ Matthew 5:8
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:” ~ Colossians 1:12
The following quote is from John Owen as he discusses “The Necessity of Evangelical Holiness.”
“Follow holiness,” saith our apostle, “without which no man shall see the Lord;” for it is the “pure in heart” only that “shall see God.” It is hereby that we are “made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light.” Neither can we attain it before we are thus made meet for it. No unclean thing, nothing that defileth or is defiled, shall ever be brought into the glorious presence of this holy God. There is no imagination wherewith mankind is besotted more foolish, none so pernicious, as this, that persons not purified, not sanctified, not made holy, in this life, should afterward be taken into the state of blessedness which consists in the enjoyment of God. There can be no thought more reproachful to his glory, nor more inconsistent with the nature of the things themselves; for neither can such persons enjoy him, nor would God himself be a reward unto them. They can have nothing whereby they should adhere unto him as their chiefest good, nor can they see any thing in him that should give them rest or satisfaction; nor can there be any medium whereby God should communicate himself unto them, supposing them to continue thus unholy, as all must do who depart out of this life in that condition. Holiness, indeed, is perfected in heaven, but the beginning of it is invariably and unalterably confined to this world; and where this fails, no hand shall be put unto that work unto eternity.”
“All unholy persons, therefore, who feed and refresh themselves with hopes of heaven and eternity deceive themselves. Heaven is a place where as well they would not be as they cannot be; in itself it is neither desired by them or fit for them.”
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3
“There is, therefore, a manifold necessity of holiness impressed on us from the consideration of the nature of that God whom we serve and hope to enjoy, which is holy.”
“Our concernment and interest in God, both here and hereafter, do depend on our being holy.”
Owen has strong words for those who hold to antinomianism:
“He that thinks to please God and to come to the enjoyment of him without holiness makes him an unholy God, putting the highest indignity and dishonor imaginable upon him. There is no remedy; you must leave your sins or your God.”
And lest his readers conclude that he had veered off course into works righteousness, he continues:
“It is true, that our interest in God is not built upon our holiness; but it is as true that we have none without it. Were this principle once well fixed in the minds of men, that without holiness no man shall see God, and that enforced from the consideration of the nature of God himself, it could not but influence them unto a greater diligence about it than the most seem to be engaged in.”
May we all take seriously these words of caution and encouragement; the Scriptures clearly show the necessity of holiness. Those who are justified are also being sanctified. The process of sanctification in our “here and now” is preparing us, “making us meet” for the enjoyment of God for all eternity.
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” ~ Hebrews 12:1
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
John Owen on Evangelical Holiness
“The design of God in working grace and holiness in us is, that “we may be conformed unto the image of his Son, that he may be the firstborn among many brethren,” Romans 8:29; and our design in the attaining of it is, first that we may be like him, and then that we may express or “show forth the virtues of him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light,” unto his glory and honour, 1 Peter 2:9. To this end he proposed, in the purity of his natures, the holiness of his person, the glory of his graces, the innocency and usefulness of his conversation in the world, which in all things we ought to conform ourselves. And as the nature of evangelical holiness consists herein, - namely, in a universal conformity unto him as he is the image of the invisible God, - so the proposal of his example unto us is an effectual means of generating and increasing it in us.”
“But there is yet more in this matter: for, 1st. As God hath appointed the consideration of Christ as an especial ordinance unto the increase of holiness in us, so his holy obedience, as proposed unto us, hath a peculiar efficacy unto that purpose beyond all other instituted examples; for, - (1st) We are often called to behold Christ, and to look upon him, or it is promised that we shall do so, Isaiah 45:22; Zechariah 12:10. Now, this beholding of Christ, or looking on him, is the consideration of him by faith unto the ends for which he is exhibited, proposed, and set forth of God in the gospel and promises thereof. This, therefore, is an especial ordinance of God, and is by the Spirit made effectual. And these are two: - [1st] Justification; [2dly] Salvation, or deliverance from sin and punishment. “Look unto me,” saith he, “and ye shall be saved.” This was he on the cross, and is still so in the preaching of the gospel, wherein he is “evidently crucified before our eyes,” Galatians 3:1, lifted up as the brazen serpent in the wilderness, John 3:14,15, that we, looking on him by faith, as “bearing our sins in his own body on the tree,” 1 Peter 2:24, and “receiving the atonement” made thereby, Romans 5:11, may through faith in him be justified from all our sins, and saved from the wrath to come. (2dly) He is of God proposed unto us in the gospel as the great pattern and exemplar of holiness, so as that, by God’s appointment, our beholding and looking on him, in the way mentioned, is a means of the increase and growth of it in us. So our apostle declares, 2 Corinthians 3:18, “We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” That which is proposed unto us is, the “glory of God,” or the “glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, “chapter 4:6; that is, God gloriously manifesting himself in the person of Christ. This we are said to “behold with open face.” The veil of types and shadows being taken off and removed, faith doth now clearly and distinctly view and consider Jesus Christ as he is represented unto us in the glass of the gospel; that is, the evidences of the presence of God in him and with him, in his work, purity, and holiness. And the effect hereof is, that we are, through the operation of the Spirit of God, “changed into the same image, “or made holy, and therein like unto him.”
“To believe in Christ for redemption, for justification, for sanctification, is but one half of the duty of faith; - it respects Christ only as he died and suffered for us, as he made atonement for our sins, peace with God, and reconciliation for us, as his righteousness is imputed unto us unto justification. Unto these ends, indeed, is he firstly and principally proposed unto us in the gospel, and with respect unto them we are exhorted to receive him and believe in him; but this is not all that is required of us. Christ in the gospel is proposed unto us as our pattern and example of holiness; and as it is a cursed imagination that this was the whole end of his life and death, - namely, to exemplify and confirm the doctrine of holiness which he taught, - so to neglect his so being our example, in considering him by faith to that end, and laboring after conformity to him, is evil and pernicious. Wherefore let us be much in the contemplation of what he was, what he did, how in all instances of duties and trials he carried himself, until an image or idea of his perfect holiness is implanted in our minds, and we are made like unto him thereby.”
“That which principally differenceth evangelical holiness, with respect unto the Lord Christ, from all natural or moral habits or duties, and whereby he is made sanctification unto us, is, that from him, his person as our head, the principle of spiritual life and holiness in believers is derived; and by virtue of their union with him, real supplies of spiritual strength and grace, whereby their holiness is preserved, maintained, and increased, are constantly communicated unto them."
“But there is yet more in this matter: for, 1st. As God hath appointed the consideration of Christ as an especial ordinance unto the increase of holiness in us, so his holy obedience, as proposed unto us, hath a peculiar efficacy unto that purpose beyond all other instituted examples; for, - (1st) We are often called to behold Christ, and to look upon him, or it is promised that we shall do so, Isaiah 45:22; Zechariah 12:10. Now, this beholding of Christ, or looking on him, is the consideration of him by faith unto the ends for which he is exhibited, proposed, and set forth of God in the gospel and promises thereof. This, therefore, is an especial ordinance of God, and is by the Spirit made effectual. And these are two: - [1st] Justification; [2dly] Salvation, or deliverance from sin and punishment. “Look unto me,” saith he, “and ye shall be saved.” This was he on the cross, and is still so in the preaching of the gospel, wherein he is “evidently crucified before our eyes,” Galatians 3:1, lifted up as the brazen serpent in the wilderness, John 3:14,15, that we, looking on him by faith, as “bearing our sins in his own body on the tree,” 1 Peter 2:24, and “receiving the atonement” made thereby, Romans 5:11, may through faith in him be justified from all our sins, and saved from the wrath to come. (2dly) He is of God proposed unto us in the gospel as the great pattern and exemplar of holiness, so as that, by God’s appointment, our beholding and looking on him, in the way mentioned, is a means of the increase and growth of it in us. So our apostle declares, 2 Corinthians 3:18, “We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” That which is proposed unto us is, the “glory of God,” or the “glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, “chapter 4:6; that is, God gloriously manifesting himself in the person of Christ. This we are said to “behold with open face.” The veil of types and shadows being taken off and removed, faith doth now clearly and distinctly view and consider Jesus Christ as he is represented unto us in the glass of the gospel; that is, the evidences of the presence of God in him and with him, in his work, purity, and holiness. And the effect hereof is, that we are, through the operation of the Spirit of God, “changed into the same image, “or made holy, and therein like unto him.”
“To believe in Christ for redemption, for justification, for sanctification, is but one half of the duty of faith; - it respects Christ only as he died and suffered for us, as he made atonement for our sins, peace with God, and reconciliation for us, as his righteousness is imputed unto us unto justification. Unto these ends, indeed, is he firstly and principally proposed unto us in the gospel, and with respect unto them we are exhorted to receive him and believe in him; but this is not all that is required of us. Christ in the gospel is proposed unto us as our pattern and example of holiness; and as it is a cursed imagination that this was the whole end of his life and death, - namely, to exemplify and confirm the doctrine of holiness which he taught, - so to neglect his so being our example, in considering him by faith to that end, and laboring after conformity to him, is evil and pernicious. Wherefore let us be much in the contemplation of what he was, what he did, how in all instances of duties and trials he carried himself, until an image or idea of his perfect holiness is implanted in our minds, and we are made like unto him thereby.”
“That which principally differenceth evangelical holiness, with respect unto the Lord Christ, from all natural or moral habits or duties, and whereby he is made sanctification unto us, is, that from him, his person as our head, the principle of spiritual life and holiness in believers is derived; and by virtue of their union with him, real supplies of spiritual strength and grace, whereby their holiness is preserved, maintained, and increased, are constantly communicated unto them."
"As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." ~ 1 Peter 1:14-16
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;" ~ 1 Peter 2:9
Monday, February 1, 2010
Darkness Defeated by Light
The darkness and blindness that is in man by nature results in vanity of mind, understanding, heart and will, bondage to sin and death.
Scripture tells us of the solution and exalts the means our Father has decreed to end this horrible condition of our soul.
The following quotes are from John Owen discussing the state of all unregenerate men and the only hope, given to us in Scripture, that any have of coming forth from “death unto life.”
“All men by nature, not enlightened, not renewed in their minds by the saving, effectual operation of the Holy Spirit, are in a state of darkness and blindness with respect unto God and spiritual things, with the way of pleasing him, and living unto him. Be men otherwise and in other things never so wise, knowing, reasoned, and skillful, in spiritual things they are dark, blind, ignorant, unless they are renewed in the spirit of their minds by the Holy Ghost. This is a matter that the world cannot endure to hear of, and it is ready to fall into tumult upon its mention.”
“By reason of that vice, corruption, or depravation of the minds of all unregenerate men, which the Scripture calls darkness and blindness, they are not able of themselves, by their own reason and understandings, however exercised and improved, to discern, receive, understand, or believe savingly, spiritual things, or the mystery of the gospel, when and as they are outwardly revealed unto them, without an effectual, powerful work of the Holy Spirit, creating, or by his almighty power inducing a new saving light into them.”
“It is the work of the Holy Spirit to remove and take away this darkness; which until it is done no man can see the kingdom of God, or enter into it. And this he doth by sending the word of the gospel into any nation, country, place or city, as he pleaseth. The gospel does not get ground in any place, nor is restrained from any place or people, by accident, or by endeavours of men, but it is sent and disposed of according to the sovereign will and pleasure of the Spirit of God. He gifteth, calls, and sends men unto the work of preaching it, (Acts 8:24), and disposeth them unto the places where they shall declare it. Thus the dispensation of the “light of the gospel,” as to times, places, and persons depends on his sovereign pleasure (Psalms 147:19-20).
Scripture tells us of the solution and exalts the means our Father has decreed to end this horrible condition of our soul.
The following quotes are from John Owen discussing the state of all unregenerate men and the only hope, given to us in Scripture, that any have of coming forth from “death unto life.”
“All men by nature, not enlightened, not renewed in their minds by the saving, effectual operation of the Holy Spirit, are in a state of darkness and blindness with respect unto God and spiritual things, with the way of pleasing him, and living unto him. Be men otherwise and in other things never so wise, knowing, reasoned, and skillful, in spiritual things they are dark, blind, ignorant, unless they are renewed in the spirit of their minds by the Holy Ghost. This is a matter that the world cannot endure to hear of, and it is ready to fall into tumult upon its mention.”
“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:5
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19
“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:” Ephesians 4:17-18
“By reason of that vice, corruption, or depravation of the minds of all unregenerate men, which the Scripture calls darkness and blindness, they are not able of themselves, by their own reason and understandings, however exercised and improved, to discern, receive, understand, or believe savingly, spiritual things, or the mystery of the gospel, when and as they are outwardly revealed unto them, without an effectual, powerful work of the Holy Spirit, creating, or by his almighty power inducing a new saving light into them.”
“The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” Matthew 4:16
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Acts 26:18
“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” Ephesians 5:8
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” Colossians 1:13
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” 1 Peter 2:9
“It is the work of the Holy Spirit to remove and take away this darkness; which until it is done no man can see the kingdom of God, or enter into it. And this he doth by sending the word of the gospel into any nation, country, place or city, as he pleaseth. The gospel does not get ground in any place, nor is restrained from any place or people, by accident, or by endeavours of men, but it is sent and disposed of according to the sovereign will and pleasure of the Spirit of God. He gifteth, calls, and sends men unto the work of preaching it, (Acts 8:24), and disposeth them unto the places where they shall declare it. Thus the dispensation of the “light of the gospel,” as to times, places, and persons depends on his sovereign pleasure (Psalms 147:19-20).
“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:1-6“Spiritual darkness is in and upon all men until God, by an almighty and effectual work of the Spirit, shine into them, or create light in them.”
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:1-9Darkness defeated by Light. When the "light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ " shines in the hearts and minds of men, the darkness flees, blind eyes see, deaf ears hear, the chains of bondage to sin are miraculously broken, out of certain death comes glorious life. How can we not loudly rejoice with the apostle Paul and sing:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:3-14All to the praise of His glorious grace!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Transformed by Word and Spirit
“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
It is God, through the Word and the Holy Spirit, who shines into our blind hearts and enables what has only known darkness to see the brilliant light of God’s glory in Jesus Christ. Through the faithfully proclaimed Word of God, the Holy Spirit brings life out of death; repentance instead of unbelief, one who was dead in trespasses and sins has now become a “new creature” in Christ Jesus.
God has determined that He will draw men unto Himself through the preaching of His Word. Carl F. H. Henry once said that “The sermon is nothing less than a re-presentation of the Word of God. Sound preaching echoes and re-echoes the gospel;” As the Truth of Scripture is proclaimed externally, the Holy Spirit works internally, illuminating the heart and mind, convicting the hearer of the veracity of what He is hearing. God has given His promise:
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
Mr. Henry further states:
“Only the Spirit’s illumination enables fallen human beings to see the truth of God for what it truly is. The Scriptures convey the truth of God; the Spirit gives life and assurance.”
“God’s purpose in redemption is to deliver otherwise doomed sinners from the penalty and guilt and power – and ultimately from the very presence – of sin, and to restore the penitent to vital fellowship with himself and to righteousness. God’s revelation and redemption have in view a people of God, a transformed humanity.”
“What God proposes to write upon man’s heart deals at once with both divine knowledge and human obedience.”
“God intends that Scripture should function in our lives as his Spirit-illumined Word. It is the Spirit who opens man’s being to a keen personal awareness of God’s revelation. The Spirit empowers us to receive and appropriate the Scriptures, and promotes in us a normative theological comprehension for a transformed life.”
“The Spirit shapes a new mindset for those who were formally hostile to God (Romans 8:5-7), a mindset that prizes God’s truth and stimulates whole hearted obedience to his will. The Spirit, moreover, nurtures a new and godly life and provides the dynamic for defying sin and its temptations. We must remember that the life-giving Spirit by whom God raised Jesus from the dead is already active in Christians, liberating them, as they appropriate his presence and power, from the moral inabilities of their sinful past.”
“What God intends finally to inscribe upon the human heart is his scripturally revealed will. The biblical lifestyle requires absolute commitment to God rather than allegiance to the world; its themes are dying to the world, rebirth in Christ, renewal by the Holy Spirit. Evangelical lifestyle desires divine perspective on human existence – that is, it endeavors to see man and the world through Christ’s eyes, or rather, according to the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5).
“The New Testament writings repeatedly associate the truth of God’s revelation with the transforming power of divine redemption. ‘If any one is in Christ,’ writes Paul, ‘he is a new creature’ (2 Corinthians 5:17).”
Once God has shown in our hearts, to give us "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" we will be changed. Once we truly see and understand the Doctrines of Grace, our hearts will be captured by the infinite worth and beauty of the Lord Jesus. Most assuredly, "Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
It is God, through the Word and the Holy Spirit, who shines into our blind hearts and enables what has only known darkness to see the brilliant light of God’s glory in Jesus Christ. Through the faithfully proclaimed Word of God, the Holy Spirit brings life out of death; repentance instead of unbelief, one who was dead in trespasses and sins has now become a “new creature” in Christ Jesus.
God has determined that He will draw men unto Himself through the preaching of His Word. Carl F. H. Henry once said that “The sermon is nothing less than a re-presentation of the Word of God. Sound preaching echoes and re-echoes the gospel;” As the Truth of Scripture is proclaimed externally, the Holy Spirit works internally, illuminating the heart and mind, convicting the hearer of the veracity of what He is hearing. God has given His promise:
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
Mr. Henry further states:
“Only the Spirit’s illumination enables fallen human beings to see the truth of God for what it truly is. The Scriptures convey the truth of God; the Spirit gives life and assurance.”
“God’s purpose in redemption is to deliver otherwise doomed sinners from the penalty and guilt and power – and ultimately from the very presence – of sin, and to restore the penitent to vital fellowship with himself and to righteousness. God’s revelation and redemption have in view a people of God, a transformed humanity.”
“What God proposes to write upon man’s heart deals at once with both divine knowledge and human obedience.”
“God intends that Scripture should function in our lives as his Spirit-illumined Word. It is the Spirit who opens man’s being to a keen personal awareness of God’s revelation. The Spirit empowers us to receive and appropriate the Scriptures, and promotes in us a normative theological comprehension for a transformed life.”
“The Spirit shapes a new mindset for those who were formally hostile to God (Romans 8:5-7), a mindset that prizes God’s truth and stimulates whole hearted obedience to his will. The Spirit, moreover, nurtures a new and godly life and provides the dynamic for defying sin and its temptations. We must remember that the life-giving Spirit by whom God raised Jesus from the dead is already active in Christians, liberating them, as they appropriate his presence and power, from the moral inabilities of their sinful past.”
“What God intends finally to inscribe upon the human heart is his scripturally revealed will. The biblical lifestyle requires absolute commitment to God rather than allegiance to the world; its themes are dying to the world, rebirth in Christ, renewal by the Holy Spirit. Evangelical lifestyle desires divine perspective on human existence – that is, it endeavors to see man and the world through Christ’s eyes, or rather, according to the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5).
“The New Testament writings repeatedly associate the truth of God’s revelation with the transforming power of divine redemption. ‘If any one is in Christ,’ writes Paul, ‘he is a new creature’ (2 Corinthians 5:17).”
Once God has shown in our hearts, to give us "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" we will be changed. Once we truly see and understand the Doctrines of Grace, our hearts will be captured by the infinite worth and beauty of the Lord Jesus. Most assuredly, "Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Gospel
Dr. Lloyd-Jones has a wonderful book "Expository Sermons on 2 Peter" which were given shortly after World War II. The first chapter begins with 2 Peter 1: 1-3.
"Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" 2 Peter 1:1-3
In this chapter he asks the question, "What is the Gospel?" and he comments as follows:
"The very centre of the Gospel is Jesus Christ, and there is no Gospel apart from Him."
"There are many movements in the modern world that are exhorting people to believe in God and to surrender to God, but I think you will find that in many of them the name of Jesus is never mentioned. They advocate and teach a belief in God; they preach a message that urges people to submit themselves to God; but Jesus Christ is not central, Jesus Christ is not essential. There is no talk about Christ.... To believe in God alone is not enough to make us Christian, to have a general belief in God as Creator and God as Father is not in itself Christian. Peter cannot keep away from the name of Jesus Christ. Christ is there in the very centre and forefront of the picture, in the very salutation and introduction. He shows us what is the very essence of the Christian faith: it is none other than the Person of Jesus Christ Himself."
"The message which the apostles preached round their world was simply that Jesus Christ of Nazareth was none other than the only begotten Son of God, and that He had come on earth for one thing only, and that was that He might bear the sins of man Himself. In Christ God has dealt with the sin of mankind; He has punished sin there, he has done away with it."
"How can man be right with God? Believe that, submit yourself to it, and say: 'I have no righteousness of my own. I accept the righteousness that God gives me in Christ. I am unworthy and sinful, but I can be clothed in the righteousness of Christ; and clothed with that I can stand and face God and the righteousness of God.' That is the essence of the Christian faith."
"The Christian church , therefore, has in this modern world to tell men that they cannot save themselves, that all their efforts and exertions will end in utter futility, but that God has done something in Christ. He has made a new way of righteousness - 'the righteousness of God' - by faith. God tells me that here is the way to get rid of sin and its guilt and power: here is a new nature and a new life and positive righteousness. God is offering a way back to Himself in and through Jesus Christ and Him crucified - that is the nature of faith."
So, as we celebrate Christmas, may we remember the Truth that we celebrate. That without God the Father giving us His Son, born of the virgin Mary, in such a lowly and humble fashion; without Jesus' birth, sinless life, atoning death and resurrection - we would still be lost. Eternally lost. Forever under the wrath and condemnation of a Holy and Righteous God. Never to have His countenance shine upon us in love, for this gift has been given to us only "through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."
Praying that you all will have more than just a Merry Christmas - may you all truly know Jesus Christ whom Christmas celebrates.
"Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" 2 Peter 1:1-3
In this chapter he asks the question, "What is the Gospel?" and he comments as follows:
"The very centre of the Gospel is Jesus Christ, and there is no Gospel apart from Him."
"There are many movements in the modern world that are exhorting people to believe in God and to surrender to God, but I think you will find that in many of them the name of Jesus is never mentioned. They advocate and teach a belief in God; they preach a message that urges people to submit themselves to God; but Jesus Christ is not central, Jesus Christ is not essential. There is no talk about Christ.... To believe in God alone is not enough to make us Christian, to have a general belief in God as Creator and God as Father is not in itself Christian. Peter cannot keep away from the name of Jesus Christ. Christ is there in the very centre and forefront of the picture, in the very salutation and introduction. He shows us what is the very essence of the Christian faith: it is none other than the Person of Jesus Christ Himself."
"The message which the apostles preached round their world was simply that Jesus Christ of Nazareth was none other than the only begotten Son of God, and that He had come on earth for one thing only, and that was that He might bear the sins of man Himself. In Christ God has dealt with the sin of mankind; He has punished sin there, he has done away with it."
"How can man be right with God? Believe that, submit yourself to it, and say: 'I have no righteousness of my own. I accept the righteousness that God gives me in Christ. I am unworthy and sinful, but I can be clothed in the righteousness of Christ; and clothed with that I can stand and face God and the righteousness of God.' That is the essence of the Christian faith."
"The Christian church , therefore, has in this modern world to tell men that they cannot save themselves, that all their efforts and exertions will end in utter futility, but that God has done something in Christ. He has made a new way of righteousness - 'the righteousness of God' - by faith. God tells me that here is the way to get rid of sin and its guilt and power: here is a new nature and a new life and positive righteousness. God is offering a way back to Himself in and through Jesus Christ and Him crucified - that is the nature of faith."
So, as we celebrate Christmas, may we remember the Truth that we celebrate. That without God the Father giving us His Son, born of the virgin Mary, in such a lowly and humble fashion; without Jesus' birth, sinless life, atoning death and resurrection - we would still be lost. Eternally lost. Forever under the wrath and condemnation of a Holy and Righteous God. Never to have His countenance shine upon us in love, for this gift has been given to us only "through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."
Praying that you all will have more than just a Merry Christmas - may you all truly know Jesus Christ whom Christmas celebrates.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Effectual Call
I have been reading “The Divine Covenants” by A.W. Pink and have been thoroughly blessed by the glimpses of God liberally sprinkled throughout this book. One such glimpse is the call of Abraham and the covenant which God made with him. Abram, the son of an idolater, living in a pagan culture, received a call from God. God chose Abram for no other reason than it was His “good pleasure” to do so. Brother Pink discusses the call of Abram and what it reveals about the effectual calling of all God’s elect.
“God said unto Abraham: “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I will show thee.” Those were the terms of the divine communication originally received by our patriarch. It was a call which demanded absolute confidence in and full obedience to the word of Jehovah. It was a call for definite separation from the world. But it was far more than a bare command issuing from the divine authority: it was an effectual call which demonstrated the efficacy of divine grace. In other words, it was a call accompanied by divine power, which wrought mightily in the object of it. This is a distinction which is generally lost sight of today: there are two kinds of divine call mentioned in Scripture, the one which falls only on the outward ear and produces no definite effect; the other which reaches the heart, and moves into a real response.
The first of these calls is found in such passages as, “Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of men” (Proverbs 8:4), and “For many be called” (Matthew 20:16). It reaches all who come under the sound of God’s Word. It is a call which presses upon the creature the claims of God, and the call of the gospel, which reveals the requirements of the Mediator. This call is universally unheeded: it is unpalatable to fallen human nature, and is rejected by the unregenerate: “I have called, and ye refused” (Proverbs 1:24); “And they all with one consent began to make excuse” (Luke 14:18). The second of these calls is found in such passages as “Whom he called, them he also justified” (Romans 8:30); :”Called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
The first call is general; the second, particular. The first is to all who come under the sound of the Word; the second is made only to the elect, bringing them from death unto life. The first makes manifest the enmity of the carnal mind against God; the second reveals the grace of God toward His own. It is by the effect produced that we are able to distinguish between them. “He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice” (John 10:3-4) – follow the example which he has left them (1Peter 2:21). They follow him along the path of self-denial, of obedience, of living to the glory of God. Here, then, is the grand effect wrought upon the soul when it receives the effectual call of God: the understanding is illuminated, the conscience is convicted, the hard heart is melted, the stubborn will is conquered, the affections are drawn out unto him who before was despised.
Such an effect as we have just described is supernatural: it is a miracle of divine grace. Nothing external will suffice to change the depraved heart of fallen man. He may listen to the most faithful sermons, the most solemn warnings, the most winsome invitations, and he will remain unmoved, untouched, unless the Spirit of God is pleased to first quicken him into newness of life. Those who are spiritually dead can neither hear, see, nor feel spiritually.”
Thank you, Father, that you have not left us to ourselves in our blind, deaf and spiritually dead condition. Thank you for the truth of your Word and the sureness of your promise. May the glory of your grace be displayed radiantly forever and ever. Amen.
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Ephesians 1:4-6
“God said unto Abraham: “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I will show thee.” Those were the terms of the divine communication originally received by our patriarch. It was a call which demanded absolute confidence in and full obedience to the word of Jehovah. It was a call for definite separation from the world. But it was far more than a bare command issuing from the divine authority: it was an effectual call which demonstrated the efficacy of divine grace. In other words, it was a call accompanied by divine power, which wrought mightily in the object of it. This is a distinction which is generally lost sight of today: there are two kinds of divine call mentioned in Scripture, the one which falls only on the outward ear and produces no definite effect; the other which reaches the heart, and moves into a real response.
The first of these calls is found in such passages as, “Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of men” (Proverbs 8:4), and “For many be called” (Matthew 20:16). It reaches all who come under the sound of God’s Word. It is a call which presses upon the creature the claims of God, and the call of the gospel, which reveals the requirements of the Mediator. This call is universally unheeded: it is unpalatable to fallen human nature, and is rejected by the unregenerate: “I have called, and ye refused” (Proverbs 1:24); “And they all with one consent began to make excuse” (Luke 14:18). The second of these calls is found in such passages as “Whom he called, them he also justified” (Romans 8:30); :”Called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
The first call is general; the second, particular. The first is to all who come under the sound of the Word; the second is made only to the elect, bringing them from death unto life. The first makes manifest the enmity of the carnal mind against God; the second reveals the grace of God toward His own. It is by the effect produced that we are able to distinguish between them. “He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice” (John 10:3-4) – follow the example which he has left them (1Peter 2:21). They follow him along the path of self-denial, of obedience, of living to the glory of God. Here, then, is the grand effect wrought upon the soul when it receives the effectual call of God: the understanding is illuminated, the conscience is convicted, the hard heart is melted, the stubborn will is conquered, the affections are drawn out unto him who before was despised.
Such an effect as we have just described is supernatural: it is a miracle of divine grace. Nothing external will suffice to change the depraved heart of fallen man. He may listen to the most faithful sermons, the most solemn warnings, the most winsome invitations, and he will remain unmoved, untouched, unless the Spirit of God is pleased to first quicken him into newness of life. Those who are spiritually dead can neither hear, see, nor feel spiritually.”
Thank you, Father, that you have not left us to ourselves in our blind, deaf and spiritually dead condition. Thank you for the truth of your Word and the sureness of your promise. May the glory of your grace be displayed radiantly forever and ever. Amen.
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Ephesians 1:4-6
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)