THE NEW CREATION

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THE NEW CREATION
& Other Sermons
by James Smith
James Smith (1802—1862) was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at
New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841 until 1850. Early on,
Smith's readings were even more popular than Spurgeon’s!
This Literature Provided by:
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Contents
Abide with Me 5
Christ Precious! 20
Christ All in All! 28
Redeeming Love! 38
The One Mediator! 44
Christ Lives in Me 47
The Rest! 57
The Incomparable Rock! 62
Christ Died for Our Sins! 65
SANCTIFICATION 70
More of Christ! More of Christ! 82
Sighing for Jesus! 87
The Love of Jesus! 90
Keep Close to Christ! 94
The Holy Spirit 100
The Great Day! 105
The True Grace of God 108
The New Creation 114
Salvation by Grace! 122
He Ever Lives! 131
Justified by His Blood 136
The Glories of Christ! 140
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Abide with Me
"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,
unless it abides in the vine — neither can you, unless you abide in Me."
John 15:4
Union with Christ is one of the greatest privileges of the believer; and to
be one with Christ is the privilege of every believer. Nor ought anyone
who professes religion to be satisfied without knowing, and daily
realizing — that he is one with Christ. Our comfort, our stability, and
our usefulness, very much depend on this.
The union between Christ and His people is represented by Himself by
the figure of a vine and its branches; teaching us that our union with Him
is as real, as close, and as necessary — as the union of the branch with its
parent stem. O what a glorious privilege to be one with Christ! Thus . . .
receiving all our supplies from Christ,
partaking of the nature of Christ,
bearing fruit like Christ,
being absolutely dependent on Christ for all our spiritual life, vigor, and
strength. Being one with Christ, our Beloved Lord gives us this gracious
and necessary direction, "Abide in Me."
Let us make this the great object of our lives, and keep it constantly
before our minds. And in order that we may be enabled and encouraged
to abide in Jesus — let us consider . . .
what it supposes,
what it requires, and
what it secures.
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Holy Spirit, as the glorifier of Jesus — be our teacher:
unfold the truth to our understandings,
apply it to our hearts, and
write it in large characters upon our memories.
What does abiding in Christ suppose? Of course, that we
are engrafted into Him by a true and living faith, and that we rest alone
on Him for our acceptance with God; for unless we are in union with
Christ — we cannot abide in Him. But being in Christ, in order to our
actual and experimental abiding in Him — we must daily feel our need of
Him. One great part of the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart is to . . .
empty us,
strip us of self,
lead us to feel our own weakness,
and bring us as poor sinners to look to Jesus alone, as our wisdom,
righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
And just in proportion as we feel our need of Christ, and realize our
absolute nothingness without Christ — shall we prize Him, enjoy Him,
and exercise dependence upon Him.
As we must daily feel our need of Christ — so also we must have a
scriptural knowledge of Christ. Just in proportion as we know Christ —
shall we make use of Him, cleave to Him, and rejoice in Him. Well did the
Apostle know how necessary the knowledge of Christ was, and
therefore he prayed for the Ephesians, who knew so much of Christ
already, "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory,
would give unto them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in
the knowledge of Him." And giving expression to the desire of his own
soul, he exclaimed, "That I may know Him, and the power of His
resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made
conformable unto his death."
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O how little do many of us know of Christ, and therefore it is that we
make so little use of Christ, receive so little from Christ, and do so little
for Christ! Our sense of our need of Christ, if it is deep and increasing —
will lead us to seek to know more of Christ; and knowing more of Christ,
we shall daily come to Christ for all our supplies.
This is the next prerequisite to our abiding in Christ, we must come to
Him. We come to Him at first — as poor, lost, helpless sinners, that we
may be saved by his merit and mercy. And as believers, we must
continually come to Him . . .
with all our burdens — that He may bear them;
with all our cares — that He may manage them;
with all our sorrows — that He may sanctify them;
with all our foes — that He may conquer them;
with all our sins — that He may cleanse them;
and with all our needs — that He may supply them.
All that we need is in Christ — and it is in Christ, for us. Our deep
necessity fits us for Christ — and His infinite fullness fits Him for us!
Our trials, troubles, temptations, disappointments, and vexations —
are to teach us our need of Christ; and what we receive from Christ is to
make all these things blessings to us.
Fellowship with Christ is necessary to our abiding in Christ. Peter
describes the Christian life thus: "Coming to Him as to a living stone . . .
you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through
Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:4-5
If therefore we would abide in Jesus, we must more and more feel
our need of Him; we must increase in our knowledge of Him; we must
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seek all our supplies from Him; and realize that we are in union with
Him!
What does abiding in Christ require? Many things — and we will
notice a few of them. We must think of Him, or exercise
the intellect upon Him. As we are capable of thinking, and have the
power of fixing our thoughts upon an object — we must make Christ
the great object of our thoughts, and think of Him. That we think of Christ
so little, so seldom — is one great reason why we enjoy Christ so little.
Beloved, we should think . . .
of His glorious person;
of His free and abounding grace;
of His infinite and everlasting merit;
of His deep and tender sympathy;
of His authority and unlimited dominion;
and of His eternal and changeless love!
We should think. . .
of what He was in glory;
of what He became on earth;
of what He did while here below;
of what He suffered on our behalf; and
of what He is now doing at the right hand of God.
We should think of . . .
His nature,
His offices,
His relations, and
His glorious second advent!
Oh, how much there is in Jesus to occupy our thoughts, and feast
our souls! Is it not astonishing that we do not think of Him more?
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Never, never, shall we enjoy deep spirituality; or rise ahove our doubts
and fears; or rejoice in God; or be very useful among our fellow-men —
unless we think of Christ more!
As we must think of Christ — so we must hear and read of Christ.
The senses should be employed on Christ, as well as the intellect. If we
can hear at all — we should go where we can hear of Christ, not only on
the Lord's day — but on other days too. If we can read at all, we should
read of Christ; and as Christ is the most important subject, and as we
are more deeply interested in Him than in anything else — we should
read of Him most. It is one thing to read religious books — and quite
another thing to read of Christ; for many religious books have very little
of Christ in them. Nor should we so much read what man says of Christ
— as what God says. God's own book should be our book, and we should
read it, that we may know more of Christ, and become more like Christ.
We shall never abide in Christ as we ought, unless we hear more of
Christ, read more of Christ, and think more of Christ. But we must not
stop at thinking, hearing, or reading of Christ — we must
actually commune with Christ. There is often much prayer — and yet little
communion with Christ. We should realize that Christ is present with us.
That we are alone with Him. That he is giving us His whole attention. That
he expects us to tell Him . . .
all that troubles us,
all that grieves us,
all that pleases us,
all that we need, and
all that we desire.
We should keep back nothing from Him — but speak to Him freely on
every subject, and every circumstance. And realizing that Christ is with
us, listening to us, and by sympathy entering into all our circumstances
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— we should expect to receive . . .
intimations of His will,
proofs of His approbation,
communications of His grace, and
the consoling influences of His love.
Our thoughts should ascend to Jesus, and His thoughts should descend
and take possession of our minds. Without more direct, sensible, and
secret communion with Christ — we shall not much enjoy our union with
Christ, or attend to the admonition to abide in Him.
Having communion with Christ — we must trust Him. He requires us . . .
to treat Him with confidence;
to believe what He says;
to expect what He promises;
to do what He bids us.
We must trust him with the salvation of our souls, and having put them
into His hands, having committed them to His keeping — we should
rest satisfied that He will save them. We must trust Him with the body as
well as the soul, believing that He feels an interest in the one as well the
other. Yes, we must ask Him to work in us to will and to do of His good
pleasure; to fulfill in us all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the
work of faith with power. And we must trust for temporal concerns also,
looking to Him for food and clothing, as well as for grace and glory.
We do not half trust the Savior as we ought. Our confidence in Him is
not worthy of Him. Our doubts, fears, and misgivings dishonor Him.
Let us therefore seek grace that we may trust in Him at all times; trust
Him for all, and trust Him notwithstanding all.
As we must trust Jesus, so we must identify our cause with His. Christ and
His people are one. As the branch and the vine are one, as the members and
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the head are one, as the building and the foundation are one — so Christ and
his people are one. He has identified Himself with them — and they
should identify Him with themselves. He has identified His cause with
theirs — and they should identify theirs with His. Jesus takes an
interest in all that concerns them and theirs — and they should take an
interest in all that concerns Him and His. "You are not your own, you
are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your bodies and in
your spirits, which are His."
Christ says, "My person, My obedience, My grace, My Spirit, My word,
My wealth, My glory — is yours! You shall taste My sorrows now — and
share in My throne, kingdom, and glory by and by." We therefore should
say, "My person, my property, my time, my talents, my influence, my all
— is yours. You, O my Savior, shall be honored by . . .
my poverty or wealth,
my adversity or prosperity,
my sickness or health,
my life or my death.
I will be for You, and for You alone now — as I hope to be with You and
like You forever.
Beloved, let us think of Christ more,
let us read of Christ more,
let us commune with Christ more, and
let us identify ourselves with the cause of Christ
— so shall we abide in Him.
What will abiding in Christ secure?
1. It will secure our safety. Noah was not so safe in his ark; Lot was not so
safe in Zoar; the man-slayer was not so safe in the city of refuge — as the
true believer is in Christ. Abiding in Christ, to him there is no
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condemnation; every sin is pardoned; the whole, the perfect, the
glorious righteousness of Christ is his! All the glorious perfections of
His nature are thrown around the man who abides in Him. He is . . .
safe from Satan, who cannot destroy him;
safe from sin, which shall not have dominion over him;
safe from men, for no weapon formed against him shall prosper;
and safe from death, for Jesus has said, "He who keeps My sayings shall
never taste of death." In Christ! his person is secure.
2. Abiding in Christ — all things work together for his good. Happy
believer, no one shall ever pluck you out of your Redeemer's hands, or
sever you from your Savior's love! Abiding in Christ will not only secure
our safety — but our happiness! Happy, thrice happy is the man who is in
Christ.
He is not only pardoned — but justified;
not only justified — but accepted and pleasant in the sight of God;
not only accepted — but adopted, and is God's beloved child;
not only a beloved child — but an heir of God, and a joint heir with
Christ!
Is it not enough to make a man happy, to know that God . . .
has blotted out all his sins;
has given him a glorious, eternal inheritance;
and never looks upon him, but as in Christ, nor treats him otherwise
than as a beloved child?
3. Abiding in Christ not only fixes us in a happy state — but secures
our supplies. All that we need for the body and for the soul, for life and
in death — is provided for us, secured to us, and will be conferred upon us —
as we need it. O how precious the Apostle's words to the Philippians:
"My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by
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Christ Jesus!" Well may our beloved Lord say, "Therefore do not worry
about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." (Matthew 6:34.)
Beloved,
the God who has numbered the very hairs of our heads;
the God who has redeemed our souls from everlasting death;
the God who has made us so one with His Son, that we are forever
united with Him
— this God has provided for all our needs, has promised to supply all
our needs, and will be as good as His Word.
4. Abiding in Christ will also secure our usefulness. We long to be
useful, and by our usefulness to glorify our God, and honor our beloved
Savior. Usefulness does not depend on great gifts, on exalted station, or
on bodily vigor; but it does depend very much on our union to
Christ, communion with Christ, and abiding in Christ. "He who abides in
Me," says Jesus, "and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit." Not only
fruit, you see — but much fruit. O if we were living in close and intimate
fellowship with Jesus, if we were abiding in Him as the branch in the
vine — then how useful we should be!
Let us then be deeply impressed with the consideration that
our safety, happiness, supplies, and usefulness — depend on our abiding in
Jesus! And just in proportion as we wish to . . .
realize our safety,
enjoy solid happiness,
live without care and anxiety, and
to be useful in our day and generation
— shall we endeavor to abide in Jesus.
My dear friends, we live in stirring times, everything is full of life and
vigor — except the Church of Christ, which ought to be more so than
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anything else. We hear of the outpouring of the Spirit, and of a great
revival of religion in another land, and we need the same blessing in
our own. Many seem to be impressed with this fact, and means are
being used to obtain such a blessing. But is it not to be feared that many
are looking to meetings, to excitement, and to the use of means — rather
than to God. And is there not reason to fear that the feelings produced
by exciting circumstances and startling news from abroad, will end with
them? It is not mere excitement that we need — but something purer,
deeper, and more spiritual. We may have physical excitement, mental
excitement, and even spiritual excitement — and it may end in nothing.
We need deep spirituality. We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We
need abiding in Christ, that we may . . .
breathe the spirit of Christ,
copy the example of Christ, and
so be extensively useful in the cause of Christ.
Shall we have a revival of pure and undefiled religion? Shall we be
instrumental in obtaining and bringing about such a blessed state of
things? If so, we must attend to the following things:
First, we must be in Christ. Apart from Christ, without union to Him —
we can do nothing in this matter. As poor sinners, we must feel our
need of Christ, come to Christ, obtain salvation from Christ, and by
faith and love be united to the person of Christ. No union to Christ —
no grace, no spiritual life, no acceptance with God, or access with
confidence to God. Without union to Christ, we have no power with
God; and unless we have power with God, we shall have no power with
man for spiritual and saving purposes.
Second, we must be intimate with Christ. We must live by faith in Him.
We must walk with Him. We must carry everything to Him. We must
seek all we need from Him. We must be constantly . . .
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going to Christ,
conversing with Christ,
and obtaining from Christ.
The branch receives from the vine night and day, summer and winter;
there is a constant communication from the root, through the trunk to the
branches, and hence the buds, the blossoms, and the fruit.
Just so, there must be constant fellowship between Christ and our souls.
The more we receive from Christ, the more we can do for Christ. This
leads me to observe,
Thirdly, that we must act for Christ. There are many things done by
religious people, and in the cause of God — but they are not done for
Christ. Jesus could not say, "You did it unto Me." We may act from pity —
or from pride, for applause — or to satisfy conscience; but we should act
for Christ. The glory of Christ should ever be our aim and end in all our
religious actions. As all that Christ did, as the Savior — he did for us; so
all that we do as Christians — should be done for him.
Now, unless we are in union with Christ, we cannot be intimate with
Christ; so unless we are intimate with Christ, we shall not, in our efforts
and endeavors to do good acts for Christ.
Fourth, we must be like Christ. We may possess His nature, for "if any
man has not the Spirit of Christ — he is none of His." We must become
His disciples, and learn of Him. We must . . .
copy His example,
breathe His spirit,
and imbibe His temper.
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Every Christian should represent Christ in the world, in the family, and
in the Church of God; and if we do not give a fair representation of
Christ — we do not answer the end of our new creation.
Until we are more like Christ, it cannot he said of us, "You are
manifestly declared to be the epistles of Christ, written not with ink — but
with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone — but in the
fleshy tables of the heart." O for grace to make us more like Christ.
Finally, we must receive the Holy Spirit from Christ. The Father
promised to give His Holy Spirit to the Church. When the Son had
finished His work on earth, He went up to Heaven, and received of the
Father the promised Spirit. On the day of Pentecost He sent down that
Spirit into His Church; and by the wisdom, power, and operations of
that Spirit — sinners were converted, the Church increased, and
believers were edified.
Now, the great thing we need for ourselves, is the Spirit in His fullness
and in power. That fullness and power of the Spirit that we need must
be obtained from Christ — but it can only be obtained by close walking
with Christ.
The great thing needed by the Church, in order to its union, harmony,
and increase — is the Spirit in His fullness and in power. That blessing
would . . .
remove our prejudices against each other,
break down all the walls and hedges that keep us asunder,
lead us more fully into the truth,
and fill us with love to one another.
Then we would love one another as Christ has loved us, and this being
the case, the Church of Jesus would soon "appear like the dawn, fair as
the moon, bright as the sun, majestic as the stars in procession!"
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Then the poor, selfish worldlings around us, would be compelled to
exclaim, "See how these Christians love one another!" And then the
conviction would be forced on every conscience, that the religion of
Christ is a divine reality, a holy power, and a supernatural nature.
Nothing will impact the world — like the holiness of the Church! This,
then, is what we need for the Church — not worldly titles, places, or
honors; not worldly wealth, respectability, or distinctions; not so much
great gifts, splendid talents, or powerful minds — but the Spirit in His
fullness and in power!
This is the great thing needed by the world. It has the Gospel, the
Christian ministry, the Church, and all various religious societies —
and yet it still lies in the power of the wicked one. There are
comparatively few conversions, while multitudes are hardening in sin.
Nothing but the Spirit in His fullness and in power — will awaken
sinners to a sense of their danger, convince them of sin before God, or
lead them to the Cross for life and salvation. The world is God's enemy.
The world is governed by Satan. The world hates the light. And in this
state it will continue "until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high" —
and then there will be deep convictions, numerous conversions, and the
glory of the Lord will be revealed.
Reader, are you in Christ? This is a very solemn and important question.
Press it home on your heart, nor rest until you can say, "Yes, blessed be
God, through free and sovereign grace — Christ and my soul are one!"
If you are in Christ — are you intimate with Christ? Is there a constant
fellowship carried on between Christ and your soul, in reference to all
things, both temporal and spiritual? Remember, if you are a Christian,
the Lord Jesus feels interested in everything that affects you, however
insignificant it may appear.
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Do you act for Christ? Is the honor and glory of Jesus the great end at
which you aim, the chief object which you have habitually in view?
Think for Jesus.
Speak for Jesus.
Act for Jesus.
Let your whole life be consecrated to Jesus.
May you sincerely say, "For to me, to live is Christ!" — and then for you
"to die will be gain". Whatever you do, do all in the name of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks unto God and the Father by Him.
Are you like Christ! I think I hear you exclaim, "Oh, how faint the
resemblance! If at all like Him — O how little!" Well, friend, if you
would be like Christ, you must be much with Christ; and if you are much
with Christ, you will in Christ see the glory of God, and be gradually
changed "into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit
of the Lord."
Will you receive the fullness of the Spirit from Christ? He has it. He has
promised it. He is prepared to bestow it. But He will have us feel our
need of it, ardently long for it, earnestly seek it, and persevere in our
applications — until we obtain it. In this way the Spirit in His fullness
and power may be obtained — but in no other way. We have not —
because we ask not — or because we ask amiss. Let us come to Jesus as
poor, empty, needy creatures, and seek until we obtain this invaluable
blessing at His hands.
And now to conclude, let us pity the Church — torn and divided,
comparatively powerless and feeble as it is. And for the honor of Christ,
and out of pure love to the brethren — let us set our hearts upon
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obtaining the empowering of the Holy Spirit for it, in greater fullness
than it has been enjoyed by it in our day.
Let us also look with joy on this poor unhappy world, which lies under
sentence of death, only waiting for the day of execution; and let us
endeavor to bring down the Holy Spirit upon it, by earnest, united,
importunate, persevering prayer! Morning, noon, and night — let us
pray for it. In public, in private, and in our families, let us pray for it.
And while we pray that the Holy Spirit may descend upon it, let
us speak to all about us of Jesus, and try, as if all depended on our efforts
— to save souls from death. The secret of success lies here, in our
being united to Christ, abiding in Christ, and acting for Christ; acting for
Christ — as if everything depended on what we do — and yet
depending upon the Holy Spirit — as if everything depended on His
presence, power, and operation alone.
Gracious Lord, make us thorough Christians, and use, oh, use us, to bring
about a revival of pure and undefiled religion, for Christ's sake! Amen.
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Christ Precious!
"Unto you therefore who believe — He is precious!" 1 Peter 2:7
FAITH in Christ is all important. It is both the gift of God's grace — and
yet the exercise of man's heart. It is going to Christ, trusting in
Christ, committing the soul to Christ, and relying alone on Christ.
Wherever there is faith, there is also unbelief, and these two opposite
principles will so contend in the believer's bosom, that he is at times
unable to conclude whether he believes or not. At such times, we should
repair to God's word, and seeking the teaching of the Holy Spirit, search
out the proofs of faith therein contained. Many such proofs are scattered
through the word, and they are simple and satisfactory; but I want to
confine your attention to one, and a very sweet one, "Unto you therefore
who believe — He is precious!"
Consider the FACT: Jesus is precious to all believers. He is prized by them,
they set a very high value upon him. He is enjoyed by them, yes, there is
nothing they enjoy so much. He is an honor to them, and believing on
him is an honor to them.
Every believer VALUES Christ. Let others think of him as they may, all
who are taught of God, think highly of him. They can never honor him
as they wish, or enjoy him to their full satisfaction.
Every believer feels their NEED of him. No weary traveler ever felt his
need of rest, no hungry laborer ever felt his need of food, no
drowning mariner ever felt his need of a life-boat — as the believer has
felt his need of Christ.
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They need to be saved — and only Christ can save them.
They need to be happy — and only Jesus can make them happy.
They need his blood to cleanse them from sin, and procure their pardon.
They need his righteousness to clothe their souls, and justify them before
God.
They need his Spirit to sanctify their nature, and make them fit for
Heaven.
They need his intercession to secure them from evil, and procure for them
good things.
They need his fullness of grace to supply all their needs from earth to
Heaven.
Every believer discovers the exact SUITABILITY of Christ to them.
He is just what they need — He has all that they need.
They are foolish — He has wisdom.
They are unrighteous — and He has righteousness.
They are unholy — and He has holiness.
They are weak — and He has strength.
They are in bondage — and He has redemption.
They are lost — and He has salvation.
In a word, they are led to see that God has stored up everything in Jesus,
and that possessing Him — they have all things!
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Every Christian believes on Him to the saving of the soul. They trust
Him to procure their pardon, peace with God, and everlasting life.
Their heart goes out to Him,
they repose confidence in Him,
they commit their souls to Him,
they build on Him — as God's foundation;
they hide in Him — as the sinner's refuge; and
they trust themselves with Him — as the almighty Savior.
This is faith, and to all who have this faith — Jesus is precious. But He is
only precious to believers. Others do not feel their need of him, do not
see his adaptation to them, and do not depend on him for pardon, peace
with God, and everlasting life.
The apostle gives certain reasons WHY Christ is precious to believers; let
us look at:
The REASONS why Christ is precious. God has laid him for a
FOUNDATION. He is the one foundation of the church, on which the
whole building rests, and from which it derives safety. He is the only
foundation of a sinner's hope. On him we must build for eternity — and
on him alone. He is the foundation of every believer's hope. Only by
building on Jesus — will hope spring up in the soul, cheering and
comforting the heart.
He is the CHOSEN of God. Chosen to be the Savior. Chosen to be the
center of attraction, the source of supply, and the author of eternal
salvation — unto all those who obey him. He was chosen to be the
storehouse of blessings, out of which all who believe in his name shall
be supplied. "For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fullness
dwell."
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He is the CORNERSTONE. That which unites all believers together as
one living temple, and keeps them together to be a habitation of God
through the Spirit. The union, the strength, and the beauty of God's
church, arises from Christ being the cornerstone. He unites all the parts
together, and the whole church to God. He preserves all who believe on
him from apostasy, shame, and danger. "He who believes on him shall
not be conf ounded." Every believer shall be bold in the
judgment, confident in God, and safe — let whatever will come on the
earth. Now, as God's foundation of our hope; as God's elect, or chosen one;
as the glorious uniting cornerstone of the whole church; and as
the Savior from confusion, shame, and danger — He is precious to every
believer.
These are some SEASONS in which Christ is especially precious:
Christ is especially precious when the soul is first converted. When it
emerges from darkness to light. When it sees Jesus as the only and allsufficient
Savior. When venturing on him — it enjoys peace, liberty, and
joy in the Holy Spirit. It sees that all flows from Jesus, and deeply feels
its obligation to Jesus. But for Jesus, all it could look for would be
condemnation, death, and Hell! Through Jesus it enjoys justification,
eternal life, and a good hope of Heaven. O how precious does this
render the Savior!
Christ is especially precious to believers — when the emptiness of the
world is discovered. The soul having tried the world, has found it . . .
false and fickle,
an empty cistern,
a dry well,
a cloud without water,
only vanity and vexation of spirit!
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The Christian has experienced that . . .
the world's pleasures — end in pain,
its honors — end in disgrace,
and its wealth — ends in absolute poverty.
Now turning from the world, to Jesus — it finds . . .
solid happiness,
substantial pleasure,
full supplies.
It obtains . . .
a deep and lasting peace which passes all understanding,
unsearchable riches in Christ, and
honors which will never pass away.
O how precious is Jesus, when this world appears to be a valley of tears!
Almost everything earthly is at times calculated to . . .
cause sorrow,
fill us with sadness,
and draw forth tears.
Losses, crosses, disappointments, and bereavements — all conspire to
make us sad. Earth is to us a Valley of Achor — the place of trouble and
sorrow.
Now turning to Jesus, we find a friend who loves at all times, and a
brother born for adversity.
He makes up for every loss,
He sanctifies every disappointment,
and He fills for us every relation.
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His presence is . . .
like a flowing spring — in a dreary desert,
like a cheering fire — on a piercing winter's night,
and like a happy home — to the exhausted traveler.
O how precious is Jesus now!
Christ is especially precious at the throne of grace. What could we do
without Jesus there? What could we plead? Realizing this, and
perceiving the infinite worth and worthiness of Jesus, and his glorious
sacrifice, and believing that he stands between us and his Father's
justice, how precious Jesus is! We dare not go to the throne without him,
nor expect the least blessing but through him, and for his sake; but with
him, and through him, we may expect the greatest, the richest, the best
blessings, which God can bestow!
Christ is especially precious in seasons of sickness. When shut out from
the world, and obliged to be much alone. When exercised with strong
pain, or extreme weakness. Then, to lie on the sick pillow and meditate
on . . .
what he is,
what he has done,
what he is doing, and
what he has promised to do
— is indeed sweet.
One promise dropped by him into the heart, will raise us above pain
and fear, and fill us with patience, fortitude, and courage.
Christ is especially precious when Satan comes to harass us, and
reflections on the sins and infirmities of our past lives, are calculated to
deject and cast us down.
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Christ is especially precious in the hour of death. However much we may
need Christ in life — we shall need him more in death. He is the only
antidote of death. He alone can give us victory over it. He alone can make
us triumph in it.
How precious have multitudes found Jesus to be in the dying hour! They
have been able to defy its power, smile at its pains, and court its final
stroke! Through him they have cried, and cried in tones of triumph, "O
death, where is your sting! O grave, where is your victory!" Yes, when earth
appears to be receding, and eternity drawing very near to us. When every
earthly prop gives way. When clear light shows us that our very best
works are but splendid sins. O how precious is Jesus then!
His blood and obedience, his word and his grace, his faithfulness and
sympathy, are unutterably precious!
Beloved, do you have this faith, which, renders Christ so precious? If so,
admire the sovereign and distinguishing grace of God, which has conferred
so great a blessing upon you — for not all are given saving faith.
Honor the Holy Spirit, by whose operation this faith was produced in
you.
Realize the importance of this faith, which renders Christ so precious.
It is the eye — which sees the beauty of Christ.
It is the foot — which travels to Christ.
It is the hand — which lays hold of Christ.
It is the mouth — which tastes the sweetness of Christ.
It is the inward principle — which clings and cleaves to Christ.
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Avoid therefore whatever weakens faith, or interrupts its exercise;
and prize whatever strengthens it, and makes it vigorous!
If you do not have this faith, or if you doubt whether you have or not —
cry mightily to God, to send the Holy Spirit, as the Spirit of faith to
produce, or increase it, in you.
If you do not have high and honorable thoughts of Christ,
if you do not prize him as the chief among ten thousand, and altogether
lovely,
if you do not depend entirely on his precious blood and finished work,
for your salvation
— whatever 'faith' you may have — is not that faith which distinguishes
God's elect, which is of the operation of God, and to which the promise
of salvation is made. Look well to it, therefore, that you have this faith,
that you believe on the Son of God, that you believe that Jesus is the
Christ, and trust in him, and love him accordingly, for, "Whoever
believes that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God."
Jesus is precious, says the Word,
What comfort does this truth afford!
And those who in his name believe,
With joy this precious truth receive.
To them he is more precious far,
Than life and all its comforts are;
More precious than their daily food,
More precious than their vital blood.
Not health, nor wealth, nor sounding fame,
Nor earth's deceitful empty name,
With all its pomp, and all its glare,
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Can with a precious Christ compare!
He's precious, in his precious blood.
That pardoning and soul-cleansing flood!
He's precious, in his righteousness,
That everlasting heavenly dress!
In every office he sustains,
In every victory he gains,
In every council of his will,
He's precious to his people still.
As they draw near their journey's end,
How precious is their heavenly friend!
And, when in death they bow their head,
He's precious on a dying bed.
Christ All in All!
When the Holy Spirit works in our hearts as the glorifier of Jesus — he
always lays us in the dust and endears the Savior to our souls. We are
then sure to get some fresh views of him, and he is in our estimation
divinely sweet and glorious. Then we desire, above all things, to exalt
and glorify him, and to be useful to his cause and people. We long for
others to see him just as we do, feeling persuaded that if they did —
they must love, delight in, and adore him. He appears so suitable, and is
in every view we take of him so precious.
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If we look at his PERSON, we see our nature exalted and united to the
Divine; and as the God-man, he is altogether lovely and glorious. We
behold in Him, all the solemn and amiable attributes of Godhead,
united with all the sinless passions and affections of humanity! And,
while we view the Divine perfections and human passions united in his
blessed person — we feel glowing love, and realize inseparable union —
and the joy is sweeter than human tongue can express.
His very nature is love, he possesses a fullness of grace, and his heart
overflows with mercy. Hence, his every action, dispensation, and
word . . .
is mixed with love,
exhibits grace, and
displays mercy.
He is most compassionate, full of pity, and tenderly sympathetic; and
he has displayed and proved it in the most remarkable manner!
This was compassion like a God,
That when the Savior knew
The price of pardon was his blood,
His pity ne'er withdrew!
If we look at his precious NAMES, every one of which is calculated to
endear him to our hearts — he appears altogether suitable and glorious.
He is called JESUS, because he came into our world on purpose to save
sinners, and raise them to glory and immortal life.
He is called CHRIST, because he was anointed, appointed, and
commissioned to save. He engaged in the everlasting covenant, he was
promised to the Old Testament saints, and he appeared in the fullness
of time. He was anointed . . .
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to teach the ignorant,
to atone for the guilty, and
to rule over all who are saved by his grace.
He is called IMMANUEL, God with us — to show that he is able to save all
who come unto God by him, and to manifest the depth of his
condescension and the strength of his love.
His names are numerous, everyone of them is full of meaning, and the
whole united, prove him to be superlatively excellent, and glorious
beyond our powers of description!
Not softest strains can charm my ears,
Like his beloved name;
Nor anything beneath the skies inspire
My heart with equal flame!
If we look at his OFFICES — it endears him to our hearts.
He appears as a PROPHET, to . . .
instruct the ignorant,
lead the blind, and
make the foolish wise.
He . . .
unfolds the Father's mind,
opens the everlasting covenant,
and teaches all his people to profit.
He is a PRIEST, to . . .
atone for the guilty,
reconcile those who are enemies, and
intercede on behalf of transgressors.
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He . . .
satisfies justice,
magnifies mercy, and
brings a holy God and polluted sinners into an honorable union.
He is a KING, and as such he . . .
receives the discontented,
rules over innumerable penitent criminals,
and defends all his subjects from danger.
His power is omnipotent,
his resources are boundless,
his government is peaceful, and
all the statutes of his kingdom are wise, merciful, and just.
Not health, nor wealth, nor sounding fame,
Nor earth's deceitful empty name,
With all its pomp and all its glare,
Can with a precious Christ compare!
If we look at the RELATIONSHIPS of Christ to his people — he rises in
our estimation.
He is our FATHER — to pity the poor returning prodigal, to care for all
who depend on his Word.
He is our HUSBAND — to love, cherish, and honor his beloved bloodbought
bride. He loves her as he loves himself, treats her with
unutterable kindness, and will allow nothing to separate her from his
love.
He is our elder BROTHER, who possesses our nature — and feels deeply
interested in the welfare of every brother and sister. For all he has made
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provision, to everyone has given promises, and the whole shall
ultimately enjoy the best part of God's universe through his grace. He
identifies his interests with ours, pleads the cause of his brethren in
disgrace, and will raise the low-fallen family — to honor and renown.
This causes us to sing —
Jesus my shepherd, husband, friend,
My prophet, priest, and king,
My Lord, my life, my way, my end,
Accept the praise I bring!
If we look at the COMPARISONS which are made use of by the Holy
Spirit to set Christ forth — we behold something more of His
loveliness.
He is compared to a MOTHER, and is said to have more than a mother's
tenderness, kindness, and care.
His concern for His people is constant,
He never loses sight of them for a moment, and
He pledges His Word that He will never forget them!
He is the CITY of REFUGE, with . . .
the broad and clear road,
the gates wide open, and
the hearty welcome awaiting every sinner who approaches to escape the
threatened vengeance!
He is the STRONGHOLD, which emboldens, supplies, and secures all
the prisoners of hope.
He is the ROCK, which shades, shelters, and refreshes the weary
traveler.
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He is the DAY-STAR, which betokens brighter scenes, and guides the
vessel of mercy across the boisterous deep — to the haven of perfect
redemption and safety.
He is the SUN of RIGHTEOUSNESS, whose rising . . .
cheers the benighted pilgrim,
makes glad the weary citizen of Heaven, and
produces moral beauty and fruitfulness in our world.
He is the APPLE-TREE among the trees of the forest . . .
whose blossoms are beautiful,
whose shade is refreshing, and
whose fruit is sweet to the taste.
He is the BREAD of LIFE, which came down from Heaven . . .
satisfying the hungry,
strengthening the weak, and
giving life unto the world.
He is the WATER of SALVATION, which . . .
cleanses the filthy,
refreshes the weary, and
makes glad the city of God.
He is the WAY, which alone leads from sin, condemnation, and wrath —
to life, holiness, and Heaven!
He is the HEAD, which thinks, plans, and contrives for the welfare of
the whole of His mystical body.
He is the DOOR, which admits to . . .
the pastures of Divine truth,
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the privileges of His Church below,
and His Father's glorious presence!
He is the FOUNDATION on which all must build for eternity, and which
alone is able to support our hopes and sustain our souls — amidst the
wreck of matter and the crash of worlds!
He is the CORNER-STONE, which unites, beautifies, and strengthens
the whole building of divine mercy.
He is the TEMPLE, where God . . .
meets with us,
accepts us, and
imparts His blessing to us.
He is the ALTAR, which sanctifies both the gift and the giver.
He is the VINE, which communicates life, nourishment, and
fruitfulness to all its branches.
He is the ROSE of SHARON and the LILY of the VALLEY — fragrant,
lovely, attractive, perfuming, and unequaled in beauty and grace!
He is the BRAZEN SERPENT, which heals easily, instantly, and
perfectly — all who look to Him by faith.
He is the FORERUNNER, who is gone before His flock . . .
removing the obstacles,
marking out the road, and
ready to receive them as they finish their course.
He is the FRIEND . . .
who loves at all times,
whose mind never changes,
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whose love never cools, and
who never neglects a friend in distress.
He is the greatest, best, and most glorious GIFT of GOD — including,
securing, and conferring every good thing upon those who sincerely
receive Him.
He is the KINSMAN . . .
who redeems the forfeited inheritance,
who ransoms all His poor relatives from slavery,
and whose name is held in renown.
He is the LAMB of GOD, who took up, expiated, and forever put away —
the sins of all who trust in His blood.
He is the MESSENGER of the COVENANT, who . . .
brings good news from God,
carries all our requests to God, and
ever stands as a Mediator between us and God.
He is the PEARL of GREAT PRICE, or the priceless pearl, which . . .
all who sincerely seek, find,
all who find, may claim, and
all who possess, are enriched forever!
He is the PHYSICIAN, who . . .
heals all disorders,
restores every patient to perfect health,
and bestows medicine and care, gratis.
He is the RANSOM, which . . .
procured our release,
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ensures our liberty, and
preserves us from going down into the pit!
He is the RIGHTEOUSNESS, which . . .
justifies us from all charges,
entitles us to eternal life, and
enables us to lift up our heads with boldness in God's presence.
He is the TRUTH, which . . .
enlightens the mind,
purifies the heart, and
regulates the life.
He is the FIRE, which . . .
purges our dross,
brightens our graces, and
cleanses our consciences from works which deserve death.
He is the SHEPHERD, who . . .
knows every sheep,
watches over the whole flock, and
never loses a lamb, by disease, accident, or beast of prey.
He is the BISHOP, who . . .
dwells among His people,
consults their welfare, and
imparts His benediction freely.
He is the CAPTAIN of SALVATION, who . . .
collects His soldiers,
disciplines His troops, and
leads them forth to certain victory over sin, the world, and the devil.
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He is the LADDER, by which we . . .
rise from this earth,
lose sight of carnal things, and
ascend to the presence of God!
He is the SURETY . . .
who engaged for us in the everlasting covenant,
who is held responsible for our salvation,
who has pledged to set us before His father's throne forever.
He is the WALL of FIRE, which surrounds, enlightens and infallibly
protects — all His redeemed people!
He is the chief among ten thousand, and the ALTOGETHER LOVELY
ONE!
Precious Lord Jesus, allow me . . .
to know You more fully,
to trust You more heartily,
to serve You more diligently,
to enjoy You more frequently,
to imitate You more closely,
to exalt You more highly, and
to show forth Your salvation from day to day!
Your love — is my Heaven,
Your presence — is my delight, and
Your service — is the joy of my heart!
Let me daily . . .
walk with You,
work for You,
and bring glory to You!
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Oh, send Your Spirit to my poor heart . . .
to exalt You,
to honor You,
to endear You to my soul!
Use me to bring . . .
lost sinners to Your cross,
believers to Your throne of grace,
backsliders to the path of obedience.
Be my . . .
strength in life,
solace in death, and
eternal portion beyond the grave!
Redeeming Love!
"He gave Himself for us — that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous for good works." Titus
2:14
The first and second advent of Christ are frequently presented to our
notice together in the New Testament. The former sometimes
introduces the latter, and sometimes the reverse. In writing to Titus, the
apostle's mind was wafted away by the inspiring Spirit, to the second
coming of the Lord, and he speaks of it as the "blessed hope" of the
church of God, for which believers were looking and longing. Then he
brings forth the end and design of the first advent, and says, "Who gave
Himself for us — that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify
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unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous for good works."
The Glorious FACT. "HE gave Himself!" Yes, Jesus gave Himself for us.
Note the contrast between the Giver — and those for whom He gave
Himself.
The Giver is He who was the only begotten Son of God, the author of
creation, the sustainer of the universe, the brightness of divine glory,
the source and end of all things! He who was proclaimed by the prophet
as "the mighty God, the everlasting Father, and the prince of peace." He
who is declared by the apostle to be "God over all — blessed for
evermore!" He who is "God manifest in the flesh."
"He gave Himself for US." For us — who at the best are mere creatures,
between whom and our Creator there can be no comparison. But it was
not for us as mere creatures — but for us as base, vile, insignificant, and
totally depraved creatures! We had debased ourselves, even unto Hell.
Worse, our nature could not be, for "the human heart is the most
deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked!"
The most exalted, glorious, and holy being in the universe — gave
Himself for the most vile, polluted, and degraded of His creatures! O
how astonishing!
But He volunteered on our behalf, without any solicitation, offering to
become . . .
our Substitute and fulfill the law in our stead;
our Sacrifice, and make a full atonement for our sins; and
our Ransomer, paying the satisfactory price for our redemption.
He engaged to bear the desert of all our sins in His own body — to suffer
all that the inflexible justice of God could inflict on our Surety — and so
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put away our sins forever, by the sacrifice of Himself. He gave . . .
His person — for our persons;
His blood — as our ransom price;
and His life — for our lives.
He gave His entire self, doing and suffering all that was necessary to
secure our release from sin's curse, and our everlasting salvation. O
amazing grace of a gracious Savior!
The OBJECT in View. He gave Himself that He might justly redeem,
ransom, or deliver us — from the guilt, power, and penal consequences
of sin. He gave Himself to expiate the guilt, to destroy the power, and
secure us against the eternal desert of our transgressions. He gave
Himself to purify unto Himself, by fully expiating their sins, a peculiar
people:
a people purchased — to be peculiarly His own;
a people sanctified, separated from all others — to be set apart for
Himself;
a people to be His own subjects — as the King of Zion;
a people to be His own soldiers — as the Captain of our salvation;
a people to be His own servants — as the Lord of the house;
a people to be His own children — as the everlasting Father!
He redeemed us from all who claimed us, and from every claim that
could be made upon us — in order that we might be honorably,
exclusively, and eternally "His own". His own, in the highest, fullest, and
most glorious sense.
His own peculiar people, "zealous for good works." That being
influenced by His love, affected by His example, enabled by His Spirit,
and guided by His word — they may answer the gracious design of God,
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zealously performing "good works, which God has before ordained that
we should walk in them." Thus,
grace is gloriously displayed,
man's salvation is secured, and
God's glory by the good works of His people, is rendered certain!
"He gave Himself!" The love of Jesus is unparalleled. Out of pure love to
us who had no love to Him, nor ever would have had — but for His first
loving us! He gave, not only His time, His labor, His wealth — but
Himself! He gave His entire person as the God-man, the incarnate
Jehovah!
"He gave Himself!" This was more than as if He had given a thousand
worlds — for these He could create with a word!
"He gave Himself," and not merely to live for us, or labor for us — but
even to die for us!
"He gave Himself," and not even to die some easy and honorable death
— but the most painful, shameful death, that man ever invented, or
creature ever suffered!
O wondrous love!
O Jesus, never, never was there love like yours!
Note, the special object that Jesus had in view. "That He might redeem us" —
by a price, which no one but Himself could pay — that He might . . .
satisfy all the demands of law and justice,
acquire a peculiar right to us, and so honorably,
deliver us from every foe,
rescue us from all that is degrading,
and exalt us to the highest honor.
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Jesus would have us to be peculiarly His own, "His own peculiar people,"
which indicates peculiar love, and displays peculiar grace.
Observe, the parties redeemed: Those who were the vilest of His
creatures — but who being claimed for Him, by His Holy Spirit —
became a peculiar people, zealously endeavoring to do just what pleases
Him, and all that pleases Him.
They are brought to have a peculiar knowledge of Him — which leads
them to be peculiarly zealous in endeavoring to please Him.
See, the claim He has to, and upon His people. A more just claim to them
— He could not have, seeing He has given His life, His all — to possess
them! A greater claim He could not have upon them, seeing He has
redeemed them from death, ransomed them from Hell, and purchased
them in order to make them holy, honorable, and happy forever.
Notice then, what He expects from them. He expects zealous obedience. He
expects . . .
that His word be studied,
that His will be consulted, and
that His honor be sought in all they think, speak, or do.
He expects that they will abstain from all sin. Sin brought them into
danger. Sin rendered it necessary that He should suffer, bleed, and die
for them. Sin grieves His love, wounds His heart, and dishonors His
name; therefore He requires them to avoid sin, abstain from sin,
and hate sin!
Reader, what do you think of Jesus?
How do you feel toward Him?
What do you think of His love, His wondrous love?
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What effect has it upon you?
What are your views of sin — all sin?
How do you feel toward sin?
What do you think of good works?
Are you zealously endeavoring to perform them?
And WHY, dear Savior — tell me why,
You thus would suffer, bleed and die?
What mighty motive could you move,
The motive's plain — 'twas all for love!
For love of whom? Of sinners base;
A hardened herd, a rebel race!
That mocked and trampled on your blood,
And trifled with the wounds of God!
They nailed Him to the accursed tree;
They did my brethren — and so did we!
The soldier pierced His side 'tis true;
But we have pierced Him through and through!
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The One Mediator!
"There is one Mediator between God and men — the man Christ Jesus." 1
Timothy 2:5
The mediation of Christ is the glory of the gospel! No one has seen the
glory of the method of grace — who has not distinctly, clearly, and
spiritually seen the nature of the mediation of Jesus. God and man are by
nature separated; nor can they be reconciled or united — but by a
Mediator. The cause of this separation is sin.
The sin of man is rebellion against the just authority of God.
The sin of man is deep-rooted, cruel, and wicked enmity against God.
The sin of man is moral filth, in consequence of which he cannot be
admitted into the presence of God.
Sinful man aims at nothing less than the destruction of the very being
of the absolutely holy God; for if the sinner had the power — he would
chase God Almighty out of all the worlds He has created, and deprive
Him of His existence and very being! The character of man, is that of
the enemy of God — he is the avowed, determined, and implacable
enemy of God! And his enmity is so deep and dreadful — that nothing
short of the divine power and influence of the Holy Spirit can subdue it,
nothing but a new creation can change his character!
How then can such a vile being, in such a dreadful state — be admitted
into the presence of the thrice holy God? Into the presence of that God:
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1. Whose justice demands that the rights of the divine nature be
maintained, and the sins of the sinner be punished!
2. Whose holiness is like a burning, glowing fire, and will not, cannot —
allow anything impure to approach Him!
3. Whose truth is as immutable as His throne, and will not rescind or
falsify His threatenings!
4. Whose power makes earth to tremble, and the perpetual mountains to
bow!
How can such a holy God, and such vile creatures — meet and embrace,
and love each other?
Only through a Mediator, one who can lay his hand upon both!
The Mediator required must be one who can approach to and deal with
God for man; whose dignity, glory, and majesty, are such, that it shall be
no dishonor to Jehovah to admit Him to His council, and enter into
terms with Him for man's redemption.
The Mediator must be one who has ability to prevail with and reconcile
men. He must have power . . .
to subdue the stubborn will,
to cleanse the filthy nature, and
to bring the rebel at a humble suppliant to the divine throne!
He must be willing to undertake this great and arduous work, and to go
through with it, let it cost what it may of toil, suffering, and power.
He must also be acceptable to both parties: God must approve of Him and
be satisfied with Him; and man must acquiesce in his appointment,
office, and work.
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He must be able to meet and fulfill all the conditions of the covenant . . .
obeying the precepts of the law,
suffering its dreadful penalty,
and new-creating the rebel man.
He must therefore be GOD — or how could He . . .
deal with God,
undertake for millions of sinners, and
deliberately engage in such an dreadful work?
If He is not God — then He is infinitely beneath God; for there is an
infinite distance between God and the most exalted creature.
He must also be man, and PERFECT MAN, without spot, or stain of sin
— or how could He obey the law in His life, and suffer its penalty in His
death?
Jesus is BOTH God and man. God by nature, and man by choice — the
God-man, therefore the Mediator.
His WORK was first to lay a foundation for bringing God and man
together upon just and honorable principles — this He did by His
obedience and death. Then He must actually bring the parties together
into friendship and agreement — this He does by His gospel and Holy
Spirit. Then He must keep the parties together, in peace and love — and
this He does bf his intercession, constantly pleading His blood for
sinners in the holiest, and sending down the Holy Spirit to sanctify,
teach and guide them!
As Mediator, He made peace. He proclaims peace, He imparts peace.
He maintains peace. He will introduce His people into perfect and eternal
peace! He stands between God and man as Intercessor with God — and
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as Advocate for them! He is the only medium of access to God; no sinner
can approach God with acceptance — but through Him!
As the medium of communion with God — God can not have fellowship
with us — but through Him.
As the medium of sympathy, He unites God and man so closely, so
tenderly — that every groan touches Him, every sigh touches Him,
every pain touches Him! And in all our afflictions — He is afflicted!
Wonderful union of God and man! Amazing mystery! That God and
man should become one, through Jesus. The rebel and the Sovereign —
one! The vile sinner and the Holiest — one! But so it is, and Jesus will be
our one Mediator to us in ultimate glory forever. There is one Mediator,
and but ONE! We need no more!
Christ Lives in Me
This was part of Paul's experience; and it is part of the experience of
every true Christian. For God's mystery among the Gentiles, is Christ in
us the hope of glory. Satan lived, ruled, and reigned in us once. But
the strong man armed has been conquered and ejected. He worries—but he
cannot devour us. He annoys—but he cannot destroy us. Jesus has entered,
and taken possession. He is acknowledged as the lawful sovereign. He
has put his laws into our hearts, and upon our minds has he written
them. They are our rule. They justify or condemn our conduct.
Conscience is influenced by them, appeals to them, and decides
according to their requirements.
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Christ lives in our hearts, they are his home, his palace, his temple.
There he resides, reigns, and is worshiped. Except the heart worships
him, we cannot justly say, that he lives in us. For he will not enter in any
character but that of king, or for any purpose but to rule. Happy is the
heart where Jesus reigns, where Jesus is worshiped. Reader, have you
this happiness? Let us examine, does Christ dwell in me, does he live in
me?
Yes, Jesus lives in my thoughts. I daily, hourly, think of him. Whatever
subject I forget, I cannot forget Jesus. His name is engraved on my
memory. I think of him with pleasure and satisfaction. My sweetest
thoughts are of Jesus. I love to think of him. I seldom weary of thinking
of him. I think of his person—and adore him; of his blood—and trust
in it; of his righteousness—and desire to be found in it; of his name—
and plead it; of his mercy—and publish it; of his intercession—and
rejoice in it; and of his second advent—and long for it.
I enjoy thinking of Jesus as God, as man, as God man; as on earth, and
as in heaven; of what he did, and what he said; of what he suffered, and
what he procured; his laboring as a servant, and ruling as a sovereign;
of his first coming to atone for sin, and his second coming to glorify his
people. No thoughts please me—like thoughts of Jesus. A low thought
of Christ distresses me; but high and honorable thoughts of him
delight me. May I think of Jesus, while I can think at all. May my last
thoughts in this world, as my soul hovers over the brink of eternity, be
sweet and glorious thoughts of Christ.
Jesus lives in my desires. If I desire any person, it is Jesus. If I desire
any knowledge, it is the knowledge of Jesus. If I desire any pleasure, it is to
enjoy Jesus. If I desire any wealth, it is to possess the unsearchable riches
of Christ. Yes, I cannot be deceived here; my soul desires Jesus—to have
him for my Savior—to possess him for my portion—to enjoy him as
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my pleasure—to walk with him as my friend—to trust him as my Lord—to
worship him as my God—to praise him as my Redeemer—to exalt him as
my boast and glory—to claim and live upon him as my all in all.
In my darkest nights, I desire to see Jesus. In my brightest day, I desire
to realize the presence of Jesus. On the bed of pain, my soul cries out for
Jesus. In health and prosperity, there is still the craving of the soul for
Jesus. I do desire to know him, and the power of his resurrection. I do
desire to be one with him, and enjoy his divine communications. Jesus
is now the first, the last, the grand object of my desire. O, that when
heart and flesh is failing, I may feel as Paul felt, and say as Paul said, "I
have a desire to depart, and be with Christ, which is far better!"
Jesus lives in my affections. I do love him, though I do not love him as I
ought, or as I wish. Nothing has troubled me more than the fear that I
did not love him, or that my love was not spiritual love—that I had
made a mistake in this matter. Yet, surely, if I love anyone—I love Jesus.
I love his people, just in proportion as they appear to me to be like him. I
love his Word, especially when his Spirit shines on the page, and reveals
his glories. I love his ordinances, particularly when I see Jesus to he the
sum and substance of them. I love that sermon most—which most
highly exalts Jesus. I love that hymn most—which is fullest of Jesus. I
love that prayer most—which begins, proceeds, and ends with Jesus. I
enjoy Christian converse, if it is about the person, perfection, work, or
excellencies of Jesus.
I love his dear, dear name. I never weary of it. To me there is none like it.
I love his work though I am but a poor bungling hand at it. I love to think
of his appearing; and the hope of seeing him, being with him, and
being like him—is exquisitely sweet and pleasant to my soul. True, I
sometimes doubt whether I do really love him—but then I am grieved, I
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wish I did, and I feel as if I would give a world to have a heart glowing
with love to him. Could this be the case, if Jesus did not live in me? If he
did not live in my affections? No, no, never! Jesus does live in me, or I
would never feel toward him, his people, his word, his ways, and his
glorious appearing as I do.
Jesus lives in my aims and pursuits. I do aim at his glory. I do endeavor
to pursue after those things which please him. I long to be holy, because
Jesus loves holiness, and commands his people to be holy. I wish to
be useful to his church, and in the world, because it will honor him. The
thought of pleasing Jesus—is most pleasant to me. My aim is to be like
him, to exalt him, to spread abroad the knowledge of his work, and to
render his praise glorious.
The object I pursue, is that for which he lived and died. In my best and
most satisfactory moments, I wish only to purpose, plan, or pursue
what will bring glory and honor to his most blessed name. And that
work appears to me to be comparatively insignificant, which does not
tend to exalt him, to bring sinners to him, or to render his saints more
like him.
Could this be the case if Jesus did not live in me? If he did not live in my
aims and pursuits? No, never. True, I feel, I know, that I often miss the
mark. I often feel another mind working in me. There is flesh as well
as spirit in my nature. There is the old man as well as the new man in my
bosom. I feel at times a deadly conflict, and imperfection is stamped on my
best. Still the bent of my mind is to honor Jesus, the desire of my soul is to
him. I must love him, or I would not think of him as I do; I would not
grieve after his presence as I do; I would not sigh, groan, and cry, to
possess him as my own.
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Nothing is so dreadful, as separation from Jesus. Nothing cuts so
deeply, as the fear lest I should be deceived, or mistaken, or find out at
last that he is not mine. But, I am not deceived, I shall not be separated
from him; for Christ dwells in me. Nor will you, reader, if
your heart responds to what I have written, and your life proves that your
heart is sincere. Christ must dwell in us here on earth—if ever we are to
dwell with Christ in heaven. Christ in the head won't do; it must be
Christ in the heart. Christ on the tongue won't do; it must be
Christ dwelling in me. Holy Spirit! examine the reader's heart, ransack his
soul before his eyes, and allow him to see whether Christ dwells in him
or not—for your mercy's sake.
Abiding in Christ
"No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin
— has either seen Him or known Him." 1 John 3:6
The design of God in the gospel, is to make us like Himself — to
conform us to His beloved Son, who is "the image of the invisible God."
To this end — all the promises, privileges, and precepts of His Word are
directed. At this, the work of the Holy and ever blessed Spirit aims. We
must resemble Him — imperfectly here on earth. We will
resemble Him — perfectly and completely, in Heaven. Christ-likeness is
the object we should constantly keep in view — at this we should
habitually aim. Being justified by grace, we should daily seek to
be sanctified by the Holy Spirit; and that our bodies, souls, and spirits,
should be preserved blameless, unto the coming of the day of God. This
was John's object in writing this epistle, at this he aims directly or
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indirectly in every part of it. "These things write we unto you," he says,
"so that you will not sin." And, "No one who abides in him keeps on
sinning." Here is,
First, A DISTINGUISHING PRIVILEGE. To be in Christ. To abide in
Christ. UNION to Christ, is the most glorious privilege of a child of
God. It is vital and permanent. Faith brings us to the feet of
Christ, love fixes on the beauty of Christ, and the Holy Spirit becomes the
bond that unites us to His person.
Being united to Christ, it becomes our imperative duty, as well as our
high privilege — to ABIDE in Christ. This gives power to prayer, as Jesus
says, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you — you shall ask
what you will, and it shall be done for you." And this is the cause
of fruitfulness. "He who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth
much fruit, for without me," or severed from me, "you can do nothing."
No union — no power; no union — no fruit.
To abide in Christ, is to realize Him as PRESENT with us — and to act us
under His eye. An ever-present Savior is one of our greatest comforts.
Realizing Him as present — we exercise faith in Him, He is the object of
our confidence and trust. Realizing Him as present — we daily set
our love upon Him, He is the object of our affection and delight.
Realizing Him as present — we thus become zealous for Him, and
diligent in His cause. Realizing Him as present — we live
in fellowship with Him. This fellowship is an interchange of thought,
feeling, and purpose; we drink into His Spirit, become of His mind, and
naturally seek His honor. We come to Him — but it is to receive from Him;
and out of His fullness we receive, grace upon grace.
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We are to abide with Him — as our HEAD, who influences us; as the
natural head does the body.
We are to abide with Him — as our HUSBAND, supplying us with all we
need, and taking our cares upon Himself.
We are to abide with Him — as our FOUNDATION, sustaining us, and
bearing the entire weight of our everlasting salvation.
We are to abide with Him — as the VINE, which renews its branches by
sending up the sap which produces the buds, foliage, and fruit. We must
believe in Jesus for influence, supplies, supports, and constant
renewals.
To abide in Christ — is having to do with Christ every day and all the
day — for all we need, desire, or hope for. As the wife abides with her
husband, as the stone abides on the foundation, as the branch abides in
the vine — so we must abide in Jesus. Thus piety becomes our element,
spiritual things become natural, and carnal things lose their power over
us. Here is,
Secondly, The RESULT of this privilege. "No one who abides in Him
keeps on sinning." This does not mean that they are absolutely perfect, or
entirely free from sin; otherwise every believer, would be a sinless
person.
But it means that abiding in Christ, they do not sin DELIBERATELY.
They may be betrayed into sin. They may be overcome by temptation, as
the best of men have been. But they cannot deliberately plan and
execute that sin, which is prohibited by God's holy precepts.
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They cannot sin HABITUALLY. Occasionally they may be overcome —
but the habit of sin is broken. Every believer breaks off his sins, by
righteousness.
They cannot sin FINALLY. Or having fallen, they cannot remain in that
state. Grace within them will work and struggle, until it raises them out
of such a condition.
He who abides in Christ, knows what sin is — in its nature, tendency,
and deserts.
He knows that the nature of sin is contrary to God, turning the back
upon Him, and trampling His law under foot. How can he do this while,
he lives in intimate fellowship with Him?
He knows that the tendency of sin is to alienate him from God, hide his
face, and expose him to His dreaded frown. How then can he indulge it?
He knows that every sin deserves hell, and that every willful sinner
deserves endless banishment from God.
Therefore he does not continue to sin. His heart is set against sin, and
instead of indulging — he mortifies it; instead of yielding to the flesh — he
crucifies it, with its passions and lusts. He thirsts for holiness, as the
thirsty traveler for water! Holiness is the ruling desire of his soul. This
is the great object of his pursuit. This is his chief delight. Often he sighs
and cries out "Oh! to be holy, perfectly and perpetually holy!" Here is,
Thirdly, the proof of a CARNAL state. "No one who continues to sin
has either seen Him or known Him." His creed may be sound. Evangelical
sentiments may float in his brain, like snow flakes in the air. He may be
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able to split hairs in doctrine. But if he sins continually
— deliberately, habitually, and finally — he has never known the Savior.
A carnal state, is a state of ignorance. The carnal man is in darkness.
Christ is not truly perceived or known. Such may be familiar with His
name, and with all the leading facts of His Word — but they do not
know Him. The man who lives in any known sin, has not discerned . . .
the glory of His person,
the nature of His work,
the tendency of His love, or
the design of His gospel.
He has no true faith! Faith is the eye of the soul; Christ is the object placed
before it; and the gospel is the light by which Christ is seen. If the eye
fix on Christ, the heart immediately desires a union to His person, and
is willing to give up everything for this.
Faith sees that He came to put away sin, to destroy the works of the
devil, and to make all those who believe on Him a peculiar people,
zealous of good works.
Faith feels that the tendency of the love of Christ — is to holiness; and
that it constrains all who feel it, to live not unto themselves — but unto
Him who died for them and rose again.
The soul that lives in sin, does not know the design of Christ's death — that
it was to be the death of sin.
The soul that lives in sin, does not know the nature of His love — which is
the great principle of holiness.
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The soul that lives in sin, does not know the life of Jesus, as
the pattern from which every believer is to copy — and the rule which
every Christian is to obey.
No sin is, or can be, sanctioned by the gospel! No sinner, who lives in,
and enjoys sin, can be a Christian. Such are not united to Christ, they
cannot be said to be abiding in Christ.
Union to Christ, is the source of evangelical holiness. No union to Jesus —
no holiness of heart and life. And if there is no holiness of heart and
life — there can be no union to Jesus. As well may the branch grow
without union to the vine — as a Christian be holy without union to
Jesus! And as well may a living branch be united to the vine, and never
put forth leaves or fruit — as a person may be united to Jesus, and not
bring forth the fruits of righteousness.
Indulgence in sin — proves a person to be ignorant of
Christ. Head knowledge he may have — heart knowledge he cannot have.
For just in proportion to our heartfelt, experimental knowledge of
Christ — will be our hatred to sin, fear of sin, and careful departure from
sin.
Union to Christ, if it is real and vital — will destroy the love and power
o f s i n w i t h i n u s ; a n d i f w e a r e n o t d e l i v e r e d f r o m
the bondage and service of sin — whatever may be our creed, profession,
or confidence — we are still strangers to Christ, and separate from Him.
For "No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to
sin — has either seen Him or known Him."
Living faith always . . .
perceives Christ,
receives Christ,
leads to union with Christ,
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consecrates the heart to Christ, and
devotes the life to the service of Christ!
This is the faith which distinguishes God's elect, to which the promise
of salvation is made, and which invariably works by love.
The Rest!
"There remains therefore a rest for the people of God." Hebrews 4:9
There was a rest for Adam in Paradise — which he lost by sin.
There was a rest for Israel in Canaan — which many forfeited by
unbelief.
There is a rest for the Christian in Christ — which can only be enjoyed
by faith.
And there is a rest for all the saints in Heaven — to which we can only be
admitted at death.
To one of the last two, the Apostle refers; some think to the former, and
some to the latter. We shall consider the words as referring to HEAVEN:
our Father's house,
our Savior's home, and
our eternal dwelling-place!
To the weary and way-worn — there is something delightful in the
thought of REST, and they love to think of Heaven as the place where
they shall "rest from their labors."
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REST gives us the idea of . . .
repose — the calm, quiet repose of the soul;
refreshment — the refreshment of the exhausted spirit after conflict,
sickness, or toil;
restoration to vigor — after debility, lassitude, and fainting.
Heaven will be a rest . . .
from sin — which will no more grieve us;
from sorrow — which will no more trouble and distress us;
from fears — which will no more harass and perplex us; and
from conflicts — which will no more agitate and suppress us.
It will be a rest . . .
with God in his glory,
with Jesus in his immediate presence,
with saints and holy angels in full perfection and blessedness.
This rest is FUTURE — it remains for the people of God.
This rest is the object of our hope and DESIRE. We look forward to it,
with holy longing and cheering anticipations.
This rest is PERFECT — free from all mixture of anything that will
agitate, give pain, or cause grief.
This rest is UNINTERRUPTED — nothing will ever occur to disturb,
distress, or agitate us more.
This rest is GLORIOUS — as bright as the meridian sun, as balmy as the
most pleasant morning, as glowing with holiness, splendor, and
majesty.
This rest is ETERNAL — and this is best of all. The possibility of a
change, of a return to former scenes — would spoil all. But that rest will
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e enduring — as changeless as the Divine nature, and as glorious as
the Divine perfections.
Blessed be God for such a rest for the weary, suffering, and downcast
believer in Jesus! Oh, to keep the eye fixed upon it, and
the heart expecting it — amidst all the troubles and trials of time!
This rest is FOR the redeemed people of God. Not for the Jews as such,
nor for the Gentiles as such — but for the Lord's people. The people He
has chosen for himself, as says the Apostle, "God has chosen you to
salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth."
This rest is for the people He claims as his own, being set apart for
himself in his eternal purpose, redeemed to God by the blood of his Son,
out of every nation, country, people, and tongue. He claims them by his
Holy Spirit in the day of his power.
This rest is for the people whom He himself teaches, as Jesus said, "It is
written in the prophets — they shall be all taught of God, everyone
therefore that has heard and learned of the Father, comes unto Me."
Divine teaching is educating for eternity, and God thus educates all his
own people. The people He prepares — for Heaven is a prepared place for
a prepared people. Jesus is gone to prepare the place for the people —
and the Holy Spirit comes to prepare the people for the place. To this
end, He creates them anew in Christ Jesus, and makes them fit to be
partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.
They are now a poor, tried, tempted, and restless people; strangers and
pilgrims upon the earth, as all their fathers were.
Satan tempts them,
sinners try them,
fears harass them,
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Providence perplexes them,
and they often cry out, "O that I had wings like a dove, then would I fly
away and be at rest!"
Believer, let the prospect of this eternal glorious rest, cheer you in toil and
trouble! Your work will soon be finished, your trouble will soon come to
an end, and then the rest — the glorious rest, remains for you! Let it
encourage you to labor and suffer: labor for Jesus, who is preparing the
rest for you; suffer in the cause of Jesus, acquiescing in his will, who
once suffered for you, and now rests as you will soon.
Think of the Christian believers — what they suffered, and how they
suffered; they "joyfully accepted the confiscation of their property,
because they knew that they had better and lasting possessions."
Let your Heavenly rest, quicken your pace homewards! You are going to
a rest — a perfect, uninterrupted, and eternal rest; a rest in Heaven, a rest
with Jesus, a rest in the presence of your God forever; therefore gird up
the loins of your mind, and press on towards the mark, cheered by the
prospect at the end of the race.
Remember, Christian, this rest is SECURE, for Jesus has taken
possession of it for you. "I am going," said He, "to prepare a place for
you." "Where," said the Apostle, alluding to Heaven, "Where the
forerunner has for us entered, even Jesus." Yes, Jesus is gone
there for you, He has taken possession in your name, He is preparing
your place, and will soon come and receive you to himself!
Remember too, that it is NEAR — very near. Perhaps much nearer than
you may think.
You may be sighing, sorrowing, striving, wrestling, doubting, fearing,
and cast down today — and tomorrow you may be in your Heavenly rest!
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Today, you may be lying, like Lazarus, at the rich man's gate, full of
sores; tomorrow, you may be in Heaven!
Today, you may be dwelling in Mesech, or in the tents of Kedar;
tomorrow, you may be basking in the beams of Immanuel's glory!
Today, you may be on the bed of sickness, suffering, and pain;
tomorrow, you may be in the presence of Jesus, where there is no more
pain, neither sorrow nor crying!
Who can tell how near we all are to our Heavenly and everlasting rest?
Remember also, that your very trials, toils, and sufferings here on earth,
may SWEETEN your rest to you! And that soon, very soon — you may be
rejoicing over your present sorrows, and praising God for what now
fills you with grief and sadness. Things will look very different there —
from what they do here. Never, never forget, then, in your darkest nights,
in your most trying days, in the midst of every storm and tempest, when
passing over burning sands and under a scorching sky — that there
remains a rest for the people of God, and a rest for you!
"Arise and depart; for this is not your resting place, because it is defiled,
it is ruined, beyond all remedy!"
"There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary are at rest!"
But, "there is NO REST, says my God, to the WICKED!" His soul is restless
now, and, dying as he is — he will be restless forever. "And the smoke of
their torment rises forever and ever. There is no rest day or night!" O
think of an eternity of unrest! Think of an eternity of toil, agony, and
woe! Think, and so think as to accept and act upon the invitation of
Jesus, who is now at this moment saying unto you, "Come unto me, and
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I will give you rest; take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am
meek and humble of heart, and you shall find rest unto your souls!"
The Incomparable Rock!
"There is no Rock like our God!" 1 Samuel 2:2
As creatures, we all need . . .
an object of trust,
one on whom we can lean,
one in whom we can confide,
one to whom we may look for defense and safety.
As lost sinners, we need more. Every creature has some rock, some object
of dependence and trust; for without this, there would be recklessness
or despair.
Some make a rock of their wealth,
some of their talents,
some of their station,
some of their friends,
some of their good deeds,
some of their religious observances,
some of their name or fame.
But the Christian's rock is his God, that is — God in Christ. Yes, Jesus
is . . .
the foundation of his hopes,
the source of his strength,
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the anchor of his safety, and
the fountain that supplies him!
In Christ, his Rock — he finds honey, and this rock pours out rivers
of oil for him, "He nourished him with honey from the rock, and
with oil from the flinty crag." Deuteronomy 32:13. This rock, Christ — is
the rock of his salvation. This rock of ages — is the rock of his strength.
Of this rock, he can sing, "The Lord is my Rock, my fortress and my
deliverer; my God is my Rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the
horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior!" 2
Samuel 22:2-3
Looking around upon all others he can say, "But their 'rock' is not like
our Rock; even our enemies concede." Deuteronomy 32:31.
There is no rock like our rock:
none so great,
none so ancient,
none so durable,
none so suited to meet all a sinner's needs!
On this rock we build for eternity! We have no doubt that our immortal
interests are safe. To this rock we run for safety, and smile at the
opposition of all our foes. In this rock we hide, and are safe from the
sword of divine justice, as well as the rage of infernal hell. In this rock
we take shelter, and are uninjured by the windy storm and tempest.
From this rock we look for all our supplies — and we are not, cannot be
disappointed. Beneath its shade — we enjoy peace and comfort! In its
cleft — we are safe for evermore!
How gracious, how condescending is our God, to compare himself to
such a natural object, on purpose to . . .
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inspire us with confidence,
arm us with courage, and
fill us with comfort!
How safe, how happy is the believer — having God for his ROCK; for . . .
he builds on a foundation that can never decay,
he trusts in a stronghold that can never be taken,
he hides in a refuge from which he can never be expelled!
How foolish is the lost sinner . . .
to build on the SAND — with a rock so near;
to trust in himself — with such a defense at hand;
to expose himself to his foes — with such a refuge within reach!
Lost sinner! Jesus, in his person, obedience, and blood — is a
firm foundation for you to build on! Jesus in his offices, relations, and
engagements — is a hiding-place where you may find safety, in life and
death, in time and eternity. Come then to Jesus, and build your
i m m o r t a l h o p e s o n h i m . B e l i e v e i n J e s u s , a n d b e
saved perfectly and eternally by him. Hide yourself in Jesus, and then, let
what will happen — you can have no cause of fear, no reason to
be alarmed — for the eternal God is your strength and your portion
forever!
"The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my
Savior!" 2 Samuel 22:47
Great Rock for weary sinners made,
When storms of sin infest the soul;
Here let me rest my weary head,
When lightnings blaze, and thunders roll!
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Within the clefts of his dear side,
There all his saints in safety dwell;
And what, from Jesus, shall divide?
Not all the rage of earth or hell!
O sacred Covert from the beams
That on the weary traveler beat,
How welcome are your shade and streams,
How blessed, how sacred, and how sweet!
And when that awful storm takes place,
That hurls destruction far and near,
My soul shall refuge in your grace,
And take her glorious shelter there!
To shake this Rock your saints are in.
Tempest or storm shall ne'er prevail
'Twill stand the blast of hell and sin,
And anchor sure within the veil!
Christ Died for Our Sins!
"Christ died for our sins!" 1 Corinthians 15:3
What a glorious testimony is this! It is a main feature of Paul's gospel.
He preached it everywhere. He preached it to all. It was much for Christ
to live for us, pray for us, and work for us; but it was much more for
Christ to die for us--to die for our sins! But for our sins, the Son of God
would never have . . .
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ecome man,
lived in poverty with worms below,
suffered and died.
In the cross, we see . . .
the worst atrocity in the universe,
the means of the greatest display of God's love,
and the Savior's wonderful condescension.
But for sin, the Word would never have been made flesh--and the
universe would never have seen God's perfect and complete character
exhibited! The cross is a mirror, in which is seen all His divine attributes,
and glorious perfections. We see God's character fully manifested--in
the salvation of His people. The death of Christ is a subject which fills
the holiest intellect with wonder and astonishment. Only in the
sufferings and death of Christ, is the true nature of sin seen, and the
full glory of God displayed.
"Christ died for our sins," to get rid of our sins. To remove them from
God's sight, that they may not provoke the eyes of his holiness.
To erase them from his book--that justice may not bring them forward at
the grand assize. To give full satisfaction for them, that Satan may not
justly accuse us with them.
Jesus, the Son of God took our nature--that he might be capable of dying
for our sins. He took our place--that he might be allowed to die for us.
Having our nature, and voluntarily coming into our place--he became
our Substitute. He stood for us. He was accepted for us. He engaged to do,
and suffer, all that could be required for our salvation.
His obedience to the law, therefore, was for us.
His sufferings were for us.
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His death was for us.
His obeying the law--was as if we obeyed it.
His suffering the desert of sin--was as if we suffered it.
His dying for our sins--was as if we had died for them.
This being the case, as believers in him, as united to him, as represented
by him--we are free . . .
from all charges,
from all condemnation,
from all just occasion to fear wrath.
"Christ died for our sins," to obtain our eternal redemption. That
redemption, includes . . .
present pardon,
freedom from the law of sin and death,
admission into the presence and favor of God,
complete and eternal deliverance from sin, and all its penal
consequences.
In consequence, the grave must give back our bodies, and they, strong,
spiritual, glorious, and immortal--become the abodes of our sinless
souls forever. Then in the enjoyment of perfect freedom, we shall live
and reign with our glorious Redeemer and Savior, enjoying the smile of
God, and the perfection of holiness and happiness forever!
"Christ died for our sins," and so became our Savior; and becoming our
Savior, He became . . .
our Lord,
our Lawgiver,
our Advocate,
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our Judge,
our all in all.
Christ therefore, as having died for our sins, and as having risen again
for our justification--is the glorious object of our faith, hope, and
affection.
In him we confide;
from him, and through him, we expect every blessing;
and on him our warmest love is fixed.
Blessed Savior, your death prevents our damnation, and your
resurrection secures our everlasting salvation!
We shall never die for our sins--because you have died for them!
We shall never be held in the grave--for your resurrection secures our
deliverance! Our present pardon, peace, and every blessing--come to us
through Christ dying for us! And our perfect sanctification,
resurrection, and glorification, are now certain--because "Christ died
for our sins!"
O my soul, whenever tempted by Satan to despond and give way to
slavish fears, call to mind this glorious truth, "Christ died for our sins!"
O my soul, whenever you have guilt upon your conscience, and
corruption rages like a stormy sea within you--then remember that
"Christ died for our sins!" When your sins stare you in your face, or rise
up like mountains before you--do not forget that "Christ died for our
sins!"
Yes, Jesus died for those very sins which now alarm and terrify you,
which rise up in such horrid forms before you! And such is the efficacy
of His blood--that it cleanses from all sin! No sin is too great, no stain is
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too deep--for it to remove! The vilest sinner, through Christ's precious
blood--shall be as faultless and pure as a holy angel.
Reader, did Jesus die for your sins? If you sincerely believe on him--he
did. Those for whom Jesus died, are by the Holy Spirit convinced of sin,
and are led to exercise sincere faith in him. He who believes, is born of
God; for true faith in Christ, is the effect and proof of the new birth; and
the new birth is produced by the Spirit, to honor Jesus, and that he may
see of the travail of his soul and be satisfied.
If therefore I am born of God, I shall believe in Christ to the salvation of
my soul; and if I believe in Jesus thus--there can be no question that he
died for my sins.
If Christ did not die for them, then we must eternally die. How
infinitely important then is faith in him, for to him give all prophets
witness, that through His name, whoever believes on him, shall receive
remission of sins. "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; but
whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on
him!"
Now from the garden to the cross,
Let us attend the Lamb of God;
Be all things else accounted dross,
Compared with sin-atoning blood!
With thorns his temples gored and gashed,
Send streams of blood from every part;
His back with knotted scourges lashed,
But sharper scourges tear his heart!
Nailed naked to the accursed wood,
Exposed to earth and Heaven above,
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A spectacle of wounds and blood,
A prodigy of injured love!
You who assume his sacred name,
Now tell me, what could all this mean?
What was it, bruised the harmless Lamb?
What was it, pierced his soul--but sin?
Blush, Christian, blush; let shame abound;
If sin affects you not with woe,
Whatever spirit be in you found,
The Spirit of Christ, you do not know.
SANCTIFICATION
That man has fallen from God, and is consequently depraved and polluted,
is a fact so clearly revealed in God's Word, and so evidently proved by
his general conduct — that it cannot be denied, or even doubted by
anyone who believes the inspiration of the Scriptures, or attends to
what is passing around him. That in this state, man is totally unfit to
enter heaven, or enjoy the presence of God on earth — is equally clear.
Man has forfeited all right to happiness, and is destitute of all fitness
for glory. He is a rebel up in arms against God — a sinful and polluted
creature! His unfitness for heaven is radical, for he is entirely depraved,
and the very core of his life is a fountain of impurity — for from within,
out of the heart, proceeds all that is vile, debasing, and offensive to God
— and only such evil things. Every imagination of the thoughts of his
heart is evil, only evil — evil from his youth — evil continually, Genesis
6:5; 8:21.
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He is, in a word, just the opposite of what God made him; when he came
out of the hand of his Maker . . .
he was holy — he is now depraved;
he was light — he is now darkness;
he was strong — he is now weakness;
he was love — he is now enmity against God;
he was in union with God — he is now separated from him;
he was pure — he is now dead in trespasses and sins!
O! fearful state! O! awful condition!
But is this the state of all people? It is! Of every one! Are there no
exceptions? There are none! "For all are gone out of the way, they are
together become filthy!" "There is none that does good — no, not one!"
Psalm 14:1-3. Romans 3:10-18.
Then man's state by nature is really fearful, for he is . . .
God's enemy,
Satan's slave,
sin's representative,
the world's vassal,
and fit fuel for everlasting burnings.
Then heaven is closed against him, for "there shall never enter into it,
anything that defiles;" and "without holiness no one shall see the Lord,"
Rev. 21:27; Hebrews 12:14.
Then there is no hope. Not from the law — or on the ground of anything
a fallen creature can do; but there is hope in the gospel — on the ground
of free and sovereign grace. God has devised and revealed a way by
which . . .
sin can be pardoned,
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the ungodly can be justified, and
the depraved and polluted can be sanctified.
He has set forth the Lord Jesus, that by him, whoever believes in him
should not perish — but have everlasting life. He has graciously
promised his Holy Spirit to those who ask him; and declared further, "I
will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from
you your heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my
Spirit in you, and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep
my laws!" Ezekiel 36:26, 27. A man may be born again, or created anew
in Christ Jesus; and except a man is born again — he can neither see,
nor enter into the kingdom of God, John 3:3, 5.
This naturally leads us to the notice of our subject, which is
SANCTIFICATION. By sanctification, is intended a separation from that
which is evil, and being set apart for that which is good. It is not a change
of place, circumstances, or state; but a change of nature. It has its origin
in the gracious purpose of God, it is the fruit of his good pleasure, for it
is his sovereignty that God sanctifies.
The saints are all sanctified by God the Father — that is, set apart to be
redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and made fit for heaven by the
influence and operations of the Holy Spirit; chosen to salvation,
through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, Jude 1; 2
Thessalonians 2:13.
Sanctification flows from connection with our Lord Jesus Christ, who,
that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside
the gate, Hebrews 13:12. He, the sanctifying Head, sanctifies all of his
members; and, together, they form one holy family, so that he is "not
ashamed to call them brethren," Hebrews 2:11. He is made sanctification
unto all who are in union with himself, 1 Corinthians 1:30.
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But our personal and experimental sanctification, is produced only by the
indwelling and operations of the Holy Spirit; and consists in our
consecration to God and his service. It is the life of God in the soul. A
new creation. A divine nature imparted. A resurrection from the dead.
A new heart is given, a tender heart of flesh. The soul is melted in the
fire of divine love, and molded afresh by the truth. Old things pass
away, and all things become new.
The understanding is illuminated,
the conscience is quickened and cleansed,
the affections are spiritualized and elevated, and
the will is directed into a new channel, so that it chooses the things
which are most excellent.
The work begins with the washing of regeneration, in which the soul
passes from death to life; and is carried on by the renewing of the Holy
Spirit, which continues to quicken and sustain it, Titus 3:5. The
sanctified person is . . .
washed from the filth of sin,
cleansed from the guilt of sin,
and becomes devoted unto God.
The new nature which is imparted produces new sensations — from
which flow, new desires, new fears, and new hopes.
New motives influence the conduct, and new objects engage the attention.
The nature of SIN is discovered and hated,
the practice of sin is deplored and avoided,
the consequences of sin are feared,
and full salvation from sin is sought.
The ways of the Lord appear pleasant,
the time and talents are employed in his service,
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the Bible becomes the daily companion,
the saints appear the excellent of the earth, and
the ordinances of the gospel yield profit and pleasure.
Jesus is now . . .
the object of faith,
the subject of meditation,
and appears altogether lovely.
No sanctified person ever thinks lightly either of sin or the Savior; but
the heart rests on his atonement,
the tongue pleads his name,
the soul thirsts for his grace, and
the whole person seeks shelter and safety in his perfect righteousness.
He is now trusted, loved, and obeyed. He is all in all.
The sanctified man generally enjoys prayer; but he feels that he must
pray when he does not; for prayer is . . .
the vital breath of his soul,
the vent of his sorrows,
the expression of his desires,
and the utterance of his feelings.
He daily . . .
feels more and more his need of Jesus,
observes his numerous defects,
grieves over his departures from God,
repents of every sin, and
longs to be exactly like his dear Redeemer.
He often mourns because he sins against a God so gracious — and yet
rejoices because he is saved in Jesus with an everlasting salvation. He can
only maintain a peaceful, happy conscience by frequent application to
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the open fountain. Nor does he feel quite satisfied, unless he enjoys the
witness of the Spirit in his heart. He walks with God, and habitually
aims to please him. The bent of his mind is to spiritual things, and they
become natural to him — he pursues, loves, and enjoys them.
Sanctification includes all the graces and fruits of the Spirit — as faith,
hope, love, patience, humility, meekness, zeal, long-suffering, joy,
peace, gentleness, goodness, fidelity, and temperance. It is the desire of
the truly sanctified, to do the whole will of God from the heart, and to
suffer all his sovereign will with resignation.
His pattern is the life of Jesus;
his rule is the precepts of the gospel;
and his aim is to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
He is spiritually minded. He lives upon Jesus, and lives to Jesus. As
God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved — he longs to clothe himself
with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,
Colossians 3:12, 13. His daily business is to "add to his faith goodness; and
to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to selfcontrol,
perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness,
brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." 2 Peter 1:5-7
He daily renounces all dependence on his doings and feelings, and rests
on the finished work of Jesus alone, for his acceptance with God, and title
to eternal life. To him . . .
the gospel, which proclaims a full and free salvation by faith alone — is
good news;
holiness is the only element in which his soul enjoys health;
sin and sinners are a constant cause of grief; and
freedom from all impurity is the reigning desire of his heart.
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He . . .
mortifies his members,
crucifies the flesh,
puts off the old man with his deeds,
and lives by faith on the Son of God.
Such is sanctification, as set forth in God's holy Word, and experienced
by the Lord's people.
The AGENT in this great work is the Holy Spirit — to him, and to him
alone, it is to be attributed. It is his office and work to sanctify; and all
real sanctification is . . .
the effect of his indwelling,
the proof of his power, and
the display of his grace.
The Father's love chose us unto salvation;
the Son's blood redeemed us from damnation; and
the Spirit's power sanctifies and makes us fit for glory.
Thus the whole Godhead is manifested, engaged, and glorified, in our
salvation: and Father, Son, and Spirit, are alike known, loved, believed,
and adored.
Sanctification is evidently a principal end of all the purposes, promises,
and operations of the glorious Jehovah.
We are chosen in Christ — that we might be holy, Ephesians 1:4.
We were redeemed by Jesus — to be "a peculiar people unto himself,
zealous of good works," Titus 2:14.
We are "called with a holy calling," 2 Tim. 1:9.
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And we are to be presented before our God at last, "holy, unblamable,
and unreprovable in his sight," Colossians 1:22, Jude 24, 25.
We are now called . . .
"holy brethren," Hebrews 3:1;
"a holy priesthood," 1 Peter 2:5;
"holy and beloved," Colossians 3:12; and
the "holy temple of the Holy Spirit," 1 Cor. 3:17, 6:19.
"This is the will of God, even our sanctification," 1 Thessalonians 4:3;
and until our sanctification is complete, and we exactly resemble the
Lord Jesus Christ, in body, soul, and spirit — our salvation will not be
finished, nor God's glorious purpose accomplished. We must be like
him, for we are predestined to it: "we shall be like him — for we shall see
him as he is," Romans 8:29. 1 John 3:2.
The temples of the Holy Spirit shall be thoroughly purified!
The bride, the Lamb's wife, shall be free from every spot, wrinkle, or any
such thing!
The children of God shall be perfect — as their Father who is in heaven is
perfect.
The INSTRUMENT by which this work is effected, is the Word of God, the
truth as it is in Jesus. Hence he prayed, "Sanctify them through your
truth, your Word is truth," John 17:17. Every doctrine, promise, precept,
and narrative in God's Word — is of a sanctifying tendency; all teach us
to . . .
avoid sin,
cleave to the Lord, and
perfect holiness in his fear.
"By the Word of God we are begotten again," James 1:18; by the same
incorruptible Word, we are preserved in the faith, 1 John 3:9; and it is said
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to work effectually in all those who believe, 1 Thessalonians 2:13. But it is
the Word as believed, as pleaded at the throne of grace, as obeyed in the
life, for without faith the Word will not profit. Hebrews 4:2. But by
faith, it purifies the heart, Acts 15:9.
Afflictions and trials are often employed to teach us the value, use, and
importance of the Word; and, in connection with the Word,
they further our sanctification. Yes, believer, your sorrows, your
troubles, your bereavements, are all necessary; they are . . .
to wean you from earth;
to raise your thoughts and affections to heaven;
and to urge you on your way to your Father's house!
They are but your Father's voice, saying "Arise and depart; for this is not
your rest; because it is polluted!" Micah 2:10.
Our Father chastens us in love, not for his own pleasure — but for our
profit; that we might be partakers of his holiness, Hebrews 12:10.
Let us therefore prize and use the gospel, seeking to know all that is
included in the apostle's words, when he said, "But we all with open face
beholding, as in a glass, the Lord's glory — are being transformed into
his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord,
who is the Spirit," 2 Corinthians 3:18.
The work of sanctification is PROGRESSIVE.
At first we see the new-born babe, "desiring the sincere milk of the Word,
that he may grow thereby," 1 Peter 2:2.
Then the young man who is strong, and has overcome the wicked one, 1
John 2:14.
At length the father in Christ, who knows him who was from the
beginning, 1 John 2:13.
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There is "first the blade, then the head, and then the ripe grain on the
head." Therefore we are exhorted to . . .
"grow in grace," 2 Peter 3:18;
"purge ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting
holiness in the fear of God," 2 Corinthians 7:1;
"be filled with the Spirit," Ephesians 5:18; and
"to abound in the work of the Lord," 1 Corinthians 15:58.
John, speaking of the present privileges and bright prospects enjoyed by the
saints, says, "And every one who has this hope in him purifies himself,
even as he is pure," 1 John 2:3.
Progressive holiness is just this:
the more entire yielding of the understanding to God's Word;
the more hearty surrender of the will to God;
the more steady fixing of the affections on heavenly things;
and the more complete consecration of the entire person to the Lord's
glory.
Who will say that he is completely sanctified? Rather, what believer will
not readily acknowledge that there is in his heart and life — room for
more seriousness, humility, zeal for God, thankfulness, prayerfulness,
faith, hope, love, patience, and meekness? Surely every Christian will
say, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been
made perfect — but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus
took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken
hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining
toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for
which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus!" Philippians
3:12-14
Reader, are you sanctified?
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What are your views of SIN? Is it in your estimation, the abominable
thing? What are your feelings towards sin? Do you hate it? Do
you mourn over it? Do you confess it with sorrow before God? Do
you turn away from it with disgust?
What think you of CHRIST? How do you feel toward him? What know
you of fellowship with God? What is it makes heaven desirable to you?
Is it the holiness of the place, employments, and society? Unless you . . .
hate sin,
loathe self,
prize the open fountain,
cling to Jesus as your only hope, and
pant for holiness as the sick man for health
— your sanctification is very doubtful!
Remember, no holiness — no heaven! You must be born again. You must be
washed, sanctified, and justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by
the Spirit of our God — or you will be found "in the gall of bitterness,
and in the bonds of iniquity."
But we would not distress the weak believer, or wound the feebleminded;
and therefore we observe, that the most thoroughly sanctified,
still feel the warfare within; the law in the members still wars against
the law of the mind, and at times prevails. Corruption will work, Satan
will tempt, and darkness at times gathers over the soul. The work of
sanctification is not perfect, and at times it appears very feeble; but do
not yield to fear, do not give way to despondency. The principles of
grace are immortal, they must live, and shall overcome at the last. Seek
more grace. Seek holiness. Seek it at the cross — at the throne of grace,
from the God of all grace. Seek it by prayer — seek it by faith — seek it
with hope. "The Lord will give grace," Psalm 84:11; he will give "more
grace," James 4:6.
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Let nothing satisfy you but holiness, or entire consecration to God.
Heaven requires it,
the law demands it,
atoning blood gives a title to it,
the promise secures it to every believing applicant,
the throne of grace is accessible, that we may seek it,
the Spirit works it,
trials deepen it,
and the resurrection will complete it.
Your heavenly Father is holy, and he says, "Be holy — for I am holy." "As
he, therefore, who has called you is holy — so be holy in the whole of
your conduct," 1 Peter 1:15, 16.
The more you are sanctified . . .
the deeper will be your humility,
the more vivid your views of sin, and
the stronger your confidence in God.
And yet, perhaps, while others are admiring the consistency of your
life, and, it may be, even envying your attainments — you will be lying
low before God, as the chief of sinners, and occasionally crying out, "O
wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this
death!" Romans 7:24.
For the nearer we are to the Lord . . .
the more vivid and painful our views of sin,
the stronger our desires after perfect holiness,
and the more we value and trust in the finished work of Jesus.
Then the mouth is shut, in point of boasting; but is opened wide to
praise and pray.
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Do not then be discouraged or mistaken — but pour out your heart
before the Lord, and cry mightily to God.
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.
May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ!" 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
More of Christ! More of Christ!
What is it my soul, which causes this uneasiness, this dissatisfaction,
this deep inward yearning after something which you have not, or do not
at present enjoy? I am not at rest. I am not rejoicing in God. I am not
singing from the heights of Zion. Yet, I have no slavish fears, I have no
gloomy doubts of my saving interest in Christ, I have no actual dread of
death or the judgment. But I feel a desire to climb higher, to know more,
and to enjoy the power of religion within — as I have not of late. It seems to
me that all my needs lead me to Christ, and all my desires go out toward
Christ. I want — well, what do I want?
I want to feel more of my NEED of Christ. I have imagined at times, that
I could not have a deeper sense of my need of Christ, and of all that
Christ is, and has — than I have already experienced. But I am
persuaded now that I may, and that only in proportion as I daily feel
my need of Christ — shall I desire to know him, trust in him, and enjoy
him. I know theoretically, that I need Christ in every office which he
sustains, in every relationship which he fills, and in every character which
he has assumed. I need him not only to rescue me from death — but to
feed me, clothe me, teach me, keep me, guide me, and comfort me. I
need him to do all for me, and all within me — which either God, or my
circumstances require. O to feel more of my need of Jesus, that I may not
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e happy one moment — but only as I look to him, lean on him, and
receive from him!
I want to KNOW more of Christ. O how little do I really know of Christ!
I have thought of him, spoken of him, and wrote about him — but how
little I really know of him. I want to know more of the person of Christ,
more of the grace of Christ, and more of the work of Christ. I want to
know more of Christ for me, and more of Christ within me. I want to
know more of the words of Christ, and more of the heart of Christ. I
want to know Jesus as God's Christ — and as my Christ. I want so to
know Christ, as never to doubt his love, question his veracity, or to fear
his coming. Yes, so to know him — as to devote myself wholly to him, and
be ready at any time to depart and be with him!
I want more AFFECTION for Christ. Yes, I want to love Jesus — and to
feel that I love him. I want to love him — and to prove by my
conversation, conduct, and spirit — that I do so love him. There ought
to be no doubt on my own mind on this point — but I should be ready to
say, "I love him — because he first loved me." There ought to be no cause
or occasion for any who know me, to question whether I love him. O no,
his love should so influence my conduct, and his love should so season
my conversation — that all about me may feel sure, that if I love anyone, I
love Jesus. O that the Holy Spirit would shed abroad the love of Christ
in my heart more and more — that my love to him may be as strong as
death!
I want to realize more sensibly my UNION with Christ. Christ is the
head of the church, and all the true members of that church are in
union with him. I cannot but believe that I am one with Christ. I often
feel as if I could not live without Christ. But I want daily and hourly to
live under the impression — that Christ and my soul are one. That I am
a member of his body, of his flesh and of his bones. What privilege can
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exceed this — to be united to Christ! Then, because he lives — I shall
live also. Then he will use his influence for me, spend his wealth upon
me, and desire to have me with him to behold his glory. O Jesus, dwell
more sensibly in my heart, and let me dwell more sensibly in you!
I want more COMMUNION with Christ. Communion flows from union —
and proves its vitality. No union to Christ — no communion with
Christ. And if there is no communion with Christ — then there is no
evidence of union to Christ. The branch being one with the vine —
receives its life, sap, and nourishment from the vine. Just so, we being
one with Christ — receive our spiritual life, holiness, and happiness
from Christ. The member lives, grows, and is strong — because it is in
union with the head. Just so, the believer lives, grows, and is strong —
because he is in union with Christ, the head. In proportion as we realize
our union with Christ, will be the sweetness and constancy of
our communion with Christ. And in proportion to the sweetness and
constancy of our communion with Christ — will be the assurance of
our union to Christ. O for more sweet, sanctifying, and soul-ennobling
communion with Jesus!
I want more ASSIMILATION to Christ. What I see in Christ I admire,
and I admire all that I see in Christ. But admiration is not enough. I want
to be like Jesus, just like him — altogether like him. The more I am with
him, and the more I see of him — the more I sigh, cry, and long to be
like him! I think one may live at such a distance from Christ, and have
so little to do with Christ — that he may not be very anxious or desirous
to be like him. But I am sure that we cannot be much in his company, or
be led by the Holy Spirit, to see much of his moral and spiritual beauty
— but we shall desire to be fully like him. At times, this seems to be the
one thing needful with me, the one thing that I desire of the Lord —
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that I may be like Jesus. But it is not always so, it is not sufficiently so —
therefore I cannot but wish for more assimilation to Christ.
I want to be fully POSSESSED of Christ. Not only to be like him — but to
be with him — not only with him in grace — but with him in glory! I am
sure that I shall never be perfectly satisfied — until I have Christ always
with me — until I am always with him in his Father's home and
kingdom. This is promised me, I must believe the promise, and wait for
its fulfillment. Soon it will be true in my experience, "Absent from the
body — present with the Lord." I shall "depart and be with Christ —
which is far better" than being here, distant from him, and so often
sighing for the enjoyment of him! Then I shall possess Christ! Then I
shall be fully satisfied with the presence of Christ.
O Lord, let me have a deeper sense of my saving interest in Christ now,
let me enjoy more of him while on earth — and then I know that I shall
be satisfied when I awake up in his glorious likeness!
Now it seems to me that these things go together, or naturally follow
each other:
In proportion as I feel my need of Christ — I shall desire to know Christ
— to know him fully, to know him experimentally.
In proportion as I know Christ — shall I desire to set my affections on
Christ, and to love him with an unquenchable love.
Just in proportion to my love to him — will be my desire to realize close
and vital union to him.
In proportion as I realize my union to Christ — shall I want to have and
enjoy communion with Christ.
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In proportion as I enjoy communion with Christ — shall I long
for assimilation to Christ.
And as I long for assimilation to Christ — shall I desire fully
to possess him, and to be forever with him!
Reader, do you know anything about these things? I have written these
lines out of my own heart, and they express the feelings and desires of
my soul.
If I know anything — I do know in a degree my need of Christ.
If I desire anything — I do desire to know Christ.
If I wish to love at all — I wish to love Christ supremely.
If I prize anything — I prize union to Christ.
If I desire anything — I desire communion with Christ.
If I aspire to anything — I aspire to be like Christ.
If I am persuaded that I shall be satisfied with anything — I am
persuaded that I shall be satisfied with the presence and possession of
Christ.
All my religion finds its center in Christ!
My whole creed begins, goes on, and ends with Christ!
I value doctrines — but I set more value on Christ!
I prize ordinances — but I think more highly of Christ!
With me it is — Christ first, Christ middle, Christ last!
Reader, is it so with you?
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Sighing for Jesus!
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God!
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God! When can I go and meet with
God?" Psalm 42:1-2
I have just been reading of the last days of a believer in Jesus, a kind of
reading of which I am very fond. For while I admire the holy and
useful lives of Christians, and look upon them as the best and most
certain evidences of true faith; yet I love to listen to their dying
testimony, and mark how they acted in the swellings of Jordan. I know
what it is to live — but I do not know what it is to die, and therefore as I
must die, and I know not how soon, or how suddenly — I love to
accompany others to the last conflict, and observe how they endure and
overcome.
Death-beds differ, even the death-beds of true believers. Some are filled
with joy, others are only hopeful. Some glide away smoothly and softly
— while others have much hard fighting at the last. Some have no
doubts or fears — while others are very much tried with them. Some
shout victory — others can only say, "I have a good hope." Some speak
much to those about them — others say but very little. This was the case
with the good man I was reading of, his whole dying experience was
comprehended in one sentence, "I am sighing for Jesus!"
He did not sigh for life, nor for ease — but he was sighing for Jesus. I
cannot help observing, how much of my experience now, is expressed
in those words, "I am sighing for Jesus." Yes, yes, I can do without riches, or
fame, or the honor which man confers. I am pretty well content with
what providence sends me — and yet I often sigh, and sigh deeply too.
Some would think me unhappy — but I am not. Some may conclude I
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am discontented with my situation in life — but I am not. Yet I sigh — I
often sigh.
I have read of a bird, which if caught and caged, never ceases to sigh,
until it obtains its liberty, or dies. I am somewhat like that bird, and I
expect I shall continue to sigh — until I obtain my desire. I have had
a glimpse of Jesus — and I sigh for a full view of him. I have tasted the
s w e e t n e s s o f c o m m u n i o n w i t h h i m — a n d I s i g h
for uninterrupted fellowship. I have felt a little of the cleansing influence
of his precious blood, and Holy Spirit — and I sigh for a thorough
cleansing, that I may be perfectly and forever holy. I sigh to be exactly
like Jesus! I sigh to be forever with Jesus! I believe that if I were just like
him, and always with him — that I would sigh no more. But I think
nothing else will put a complete stop to my sighing.
Perhaps someone is ready to say, "Oh, I have often heard you religious
people go sighing about — and I felt sure that you were miserable,
notwithstanding all your pretensions." Stop, not too fast, friend — you
have heard us sigh — but we are not miserable. No, no, we have more of
real happiness while sighing — than you have while singing. We have
been just what you are, and where you are — and know therefore what
you enjoy, and we would not exchange our saddest hours, for your most
joyous ones! We do sigh — but we sing also; and our sighing very
frequently is but like tuning the instrument, in order to the production
of sweet and thrilling music. Our sighs always introduce songs now; and
our sighs on the bed of death — will end in the glorious songs of
Paradise.
We only sigh for what God has promised us. Our sighing is produced by
the sweet and ravishing tastes we have had of the love and grace of
Jesus. We do not sigh for sinful pleasure, or forbidden objects; no, we
sigh for Jesus; that we may know him more perfectly, love him more
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entirely, and enjoy him uninterruptedly! And this we shall do by and by;
the day is coming, and it may be very near, when the days of our
mourning shall be ended, and when we shall heave the last sigh, and
begin the never-ending song. "The ransomed of the Lord will return.
They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their
heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing
will flee away!" Isaiah 51:11
Reader, do you ever sigh? What do you sigh about? Is it only about
worldly disappointments, or earthly trials, or bodily pains? If so, I pity
you, heartily do I pity you, for your sighs will not produce any good
result, "the sorrow of the world," or worldly sorrow, the sorrow of
worldly men about worldly things, "works death." This is the testimony
of God, and it is true, as thousands have already found it, and we fear
that thousands more will.
But are you sighing for something better than you have, something that
will give you solid peace, enable you to pass through life's trials with
confidence, and face death's terrors with courage? If so, go at once to Jesus
— and he will give you what you need, and give it freely. He has inspired
many a timid heart with courage, he has imparted peace to many a
troubled breast, he has given confidence to many a fearful soul, and he
will do the same for you. You may sigh afterwards — but the very nature
of your sighing will be changed, nor will you sigh for the same object.
You will only sigh for more of what you have, for the perfecting of the
work begun.
Timid Christian, take comfort, you are sighing for Jesus; so am I; so was
the dying Christian I was reading of. Our experience is the same,
produced no doubt by the same Holy Spirit, and occasioned by the same
ardent longing for holiness and perfect joy. We belong to the
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same family, are entitled to the same blessings, and are traveling to the
same glorious home!
Our sorrows will soon end, and our sighing forever cease. We shall soon
be with Jesus, like Jesus, and everlastingly employed in praising Jesus;
and then, we shall sigh no more! The experience of the wilderness —
only fits us for the land of rest! The sorrows of earth — only prepare us
for the joys of Heaven!
Let us then sigh — but not be sad. Let us mourn — but never murmur. Let
us carry the cross, face the foe, breast the wave, push on our way
through the desert, and expect the glorious end to crown the whole! In
the field of labor, while at a distance from home, during our conflict
with sin and Satan, with our doubts and fears — it is no wonder that we
sigh! But once at home, once at rest, once with Jesus — we shall sigh no
more! No one ever sighed for Jesus, who did not love him. No one who
ever loved Jesus and manifested it by sighing for him — was ever left to
perish — nor ever will. Then, O then, may I sigh for Jesus while I live;
and when lying on my dying pillow — may this be this my dying
testimony, "I am sighing for Jesus!”
The Love of Jesus!
"I have loved you!" John 15:12
WHOM does Jesus love? Every believer, whatever his outward
circumstances may be. That is, everyone who loves Him — and are in a
measure, like Him. How wonderful that Jesus should love us, who are so
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vile, so debased, so ungrateful! Yes — and it is fact, and He has proved it
in a variety of ways.
He displayed His love BEFORE we knew Him, or were even capable of
doing so — in choosing fallen men to be saved — and not the
fallen angels. They fell as we did — but their nature was more noble,
their fall was from a greater eminence — yet He did not assume their
nature to save them — but He became man to save us! And why? He
tells us, "I have loved you!"
In making a full atonement for our sins, He satisfied justice to the full. He
removed the curse entirely. He produced for us a righteousness,
sparkling with glory beyond the rays of the morning sun! And why? He
tells us, "I have loved you!"
He displayed His love NOW in the following ways:
In conquering all our spiritual adversaries which had overcome us, and had
taken captive our entire race. No human arm was strong enough to
overcome them, no mere creature could escape from them; but He
came, He fought, He conquered, He triumphed in our nature, in our
name, for our sake! And why? He tells us, "I have loved you!"
In going to heaven as our forerunner. He has carried our nature into the
presence of the Father, He has shown that the path to glory is attainable,
and He is now actively employed in heaven preparing places for us!
And why? He tells us, "I have loved you!"
In sending the Holy Comforter, who comes in His name, to quicken, call,
cleanse, and sanctify. By Him we are . . .
converted to God,
prepared for glory,
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endered useful in the present world,
and comforted in all our tribulations.
He was sent by Jesus into the church when first enthroned at the right
hand of the Father. He was sent by Jesus into our hearts! And why? He
tells us, "I have loved you!"
In acting as our intercessor and advocate before the Father. "He made
intercession for the transgressors." He has pleaded for us, He presently
pleads for us, He will continue to plead for us! And why? He tells us, "I
have loved you!"
He has displayed His love in His DEALINGS with us. He found us cruel,
determined, unfeeling enemies to Him. But He reconciled us, made us
friends, and filled us with wonder at His love.
He bore with us, while under conviction of sin, when we thought harshly
of Him, doubted Him, and tried by all possible means to do without
Him.
He keeps us by His power and Holy Spirit, for we cannot be trusted for
one solitary moment!
He only chastens us in love — when he might justly punish us in wrath.
He restores us from all our wanderings, and freely forgives our follies.
He carries on His work within us, and generously supplies all our needs.
He rejoices to save us, though as repulsive as worms, and viler than the
earth!
And He does all this for us, and does all gladly, notwithstanding our
ingratitude, perverseness, and rebellion! And why? He tells us, "I have
loved you!"
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His love is displayed in what He INTENDS to do for us. He will come in
glory and majesty as our Bridegroom, to fetch us home, and openly
marry us, and make us the partners of His throne, triumphs, and glory
forever!
He will separate us from all sin and sinners, and everything that can
pain, trouble, or grieve us.
He will clothe us with glory as bright as the sun, and as lasting as
eternity! He will bring us to reign, and to triumph — and crown us with
glory!
He will fill us with joy unspeakable and full of glory, and give us to
possess more than our eye has seen, or our ear ever heard, or
our heart could ever imagine! And why? He tells us, "I have loved you."
What will he not do for those whom He loves? What has not the love of
Jesus done, or promised to do? It is, it will be, it must be matter of
wonder throughout eternity — that Jesus should love us so — so freely,
so constantly, with love so pure, so unbounded, and so Godlike!
Behold, how He loves us!
Behold, and wonder!
Behold, and praise!
Behold, and love Him in return!
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Keep Close to Christ!
A minister of Christ was dying. He had a young sister whom he tenderly
loved, and in whose welfare he felt the deepest interest. She came to pay
the last visit, and receive from his lips the last words of advice. The
words of a dying minister, realizing the value of the soul, and the solemnity
of eternity, are important words. Taking her by the hand, and fixing his
eyes upon her with a loving look, he said, "Keep close to Christ!" What
could he say of more import? Her life lesson was comprised in four
words, "Keep close to Christ!" She had come to Jesus, she professed love to
Jesus, she found happiness in Jesus; but the dying brother knew the
deceitfulness of the human heart; the power of the world's
fascinations, and the craft and subtlety of Satan, therefore he
exhorts, "Keep close to Christ!" May the Lord give us grace to get near to
him, and then give us more grace, to keep near to him; for alas! how
many of us, like Peter, follow him afar off.
It is an important inquiry, and will repay a few moment's
consideration. What shall we do—to keep close to Jesus?
If we would keep close to Jesus—we must keep close to his
WORD. Here he reveals his mind, displays his love, and exhibits his
beauty. It is a revelation of his deepest, sweetest, kindest thoughts. It is
an exhibition of his infinite, eternal, deathless love. It is a mirror in which
we may see his unparalleled beauty and excellency. No one can keep
close to Jesus, who does not daily, seriously, and prayerfully read his
Word. That word, received into the heart by faith, digested by
meditation, and reduced to practice in the life, will bring the soul and
Christ together. For the more we know of Christ, the more we shall love
him, the more we shall prize, pant for, and seek to enjoy his presence.
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Blessed Spirit, help us so to read the Word, as always to find Christ in it;
and by it endear him more and more unto us, and bring us into closer
fellowship with him.
If we would keep close to Jesus—we must attend to his
ORDINANCES. Gospel ordinances all exhibit Christ, bring us to Christ,
and lead us into fellowship with Christ. Baptism, is a burial with Christ.
The Lord's supper, is feasting with Christ.
Preaching, is publishing Christ.
Hearing is hearing Christ.
Praying is unitedly addressing Christ.
In the ordinances, Christ meets with his people–and manifests himself
to his people. They are the galleries in which he walks. The chambers in
which he rests. The palace in which he is enthroned. Every believer can
say, "We have seen the goings of our God, even the goings of our king in
the sanctuary."
If we would meet with Christ, we must go where he directs us. If we
would speak with Christ, we must go where he grants audience to his
people. If we would keep close to Jesus, we must follow the Lamb
wherever he goes. The footsteps of the flock, indicate that the shepherd
is near; and Jesus has said, "Where two or three are gathered together in
my name—there am I in the midst of them." To despise the ordinances,
is to despise the Savior who instituted them; and to neglect the
ordinances, proves that we do not prize the presence and approbation
of Jesus as we ought. Or, in one word, that we are not anxious to keep
close to Jesus.
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If we would keep close to Jesus—we must THINK much of
Him. Our thoughts always influence our feelings. If we think too much of
carnal things—we are sure to get at a distance from Christ. Christians
often complain that they love Christ so little, enjoy Christ so little,
resemble Christ so little. But how can it be otherwise, when they think of
Christ so little? Jesus should have the cream of our thoughts. We should
direct our thoughts to him often through the day, and fix our thoughts
on him the last thing at night. "As a man thinks in his heart," said
Solomon, "so is he." And this is true in reference to most subjects.
If our thoughts are not with Christ—our hearts are not with Christ. But
we must not merely think of him—but think highly of him; yes,
endeavor to think of him as God thinks of him, and speaks of him in
his Word. Think much of Christ—if you would keep close to Christ.
If we would keep close to Jesus—we must be much in
PRAYER. Prayer brings Christ and the soul together. If I pray, I must
use his name, plead his merits, and rely on his influence—or I cannot
prevail. Many professors are satisfied with certain set periods for prayer,
and if they pray morning and evening—they are satisfied. But if we
would keep close to Christ, we must learn to pray everywhere, to
continue instant in prayer, to pray without ceasing. This proves that
there is life in the soul, even more than set seasons of prayer; and if the
heart is warm, if the desires are strong, if the soul is lively—it will be
very frequently directing up its short, pointed, powerful prayers to
heaven!
If we read much of Christ, and read rightly; if we think much of Christ,
and think pleasantly; we shall be much in prayer to Christ, and thus
shall we "keep close to Christ."
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If we would keep close to Jesus—we must be exercising FAITH in
Him. Not only believing that he is, or that he came into the world to
save sinners—but realizing that he loves us, takes a deep interest in us,
always keeps his eye on us, and is ever with us. We must stay the mind
on Jesus, exercise confidence in Jesus, and look for the incessant
attention of Jesus. A simple faith will view Jesus as taking an interest in
all our affairs—even the minutest; as listening to our cries—even the
feeblest; as prepared to confer on us blessings—even the greatest.
Faith leans on Jesus—as the traveling spouse on her beloved. Faith looks
to Jesus—as the sick man to his physician, and as the poor man to his
generous benefactor. Faith confides in Jesus—as the child does in its
kind and affectionate father. Faith, if Scriptural and lively—is always
going to Jesus—and receiving from Jesus. It carries every care, every
cross, every trial to Jesus; and pleads with him to sanctify it, until he
sees fit to remove it.
Faith sees Christ, when reason cannot discern him. Faith hears Christ,
when sense can detect no sound. True faith and Christ are
never long apart, nor far apart. If therefore we would "keep close to
Christ," we must daily, yes hourly, exercise faith in Christ.
I f w e w o u l d k e e p c l o s e t o J e s u s — w e m u s t L O V E
Him. Nothing brings parties together like love, nor will
anything keep parties together like love. Though love cannot be forced—it
must be fed and nourished. I cannot compel myself to love anyone, by a
mere effort of the will; but I may so think of a person's excellencies, and
speak of a person's virtues, and dwell upon a person's beauty—that I
may fire my heart with love.
If therefore, I would love Jesus, I must read of him, think of him, and get
into his company; and if I do this, I shall soon feel my heart going out to
him in desire, and at length, cleaving to him in love.
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If I really love Jesus, I shall want to be in his company; and if I am much
in his company, my heart will be soon filled with love to him; and if my
heart is full of love to him—I shall get close to him, and keep close to
him. It is when we allow our love to wax cold, or when we wander from
the object of our love, that we sink into gloomy doubt and darkness; and
when this is the case, we are at a distance from Jesus. Let us, therefore,
direct our thoughts more to Jesus, lift up our souls more frequently to
Jesus, and pray the Holy Spirit to shed abroad the love of Jesus in our
hearts—and then we shall "keep close to Christ."
If we would keep close to Jesus—we must be EMPLOYED for
Him. Jesus has something for us to do, and he wishes us to do it. Not
that he not could carry on all his affairs without us—but he wishes us to
show our love to him, by doing something for him. Active Christians, if
they are working from a right motive, and if his honor is the object they
aim at in all they do—enjoy much of the presence of Jesus.
The Beloved frequently goes into his garden, like Boaz—he goes into his
harvest field, and speaks lovingly to his servants. The diligent soul is
made fat, while the slothful soul suffers hunger. The idle must expect
reproof—but the industrious will be indulged with his smile.
If I would "keep close to Christ," I must go where he is, I must do what he
bids; and his bidding is, "Son, go work today in my vineyard!" Begin
work at once, and keep on until I say to my servant, "Call the laborers,
and give them their hire." If we do not devote our talents to Christ, and
spend our time in the service of Christ—we shall never "keep close to
Christ."
If we would keep close to Jesus—we must be constantly expecting
his appearing. He says, "Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with
me, to give unto every one according as his work shall be." Primitive
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elievers lived, expecting him; they stood prepared for him, therefore
they could do, or suffer, anything in his cause. Death had no terrors for
them—for it was only going to be with Jesus! This world had no
peculiar fascinations for them—for they lived realizing the fact, that
they knew not the day, nor hour, in which their Lord would come back!
Nor did they appear to be at all anxious about it, their object appeared
to be—to be prepared, either for death, or his second coming.
Hence Paul said, "Therefore we labor, that whether present or absent,
we may be accepted of him." "Accepted of him," this was the point. If
they could commend themselves to Jesus, the world may scoff and
persecute them; if they could commend themselves to Jesus—
their grand object was obtained by them.
The writer can bear testimony from experience, that he has found
nothing so effectual, in bringing him close to Christ, and keeping him
close to Christ—as a daily realization of the uncertainty of the period
of his Lord's coming, and the believing anticipation of his coming.
To CONCLUDE, if we would be happy in the ways of God, if we would
adorn religion in all the relations of life, if we would be useful to our
fellow men—we must "Keep close to Christ." If we would conquer inbred
sin, if we would overcome the world, if we would triumph over the
prince of darkness—we must "keep close to Christ." If we would be free
from slavish fears, if we would enjoy the assurance of our salvation, if
we would be joyful in tribulation—we must "keep close to Christ." If we
would bear pain with fortitude, if we would endure privations with
courage, and if we would meet death with confidence—we must "keep
close to Christ." And if we would "keep close to Christ," we must prize
his ordinances, peruse his Word, meditate on his glories, be much at his
throne, believe in his name, love his person, work in his cause, and live
daily expecting his glorious appearing!
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Reader, do you know what it is to be close to Christ? Have you fled to
him for refuge, as to the hope set before you in the gospel? By nature,
we are all without Christ, strangers to Christ, afar from Christ. Grace
teaches us our need of Christ, brings us to the feet of Christ, and then
unites us to the person of Christ. Being thus brought to him—we
should abide with him. Having received some knowledge of him—we
should attend to Peter's admonition, "Grow in grace, and in the
knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." If our knowledge of
Christ increases, if our faith in Christ strengthens, if our love to Christ
abounds—we shall keep close to him; and if we keep close to him—we
shall he useful and happy. But if we wander from him, if we fail to
exercise confidence in him—we shall become dull, lifeless, and
unhappy. Let us therefore see to it, that we have come to Christ, that we
are believers in Christ, that we have received the Spirit of Christ; and
then, let us make it our daily object, and aim, wherever situated, or
however circumstanced, to "keep close to Christ!"
The Holy Spirit
How much we are indebted to the Holy Spirit, and how apt we are to
forget, or lose sight of our obligations to him! Jesus, who knew all about
our nature, and who knew all that would happen to his people in this
world — in order to allay their fears, comfort their hearts, and fortify
their souls — promised them the Holy Spirit. What he promised, he
performed — and the Holy Spirit is in the Church, and in every true
believer, as the gift of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit . . .
teaches us,
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helps our infirmities,
testifies of Jesus,
sympathizes with us,
and will never leave us.
I wish to dwell for a few minutes, and to write a few lines on this
subject, for the benefit of my own soul, and for the profit of others.
Lord, help me! Let no unworthy thought enter into my mind. Let no
improper word drop from my pen. I would honor the Blessed Comforter,
and glorify his most holy name.
The Holy Spirit is with us for the most important purposes, and to
perform a most glorious work.
The Holy Spirit is with us to animate us in conflict. We have to do
battle with most determined foes. With indwelling sin, the god of this
world, and the evil world itself — all being in league against us — we
would faint and give up the contest often, were it not that the Holy
Spirit points us to our great Captain, fixes the eye on the crown, and
brings home the precious promises, which animate and stimulate us
afresh.
The Holy Spirit is with us to strengthen us in duty. Many of our duties
are very arduous, and exceedingly trying to flesh and blood. We would
shrink from them, or fail in them — but that the Holy Spirit, by fresh
communications of grace, and supplies from the fullness of Christ —
strengthens us with strength in our souls.
The Holy Spirit is with us to console in sorrow. He is entitled, "the
Comforter." And as such, he administers the choicest consolation to us.
Our sorrows are at times very deep. They appear to be overwhelming. We
fear we shall sink under them, or dishonor God from our impatience in
them — but the Holy Spirit leads us to Gethsemane, or to Calvary — to
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have fellowship with Christ in his sufferings. Or he directs our thoughts
forward to the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls, and so
administers consolation to us.
The Holy Spirit is with us to sanctify in joy. As our sorrows may fill us
with gloom, and overwhelm us with distress — so our joys may unduly
elate, or make us light and vain. To prevent this, the Holy Spirit reminds
us of what we were, or what we would have been — but for the grace of
God. He refers us to many who have fallen, or have become carnal and
vain — and so preserves us serious, watchful, and prayerful.
The Holy Spirit is with us to enlighten in perplexity. This he does . . .
by throwing light upon our path,
by unfolding the Word of God,
or by shining into our minds.
Then we stand in the ways to see. We wait for the Lord. We look out to
see our Father's hand clearing our road. We listen to hear the voice
behind us, which says, "This is the way — walk in it."
The Holy Spirit is with us to help in prayer. For, with the Apostle, we
can say, "We know not what to pray for as we ought," therefore "the
Spirit helps our infirmities." We have neither light to see what we need,
nor faith to believe the promises made to us, nor power to plead with God
and prevail — but as the Holy Spirit renders us assistance. He teaches
us for what to pray for, and how to pray. He prompts, suggests, and
renders us successful at the throne of grace.
The Holy Spirit is with us to inspire in praise. Our praises are often
very dull. Gratitude is a scarce thing with us. But our praises would be
dullness itself, and gratitude to God would be a stranger to our bosom
— but for the Holy Spirit. Blessed Comforter . . .
animate me in all my conflicts,
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strengthen me in every duty,
console me under all my sorrows,
sanctity me in all my joys,
enlighten me in all my perplexities,
help me in all my prayers,
and inspire all my praises to my covenant God and Father!
The Holy Spirit imparts penitence for sin, working in us repentance
unto life.
He produces aspirations after holiness, so that we pant to be made
pure in body, soul, and spirit.
He gives love to duty, so that we choose the things that please God,
esteem all his precepts concerning all things to be right, and hate every
false way.
He leads into correct views of truth, so that we escape the errors that
float around us, and are preserved from damnable heresies.
He generates humbling thoughts of self, so that we are not inflated
with pride — but lie low before God in self abasement, admiring his
free and sovereign grace, which has made us to differ from others.
He unfolds gladdening views, so that we at times see the King in his
beauty, and get a glimpse of our future glorious inheritance.
He takes the eye off the saddening and depressing, and fixes it on
the cheering and animating.
He gives us liberty in prayer, so that we plead with God, as a man
pleads with his friend; and at times, we feel no where so much at home,
as at the mercy-seat, when alone with God.
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The Holy Spirit produces delight in God's law, he shows us its beauty
and excellency, assures us that we are delivered from its curse, and shall
ultimately be so sanctified, that every vibration of the soul will be in
exact conformity with it. Then we say, "O how I love your law — it is my
meditation all the day!"
He fills us with confidence and joy in Christ — then every tear is
dissipated, peace and profound happiness are enjoyed, foretastes of
Heaven are realized, and we often long to depart and be with Christ —
which is far better.
Spirit of Jesus . . .
give me penitence,
produce in me strong aspirations after holiness,
impart to me a love to every duty,
lead me to correct views of divine truth,
give me humbling thoughts of self,
and gladdening views of Jesus,
grant me liberty in prayer,
delight in God's law, and
confidence and joy in Christ!
Reader, have you received the Holy Spirit? Do you know anything of
receiving supplies of the Spirit of Christ? Does the Holy Spirit dwell in
you, work in you, and endear Jesus to you? The Holy Spirit is the Spirit
of life — and without him we are dead in sin, alienated from the life of
God, and are totally unfit for Heaven!
As there is no pardon — but through the blood of Christ; so there is
no holiness — but through the Spirit of Christ. And as the blood of
Christ will not avail for us, unless it is applied to us; so the Spirit of
Christ will not sanctify us, unless he dwells in us.
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We cannot get to Heaven without a pardon;
nor obtain a pardon but through the blood of Jesus;
no more can we see God without holiness;
nor be made holy — but by the Spirit of Jesus.
We do not more need a dying Savior on the cross — than we need the
living, and life-giving Spirit in our hearts!
See to it then, that you have the Spirit of Christ dwelling in you, and if
you have not, make sure of the blessing as you may, for Jesus has said,
"If you being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children —
then how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit
unto those who ask him." Ask then, and receive — and so you will be
safe!
The Great Day!
"But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with
Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne! All the nations will be
gathered in His presence, and He will separate the people as a shepherd
separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at His right
hand—and the goats at His left.
Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed
by My Father—inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation
of the world!'
Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you
cursed ones—into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his
demons!'
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And they will go away into eternal punishment—but the righteous will
go into eternal life!" Matthew 25:31-46
There have been many great days in the world's history—but there is a
day coming which will be greater than them all, therefore called
emphatically "The Great Day." The Lord Jesus will then appear in great
pomp and glory. Great numbers will be collected together before his
throne—even all who have ever lived in our world. The
great separation between the world and the redeemed church will then be
made—and eternal destinies will be fixed!
The great white throne will be seen by all,
the great Judge of the world will take his seat upon it,
the great books will be opened, and
the great multitude will be judged according to the things which are
written in the books.
Every motive, every thought, every word, and every action is recorded
there; and every person will be judged according to his works.
Reader, YOU will be there! Not as a mere spectator—but as a party
deeply interested in the proceedings of that day. You will then be
judged, and be either welcomed to a kingdom prepared for the Lord's
people—or be driven into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his
demons. Which will it be? Have you ever thought of this? Have you ever
endeavored to ascertain your eternal destiny? You must appear. It will
be impossible to avoid it. Ought you not, then, to think of it, and
prepare for it?
That great day ought to awaken great fears in every sinner's heart. It
will be dreadful . . .
to meet the Judge's eye,
to face the witnesses,
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to hear the sentence,
to endure the punishment of sin.
It ought to make us very careful—careful to be found in Christ, without
spot and blemish, careful to be recognized and acknowledged as the
sons of God, and the obedient disciples of the Lord of glory.
It ought to raise high expectations in the believer's soul. It will be a great
day to him.
He will receive great honor.
He will be robed with great glory.
He will enjoy great happiness.
He will be crowned with great distinction.
It will be a great day to every one of us, both saint and sinner. Let us,
therefore,
seriously think of it,
diligently prepare for it,
prayerfully anticipate it.
It is near—it may be very near. Happy is the man who can look forward
to it with confidence, and anticipate it with delight—who is now
justified by faith in Jesus—who daily walks with God—who grows in
grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior—who can
recognize in the Judge, his friend; in the saints, his brethren; and in the
Most High God, his father. To him "the great day" will be his best day; for
after it there will be no more fears, no more pains, no more sorrows, no
more sins! All will be peace, purity, power, and perfection!
My dear reader, will you make it a matter of prayer, that you may
be prepared for that day? Will you let it occupy your thoughts, awaken
your fears, influence your conduct, and regulate your pursuits? There is
nothing that has so great a claim upon your thoughts, as this. To neglect
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it, is . . .
to despise your own soul,
to trifle with an eternity of woe,
to yield to the cruel suggestions of the prince of darkness, and
to go forward to that solemn scene without the least preparation!
Can you be thus careless, inconsiderate, and unreasonable? Will you
leave it until you come on a sick and dying bed, where, racked with pain,
or faint with weakness, you need something to comfort you, and feel
totally unfit for thought, effort, or even prayer? Just dwell for a few
moments on these solemn words of the apostle: "For we must all appear
before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is
due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade
men." 2 Corinthians 5:10-11
The True Grace of God
"This is the true grace of God, wherein you stand." 1 Peter 5:12
The grace of God is a subject which, of all others, demands our most
serious attention. God's grace is nothing less than the free, sovereign,
and eternal favor of God toward poor sinners in Christ. Upon this is
bottomed, and from this ALONE, springs our eternal salvation; for "we
are saved, and called with a holy calling, not according to our works —
but according to God's purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ
Jesus before the world began!" 2 Timothy 1:9.
God's grace is manifested in the wonderful love, kindness, and
condescension of our Lord and Savior: "You know the grace of our Lord
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Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich — yet for your sakes He became
poor, that you through His poverty might be rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9.
God's grace shines in all the doctrines of the everlasting gospel — they
contain the revelation of grace, in the full, complete, and glorious
salvation of the church of God.
The Father's grace appears in the CHOICE of a people to show forth His
praise.
The Son's grace is revealed in the REDEMPTION of that chosen people
from sin, the world, Satan, death, and Hell.
The Spirit's grace is manifest in the NEW BIRTH, sanctification, sealing,
and teaching of that chosen and redeemed people.
Thus . . .
the Father chooses a people by His grace,
the Son ransoms these chosen people by His grace, and
the Spirit makes these chosen people fit to be partakers of the
inheritance of the saints in light, by His grace.
The Father marks the objects,
the Son delivers from wrath,
the Spirit leads to glory —
and all in richest grace!
The grace of God is manifest in His dealings with His people, in delivering
them from their nature state. Wonderful to declare — and yet most
certainly true, "Where sin abounded — grace did MUCH MORE abound;
that, as sin has reigned unto death, even so might GRACE REIGN
through righteousness, unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 5:20, 21.
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In a Word, grace is divine favor, which . . .
arises in God as its fountain;
centers in Christ as its depository;
appears in the doctrines of the gospel as in a mirror;
flows to sinners as its objects; and
peoples Heaven with sanctified believers as its design.
Grace is . . .
the glory of Jehovah;
the charm of the gospel;
the delight of Jesus; and
the fountain of consolation to the church.
Grace is . . .
eternal in its existence;
holy in its nature;
free in its acts;
sanctifying in its tendency;
and glorious in its design!
But if we attend to what the Bible says of grace, we shall discover that
the True Grace of God is different from what man conceives. Instead of its
being an enemy to holiness — grace is . . .
the root on which holiness grows,
the fountain from which holiness springs, and
the principle that produces holiness in the heart.
True grace brings home the Word with power, conviction, and
demonstration to the soul! Acts 14:3
True grace works faith in the hearts of poor sinners, who are said "to
believe through grace!" Acts 18:27
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True grace calls its objects out of a state of nature, sin, and rebellion
against God — and teaches them to pray, and mourn before the Lord!
Galatians 1:15; Zechariah 12:10
True grace makes obedient to the faith, and leads the soul to receive
"grace upon grace" out of the fullness of Jesus! Romans 1:5; John 1:16
True grace destroys the love and dominion of sin, and leads us from the
law to the gospel! Romans 6:14
True grace brings home a sense of pardon to the soul, and imparts
everlasting consolation! Ephesians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:16
True grace removes condemnation, and justifies us freely, fully, and
eternally! Romans 3:24; Titus 3:7
True grace strengthens, supports, and carries the Christian through all
his conflicts, tribulations, and trials! 2 Corinthians 12:9
True grace builds up and establishes its possessor in truth, in faith, and
in love! Acts 20:32; Hebrews 13:9
True grace leads to holy, scriptural, and consistent practice! Titus
2:11-15
True grace will make a man labor for God and the good of immortal
souls! 1 Corinthians 15:10
True grace will regulate his lifestyle according to gospel precepts! 2
Corinthians 1:12
True grace will make him generous and liberal in the Lord's cause, and
to the poor! 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:6-14
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True grace flows in abundance, saves all its objects, and raises them to
reign in life! Romans 5:17; Ephesians 2:6-8
True grace is always a gift, and is invariably free! Romans 11:6;
Ephesians 4:7
True grace communicates more and more to its possessor, until the
victory and conquest is complete! James 4:6
The man that possesses the True Grace of God, and is living under its
sacred influence . . .
mourns over his state as a sinner,
longs for perfection as a believer, and
cannot be perfectly happy until purged from all pollution.
He . . .
loves God as His Father,
cleaves to Jesus as His Friend,
views himself as a temple of the Holy Spirit,
hates, fears, flies from sin,
loves, pants for, and follows after holiness,
worships a sovereign Jehovah,
obeys a reigning Redeemer, and
ascribes all His salvation to free grace!
He . . .
depends on the Lord in his troubles,
flies to Jesus from his foes, and
pleads the free promises of his God.
Christ is his object,
salvation his subject, and
to glorify God is his aim!
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He realizes union to Christ, proves His relationship to Christ, and offers
up His body and soul as a living sacrifice to God; Romans 12:1
He feels, mourns over, and prays for grace to keep down his
corruptions. He rests on the oath of Jehovah, accepts the invitations of
Heaven, and washes in atoning blood. He renounces self, abhors His
own righteousness, and glories in the cross of Christ. He comes out of
the world, is transformed in his mind, and finds suitable associates in
sanctified believers. He lives in communion with his God, feeds on the
bread of life, and dies daily; 1 Corinthians 15:31. He lives believing, dies
rejoicing, and will return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting
joy upon His head; he shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and
sighing shall flee away; Isaiah 35:10.
Reader, have you been made a partaker of the true grace of God? Opinions
in the head, and grace in the heart, are very different things! Notions of
grace — are not operations of grace.
Are you seeking grace? If so, Jehovah is set before you as the God of ALL
grace; 1 Peter 5:10. He waits to bestow grace; Isaiah 30:18. He is able to
make all grace abound toward you; 2 Corinthians 9:8. He will give grace
and glory; Psalm 84:11. He will give more grace; James 4:6. He is able to
do exceeding abundantly above all that you can ask or think, according
to His power that works in us; Ephesians 3:20.
Come, then, boldly to the throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need; Hebrews 4:16. Let nothing satisfy
you but the possession of grace, and an evidence of an interest in grace.
You may know the true grace of God by this — it brings salvation, and
teaches to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. My fellow-sinner, have
You received salvation? Have you experienced a change of heart, and a
change of life? Nothing but the grace of God can bring you to Heaven,
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and it only brings those there who possess it. To be in a graceless state, is
to be in a hopeless state; and to be in a hopeless state, is to be in a
most dreadful state.
You have now read of the true grace of God; you have been shown from
God's word what it does; you have been pointed to the throne where it is
to be obtained. Oh, may the God of all grace call you to His eternal glory,
by Christ Jesus; and after you have suffered awhile, make you perfect,
strengthen, establish and settle you. To Him be glory and dominion
forever and ever. Amen.
The New Creation
"Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature." 2 Corinthians
5:17
It is a miraculous thing to be a Christian, for real Christianity is the
effect of a new creation. To make a Christian, requires the same power
as to make a world! Nothing less than the power exerted in raising the
dead body of Jesus from the tomb — can raise a sinner from a death in
trespasses and sins! In every instance of real conversion, the almighty
power of God is exerted, a new creation is produced, and union with
Christ who is the fountain of life is effected. "Therefore if any man is in
Christ, he is a new creature."
The distinguishing PRIVILEGE of the believer, is that he is "in
Christ." We were all originally in fallen Adam, and from his loins we
flowed. No one is in Christ by nature — but only by an act of sovereign
grace. Yet all Christians are in Christ, nor can anyone be a Christian
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without being vitally united to Christ. As the manslayer fled to the city of
refuge for safety — so does the believer flee to Christ. As Noah entered
into the ark for preservation from the deluge — so does the believer
hide in Christ, that he may be preserved from the wrath to come. As
the branch is in the vine, supported and supplied by the vine, and forms
a part of the vine — so is the believer in Christ, supported and supplied
by Christ, and is really one with Christ. As the member is in the body,
presided over by the head, and forms part of the body — so the
Christian is in Christ, is presided over by Christ, and forms part of
Christ. "For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones."
Christ dwells in the believer — as his temple; and the believer dwells in
Christ — as his refuge, stronghold, and ark of safety.
The invariable RESULT of being in Christ: "If any man is in Christ —
he is a new creature." Every one that is in Christ — is new created. He is
"Created anew in Christ, unto good works, which God has before
ordained that we should walk in them." The believer is not to be looked
upon as a Jew, or a Gentile — for in Christ Jesus "there is neither Greek
nor Jew, circumcision, nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian bond
nor free; but Christ is all and in all."
Being in Christ, we are new created — and have a new LIFE, which is
spiritual, derived from a new source, not from Adam but from Christ.
Being in Christ, we feed on new PROVISION — even the bread of life
which came down from Heaven, and the living water which only Jesus
can give.
Being in Christ, we are occupied with new SUBJECTS, which are placed
before us by the gospel, and engage our thoughts, affections, and time.
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Being in Christ, we are engaged in new EMPLOYMENTS, we work the
works of God, endeavor to do the will of God from the heart, and to
glorify our glorious Savior.
Being in Christ, we walk in a new PATH — the way of holiness. We walk
in newness of life. We walk with God — and desire to walk worthy of
God, who has called us unto his kingdom and glory.
Being in Christ, we act from new MOTIVES, for the love of Christ
constrains us, and we no longer labor for eternal life, because we have
it; nor for Heaven, because we have already received a title to it — but as
bought with a price, we desire only to glorify God in our acts and
thoughts.
Being in Christ, we join a new SOCIETY, for we choose the company of
the saints, whom we esteem as the excellent of the earth; and therefore
we join ourselves to the disciples.
Being in Christ, we look for a new HEAVEN, and in order to the
possession of it, we wait for Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to
come.
O blessed state — to be in Christ! O glorious privilege and distinction —
to be new creatures!
Union to Christ is of the greatest IMPORTANCE. Without this there
is no eternal safety, no true dignity, no solid happiness. It is only as one
with Christ — that we are justified, that we are sanctified, that we can
be glorified. Let us never rest satisfied with anything short of union to
Christ, and that manifested in living fellowship with Christ.
All who are in Christ are new created. Many are convinced of sin, many
are deeply impressed, many are harassed with the temptations of
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Satan, and many suffer much from the terrors of the law — who are
never brought into saving union with Christ. Only by a new birth, only
as born of the Spirit, can we come into the enjoyment of this blessed
privilege, or enjoy this high distinction. Let no one therefore stop short
of that thorough change of heart, which results from saving union with
the Lord Jesus Christ.
God looks upon his new creation, with more delight than he did upon
his creation of the world! When he had finished the fitting up of the
world to be the residence and home of man, he looked over and
examined all that he had made, and, behold, it was very good — and
God rested from his work. But he knew that that work would be marred,
that his lovely creatures would fall into sin, and become his enemies —
and these thoughts were present before him when he rested, and was
refreshed.
But as he looks upon his new creation, and sees his newly begotten
children united to his beloved Son, invested with his righteousness, and
possessed with his Spirit — he knows that they will never so fall, will
never become his foes; but that all, each, and every one of them will be
saved in the Lord, with an everlasting salvation, and so he rests in his
love, and rejoices over them with singing!
Part 2. THE TRANSITION
"Old things are passed away! Behold, all things are become new." 2
Corinthians 5:17
The change that takes place in conversion to God is very great; it has even
been questioned, whether the change from grace to glory, is so great as
the change from nature to grace. We can scarce conceive of a greater
change than the new creation of the soul, when all within and all
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without is changed, as says the apostle, "Old things are passed away!
Behold, all things are become new."
To the regenerated soul, to the man that is in Christ,
"Old things are passed away."
The old STATE passes away:
He was in a state of condemnation — but he is now justified.
He was under law — he is now under grace.
He was a child of wrath — he is now an object of God's highest love.
The old PRINCIPLES pass away:
He was under the legal covenant, and was influenced by fear.
He is now under the new covenant, and is influenced by love.
The old DISPOSITION passes away:
He was once carnal, he is now spiritual.
He had the disposition of the slave, he has now the disposition of the
loving child.
The old CHARACTER passes away:
He was God's enemy, as living in sin; but he has now put off the old man
with his deeds: and has put on the new man, which is renewed in
knowledge after the image of him that created him.
The old CONNECTION passes away:
He comes out of the world, becomes distinct from the world, and is
connected with the church in its privileges and duties.
Thus "old things are passed away," he is not what he once was — but has
passed through a thorough and abiding change. To him,
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"All things are become new."
There is a new FEDERAL HEAD; he is no longer represented by the first
Adam — but the second; he is not connected with Adam — but with
Christ.
There is a new PARADISE; with its flowers and fruits, its flowing river,
and tree of life. The privileges of the gospel form a paradise now; and
introduce to a yet more glorious one to come.
There is a new COVENANT; not of works — but of grace:
A better covenant, established on better promises.
An everlasting covenant, which shall never give place to another.
A covenant that provides . . .
a Substitute, to undertake our responsibilities,
a Surety, to pay our debts,
a Mediator, to officiate between us and God.
A covenant ordered in all things and sure.
There is a new RULE of life; for the law goes forth from Zion — a law
embodied in Jesus, represented by Jesus, and illustrated by the life of
Jesus. True, it embodies in itself all that is moral in the Bible — but it
descends to all the relations, duties, and circumstances of every-day
life. A rule so perfect, so comprehensive, and so plain — that we cannot
need a fuller, or clearer, or additional one.
There are new RELATIONSHIPS; all things stand in a new relation to
the believer.
God is his Father.
Jesus is his Brother.
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The Holy Spirit is his Teacher, Guide, and Comforter.
The angels are his guard, and servants.
The earth is to him a wilderness.
Heaven is his home.
The believer stands in a new RELATION to all things.
He is God's child.
He is the Savior's servant.
He is the Spirit's temple.
He is the angel's charge.
He is to the world — a witness and reprover.
He is Satan's foe.
There are new EXPERIENCES. The believer has . . .
new desires and wishes,
hopes and fears,
new joys and sorrows,
new conflicts and conquests,
new griefs and pleasures.
"Behold, all things are become new."
He is in a new WORLD, and to him the Bible is a new BOOK, prayer is a
new EXERCISE, and fellowship with the saints, a new EMPLOYMENT.
He hears a new LANGUAGE, understands new SUBJECTS, pursues new
OBJECTS, and lives a new LIFE. He can say with Paul, "The life that I
now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved rne,
and gave himself for me."
He lives to Christ.
He lives for Christ.
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He lives like Christ.
He is preparing to live with Christ.
Reader, have you experienced this great and solemn change? The
question is momentous.
Can you be new created — and not know it?
Can you pass from death unto life — and not know it?
Can you be in Christ — and not know it?
Can you be a new creature — and not know it?
Have old things passed away, and all things become new — and not
know it!
We cannot conceive of this!
The transition may be so gentle, so gradual, that you may be in some
doubt about it; but if you examine your tastes, your desires, your
general state of mind; and if you compare the present with the past,
you must know something about it. Do not rest satisfied with any
uncertainty upon the point: but seek the witness of the Holy Spirit, and
by close communion with God, and put the matter out of doubt.
Do you enjoy your privileges?
Are you living as a new creature?
Are you walking in newness of life?
Do you realize that you are in a justified state, entitled to all new
covenant blessings, and are God's beloved and accepted child? Greater
privileges, if you are in Christ, you cannot have — but enjoy them more
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than you do — you may. Have you avowed the transition? Does the
church know that you have passed from death to life, that you are in
Christ, that to you all things are become new? Have you professed
Christ, and publiciy put him on before the world? If you have not —
you should. The light that is in you, should not be put under a bushel —
but on a candlestick. Your light should shine, that by your profession of
Christ, by your imitation of Christ, and by the entire consecration of
yourself and all you have to the glory and honor of Christ, men may see
your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.
Salvation by Grace!
"By grace you are saved!" Ephesians 2:8
Salvation is confessedly a matter of the greatest importance — a matter in
which we are all interested; but yet it is a subject which is much neglected.
Not but there is much said and written about it; but now few are there
who seriously and heartily inquire: How are sinners saved? From what
does salvation arise? In what channel does it flow? To what end is it
directed?
If we come to the inspired volume for instruction upon this momentous
subject, if we come as little children to learn what God the Holy Spirit
says upon the point, we shall meet with all necessary information.
These sacred pages reveal all that is necessary to be known for our
comfort, satisfaction, and direction. The Apostle Paul, who received his
divinity from Heaven, and was taught it by the immediate revelation of
Jesus Christ, twice in one chapter informs us, that it is by favor we are
saved; for what is grace — but simply the favor of God — the favor of God
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manifested without regard to human desert or deservings? And it is as
clear from the word of God, as the shining of the sun at noon, that
unless we are saved as an act of free grace — we can never be saved at
all. What have we to recommend us to the notice of a holy God, or what
can we do to entitle us to so great a blessing? If the least good quality were
demanded — we have it not; if any good work were prescribed — we
could not perform it; but it is "not by works of righteousness which we
have done — but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of
regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit."
Salvation is by free grace alone. In eternity past, the Lord fixed upon
the objects whom He intended to deliver from sin, Satan, and the curse
— and whom He designed to raise to holiness, happiness, and honor.
There was nothing to incite Him, but His own infinite love; and He
assigns no reason, but His sovereign good pleasure. "I will have mercy
on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will
have compassion!" He chose His people out of the vast mass — and
recorded their names in the book of life. He gave them to our dear and
adorable Immanuel, to be His care, charge, and bride. He appointed
them to life, sonship, and conformity to Jesus — and all of free grace.
Desert, or creature excellence, was left out of the question — when
Grace sat upon the throne and exerted her sovereign rights.
The favor that benefitted the one, neither directly nor indirectly injured
the other. Grace scatters blessings upon millions — but never utters a
curse against any. She provides salvation for her objects — but is in no
sense the cause of the damnation of the rest. Her language is SAVE; but
never DESTROY. She has filled thousands of hearts with life, holiness,
and love, and as many tongues with praises; but never gave occasion to
any to reflect upon her right, or to accuse her of unkindness.
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Sovereign grace, rightly viewed — embodies everything that is sweet,
pleasant, charming, and delightful. It is like . . .
music to the ear,
honey to the palate,
beautiful prospects to the eye,
and fragrance to the smell.
Sovereign grace is . . .
as free as the summer breeze,
as pure as the sun's bright ray,
and as pleasant as the morning light!
All who know it — love it,
all who have seen it — admire it,
and all who enjoy it — adore it!
Grace finds . . .
a depth for our sins,
a fountain for our needs,
a covering for our persons, and
a Heaven for our eternal habitation.
Oh that Heaven would coin language sufficiently grand, and furnish
ideas sufficiently noble — to speak of the glories of grace, or to show
forth half its praise!
Salvation is by free grace wisely displayed. Our gracious God has
abounded towards us in all wisdom and prudence. Grace has wisely
contrived a plan which . . .
secures all the glories of Deity,
frustrates the designs of devils and opposing men,
highly exalts its divine and glorious agent,
and exactly suits the poor sinner's case!
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This plan calculated to fill the minds of cherubim and seraphim with
wonder and admiration, and redeemed sinners with never-ending
praise!
This plan reveals more of the divine perfections, and displays more of
the divine glories, than was ever known or seen before, or than we have
any reason to conclude ever could have been through any other means:
divine justice receives its due,
divine mercy is prodigal of her favors,
divine majesty is honored in the highest, and
divine love is shown to be of immeasurable extent.
Heaven resigns its chief attraction — that earth might be visited, and man
redeemed. Jesus descends to save, to suffer, and to die! He . . .
honors the requiring precept,
pays the dreadful penalty, and
ascends a glorious conqueror to the skies!
He is invested with the government of the universe, clothed with all
power in Heaven and in earth, furnished with the archives of eternity
— that He may sanctify, discipline, and glorify His people. The Spirit
assumes office, the storehouse of eternity is thrown open, a throne of grace is
erected, and the glorious glad tidings are published — that the objects
of grace may be accomplished. No sin is sanctioned, no divine right
forfeited, no divine attribute tarnished — but a revenue of glory to
Jehovah is secured, in the execution of this glorious plan. Well may the
Psalmist pray, "Remember me, O Lord, with the favor you bear unto
your people; oh visit me with your salvation, that I may see the good of
your chosen, rejoice in the gladness of your nation, and glory with your
inheritance!"
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Salvation is by free grace exerting divine power. All the attributes
of Deity are in concert with grace, and join in the glorious work of
saving poor sinners. The omnipotence of Jehovah is ever ready to
second the designs of grace, or accomplish the purposes of grace; and
salvation is wrought in the soul by the power of God, which . . .
subdues the the stubborn will,
breaks the hard heart,
elevates the earth-bound affections,
and turns the current of the soul.
In vain had Jesus shed the blood of His heart, unless He exerted the power
of His arm! For such is the stupid, hardened, and deathlike condition of
man, that he will not regard the voice of the charmer, charm he ever so
wisely. All would have remained obdurate, and perished in their sin —
if Jesus had in every sense finished His work upon the cross; but the
atonement accepted, secures the presence and energy of the Holy
Spirit — to quicken, convert, and sanctify all the blood-bought people!
The Father looks to the cross for satisfaction — and the Spirit leads the
sinner there for sanctification. Peace with God was made by the blood of
His cross, and peace is realized and enjoyed when faith conducts us there.
But powerful must be that agency, and strong those principles — which
lead . . .
from self to Jesus,
from sin to holiness,
from the world to the cross of Christ!
That agency is the Spirit Jehovah, acting in honor of the Redeemer's
ransom; those principles are from above, and are styled a new creation.
Both the one and the other are necessary to accomplish the design of
grace; and both are secured through the infinite merit of Immanuel's
death.
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O h , a d m i r a b l e p l a n ! h o w p e r f e c t , h o w g l o r i o u s , a n d
complete! Satan would have still held His captives, and the
world would have claimed her vassals — but for the exertion of the
power of God! But how the strong man is conquered, all that is in
the world is overcome — and grace sets her children free, yes, and makes
them free indeed.
Salvation is by free grace conferring blessings. Salvation is one vast
blessing, which, like the rod of Moses, swallows up all other blessings
in itself! It is not the payment of a debt — but the conferring of a favor.
"He has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our
works — but according to His own purpose and grace, given us in Christ
Jesus before the world began." All we are, and all we shall be — flows
from divine grace: conviction of sin, a sense of danger, the cry of need,
the longing for freedom, the appetite for righteousness, the confession
of guilt, wrestling at the throne, the good tidings of pardon, the
enjoyment of liberty, the witness of the Spirit, the unutterable groan,
and the delightful cry of Abba, my Father and my God — all flow from
divine favor, and are but effects produced by rich and sovereign grace.
Every blessing necessary for time or eternity, is included in the word
"salvation." Grace has provided, promised, and proclaimed all blessings
to all who believe in Jesus; faith evidences our right to all the blessings
of the covenant, all the merit of the Son of God, and all the privileges of
the everlasting gospel.
Salvation is by free grace commanding obedience. Grace is the
expression of the favor of an infinitely holy God, and therefore cannot
in any sense sanction sin. It requires obedience, not as a term of life, or to
procure a title to Heaven — but to evince our gratitude to God, out of
love to the Lord Jesus — to prove the power and purity of our
principles, and to benefit society.
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Grace removes sin meritoriously by the sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross
— and efficaciously by the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart.
Grace hates sin above all things. Sin is abhorrent to the very nature of
grace, and therefore it is strictly prohibited, and invariably corrected.
The doctrines of the gospel exhibit . . .
grace — in its supremacy, majesty, and glory;
the promises — in its liberality, forethought, and bounty; and
the precepts — in its hatred to sin, its holiness, and righteousness.
That which tolerates or sanctions sin — is not the grace of God. Divine
grace breaks the heart for sin, leads us to hate and forsake it, and to sigh
and cry for perfect freedom from it.
The commands of grace are imperative, necessary, and beneficial; they are
intended for our good, as much as the promises, and should be loved
equally with them. He who trifles with the commands — knows but little
of the power of the promises, or the energy of the doctrines; for these
rightly known and experimentally enjoyed — produce love to holiness,
and concern to glorify God, by observing all His statutes.
Grace on the throne — produces sanctification of heart; and grace in
the heart — produces holiness of life.
We look . . .
to the doctrines for instruction;
to the promises for support; and
to the precepts for direction;
and honor grace in each!
Salvation, then, . . .
originates in the free grace of God,
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flows in the channel of the Redeemer's blood, and
aims at the glorification of Jehovah in all His perfections.
Salvation was . . .
planned in eternity,
executed in time, and
shall be realized and enjoyed until eternity can end!
Salvation is . . .
divine in its contrivance, execution, and application;
holy in its character, tendency, and design;
and free in its bestowment and operations.
Salvation is of God, by grace, to holiness — forever!
Are you saved? Has the grace of God brought salvation to you? Is . . .
your heart changed,
your will renewed, and
your conscience purified and made tender?
Do you . . .
love holiness,
hate sin,
walk uprightly,
fear God, and
aim at the honor of Jesus in all you do?
Do you . . .
groan, being burdened with inward corruption,
live by faith in the Son of God,
watch against temptation,
resist Satan,
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conquer the world, and
look for glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life?
Is . . .
Jesus precious,
grace delightful,
mercy sweet, and
your heart in Heaven?
The opposite of salvation is damnation. As salvation is entirely of grace
— damnation is entirely of works! God alone is the author of the
former — man alone is the author of the latter. Justice punishes for sin
— and only for sin.
Every man . . .
digs his own Hell,
fixes the amount of his own punishment;
and goes to perdition with a fixed determination!
He . . .
closes his ear and heart against the gospel,
turns his back upon the way of life,
chooses and pursues the way of death.
He manifests a decided opposition to God, in every thought of his heart
and action of his life; and says, "Depart from me, I desire not the
knowledge of Your ways!"
Oh, sinner, God notices your contempt, regards your infidelity, and will
surely bring you into judgment! Think of your imminent danger, stop
in your dangerous course, call upon God for pardon, flee unto Jesus for
life, and strive to enter in at the strait gate! The door of salvation is open,
the way of escape is at hand, and salvation with all its blessings may be
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enjoyed; for "whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be
saved." Oh taste and see, that the Lord is good! Repent and be converted,
that your sins may be blotted out; for our God will abundantly pardon.
The Lord give you to know, enjoy, and confess this to be the case, to the
glory of His grace!
Salvation! oh the joyful sound!
'Tis pleasure to our ears;
A sovereign balm for every wound,
A cordial for our fears.
Buried in sorrow and in sin,
At Hell's dark door we lay;
But we arise by grace divine,
To see a heavenly day!
He Ever Lives!
"Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through
him, because he ever lives to intercede for them!" Hebrews 7:25
He died for our sins, and rose again for our justification. He ascended to
Heaven to plead our cause with his Father, and he ever lives at the right
hand of the Majesty on high. This is a most delightful fact. It is full of
comfort. It should often engage our minds. It should fill us with peace
and joy.
"He ever lives," and while he lives — he LOVES his redeemed people. He
cannot but love his people. They are part of himself. They are dearer to
his heart than all other created objects. He lives to love them, and he
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loves to live for them. He loves them every moment. He loves them with
a love . . .
as vast as infinity,
stronger than death,
as changeless as his nature,
and as lasting as eternity.
"He ever lives." And while he lives — he CARES for us. His thoughts are
filled with his people's concerns. He cares for them all — and for all that
concerns them. His care is incessant. It is . . .
a father's care, for his beloved family;
a husband's care, for his chosen bride;
a shepherd's care, for his valued flock.
He cares for their bodies. He cares for their souls. He lives to care for
them, and will care for them while he lives.
"He ever lives," and while he lives — he WATCHES over us. His eye is
ever upon us. Nothing can divert it from us. He never loses sight of one
of his people for a moment.
No refiner ever watched his gold, during the process of purification, with
such interest.
No mother ever watched over a sick child with such tender affection.
No husband ever watched over the desire of his eyes, in the article of
death, with half such affection or concern, as Jesus watches over his
people.
His eyes are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cries. He
watches over them for good, to preserve, sanctify, and bless them.
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"He ever lives," and while he lives — he PROVIDES for us. He knows our
needs. He is well acquainted with all our circumstances. He is intensely
interested in our welfare. He has the resources of time and eternity at
his command. He is pledged to supply us. He never forgets his promises.
He will not forfeit his Word. Our supplies are certain, for he lives to
provide them, to impart them, and to bless them. Blessed thought!
Jesus lives as Jehovah Jireh, as our constant, kind, and careful provider!
"He ever lives" and while he lives — he LISTENS to us. His ear and his
heart are always open.
He hears . . .
the softest sigh,
the most suppressed groan, and
the silent breathings of the soul.
He catches every desire.
He knows every wish.
He bows to hear every prayer.
He loves to hear us call upon his name, and tell out our trials, troubles,
and temptations unto him. Nothing delights him more, than to hear us
pour out our hearts before him, plead his precious promises, and ask
him in faith for the blessings we need.
"He ever lives" and while he lives — he INTERCEDES for us. This is his
present employment. He uses all his influence for us. He pleads his
precious blood — his perfect righteousness — his relationship to his
Father — and the promises made to him in the everlasting covenant.
What a mercy is this, that when our hearts are hard, our affections cold,
and our spirits straitened — Jesus pleads for us. Yes, at this very
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moment, while the eye is passing over these lines — Jesus is presenting
his nail-pierced hands, his opened side, and his thorn-crowned brow —
for us!
In life, and all its trials;
in death, and its unknown sufferings;
in health, and its pleasures;
in sickness, with its weakness and pains;
in prosperity, with its allurements; and
in adversity, with its temptations —
Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us!
Precious pleader! I would put my entire cause into your hand, and leave
all my affairs with you.
"He ever lives," and therefore we shall LIVE. His own words are,
"Because I live — you shall live also" (John 14:19). He has united us with
himself. We are really one with him. He is our life. He lives in us, and we
live by him. Nothing can ever separate us from him. He is the vine —
and we the branches. He is the head — and we are the members of his
body. He has identified himself with us — and our concerns with his.
"He ever lives," and therefore we shall be JUSTIFIED. "Who is he who
condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who is risen again, who is
even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for
us" (Romans 8:34).
Dying — he put away our sins.
Rising — he secured our release.
As Advocate — he carries our cause.
The sin he atoned for, is pardoned.
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The righteousness he wrought, is imputed.
The people he represents, are justified.
Those justified by his obedience, are safe.
"He ever lives," and therefore we shall be SAVED. "For if, when we were
God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son,
how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his
life! (Romans 5:10 ).
His death procured our release.
His resurrection, procured our justification.
His admission to Heaven, procured our acceptance with the Father.
His life of intercession secures our endless salvation.
He says of us, "They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck
them out of my hand!" His heart is set upon their salvation, and
nothing short of this will ever satisfy him. He travailed in death for us
— he rejoiced in our new creation — he is pledged to be ever with us —
and he will keep us unto his eternal kingdom and glory. "He shall see of
the travail of his soul, and be satisfied." He will present us to his Father
at last, and say, "Here am I, Father, and the children which you have
given me, not one of them is lost!"
Does Jesus ever live?
Then let your faith be strong.
Believe his Word.
Confide in his faithfulness.
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Expect his blessing.
Look for his glorious appearing.
Wait patiently his time.
Does Jesus ever live? Then let your HOPE be lively. His Word is true. His
heart is kind. His mercy is everlasting. His promises shall be fulfilled.
Expect him . . .
to do as he has promised;
to give as you need;
to answer your prayers;
to guide you by his counsel, and
afterward receive you to glory.
Does Jesus ever live? Then let your COURAGE live. Hear him speak to
his servant John, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the
Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I
hold the keys of death and Hell!" (Revelation 1:17-18 ).
"He ever lives;" think of this truth!
In seasons of sorrow, it will console you;
under bereavements, it will support you;
in the prospect of death, it will animate you.
Justified by His Blood
The great leading doctrine of the gospel, is the justification of a sinner by
simple faith in Jesus. The apostles continually dwell on this, and keep it
ever before the minds of the Lord's people. Just so should we, for only as
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we are well-grounded in this doctrine — shall we enjoy peace with God,
or be strong to labor in the Lord's cause. This doctrine is viewed from
various points, which accounts for the various representations given of
it, as "being justified freely by his grace" — "being justified by faith" —
and "being now justified by his blood." Romans 5 9. Let us look at this last
representation of it.
THE BLESSING.
"Justification." This is more than pardon, for a man may be pardoned —
and yet not justified. To justify, is to pronounce a man guiltless, to acquit
him of all charges brought against him, and to declare him to be a
righteous person. The justified man, is freed from all condemnation; no
one can lay anything to his charge in the court of divine justice. He is
delivered from the law — being dead to it, and it being dead to him. He
is placed under grace — or admitted into the free, full, and unmerited
favor of God. He is admitted into friendship with God, who holds free and
familiar fellowship with him. He is entitled to participate in, and enjoy,
all the blessings of the new and better covenant — such as . . .
peace with God,
liberty and freedom of access to God,
safety through life, and
the glorious inheritance when life is ended.
THE SOURCE OF THIS BLESSING.
"Being now justified by his blood."
Who is the justifier? God the righteous judge of all.
Whom does He justify? Ungodly sinners who believe in Jesus.
Why does He justify? Of his own most free and glorious grace.
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When does he justify them? The moment they repent, renounce self,
and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
On what ground does he justify? On the ground of the death of Christ,
who shed his precious blood — or laid down his life as their substitute
to atone for their offences, and satisfy all the claims of the divine law
for them. Or, on the ground of his perfect atoning work, which was
finished when he shed his blood on the tree; which work is placed to the
account of every one who believes on his name. The whole work of
Christ is imputed to the believer, and is as much his own to plead before
God for his acquittal — as if he had wrought it himself, through the free
gift of God. It is reckoned ours as believers, and is acknowledged at God's
throne when we plead it. Jesus was made sin for us, having all our sins
placed to his account, that we might be made the righteousness of God
in him.
Justification is a present blessing. "Being now justified by his blood."
There is therefore now no condemnation, to those who are in Christ
Jesus. It is wholly on account of what Christ has done. The works of
man are not taken into account at all. There is no more virtue in our good
works to justify us — than there is in our sins to justify us! On account of
the perfect work of Christ, and the perfect work of Christ alone — we
are justified.
Justification secures us from wrath. Therefore Jesus is said to have
delivered us from the wrath to come. Everyone who reads these lines, is
either justified, and so entitled to Heaven; or is condemned — and so
doomed to suffer the bitter pains of eternal death. But if we are not
justified now, we may be, we shall be — if we believe in Jesus — but in
no other way. If we do not believe — then we are condemned already,
not only as having broken God's law — but because we have not
believed on the name of his only begotten Son.
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If we are justified by the blood of Jesus — then he should have all the
praise. He wrought out the righteousness by his obedience unto death,
and we are justified in his name and for his sake. O mystery of
mercy! Jesus took my sins and suffered for them — and I receive his
righteousness and am justified by it!
If we perish in our sins, with the Bible in our hands, and the gospel
sounding in our ears — we must take all the blame to ourselves. We
cannot say that there was no Savior, or that we had no warrant to apply
to him, or that he refused to save us; for there is a Savior, and
he invites us to come to him, and he has given us his solemn word that
He will not refuse us, saying, "I will never cast out!" Reader, how is it
with you? Are you justified by the blood of Jesus — or are you
condemned for willfully and wickedly rejecting him? One or the other
must be the case — which is it? Examine closely, decide instantly, and
act accordingly.
In vain do poor blind creatures try
By works themselves to justify;
Your righteousness, O God, exceeds
Men's duties, and their brightest deeds!
Proud Pharisees shall strive in vain
The law's perfection to attain;
While sinners, self-condemned, receive
The gift of righteousness, and live!
Jesus, your life has clearly showed
What means the righteousness of God;
On you your people's hope is laid,
By your obedience, righteous made.
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And where your righteousness is given
Your Spirit sanctities for Heaven;
And still renews us by his grace,
Until perfected in holiness.
Though nothing in ourselves we are,
Through Him we shun the sinful snare;
In every strait his hand we see;
And as our day — our strength shall be!
The Glories of Christ!
"The glorious Lord!" Isaiah 33:21
"Glorious and majestic are His deeds!" Psalm 111:3
There is but one object that can be presented to a sinner's mind, that
contains all that is needful for him, or delightful to him; and that is Jesus.
In Jesus, he finds an infinite variety, which is always pleasing and
profitable; and the more he knows of the person and perfections of
Immanuel — the more happy, holy, and useful will he be.
To know Christ — is true wisdom;
to love Him — is the evidence of grace; and
to walk with Him — the highest honor that can be put upon a sinful
creature.
It is the office of the Holy Spirit, to open the understanding to behold
His glories, and to communicate to the soul the enjoyment of His love.
And it is the delight of a truly spiritual mind — to think of Him, feed on
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Him, and rejoice in Him. There is nothing in Christ — but what is
precious to him; there is nothing out of Christ, or that does not conduce
to His glory — that is highly esteemed by him. Christ is . . .
the object of His faith, love, and desire;
the subject of His meditation; and
his song in the house of His pilgrimage.
To a Christian, Christ is all. By a worldling, Christ is despised and
rejected. The Christian sympathizes with Jehovah the Father, who
delights in Him; the worldling sympathizes with the prince of
darkness, who hates and belies Him. The believer is knit to Him, walks
in fellowship with Him, and desires above all things to exalt and glorify
Him; he wishes he could bring the whole world to know, love, and adore
Him. Jesus is just suited to the believer, and he reflects on Him with
delight and satisfaction.
The PERSON of Immanuel is to him peculiarly glorious; here manhood
and divinity are united — God and man is one Christ. Here he beholds
all the solemn and amiable perfections of God, united to the sinless
passions and affections of man; the glory of the former is softened by
the latter, and the latter becomes dignified and glorious by the former.
He demands our adoration. He invites our love. He may be . . .
trusted without fear,
worshiped without idolatry,
served without dread, and
approached without alarm.
To love Him is the natural effect of knowing Him; and adoration is always
connected with this love. His very nature is love, He possesses a fullness
of grace, and His heart overflows with mercy. His every act, word, and
work, as the Savior — is mixed with love, exhibits grace, and displays
mercy. His compassion is unbounded, He is full of pity, and is long-
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suffering to us, not willing that any should perish — but that all should
come to repentance. Love always reigned in His heart, and is the
peculiar glory of His character; out of love to us He came into our world
to bless us.
Jesus is glorious in the love He displays in the salvation of His people. He
freely fixed His heart upon them — and took an eternal delight in the
idea of saving, honoring, and glorifying them. His love to them was the
great cause of all He . . .
did for them,
promised to them,
and bestows upon them.
His love, like Himself, remains immutably the same. It is not that
He did love, or He will love only — but He LOVES; He always did, does,
and always will. All the perfections of His nature, and all the resources
He has provided — are at the command of His love; and all will be
manifested, and, if necessary, expended to do His people good.
Love brought Him from Heaven to earth, that He might fill our place;
love took Him back to Heaven that be might plead our cause, and
prepare for us a mansion; and love will bring Him to earth again, that
He may . . .
raise our dust,
glorify our persons,
and receive us to Himself.
Love never thinks it stoops too low, does too much, or conceives too
highly of the beloved object. And the love of Jesus is glorified by the
depth of His humiliation, the extent of His work, and the expression of
His estimation contained in His word.
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When we look at the objects of His love, in their poverty, rebellion, and
wretchedness; at the price paid for them, the blessings bestowed on
them, and the glory prepared for them — we may well exclaim, "What
manner of love is this!" "Behold how He loved them!"
His love is the spring from whence flows salvation, comfort, protection,
holiness, and Heaven. Could His love be removed, our souls would be
undone, our hopes would be blighted, and all our bright prospects
would perish. But here is its glory — His love is always the same — just
as vigorous, as active, and as settled.
"His love no end or measure knows,
No change can turn its course;
Immutably the same it flows
From one eternal source."
The WORK of Jesus is glorious! He undertook to reconcile Heaven and
earth; to render Jehovah glorious in the eyes of His creatures, and the
church glorious in the eyes of Jehovah. In our nature He performed all
the conditions of the better covenant, and obtained all power and
authority in Heaven and in earth. He . . .
put away sin,
conquered Satan,
brought in everlasting righteousness,
abolished death, and
passed sentence on the world lying in wickedness.
He conquered every foe, satisfied every claim, and ascended triumphant
to Heaven. His work the Father accepted — and accepts every sinner
who embraces and depends upon it.
His name was sounded as the object of angelic adoration through the
heavenly world, and is published as the ordinance of salvation through
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our miserable earth. Angels admire and wonder at His work — they love
and adore His person. Sinners who know their danger, fly to His arms for
refuge, rely upon what He has done, and glory in His adorable name.
But too many, alas! close their eyes to His beauties, stop their ears
against the proclamation of His grace, and perish in their sin!
"His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures
forever." It is an eternal honor to Himself, an honor to His Father's
throne, and an honor to His people, too. All who know it — trust it; all
who trust it — find peace and joy in believing it. It is . . .
our song in the house of our pilgrimage,
our comfort in the time of death,
our title to mansions in the skies,
and will be our boast and glory forever.
His DISPOSITION, as manifested in His conduct when on earth, and
since seated at the right hand of power — is truly glorious unbounded
kindness. Unparalleled meekness, and exquisite tenderness, shine in all
His dealings with His people. Toward poor sensible sinners He
manifests incomparable gentleness, long-suffering, and the patience of
a God! He . . .
receives them graciously,
loves them freely,
and forgives them heartily.
He has never left room for one to doubt . . .
the kindness of His heart,
the power of His arm, or
the faithfulness of His word.
And if He had never invited us to Him, or promised to receive us — yet
if we knew the kindness of His disposition we could not despair.
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He forgets past injuries when the sinner confesses at His throne; and
receives to His bosom, even those who had spurned at His grace. He
receives sinners, and rejoices at the return of the lost sheep to the fold.
His NAMES are precious — they sparkle in the believer's eye, and fall
like sweetest music on the ear; there is a glory and excellence in them
not to be found in others.
He is called Jesus, because He came into the world to save sinners! He
loved, labored, suffered, bled, died, rose, ascended, and intercedes — to
save His people from their sins.
His merit is the price He paid,
His gospel the instrument He uses,
His Spirit the agent He sends,
His power the attribute He employs —
to accomplish the purpose so near to His heart. He will save, He will rest
in His love, and will rejoice over His people with singing.
He is called Christ, because anointed by the Father to be the Mediator
between God and man; He stands between earth and Heaven, between
justice and mercy, between the sinner and his Maker's wrath. He
presents satisfaction to God — He presents salvation to man. He gives
God His demands — and the sinner a supply for all His needs.
The sinner looks to Jesus for acceptance — and God looks to Jesus to
maintain the honor of His throne. The sinner is received — and Jehovah
is glorified.
He is called Immanuel, God with us — to show us that God can dwell
with us, and manifest Himself unto us. He is God in human nature — in
Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
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Thus He brings all the attributes and perfections of God to the great
work of salvation. How then can we fear, when He is able and willing to
save to the very uttermost? Able, because God. Willing, or why was He
made flesh to dwell among us?
His arm is omnipotent,
His merit is infinite, and
His mercy inconceivably great!
He is near of kin unto us as man, our Brother; bone of our bone, and
flesh of our flesh; His heart is set upon us as God, for He loves us with
an everlasting love: "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He
laid down His life for us."
Christ's OFFICES render Him glorious in the believer's eye, and dear to
the believer's heart. He is in office for us, for our salvation, peace, and
satisfaction.
He is a Prophet, who, possessing all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge, condescends to instruct the ignorant sons of men. He opens
to our view, the mysteries of redeeming mercy, and reveals the glorious
designs of sovereign grace. He teaches man his true condition, and
discovers to him how God can be just, and the justifier of such a sinner
as he feels himself to be.
He is a Priest, who has made an atonement for the guilty, by offering
one sacrifice to God, and has entered to the holy place, ever living to
make intercession for us. He reconciled us to God, by His expiating
death, and saves us by His life of intercession. He presents our prayers,
persons, and sacrifices to God; making them acceptable by the incense
of His merits.
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He is a King, who receives the returning rebel, and grants a pardon.
He rules over His people by His love and His laws; and defends all who
trust Him, from danger and death. He rules over mankind, and in the
believer; and is King of kings, and Lord of lords.
As a Prophet — He saves from ignorance and error;
as a Priest — He saves from guilt and condemnation; and
as a King — He saves from dangers and foes.
In these offices, the sinner finds all that he needs, and the believer loves
His Savior in each; he would be a scholar as well as a dependant; a
subject as well as a son; he cannot dispense with the lesson, the sacrifice,
or the scepter; but learns of His Master, trusts in His Savior, and obeys His
King.
Christ's RELATIONS endear Him to the Christian's heart, and add to
the glories He wears.
He is the Father, who receives the poor returning prodigal, and pities
His spendthrift children, when reduced to destitution. "Like as a father
pities his children — so Jesus pities them that fear Him; He knows their
frame, He remembers that they are dust."
He is a Brother born for adversity — to relieve, acknowledge, and raise
the degraded family of God. He raises the poor from the dust, and the
beggar from the dunghill. He deals out His bread to the hungry,
provides a garment for the naked, and receives the outcast home. He
not only wears our nature — but has our interests at heart.
He is the Husband, who . . .
brings us into marriage-union with Himself,
provides for all our necessities,
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supplies all our needs, and
assures us of His unalterable love!
He gives us . . .
His arm to support us,
His fullness to supply us,
His name to entitle us,
His robes to cover us,
His angels to guard us,
His Word to assure us, and
His Heaven to be our habitation at last!
"He is my Shepherd, Husband,
Friend, My Prophet, Priest, and King;
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
To whom my praise I bring."
His glories appear in the numerous and appropriate COMPARISONS
employed to set Him forth.
He is the City of refuge, that receives the poor sinner who flies from
the avenger of blood; the gates are always open, the way is made plain,
and the gracious assurance is given, "Him that comes unto me, I will
never cast out; but he shall dwell in safety, and be free from fear of evil."
Threatened vengeance may terrify while at a distance from Jesus; but at
His feet there is safety, and peace at His cross.
As the Tower of strength, He protects from the army that invades,
and supplies the necessitous and distressed with provision. No officer
can arrest us, no foe can overcome us, no danger can harm us — if
sheltered in Jesus, the sinner's stronghold. His name is a strong tower, into
which the righteous run and are safe; for they then dwell on high, and
the place of their defense is the munition of rocks.
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He is compared to the choicest food,
and represented as the kindest friend;
as affording a grateful shade,
and bestowing an invaluable portion;
as imparting the sweetest light,
and bearing precious fruit;
as communicating the richest perfumes,
and preventing all evil and harm.
There is nothing that delights the senses, dignifies the mind, or
ennobles the character — but Jesus is compared to it, and represented
by it!
"The whole creation can afford
But some faint shadow of our Lord;
Nature, to make His glories known
Must mingle colors not her own."
The Lord Jesus is all God can make Him — and all man can wish Him to
be! He is glorious in holiness, grace, and truth! Eternity is set apart for
the unfolding of His glories — to our everlasting satisfaction and
unceasing delight. To see Him here, in the looking-glass of the gospel,
by the eye of faith — fills us with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Yet
we then look forward to eternity, and delighted, sing,
"There, where my blessed Jesus reigns
In heaven's unmeasured space,
I'll spend a long eternity,
In pleasure and in praise!
Millions of years my wondering eyes
Shall o'er your beauties rove;
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And endless ages I'll adore
The glories of your love!"
Reader, do you know this Jesus? Have you committed your soul to Him?
is He precious to you? If you are . . .
believing his word,
relying on His work, and
looking for His mercy —
you are blessed indeed! But if you have not fled to Him for refuge, if
you are living at a distance from Him, a stranger to Him — your case is
sad, your state is highly dangerous! "He puts away all the wicked of the
earth as dross! He hates all workers of iniquity!" He will be glorified in
your eternal punishment, as one who has . . .
rejected His word,
despised His grace,
and trifled with His mercy!
Oh, think of your danger! Reflect on your dreadful condition! Unless
you repent — you must perish! If you do not repent — He will whet His
sword, and make His ready arrows upon the string. Flee, oh flee from
the wrath to come! Jesus is ready to receive, save, and bless you!
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My object is to lead the mind . . .
from SELF — to Jesus;
from sin — to salvation;
from the troubles of life — to the comforts of the gospel.
My aim is . . .
to humble the sinner — and exalt the Savior;
to strip the creature — and place the crown on the head of God's free
grace! I cannot ascribe too much to Jesus — or too little to man!
~ JAMES SMITH
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