TWO CONCLUSIONS

TWO CONCLUSIONS

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Concerning the characteristic signs aforementioned, I shall lay down two conclusions:

1. These characteristics are a Christian's box of evidences

For as an impenitent sinner has the signs of reprobation on him, by which, as by so many spots and tokens, he may know he shall die, so whoever can show these happy signs of a godly man, may see the evidences of salvation in his soul, and may know he has "passed from death unto life" (John 5:24). He is as sure to go to heaven as if he were in heaven already. Such a person is undoubtedly a member of Christ—and if he should perish, then a member of Christ might perish. These blessed characteristics may comfort a Christian under all worldly dejection and diabolical suggestions. Satan tempts a child of God with this—that he is a hypocrite and has no title to the land of promise. A Christian may pull out these evidences and challenge the devil to prove that any wicked man or hypocrite ever had such a good certificate to show for heaven. Satan may sooner prove himself a liar, than the saint a hypocrite.

2. Whoever has one of these characteristics in truth, has everything in embryo

Whoever has one link of a chain has the whole chain.

Objection: But may a child of God say, "Either I do not have all these characteristics or else they are so faintly stamped in me that I cannot discern them"?

Answer: To satisfy this scruple you must diligently observe the distinctions which the Scripture makes between Christians. It puts them into several classes and orders. Some are little children  who have only recently begun breast-feeding on the gospel; others are young men who have grown up to more maturity of grace; others are  fathers who are ready to take their degree of glory (1 John 2:12-14). Now, you who are only in the first rank or class may still have the  vitals of godliness, as well as those who have arrived at a higher stature in Christ. 

The Scripture speaks of the cedar and the  bruised reed; the latter of which is as true a plant of the heavenly paradise, as the other. So the weakest ought not to be discouraged. Not all have these characteristics of godliness written in capital letters. If they are only faintly stamped on their souls, God can read the work of his Spirit there. Though the seal is only faintly set on the wax, it ratifies the will and gives a real conveyance of an estate. If there is found just some good thing towards the Lord (as it was said of Abijah), God will accept it (1 Kings 14:13).