Thomas Watson
Showing posts with label believe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label believe. Show all posts
31 August, 2014
Why is Salvation by Faith?
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through
"Jesus said to the woman—Your faith has saved
To exclude all glorying in the creature. Faith is a
God's believing people are a humble people.
God's believing people are a willing people.
God's believing people are a consecrated people.
20 December, 2013
Treasures from James Smith (A collection of choice quotes from his works) - Part 5
James Smith
(1802—1862) was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London
God's prison!
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment — but the righteous to eternal life!" Matthew 25:46
The lost sinner takes the greatest of all risks — he risks suffering the torments of Hell forever, rather than yield himself to God.
He is in DANGER — the greatest possible danger; for he has broken God's law, is under its curse, and cannot possibly be saved — unless its demands are met, and its penalty endured.
How can he meet its demands? He is insolvent, and has nothing to pay.
How can he endure its penalty, which is to be punished with everlasting destruction?
The penalty due to sin — is Hell.
Hell is torment, wrath, despair!
Eternal torment!
Just and infinite wrath!
Never-ending despair!
If even the thought of these things is dreadful — then what must it be to actually endure them — and endure them forever, without hope, or mitigation, or end!
O what a fearful thing — to be in danger of Hell-fire! O how terrible the thought of being shut up in black despair, with devils and damned souls — the refuse of God's creation!
Hell is God's prison — where all His enemies are confined!
It is the place of punishment — where everyone suffers the just desert of his crimes!
It is a place horrible beyond description — beyond conception!
O, lost sinner! Hell is a dreadful place! To be damned is a terrible doom! It is forever! Yes, the worm that torments you — will never die; and the fire that punishes you — will never be quenched!
If you, my dear friend, live — neglecting God — walking in your own ways, and gratifying only your own passions and propensities — then you must go to Hell, and suffer God's just wrath — the punishment due to you for your sins!
God asks you, "Why will you die?" Why do you prefer . . .
death — to life,
damnation — to salvation,
Satan — to Jesus,
Hell — to Heaven?
Why?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
An unsaved person's perspective of Christians
I do not believe that you Christians believe your own creed — for if you were persuaded that things really are as your Bibles teach, and that we poor lost people were really going to such a dreadful place as you say Hell is — then you would act more humanely toward us.
If you saw our houses on fire — you would run and help us to put the fire out; or if you saw us in danger of death — you would try to do something to save us. But you pretend to believe that we are going to Hell, and that Hell burns with fire and brimstone forever, and that once there we can never get out — and yet you talk to us about all sorts of things — but never say one word to us about saving our souls from this terrible doom!
So I have reasoned thus: either you Christians don't believe what you say — or else you must be the most hardened and unfeeling wretches in the universe! Now, as I don't believe that you are such cruel, hardened, and unfeeling people as this supposes — then I must conclude that, with all your talk — you Christians don't really believe what your Bibles teach!
For if you really believe what you say about sin, and Hell, and our danger — then you would act differently; and if you have a spark of kindness in your hearts — you would try to save us from such a dreadful doom. And, on the other hand, if you do notbelieve what you profess — then you Christians cannot be honest; and to say the least, there must be a great deal of hypocrisy among you.
Now, I honestly tell you that these are the things which have stumbled me more than anything, and until I can see you Christians act differently — I will not be persuaded to believe what your sort of folks say.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Friends!
"Henceforth, I no longer call you servants — but I have called you friends." John 15:15
Friends! What — the friends of Jesus! Yes!
And does He love us as His friends? Yes!
And does He treat us as His friends? Yes!
And does He expect us to walk with Him, and converse with Him, and confide in Him as His friends? Yes!
Precious Lord Jesus,
how astonishing is Your love,
how vast is Your condescension,
how amazing is Your grace . . .
to call such insignificant worms, such ungrateful sinners, such utterly unworthy creatures — Your friends!
Yes, henceforth, Jesus . . .
treats us as His friends,
walks with us as His friends,
communes with us as His friends, and
will take us to dwell in Heaven with Him forever as His friends!
Blessed, blessed forever be the Lord, for His free and sovereign grace!
Henceforth, by the grace of God — I must be a new man, walking by a new rule, and aiming at a new end!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
We must continually come to 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.
O how little do many of us know our need 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!
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 sense of our need of Christ, if it is deep and increasing — will lead us to daily come to Christ for all our supplies.
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 drive us continually to Him.
There is often much prayer — and yet little communion with Christ. We should realize that He is giving us His whole attention. 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. He is always with us, listening to us, and sympathetically entering into all our concerns!
We must be intimate with Christ.
We must walk with Him.
We must carry everything to Him.
We must seek all we need from Him.
We must be constantly . . .
going to Christ,
conversing with Christ,
and obtaining from Christ —
if we would receive the consoling influences of His love!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Let us often think of home!
"I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!" Psalm 23:6
Notice, David's expectation for eternity. Not in the sheepfold in the wilderness — but in the house of the Lord! The dwelling-place of God — the family residence of the Father of mercies, and His beloved children. In that house, we shall have . . .
all our desires gratified,
all our prayers answered, and
our highest expectations more than realized!
There we shall dwell in peace, united to all the saints, and enjoying the society of all the ransomed brethren! All friendship will be unchangeable, and fellowship perpetual and pure.
There we shall dwell and worship — and our worship will be spiritual, pure, and perfect!
There we shall dwell and enjoy — and our enjoyments will be dignified, delightful, and eternal.
There we shall dwell and obey — and our obedience will be perfect, hearty, and perpetual.
There, we shall dwell and rest — and our rest will be sweet, refreshing, and satisfying.
There will be no wilderness storms there.
There will be no cruel, crafty, malignant foes there.
O glorious prospect! O sweet anticipation!
In our Father's house are many mansions — and all those mansions will be occupied, for . . .
every one beloved and chosen by the Father,
every one for whom Jesus became a substitute and sacrifice,
every one ever born of the Spirit — will be there!
All God's children shall be there — not one of them lost!
All God's sheep shall be there — not one hoof left behind!
There the Eternal Father will be surrounded by, and enjoy the society of all His happy family.
There the glorious Savior will see of the travail of His soul — and be fully and forever satisfied.
There the Holy Spirit will fill all His temples, and enjoy His divine workmanship, and the presence of all whom He has prepared for glory.
There, Jehovah, at home with His people — will manifest forth His glory, and pour floods of light, love, and blessing upon them forever!
Well then may the Psalmist say, "In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures!"
Let us often think of home! This vain world is not our rest. Here on earth, we have no continuing city. Home, the home of the believer's heart — is in the skies . . .
where Jesus is,
where Jesus reigns,
where love is perfect,
where there is always a full tide of joy,
where God displays all his glory,
where grace satisfies the utmost desires of every renewed soul.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Such I may have been — but for free and sovereign grace!
"By the grace of God — I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10
Consider what you were — before saved by sovereign grace. Your heart was enmity against God, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked! You did not have one pure desire, one holy thought, or one feeling of love to God.
Further, what would you have been — but for the grace of God? Look at the vilest, the most debased, the most debauched of our race — and you may truly say, "Such I may have been — but for free and sovereign grace!"
"By the grace of God — I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The benefits of prayer
Prayer carries every burden to the Lord — -and leaves it there.
Prayer goes to the Lord . . .
with every need — to have it supplied;
with every enemy — to have it conquered;
with every corruption — to have it subdued;
with every trouble — to have it sanctified,
and with every promise — to have it fulfilled.
Prayer . . .
affects God's heart with a groan,
opens God's hand with a cry, and
obtains the most costly blessings with a tear!
While a man can pray . . .
he can never sink,
he can never be wretched,
he can never perish!
Reader, get and maintain a spirit of prayer; it will . . .
ease your mind,
quell your fears, and
fortify your soul against the sorest trials!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus!" Philippians 4:6-7
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
His love uses the rod — as well as gives the kiss!
"God is love!" 1 John 4:16
That is, in Christ, God is love.
All that God does for His children — is in love!
All that He withholds from us — is in love!
And all that He requires of us — is in love!
His precepts are from love — as much as His promises!
His warnings are as much from love — as His invitations!
His prohibitions are as much from love — as His permissions!
His love uses the rod — as well as gives the kiss!
His love withholds — as well as gives!
All, all, is done in love!
O sweet and blessed representation of Jehovah! How can I be justified in complaining of any of His dealings? In Jesus,
all His thoughts, are loving thoughts;
all His words, are loving words; and
all His works, are loving works.
In giving, or withholding — He manifests His love.
In afflicting, or restoring — He alike displays His love.
Every pain, and every pleasure — is from His love.
Every storm, and every sunbeam — is from His love.
The fruitful shower, and the destroying hurricane — are ruled and overruled by divine love, for the good of the believer in Jesus.
"The Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son!" Hebrews 12:6
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I will come forth as gold!
"When He has tested me, I will come forth as gold!" Job 23:10
The Lord puts all of His people into His furnace! Some are long in melting and refining — and with others the work is quick. But long or short, the Lord will keep His people in the fire — until they are purified! A genuine Christian loses nothing in the furnace, but his dross. He comes forth bettered, purified, refined. He is more humble, his faith is more simple, and his life more spiritual. He shines like molten gold, and reflects the image of the great Refiner.
"He will sit as a Refiner and Purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver." Malachi 3:3
~ ~ ~ ~
I am God's child!
"We are the children of God!" Romans 8:16
Never let us forget or lose sight of this — but let us live, walk, and act under the impression that, "I am God's child!"
He knows me — and knows all about me.
He loves me — and loves me with the same love with which He loves His only-begotten Son.
He cares for me — and so cares for me that I ought not to be anxious about anything.
He is with me — and will never for one moment trust me out of His sight, or out of the reach of His hand.
He appoints my daily lot — and will overrule everything for my eternal welfare!
~ ~ ~ ~
"Now he is comforted!" Luke 16:25
Poor suffering Lazarus had little comfort on earth — but he has plenty in Heaven. The discomfort he suffered here — must make his comfort there tenfold more sweet!
As it was with him, so will it be with us — we shall not lack comfort for long. We have much to comfort us now, even in our worst seasons — but the best is yet to come! The God of all comfort, who sends down drops of comfort now — will soon call us up to enter into the torrents of the fullness of His joy forever! Weeping may endure for a night — but joy comes in the morning. Soon our sufferings and sorrows will be forever ended!
"God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!" Revelation 21:4
~ ~ ~ ~
That I may know Him!
Paul desired seven things especially — and they all referred to Christ, and they are all named in his epistle to the Philippians, and I propose to glance at them. Let us compare ourdesires with his as we go on, and may the Holy Spirit bless our brief meditation on the subject.
First, he says, "that I may KNOW Him!" (Philippians
3:10.) Christ had appeared to Paul, he was revealed in him, and was constantly
preached by him. Christ was . . .
the object of his trust,
the subject of his ministry,
and the joy of his heart!
But he knew that there was much in Christ with which he was unacquainted. He knew but in part. He desired, therefore, to know more of . . .
the glory of His person,
the riches of His grace,
the magnificence of His work,
the excellency of His natures,
the majesty of His kingdom!
Everything in Christ interested Paul. Creation was good — and grace was better; but Christ was best of all. He was never wearied . . .
of thinking of Christ,
of speaking of Christ,
of learning of Christ.
He went on with his work, he went on his way — with the desire constantly rising in his heart, "That I may know Him!"
Beloved, how is it with you? Do you sympathize with Paul in this desire of his heart? Is it your daily wish, ardent desire, and constant aim — to know more of Jesus?
Throughout eternity we shall be learning Christ!
He is the lesson placed before us in the church on earth;
and He is the lesson placed before the church in Heaven.
Time is given us to learn Christ — and, blessed be God,
eternity will be given to us to learn even more of Christ!
Nothing endears eternity to me like this — it will be spent in learning, enjoying, and honoring Christ!
~ ~ ~ ~
Can we ever reach the promised land?
Life is but a journey — a journey from the present fleeting world, to the eternal world.
"By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night." Exodus 13:21
Israel needed a GUIDE in their journey from the wilderness to the promised land.
They had a long journey before them, which would take them forty years.
They had to travel by a strange path, on which they had never trodden before.
Numerous foes would endeavor to obstruct their progress.
Many dangers lined the way.
And they had evil and deceitful hearts!
Fellow-Christians — is it not even so with us? We are going on a journey to a country of which the Lord our God has told us.
The journey is long and trying. It takes some twenty, some forty, and some sixty years to travel from earth to Heaven.
It is a strange path. A path which no one knows — a path we have never trodden before. A path which by nature we could never find, and from which we are prone to turn aside.
We are surrounded by numerous foes, visible and invisible:
The WORLD frowning as a determined persecutor, or fawning as a base deceiver — is our foe. Now by its sneers, sarcasms, or sword — and then, by its gilded vanities, flesh-pleasing baits, and blandishments — it endeavors to turn us aside from the right ways of the Lord.
SATAN and his hosts — crafty, cunning, cruel, united, persevering and determined — set themselves to terrify and drive us back, or to allure us from the way.
And worst of all, in our own natures, we have a determined foe who is . . .
ever present,
ever vigilant,
ever powerful.
Yes, the FLESH lusts against the Spirit. We find a law in our members warring against the law of our minds.
The world, the flesh, and the devil all combine to . . .
oppose our progress,
hinder us in our march, and,
if possible, to destroy us in the wilderness!
Then, there are so many dangers:
the towering rocks of presumption,
the quagmires of doubt and fear,
the pitfalls of error,
the ravines of willful sin,
the fiery-flying serpents of temptation,
the scorpions of indulged lust,
the sunshine — and the shade;
the barren sands — and the verdant valleys;
the granite rocks — and the flowing streams
— all of them have dangers concealed in them! Nor can we be trusted alone for one moment — if we are to be safe. Worst of all, there are our distrustful and deceitful hearts!
With . . .
so long a journey,
so strange a path,
such numerous foes,
so many dangers, and
such unbelieving hearts —
can we ever reach the promised land? Can we?
Not if left to ourselves! Not if led only by Moses. We must have a guide . . .
who well knows the road;
who can conquer our many foes;
who can lead us safely through all our dangers,
who can bear with our stubborn hearts and lives!
We need a guide . . .
whose wisdom is perfect,
whose power is almighty,
whose care is constant,
whose patience is immutable,
whose mercy endures forever!
God provided just what the Israelites needed in the wilderness — a guide to lead them by day and night. He went before them — pointing out the road, clearing it of insurmountable difficulties, and conducting them in it.
This is just what our good and gracious God does for us! He is really present with us — though unseen by us. He is never far from any one of us. He marks out our road, He removes every real impediment out of our way, and conducts us step by step in the path to the promised land!
Naturally we do not know the right path; left to ourselves, we would choose the short-cut, the smooth path, and well-frequented road. But He leads us in a zig-zag way, by arough and uneven road — where there are but few fellow-travelers. His choice is best. The way He points out is the only right one. It is to humble us, and test us, and show what is in our hearts. It is that we may walk by faith — and not by sight. It is to teach us our need of Himself — and to lead us to cleave unto Him. "For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death", through death, and beyond it!
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go! I will guide you with My eye!" Psalm 32:8
~ ~ ~ ~
"That I may WIN Christ!" Philippians 3:8
Paul was not merely satisfied to know Christ, as the property of someone else; he wanted Christ as his own! He was not only willing to receive Christ as a free gift — but he would win Christ as a prize!
Was Christ to be run for — then he would run.
Was Christ to be wrestled for — then he would wrestle.
Were there any means by which Christ could be obtained, however painful, however costly, however difficult — then Paul would use them!
Did he believe? It was that he might win Christ.
Did he pray? It was that he might win Christ.
Did he preach? It was that he might win Christ.
Did he crucify the old man, mortify the flesh, beat his body and make it his slave? It was that he might win Christ.
Did he suffer the loss of all things, and count them but dung and dross? It was that he might win Christ.
Did he subject himself to stripes, imprisonment, hunger, cold, nakedness, and a martyr's death? It was that he might win Christ.
To possess Christ was his one object, his ruling desire!
Reader, is it your main object and desire?
Are you prepared to part with all to win Christ?
Would you take Christ — in exchange for ease, reputation, wealth, labors, sufferings, yes, even death itself? Paul was; and if you are not, his estimates of Christ and yours cannot be the same.
My soul, I charge you — let this be your object, let this be your aim, always and everywhere: to "win Christ!"
God's prison!
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment — but the righteous to eternal life!" Matthew 25:46
The lost sinner takes the greatest of all risks — he risks suffering the torments of Hell forever, rather than yield himself to God.
He is in DANGER — the greatest possible danger; for he has broken God's law, is under its curse, and cannot possibly be saved — unless its demands are met, and its penalty endured.
How can he meet its demands? He is insolvent, and has nothing to pay.
How can he endure its penalty, which is to be punished with everlasting destruction?
The penalty due to sin — is Hell.
Hell is torment, wrath, despair!
Eternal torment!
Just and infinite wrath!
Never-ending despair!
If even the thought of these things is dreadful — then what must it be to actually endure them — and endure them forever, without hope, or mitigation, or end!
O what a fearful thing — to be in danger of Hell-fire! O how terrible the thought of being shut up in black despair, with devils and damned souls — the refuse of God's creation!
Hell is God's prison — where all His enemies are confined!
It is the place of punishment — where everyone suffers the just desert of his crimes!
It is a place horrible beyond description — beyond conception!
O, lost sinner! Hell is a dreadful place! To be damned is a terrible doom! It is forever! Yes, the worm that torments you — will never die; and the fire that punishes you — will never be quenched!
If you, my dear friend, live — neglecting God — walking in your own ways, and gratifying only your own passions and propensities — then you must go to Hell, and suffer God's just wrath — the punishment due to you for your sins!
God asks you, "Why will you die?" Why do you prefer . . .
death — to life,
damnation — to salvation,
Satan — to Jesus,
Hell — to Heaven?
Why?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
An unsaved person's perspective of Christians
I do not believe that you Christians believe your own creed — for if you were persuaded that things really are as your Bibles teach, and that we poor lost people were really going to such a dreadful place as you say Hell is — then you would act more humanely toward us.
If you saw our houses on fire — you would run and help us to put the fire out; or if you saw us in danger of death — you would try to do something to save us. But you pretend to believe that we are going to Hell, and that Hell burns with fire and brimstone forever, and that once there we can never get out — and yet you talk to us about all sorts of things — but never say one word to us about saving our souls from this terrible doom!
So I have reasoned thus: either you Christians don't believe what you say — or else you must be the most hardened and unfeeling wretches in the universe! Now, as I don't believe that you are such cruel, hardened, and unfeeling people as this supposes — then I must conclude that, with all your talk — you Christians don't really believe what your Bibles teach!
For if you really believe what you say about sin, and Hell, and our danger — then you would act differently; and if you have a spark of kindness in your hearts — you would try to save us from such a dreadful doom. And, on the other hand, if you do notbelieve what you profess — then you Christians cannot be honest; and to say the least, there must be a great deal of hypocrisy among you.
Now, I honestly tell you that these are the things which have stumbled me more than anything, and until I can see you Christians act differently — I will not be persuaded to believe what your sort of folks say.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Friends!
"Henceforth, I no longer call you servants — but I have called you friends." John 15:15
Friends! What — the friends of Jesus! Yes!
And does He love us as His friends? Yes!
And does He treat us as His friends? Yes!
And does He expect us to walk with Him, and converse with Him, and confide in Him as His friends? Yes!
Precious Lord Jesus,
how astonishing is Your love,
how vast is Your condescension,
how amazing is Your grace . . .
to call such insignificant worms, such ungrateful sinners, such utterly unworthy creatures — Your friends!
Yes, henceforth, Jesus . . .
treats us as His friends,
walks with us as His friends,
communes with us as His friends, and
will take us to dwell in Heaven with Him forever as His friends!
Blessed, blessed forever be the Lord, for His free and sovereign grace!
Henceforth, by the grace of God — I must be a new man, walking by a new rule, and aiming at a new end!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
We must continually come to 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.
O how little do many of us know our need 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!
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 sense of our need of Christ, if it is deep and increasing — will lead us to daily come to Christ for all our supplies.
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 drive us continually to Him.
There is often much prayer — and yet little communion with Christ. We should realize that He is giving us His whole attention. 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. He is always with us, listening to us, and sympathetically entering into all our concerns!
We must be intimate with Christ.
We must walk with Him.
We must carry everything to Him.
We must seek all we need from Him.
We must be constantly . . .
going to Christ,
conversing with Christ,
and obtaining from Christ —
if we would receive the consoling influences of His love!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Let us often think of home!
"I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!" Psalm 23:6
Notice, David's expectation for eternity. Not in the sheepfold in the wilderness — but in the house of the Lord! The dwelling-place of God — the family residence of the Father of mercies, and His beloved children. In that house, we shall have . . .
all our desires gratified,
all our prayers answered, and
our highest expectations more than realized!
There we shall dwell in peace, united to all the saints, and enjoying the society of all the ransomed brethren! All friendship will be unchangeable, and fellowship perpetual and pure.
There we shall dwell and worship — and our worship will be spiritual, pure, and perfect!
There we shall dwell and enjoy — and our enjoyments will be dignified, delightful, and eternal.
There we shall dwell and obey — and our obedience will be perfect, hearty, and perpetual.
There, we shall dwell and rest — and our rest will be sweet, refreshing, and satisfying.
There will be no wilderness storms there.
There will be no cruel, crafty, malignant foes there.
O glorious prospect! O sweet anticipation!
In our Father's house are many mansions — and all those mansions will be occupied, for . . .
every one beloved and chosen by the Father,
every one for whom Jesus became a substitute and sacrifice,
every one ever born of the Spirit — will be there!
All God's children shall be there — not one of them lost!
All God's sheep shall be there — not one hoof left behind!
There the Eternal Father will be surrounded by, and enjoy the society of all His happy family.
There the glorious Savior will see of the travail of His soul — and be fully and forever satisfied.
There the Holy Spirit will fill all His temples, and enjoy His divine workmanship, and the presence of all whom He has prepared for glory.
There, Jehovah, at home with His people — will manifest forth His glory, and pour floods of light, love, and blessing upon them forever!
Well then may the Psalmist say, "In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures!"
Let us often think of home! This vain world is not our rest. Here on earth, we have no continuing city. Home, the home of the believer's heart — is in the skies . . .
where Jesus is,
where Jesus reigns,
where love is perfect,
where there is always a full tide of joy,
where God displays all his glory,
where grace satisfies the utmost desires of every renewed soul.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Such I may have been — but for free and sovereign grace!
"By the grace of God — I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10
Consider what you were — before saved by sovereign grace. Your heart was enmity against God, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked! You did not have one pure desire, one holy thought, or one feeling of love to God.
Further, what would you have been — but for the grace of God? Look at the vilest, the most debased, the most debauched of our race — and you may truly say, "Such I may have been — but for free and sovereign grace!"
"By the grace of God — I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The benefits of prayer
Prayer carries every burden to the Lord — -and leaves it there.
Prayer goes to the Lord . . .
with every need — to have it supplied;
with every enemy — to have it conquered;
with every corruption — to have it subdued;
with every trouble — to have it sanctified,
and with every promise — to have it fulfilled.
Prayer . . .
affects God's heart with a groan,
opens God's hand with a cry, and
obtains the most costly blessings with a tear!
While a man can pray . . .
he can never sink,
he can never be wretched,
he can never perish!
Reader, get and maintain a spirit of prayer; it will . . .
ease your mind,
quell your fears, and
fortify your soul against the sorest trials!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus!" Philippians 4:6-7
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
His love uses the rod — as well as gives the kiss!
"God is love!" 1 John 4:16
That is, in Christ, God is love.
All that God does for His children — is in love!
All that He withholds from us — is in love!
And all that He requires of us — is in love!
His precepts are from love — as much as His promises!
His warnings are as much from love — as His invitations!
His prohibitions are as much from love — as His permissions!
His love uses the rod — as well as gives the kiss!
His love withholds — as well as gives!
All, all, is done in love!
O sweet and blessed representation of Jehovah! How can I be justified in complaining of any of His dealings? In Jesus,
all His thoughts, are loving thoughts;
all His words, are loving words; and
all His works, are loving works.
In giving, or withholding — He manifests His love.
In afflicting, or restoring — He alike displays His love.
Every pain, and every pleasure — is from His love.
Every storm, and every sunbeam — is from His love.
The fruitful shower, and the destroying hurricane — are ruled and overruled by divine love, for the good of the believer in Jesus.
"The Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son!" Hebrews 12:6
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I will come forth as gold!
"When He has tested me, I will come forth as gold!" Job 23:10
The Lord puts all of His people into His furnace! Some are long in melting and refining — and with others the work is quick. But long or short, the Lord will keep His people in the fire — until they are purified! A genuine Christian loses nothing in the furnace, but his dross. He comes forth bettered, purified, refined. He is more humble, his faith is more simple, and his life more spiritual. He shines like molten gold, and reflects the image of the great Refiner.
"He will sit as a Refiner and Purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver." Malachi 3:3
~ ~ ~ ~
I am God's child!
"We are the children of God!" Romans 8:16
Never let us forget or lose sight of this — but let us live, walk, and act under the impression that, "I am God's child!"
He knows me — and knows all about me.
He loves me — and loves me with the same love with which He loves His only-begotten Son.
He cares for me — and so cares for me that I ought not to be anxious about anything.
He is with me — and will never for one moment trust me out of His sight, or out of the reach of His hand.
He appoints my daily lot — and will overrule everything for my eternal welfare!
~ ~ ~ ~
"Now he is comforted!" Luke 16:25
Poor suffering Lazarus had little comfort on earth — but he has plenty in Heaven. The discomfort he suffered here — must make his comfort there tenfold more sweet!
As it was with him, so will it be with us — we shall not lack comfort for long. We have much to comfort us now, even in our worst seasons — but the best is yet to come! The God of all comfort, who sends down drops of comfort now — will soon call us up to enter into the torrents of the fullness of His joy forever! Weeping may endure for a night — but joy comes in the morning. Soon our sufferings and sorrows will be forever ended!
"God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!" Revelation 21:4
~ ~ ~ ~
That I may know Him!
Paul desired seven things especially — and they all referred to Christ, and they are all named in his epistle to the Philippians, and I propose to glance at them. Let us compare ourdesires with his as we go on, and may the Holy Spirit bless our brief meditation on the subject.
First, he says, "that I may K
the object of his trust,
the subject of his ministry,
and the joy of his heart!
But he knew that there was much in Christ with which he was unacquainted. He knew but in part. He desired, therefore, to know more of . . .
the glory of His person,
the riches of His grace,
the magnificence of His work,
the excellency of His natures,
the majesty of His kingdom!
Everything in Christ interested Paul. Creation was good — and grace was better; but Christ was best of all. He was never wearied . . .
of thinking of Christ,
of speaking of Christ,
of learning of Christ.
He went on with his work, he went on his way — with the desire constantly rising in his heart, "That I may know Him!"
Beloved, how is it with you? Do you sympathize with Paul in this desire of his heart? Is it your daily wish, ardent desire, and constant aim — to know more of Jesus?
Throughout eternity we shall be learning Christ!
He is the lesson placed before us in the church on earth;
and He is the lesson placed before the church in Heaven.
Time is given us to learn Christ — and, blessed be God,
eternity will be given to us to learn even more of Christ!
Nothing endears eternity to me like this — it will be spent in learning, enjoying, and honoring Christ!
~ ~ ~ ~
Can we ever reach the promised land?
Life is but a journey — a journey from the present fleeting world, to the eternal world.
"By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night." Exodus 13:21
Israel needed a GUIDE in their journey from the wilderness to the promised land.
They had a long journey before them, which would take them forty years.
They had to travel by a strange path, on which they had never trodden before.
Numerous foes would endeavor to obstruct their progress.
Many dangers lined the way.
And they had evil and deceitful hearts!
Fellow-Christians — is it not even so with us? We are going on a journey to a country of which the Lord our God has told us.
The journey is long and trying. It takes some twenty, some forty, and some sixty years to travel from earth to Heaven.
It is a strange path. A path which no one knows — a path we have never trodden before. A path which by nature we could never find, and from which we are prone to turn aside.
We are surrounded by numerous foes, visible and invisible:
The WORLD frowning as a determined persecutor, or fawning as a base deceiver — is our foe. Now by its sneers, sarcasms, or sword — and then, by its gilded vanities, flesh-pleasing baits, and blandishments — it endeavors to turn us aside from the right ways of the Lord.
SATAN and his hosts — crafty, cunning, cruel, united, persevering and determined — set themselves to terrify and drive us back, or to allure us from the way.
And worst of all, in our own natures, we have a determined foe who is . . .
ever present,
ever vigilant,
ever powerful.
Yes, the FLESH lusts against the Spirit. We find a law in our members warring against the law of our minds.
The world, the flesh, and the devil all combine to . . .
oppose our progress,
hinder us in our march, and,
if possible, to destroy us in the wilderness!
Then, there are so many dangers:
the towering rocks of presumption,
the quagmires of doubt and fear,
the pitfalls of error,
the ravines of willful sin,
the fiery-flying serpents of temptation,
the scorpions of indulged lust,
the sunshine — and the shade;
the barren sands — and the verdant valleys;
the granite rocks — and the flowing streams
— all of them have dangers concealed in them! Nor can we be trusted alone for one moment — if we are to be safe. Worst of all, there are our distrustful and deceitful hearts!
With . . .
so long a journey,
so strange a path,
such numerous foes,
so many dangers, and
such unbelieving hearts —
can we ever reach the promised land? Can we?
Not if left to ourselves! Not if led only by Moses. We must have a guide . . .
who well knows the road;
who can conquer our many foes;
who can lead us safely through all our dangers,
who can bear with our stubborn hearts and lives!
We need a guide . . .
whose wisdom is perfect,
whose power is almighty,
whose care is constant,
whose patience is immutable,
whose mercy endures forever!
God provided just what the Israelites needed in the wilderness — a guide to lead them by day and night. He went before them — pointing out the road, clearing it of insurmountable difficulties, and conducting them in it.
This is just what our good and gracious God does for us! He is really present with us — though unseen by us. He is never far from any one of us. He marks out our road, He removes every real impediment out of our way, and conducts us step by step in the path to the promised land!
Naturally we do not know the right path; left to ourselves, we would choose the short-cut, the smooth path, and well-frequented road. But He leads us in a zig-zag way, by arough and uneven road — where there are but few fellow-travelers. His choice is best. The way He points out is the only right one. It is to humble us, and test us, and show what is in our hearts. It is that we may walk by faith — and not by sight. It is to teach us our need of Himself — and to lead us to cleave unto Him. "For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death", through death, and beyond it!
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go! I will guide you with My eye!" Psalm 32:8
~ ~ ~ ~
"That I may WIN Christ!" Philippians 3:8
Paul was not merely satisfied to know Christ, as the property of someone else; he wanted Christ as his own! He was not only willing to receive Christ as a free gift — but he would win Christ as a prize!
Was Christ to be run for — then he would run.
Was Christ to be wrestled for — then he would wrestle.
Were there any means by which Christ could be obtained, however painful, however costly, however difficult — then Paul would use them!
Did he believe? It was that he might win Christ.
Did he pray? It was that he might win Christ.
Did he preach? It was that he might win Christ.
Did he crucify the old man, mortify the flesh, beat his body and make it his slave? It was that he might win Christ.
Did he suffer the loss of all things, and count them but dung and dross? It was that he might win Christ.
Did he subject himself to stripes, imprisonment, hunger, cold, nakedness, and a martyr's death? It was that he might win Christ.
To possess Christ was his one object, his ruling desire!
Reader, is it your main object and desire?
Are you prepared to part with all to win Christ?
Would you take Christ — in exchange for ease, reputation, wealth, labors, sufferings, yes, even death itself? Paul was; and if you are not, his estimates of Christ and yours cannot be the same.
My soul, I charge you — let this be your object, let this be your aim, always and everywhere: to "win Christ!"
18 December, 2013
Treasures from James Smith (A collection of choice quotes from his works) - Part 4
He may be on earth at noon — but in Hell at night!
"They walk on in darkness!" Psalm 82:5
The minds of sinners make progress — but it is in the wrong path! They started wrong. They will not believe that they are wrong. Therefore they walk on to their own destruction. It is a painful sight to see thousands, and tens of thousands of travelers, passing through this world — and all going wrong! Every step they take, leaves us less hope — and gives the Prince of darkness more power over them. In temporal things — they see clearly enough; but in spiritual things — they are stone-blind! "They walk on in darkness."
Darkness is the emblem of IGNORANCE. They are ignorant . . .
of their true state before God,
of the character of the God who made them,
of the just desert of sin,
of the only Savior who can deliver them,
of the way of escape opened up before them,
and of the dreadful doom that awaits them!
They walk on in ignorance! If they were not so ignorant — they would surely fly to the Lord Jesus to save them.
Darkness is also the emblem of SIN. They live . . .
in the violation of God's holy law,
neglecting Christ's gracious gospel, and
making SELF the end of their existence.
They live to themselves,
they live for themselves,
they neglect God's requirements,
they despise His invitations,
they turn their backs on His throne of grace,
they treat His Book with contempt,
they waste their time in idleness and folly
— and yet talk as if they expected that He would have mercy upon them at last! They walk on in sin — and yet hope to arrive in Heaven at last!
Darkness represents DANGER. These people are in imminent danger! Disease may arrest them at any hour! Death may remove them out of this world at any moment!
Disease introduces death,
death ushers into the presence of God,
and God dooms the careless sinner to Hell!
He may be in health in the morning — but a corpse at noon!
He may be on earth at noon — but in Hell at night!
He walks upon snares. He is surrounded by the officers of justice. He may be seized any moment. Once seized . . .
hope departs,
despair approaches, and
outer darkness closes up the scene!
And yet they walk on in thoughtlessness! They . . .
fool away their time,
neglect their opportunities of escape,
disregard the warning voice, and
perish in their own deceivings!
Beast-like — they have no concern for any of these things. They say they shall not be worse off than others — as if it were any relief to be no worse than others, where all are in misery, agony and endless woe! Not worse off than others! Yes, they will — for it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for them. Not worse off than others! Indeed they will — for the men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment and condemn them. Not worse off than others! This is a mistake — for careless, indifferent, Christ-rejecting sinners, "will receive the greater damnation!"
"They walk on in darkness," but if they persevere in doing so — then how fearful will their end be. It will be . . .
misery without mercy,
darkness without light,
despair without prospect of deliverance —
and all the result of a willful determination to "walk on in darkness!"
~ ~ ~ ~
It is difficult to say which is the more astonishing!
"You are my portion, O Lord!" Psalm 119:57
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!" Psalm 73:26
It is difficult to say which is the more astonishing:
that God should be our portion, or
that He should take us to be His portion!
"The Lord's portion is His people!" Deuteronomy 32:9
"Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine!" Isaiah 43:1
~ ~ ~ ~
The poor Christian!
"Hearken, my beloved brethren, has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him?" James 2:5
Poverty is not spirituality — but sanctified poverty is a great friend to it.
Poverty is no sin — but it is sometimes a preventive to sin.
Poverty has its temptations — but it has also its consolations.
The poor ought not to repine at poverty — because God in His infinite wisdom has appointed it, and is able to render it the greatest blessing. God's chosen are generally found among the poor. Not that He chose them because they were poor; but choosing them in Christ — He appointed poverty as the best thing for them.
God's enemies have their full portion in this life — here, they have their good things. Not so with God's children! Here on earth, they have their evil things — and their best things are yet to come!
The poor Christian has . . .
a rich Father in whom to trust;
the fullness of Jesus to supply him;
the precious promises on which to depend;
the Holy Spirit to be his Comforter; and a
glorious inheritance to anticipate and forever dwell in!
All Christians are "heirs of the kingdom" —
the kingdom of grace here — and of glory hereafter;
the kingdom in which Jesus will reign;
the kingdom where they will be princes — yes, kings and priests;
the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world!
My poor brother — my poor sister! Look up! Look forward!
Your cottage will soon be exchanged for a mansion!
Your sickness will soon be exchanged for health!
Your poverty will soon be exchanged for wealth!
Your sin will soon be exchanged for perfect holiness!
Your earth will soon be exchanged for Heaven!
You will not always be poor! You will not be poor for long. Jesus will soon come — and then you will reign with Him!
For you — an inheritance is reserved in Heaven!
For you — a mansion is being prepared!
For you — glory, honor, immortality, even eternal life, are in reserve!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Suffering Christian!
"God will wipe every tear from their eyes! There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!" Revelation 21:4
How much pain many of the Lord's people are called to suffer — and how severe that pain often is! There are times when pain is hard to bear — when our spirits are exhausted and we are sorely tempted to doubt the pity and tender love of our Heavenly Father. Then it is sweet to look forward to the place, and anticipate the time — when God will wipe every tear from our eyes — and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!
Suffering Christian! Your pain will soon end — and your sufferings will soon be over! Jesus will come and fetch you from your bed of pain, your chamber of affliction, and yourhouse of mourning! Absent from the body — you will be present with the Lord!
Seek grace from the Lord to suffer patiently. There is an end of every pain — and soon you will bless the Lord for the very pains which now cause you to sigh and groan! The songs of Heaven will be sweetened by the groans of earth; and the pleasures of eternity will be heightened by the pains of time!
Every pain endured — leaves one less pain to suffer. And every hour that passes — brings us one hour nearer to the time when the ransomed of the Lord shall leave behind this land of darkness and death, and go home to their Father's house with everlasting joy, while sorrow and sighing shall forever flee away!
"You will weep no more!" Isaiah 30:19
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All that we can need for life or death, time or eternity!
"There is no lack to those who fear Him!" Psalm 34:9
They are not truly wealthy — who appear to be so — or who boast of being so.
The lost sinner must be poor. He has . . .
no God to comfort him;
no Savior to deliver him;
no Guide to conduct him;
no Advocate to plead for him;
no inward peace to support him;
no title to Heaven to encourage him.
He is poor. He is in need. He will need . . .
confidence and comfort in death;
a wedding garment, in which to appear before God;
and a comfortable home throughout eternity!
Every lost sinner is indeed poor. His resources will soon be exhausted, and he will find himself "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked!" He may have the appearance of prosperity — but not the reality. True riches belong to another family.
The Lord's people all fear Him; that is, they fear to offend Him, and desire above all things to please Him. And though they may appear poor — they are really rich! God has provided all good things for them — and He gives all good things to them.
They have a solid peace, flowing from a knowledge of acceptance with God, through the blood of Jesus.
They have a joyful hope, which blooms with immortality.
They are assured of strength equal to their day; and of sanctifying grace to make all their troubles work for their good.
They are content with God's wise and holy appointments; and godliness with contentment is a good fortune.
They acquiesce in the will of God; and are often filled with joy which flows from His presence.
They obtain victory over the temptations which would ensnare them.
They live above the world, which would allure and beguile them.
They are sure of support in death.
They look forward to a joyful resurrection.
They rightly anticipate Heaven as their portion forever!
There is no lack to them, for all that they can truly need, is promised — and every promise is confirmed by the blood of Jesus!
Jehovah is theirs — along with all that He is, and has!
His power is their support!
His wisdom is their guide!
His fullness is their fortune!
His mercy is their friend!
His love is their Heaven.
"Happy are the people who are in such a case!" All the Lord's people are really in this case — and therefore they are all happy!
Just think of having Almighty God for your present, constant, eternal Friend!
Think of having the wealth of Deity to supply and satisfy you!
And if you sincerely fear God — then this is the reality of your case! No truth is more clearly revealed in Scripture. No subject is more rich with consolation!
Strength may be exhausted,
health may decline,
courage may fail,
riches may flee,
friends may forsake,
enemies may increase,
all circumstances may change for the worse — but
"those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing!"
Sweet promise of a faithful God!
Here, pilgrim, is your staff — take it and travel home!
Here, saint, is your cordial — drink and forget your misery!
Here, believer, is your fortune — take it and live upon it, while a resident here below.
Here, fearful soul, is your antidote — use it to dispel your fears and cheer your fainting heart!
"The young lions may lack food and go hungry — but there is no lack to those who fear Him!"
Here is wealth! Here is comfort!
Here is all that we can need for life or death, time or eternity!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A remedy for heart trouble!
"Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God — believe also in Me!" John 14:1
We often trouble ourselves. We often allow our hearts to be tossed about like the waves of the sea, without any real cause. Our Savior forbids it. He forbids it in tender love. He forbids it because it is injurious. It lays us open to temptations, and fosters unbelief and anxiety. Our Lord would have us be calm, patient, and composed; therefore He says, "Let not your heart be troubled!"
He prescribes a remedy for heart trouble, or inward anxiety:
1. "Believe in God." Believe in God as your Father — as loving you, acting for you, and rejoicing in your welfare. See Him . . .
ordering all events with consummate wisdom;
overruling all with infinite skill; and
sanctifying all to your welfare, by His sovereign grace.
There is no room for 'chance' — for His government is perfect.
There can be no unkindness — for His love is infinite.
All will be directed right — for He personally superintends every detail in the universe!
The floating of the atom,
the rolling of the sea, and
all the movements of every mind —
are alike under His control and direction!
"He works all things after the counsel of His own will."
2. "Believe also in Me!" Believe. . .
that I sympathize with you;
that I feel the deepest interest in your welfare;
that I never withdraw my eye or heart from you for one moment;
that I will support you in every place, and under every trial;
that My arm shall be stretched out for you to lean upon, as you come up out of the wilderness of this world;
that I will save you to the uttermost;
that I will show you a brother's love;
that I will stand by you as a firm friend in every distress;
that I will overturn all the designs of your foes against you.
Remember Jesus, that Jesus who . . .
lived for you,
labored for you,
suffered for you,
died for you,
rose for you, and
is now in Heaven pleading for you —
says, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God — believe also in Me!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Open wide your mouth — and I will fill it!
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth — and I will fill it!" Psalm 81:10
Our great privilege is to have God for our God:
to know Him,
to love Him,
to adore Him,
and to trust in Him.
If God is ours — then all must be well. If God has delivered us from . . .
the Egypt of this world,
the power of sin, and
the tyranny of Satan —
then He is our God indeed.
He says, "I am Jehovah — the compassionate God . . .
who sympathizes with My people in their sorrows,
who counts their tears,
who feels their groans, and
who records their prayers."
"I am Jehovah — the God of power . . .
who delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage;
whose strength is as infinite as My nature,
for whom nothing is too hard."
"I am Jehovah — the God of love . . .
whose resources are boundless,
whose pity is tender, and
who never fails or forsakes those who trust in Him."
"I am Jehovah — your God . . .
pledged to you by promise;
engaged for you by covenant;
and bound to you by oath!
As I am your God . . .
look to Me,
trust in Me,
expect from Me."
"Open your mouth wide!" That is, "Ask LARGELY — ask for great, numerous, and costly blessings! Do not be afraid of asking for too much!
My heart is large,
My love is great,
My wealth is unbounded!
Ask BOLDLY — do not be afraid — but come boldly to My throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Ask FREQUENTLY — I am always ready to give! I am never weary of listening to your prayers. Come whenever you are in need — I rejoice to do you good. No parent ever delighted to give to a darling child — as I delight to give to you! Therefore ask and receive, that your joy may be full.
"Open your mouth wide — and I will fill it!" That is, "I have the very blessings which you need. They are from Me — they are for you! I have the disposition to give! Do not doubt My benevolence, for this grieves My heart. I give you My word, that I will bestow My favors upon you freely, plentifully, and frequently! My Word is plain — read it; it is faithful — trust it; it is honest — plead it; it is sure — expect the fulfillment of it. I will do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think!"
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth — and I will fill it!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Oh, how dreadful the thought — to go to Hell through the church of God!
"A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it — but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard: For three years now, I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree — and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil!" Luke 13:6-7
Let us look at Christ's figure a little:
A fig-tree — or a professor of the religion of Christ.
A fruitless fig-tree — or a barren, useless professor.
A fig-tree with leaves of profession — but not the fruit of holiness.
No place is as dangerous for an unconverted person — as the church of God! It is to be feared that many join the church before they are truly converted; and yet very, very few are ever converted after.
Once under a profession — God expects you to live up to that profession.
If you are planted in His vineyard — God expects you to bring forth fruit.
The owner of the vineyard comes and seeks fruit; He comes again, and again; and if He find none, He passes this solemn sentence, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil!"
Concerning every fruitless professor God says, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil! It drains the ground of its nourishment, for no good purpose. Labor is but lost upon it; expectation is disappointed by it; therefore, Cut it down! My patience and forbearance are worn out; I have come three years seeking fruit — and find none; so, Cut it down!"
It is a fearful sentence! God gives the command to some disease — He says, "Go, cut that barren professor down!" He sendsdeath, like the woodsman with his sharpened axe — at length he strikes the fatal blow; and then the fruitless professor falls!
This command of God is fearful — it is full of terror — it includes utter destruction!
This command is irresistible — we cannot evade it — we cannot brave it out — the boldest heart fails — the strongest body yields to God's "Cut it down!"
This command is final! There is all that is dreadful wrapped up in it — even a certain, fearful expectation of God's judgment, and the raging fire that will consume His enemies!
The fruitless professor is to be cut down and committed to the eternal flames of Hell!
Here is wrath — fearful wrath!
Here is justice — inflexible justice!
Here is vengeance — the vengeance of an infinite God!
O fruitless professor. . .
Consider!
Fear!
Tremble!
Repent!
God looks for fruit from every professor. He will certainly punish — if there is no fruit.
Fruitless professor — where will you be soon? The axe lies at your root, even now! The executioner is only awaiting the command!
Divine mercy will soon urge her last plea; the year of reprieve will soon expire — and then, "Cut it down!" is all that remains! Oh, how dreadful the thought — to go to Hell through the church of God! To profess that you are traveling to Heaven — when in reality you are going with the lost multitude to eternal perdition!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The worthless sinner's place!
"Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her!" Luke 10:42
We often manifest our folly in our choices — but Mary displayed her wisdom. She chose to sit at the feet of Jesus as a humble learner — she . . .
loved His person,
admired His preaching,
desired to learn His doctrine,
and above all to imbibe His spirit.
Her object was communion with Him — in which we become conformed unto His image. In her choice she revealed . . .
great spirituality of mind;
true wisdom and discernment;
attachment to her Lord and His doctrine;
deadness to the world and its vain formalities;
a concern for the present welfare of her own soul;
and a willingness to renounce all for Jesus.
Happy Mary! Honorable woman! May you be my pattern! Your choice was wise; your part was a worthy portion; and your example is held up for our imitation!
At the feet of Jesus we are safe — no enemy can overcome us there!
At the feet of Jesus we are holy — no sin can gain dominion there!
At the feet of Jesus we are happy — no trouble can be too much for us there!
My soul, choose Mary's place — and Mary's portion.
There is a place at the feet of Jesus for you!
Your sin is no obstacle in the way — for Jesus will pardon that!
Your unworthiness is no barrier — for it is the worthless sinner's place!
Oh, take your place at His feet now!
Listen to His sweet voice,
receive His holy doctrines,
taste His precious love,
rest your soul on His atoning blood —
and Heaven will immediately begin in your soul!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
God's sweetest attribute!
Men are deficient in mercy — but God, our God in Jesus, will display the greatest kindness and compassion to His children. This renders Him so amiable, suitable, and glorious in the estimation of His people. Mercy is God's sweetest attribute . . .
as beautiful as the morning light,
as measureless as the waters of the ocean,
as boundless as illimitable space,
as refreshing as the early dew,
as glorious as the noon-day sun!
God's mercy is like His nature — pure, lovely, and eternal. His mercy is suited to all the needs of His children — it is free, full, and meets every case! Christian, the Lord assures you that He has mercy for you!
He has pardoning mercy — which will suit your sinfulness; mercy which will blot out your sins, and remove them from you as far as the east is from the west!
He has delivering mercy — which will meet your misery; mercy which will deliver you from . . .
the power of sin,
the bondage of Satan,
the curse of the law,
the fear of death,
the terrors of judgment, and
all the soul-troubles which may fall upon you on earth!
His mercy is tender mercy — which will suit the sickness of your soul. He will sympathize with you, pity you, and manifest the greatest forbearance and love. His mercy is so tender, that it will not break the bruised reed, or quench the smoking flax. It will . . .
encourage the weak desire,
fan the feeble spark into a flame,
and take the will for the deed.
His mercy is supplying mercy — to meet your needs and defects. It will supply all your needs, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Whether your needs are temporal or spiritual — He will supply you. He will give you both grace and glory; and no good thing will He withhold from you, if you walk uprightly.
It is also sanctifying mercy — to suit your impurity. It will wash you in the laver of the Word, and in the fountain of a Savior's blood. It will teach you to wash your robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It will sanctify your troubles, and make all things work together for your good.
It is rescuing mercy, which will appear for you, and deliver you from all the dangers which may line your way — and at last present you faultless before the throne of God!
In a word — God's mercy will meet every case, circumstance, and condition in which it is possible for you to be placed!
Reader, let me exhort you to dwell much on this excellent attribute of your God. Meditate on God as all-merciful and all-sufficient for our every state!
"They walk on in darkness!" Psalm 82:5
The minds of sinners make progress — but it is in the wrong path! They started wrong. They will not believe that they are wrong. Therefore they walk on to their own destruction. It is a painful sight to see thousands, and tens of thousands of travelers, passing through this world — and all going wrong! Every step they take, leaves us less hope — and gives the Prince of darkness more power over them. In temporal things — they see clearly enough; but in spiritual things — they are stone-blind! "They walk on in darkness."
Darkness is the emblem of IGNORANCE. They are ignorant . . .
of their true state before God,
of the character of the God who made them,
of the just desert of sin,
of the only Savior who can deliver them,
of the way of escape opened up before them,
and of the dreadful doom that awaits them!
They walk on in ignorance! If they were not so ignorant — they would surely fly to the Lord Jesus to save them.
Darkness is also the emblem of SIN. They live . . .
in the violation of God's holy law,
neglecting Christ's gracious gospel, and
making SELF the end of their existence.
They live to themselves,
they live for themselves,
they neglect God's requirements,
they despise His invitations,
they turn their backs on His throne of grace,
they treat His Book with contempt,
they waste their time in idleness and folly
— and yet talk as if they expected that He would have mercy upon them at last! They walk on in sin — and yet hope to arrive in Heaven at last!
Darkness represents DANGER. These people are in imminent danger! Disease may arrest them at any hour! Death may remove them out of this world at any moment!
Disease introduces death,
death ushers into the presence of God,
and God dooms the careless sinner to Hell!
He may be in health in the morning — but a corpse at noon!
He may be on earth at noon — but in Hell at night!
He walks upon snares. He is surrounded by the officers of justice. He may be seized any moment. Once seized . . .
hope departs,
despair approaches, and
outer darkness closes up the scene!
And yet they walk on in thoughtlessness! They . . .
fool away their time,
neglect their opportunities of escape,
disregard the warning voice, and
perish in their own deceivings!
Beast-like — they have no concern for any of these things. They say they shall not be worse off than others — as if it were any relief to be no worse than others, where all are in misery, agony and endless woe! Not worse off than others! Yes, they will — for it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for them. Not worse off than others! Indeed they will — for the men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment and condemn them. Not worse off than others! This is a mistake — for careless, indifferent, Christ-rejecting sinners, "will receive the greater damnation!"
"They walk on in darkness," but if they persevere in doing so — then how fearful will their end be. It will be . . .
misery without mercy,
darkness without light,
despair without prospect of deliverance —
and all the result of a willful determination to "walk on in darkness!"
~ ~ ~ ~
It is difficult to say which is the more astonishing!
"You are my portion, O Lord!" Psalm 119:57
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!" Psalm 73:26
It is difficult to say which is the more astonishing:
that God should be our portion, or
that He should take us to be His portion!
"The Lord's portion is His people!" Deuteronomy 32:9
"Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine!" Isaiah 43:1
~ ~ ~ ~
The poor Christian!
"Hearken, my beloved brethren, has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him?" James 2:5
Poverty is not spirituality — but sanctified poverty is a great friend to it.
Poverty is no sin — but it is sometimes a preventive to sin.
Poverty has its temptations — but it has also its consolations.
The poor ought not to repine at poverty — because God in His infinite wisdom has appointed it, and is able to render it the greatest blessing. God's chosen are generally found among the poor. Not that He chose them because they were poor; but choosing them in Christ — He appointed poverty as the best thing for them.
God's enemies have their full portion in this life — here, they have their good things. Not so with God's children! Here on earth, they have their evil things — and their best things are yet to come!
The poor Christian has . . .
a rich Father in whom to trust;
the fullness of Jesus to supply him;
the precious promises on which to depend;
the Holy Spirit to be his Comforter; and a
glorious inheritance to anticipate and forever dwell in!
All Christians are "heirs of the kingdom" —
the kingdom of grace here — and of glory hereafter;
the kingdom in which Jesus will reign;
the kingdom where they will be princes — yes, kings and priests;
the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world!
My poor brother — my poor sister! Look up! Look forward!
Your cottage will soon be exchanged for a mansion!
Your sickness will soon be exchanged for health!
Your poverty will soon be exchanged for wealth!
Your sin will soon be exchanged for perfect holiness!
Your earth will soon be exchanged for Heaven!
You will not always be poor! You will not be poor for long. Jesus will soon come — and then you will reign with Him!
For you — an inheritance is reserved in Heaven!
For you — a mansion is being prepared!
For you — glory, honor, immortality, even eternal life, are in reserve!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Suffering Christian!
"God will wipe every tear from their eyes! There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!" Revelation 21:4
How much pain many of the Lord's people are called to suffer — and how severe that pain often is! There are times when pain is hard to bear — when our spirits are exhausted and we are sorely tempted to doubt the pity and tender love of our Heavenly Father. Then it is sweet to look forward to the place, and anticipate the time — when God will wipe every tear from our eyes — and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!
Suffering Christian! Your pain will soon end — and your sufferings will soon be over! Jesus will come and fetch you from your bed of pain, your chamber of affliction, and yourhouse of mourning! Absent from the body — you will be present with the Lord!
Seek grace from the Lord to suffer patiently. There is an end of every pain — and soon you will bless the Lord for the very pains which now cause you to sigh and groan! The songs of Heaven will be sweetened by the groans of earth; and the pleasures of eternity will be heightened by the pains of time!
Every pain endured — leaves one less pain to suffer. And every hour that passes — brings us one hour nearer to the time when the ransomed of the Lord shall leave behind this land of darkness and death, and go home to their Father's house with everlasting joy, while sorrow and sighing shall forever flee away!
"You will weep no more!" Isaiah 30:19
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All that we can need for life or death, time or eternity!
"There is no lack to those who fear Him!" Psalm 34:9
They are not truly wealthy — who appear to be so — or who boast of being so.
The lost sinner must be poor. He has . . .
no God to comfort him;
no Savior to deliver him;
no Guide to conduct him;
no Advocate to plead for him;
no inward peace to support him;
no title to Heaven to encourage him.
He is poor. He is in need. He will need . . .
confidence and comfort in death;
a wedding garment, in which to appear before God;
and a comfortable home throughout eternity!
Every lost sinner is indeed poor. His resources will soon be exhausted, and he will find himself "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked!" He may have the appearance of prosperity — but not the reality. True riches belong to another family.
The Lord's people all fear Him; that is, they fear to offend Him, and desire above all things to please Him. And though they may appear poor — they are really rich! God has provided all good things for them — and He gives all good things to them.
They have a solid peace, flowing from a knowledge of acceptance with God, through the blood of Jesus.
They have a joyful hope, which blooms with immortality.
They are assured of strength equal to their day; and of sanctifying grace to make all their troubles work for their good.
They are content with God's wise and holy appointments; and godliness with contentment is a good fortune.
They acquiesce in the will of God; and are often filled with joy which flows from His presence.
They obtain victory over the temptations which would ensnare them.
They live above the world, which would allure and beguile them.
They are sure of support in death.
They look forward to a joyful resurrection.
They rightly anticipate Heaven as their portion forever!
There is no lack to them, for all that they can truly need, is promised — and every promise is confirmed by the blood of Jesus!
Jehovah is theirs — along with all that He is, and has!
His power is their support!
His wisdom is their guide!
His fullness is their fortune!
His mercy is their friend!
His love is their Heaven.
"Happy are the people who are in such a case!" All the Lord's people are really in this case — and therefore they are all happy!
Just think of having Almighty God for your present, constant, eternal Friend!
Think of having the wealth of Deity to supply and satisfy you!
And if you sincerely fear God — then this is the reality of your case! No truth is more clearly revealed in Scripture. No subject is more rich with consolation!
Strength may be exhausted,
health may decline,
courage may fail,
riches may flee,
friends may forsake,
enemies may increase,
all circumstances may change for the worse — but
"those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing!"
Sweet promise of a faithful God!
Here, pilgrim, is your staff — take it and travel home!
Here, saint, is your cordial — drink and forget your misery!
Here, believer, is your fortune — take it and live upon it, while a resident here below.
Here, fearful soul, is your antidote — use it to dispel your fears and cheer your fainting heart!
"The young lions may lack food and go hungry — but there is no lack to those who fear Him!"
Here is wealth! Here is comfort!
Here is all that we can need for life or death, time or eternity!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A remedy for heart trouble!
"Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God — believe also in Me!" John 14:1
We often trouble ourselves. We often allow our hearts to be tossed about like the waves of the sea, without any real cause. Our Savior forbids it. He forbids it in tender love. He forbids it because it is injurious. It lays us open to temptations, and fosters unbelief and anxiety. Our Lord would have us be calm, patient, and composed; therefore He says, "Let not your heart be troubled!"
He prescribes a remedy for heart trouble, or inward anxiety:
1. "Believe in God." Believe in God as your Father — as loving you, acting for you, and rejoicing in your welfare. See Him . . .
ordering all events with consummate wisdom;
overruling all with infinite skill; and
sanctifying all to your welfare, by His sovereign grace.
There is no room for 'chance' — for His government is perfect.
There can be no unkindness — for His love is infinite.
All will be directed right — for He personally superintends every detail in the universe!
The floating of the atom,
the rolling of the sea, and
all the movements of every mind —
are alike under His control and direction!
"He works all things after the counsel of His own will."
2. "Believe also in Me!" Believe. . .
that I sympathize with you;
that I feel the deepest interest in your welfare;
that I never withdraw my eye or heart from you for one moment;
that I will support you in every place, and under every trial;
that My arm shall be stretched out for you to lean upon, as you come up out of the wilderness of this world;
that I will save you to the uttermost;
that I will show you a brother's love;
that I will stand by you as a firm friend in every distress;
that I will overturn all the designs of your foes against you.
Remember Jesus, that Jesus who . . .
lived for you,
labored for you,
suffered for you,
died for you,
rose for you, and
is now in Heaven pleading for you —
says, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God — believe also in Me!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Open wide your mouth — and I will fill it!
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth — and I will fill it!" Psalm 81:10
Our great privilege is to have God for our God:
to know Him,
to love Him,
to adore Him,
and to trust in Him.
If God is ours — then all must be well. If God has delivered us from . . .
the Egypt of this world,
the power of sin, and
the tyranny of Satan —
then He is our God indeed.
He says, "I am Jehovah — the compassionate God . . .
who sympathizes with My people in their sorrows,
who counts their tears,
who feels their groans, and
who records their prayers."
"I am Jehovah — the God of power . . .
who delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage;
whose strength is as infinite as My nature,
for whom nothing is too hard."
"I am Jehovah — the God of love . . .
whose resources are boundless,
whose pity is tender, and
who never fails or forsakes those who trust in Him."
"I am Jehovah — your God . . .
pledged to you by promise;
engaged for you by covenant;
and bound to you by oath!
As I am your God . . .
look to Me,
trust in Me,
expect from Me."
"Open your mouth wide!" That is, "Ask LARGELY — ask for great, numerous, and costly blessings! Do not be afraid of asking for too much!
My heart is large,
My love is great,
My wealth is unbounded!
Ask BOLDLY — do not be afraid — but come boldly to My throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Ask FREQUENTLY — I am always ready to give! I am never weary of listening to your prayers. Come whenever you are in need — I rejoice to do you good. No parent ever delighted to give to a darling child — as I delight to give to you! Therefore ask and receive, that your joy may be full.
"Open your mouth wide — and I will fill it!" That is, "I have the very blessings which you need. They are from Me — they are for you! I have the disposition to give! Do not doubt My benevolence, for this grieves My heart. I give you My word, that I will bestow My favors upon you freely, plentifully, and frequently! My Word is plain — read it; it is faithful — trust it; it is honest — plead it; it is sure — expect the fulfillment of it. I will do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think!"
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth — and I will fill it!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Oh, how dreadful the thought — to go to Hell through the church of God!
"A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it — but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard: For three years now, I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree — and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil!" Luke 13:6-7
Let us look at Christ's figure a little:
A fig-tree — or a professor of the religion of Christ.
A fruitless fig-tree — or a barren, useless professor.
A fig-tree with leaves of profession — but not the fruit of holiness.
No place is as dangerous for an unconverted person — as the church of God! It is to be feared that many join the church before they are truly converted; and yet very, very few are ever converted after.
Once under a profession — God expects you to live up to that profession.
If you are planted in His vineyard — God expects you to bring forth fruit.
The owner of the vineyard comes and seeks fruit; He comes again, and again; and if He find none, He passes this solemn sentence, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil!"
Concerning every fruitless professor God says, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil! It drains the ground of its nourishment, for no good purpose. Labor is but lost upon it; expectation is disappointed by it; therefore, Cut it down! My patience and forbearance are worn out; I have come three years seeking fruit — and find none; so, Cut it down!"
It is a fearful sentence! God gives the command to some disease — He says, "Go, cut that barren professor down!" He sendsdeath, like the woodsman with his sharpened axe — at length he strikes the fatal blow; and then the fruitless professor falls!
This command of God is fearful — it is full of terror — it includes utter destruction!
This command is irresistible — we cannot evade it — we cannot brave it out — the boldest heart fails — the strongest body yields to God's "Cut it down!"
This command is final! There is all that is dreadful wrapped up in it — even a certain, fearful expectation of God's judgment, and the raging fire that will consume His enemies!
The fruitless professor is to be cut down and committed to the eternal flames of Hell!
Here is wrath — fearful wrath!
Here is justice — inflexible justice!
Here is vengeance — the vengeance of an infinite God!
O fruitless professor. . .
Consider!
Fear!
Tremble!
Repent!
God looks for fruit from every professor. He will certainly punish — if there is no fruit.
Fruitless professor — where will you be soon? The axe lies at your root, even now! The executioner is only awaiting the command!
Divine mercy will soon urge her last plea; the year of reprieve will soon expire — and then, "Cut it down!" is all that remains! Oh, how dreadful the thought — to go to Hell through the church of God! To profess that you are traveling to Heaven — when in reality you are going with the lost multitude to eternal perdition!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The worthless sinner's place!
"Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her!" Luke 10:42
We often manifest our folly in our choices — but Mary displayed her wisdom. She chose to sit at the feet of Jesus as a humble learner — she . . .
loved His person,
admired His preaching,
desired to learn His doctrine,
and above all to imbibe His spirit.
Her object was communion with Him — in which we become conformed unto His image. In her choice she revealed . . .
great spirituality of mind;
true wisdom and discernment;
attachment to her Lord and His doctrine;
deadness to the world and its vain formalities;
a concern for the present welfare of her own soul;
and a willingness to renounce all for Jesus.
Happy Mary! Honorable woman! May you be my pattern! Your choice was wise; your part was a worthy portion; and your example is held up for our imitation!
At the feet of Jesus we are safe — no enemy can overcome us there!
At the feet of Jesus we are holy — no sin can gain dominion there!
At the feet of Jesus we are happy — no trouble can be too much for us there!
My soul, choose Mary's place — and Mary's portion.
There is a place at the feet of Jesus for you!
Your sin is no obstacle in the way — for Jesus will pardon that!
Your unworthiness is no barrier — for it is the worthless sinner's place!
Oh, take your place at His feet now!
Listen to His sweet voice,
receive His holy doctrines,
taste His precious love,
rest your soul on His atoning blood —
and Heaven will immediately begin in your soul!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
God's sweetest attribute!
Men are deficient in mercy — but God, our God in Jesus, will display the greatest kindness and compassion to His children. This renders Him so amiable, suitable, and glorious in the estimation of His people. Mercy is God's sweetest attribute . . .
as beautiful as the morning light,
as measureless as the waters of the ocean,
as boundless as illimitable space,
as refreshing as the early dew,
as glorious as the noon-day sun!
God's mercy is like His nature — pure, lovely, and eternal. His mercy is suited to all the needs of His children — it is free, full, and meets every case! Christian, the Lord assures you that He has mercy for you!
He has pardoning mercy — which will suit your sinfulness; mercy which will blot out your sins, and remove them from you as far as the east is from the west!
He has delivering mercy — which will meet your misery; mercy which will deliver you from . . .
the power of sin,
the bondage of Satan,
the curse of the law,
the fear of death,
the terrors of judgment, and
all the soul-troubles which may fall upon you on earth!
His mercy is tender mercy — which will suit the sickness of your soul. He will sympathize with you, pity you, and manifest the greatest forbearance and love. His mercy is so tender, that it will not break the bruised reed, or quench the smoking flax. It will . . .
encourage the weak desire,
fan the feeble spark into a flame,
and take the will for the deed.
His mercy is supplying mercy — to meet your needs and defects. It will supply all your needs, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Whether your needs are temporal or spiritual — He will supply you. He will give you both grace and glory; and no good thing will He withhold from you, if you walk uprightly.
It is also sanctifying mercy — to suit your impurity. It will wash you in the laver of the Word, and in the fountain of a Savior's blood. It will teach you to wash your robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It will sanctify your troubles, and make all things work together for your good.
It is rescuing mercy, which will appear for you, and deliver you from all the dangers which may line your way — and at last present you faultless before the throne of God!
In a word — God's mercy will meet every case, circumstance, and condition in which it is possible for you to be placed!
Reader, let me exhort you to dwell much on this excellent attribute of your God. Meditate on God as all-merciful and all-sufficient for our every state!
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