When I speak of growth in grace, I do not for a moment mean that a believer's interest in Christ can grow. I do not mean that he can grow in safety, acceptance with God, or security. I do not mean that he can ever be more justified, more pardoned, more forgiven, more at peace with God than he is the first moment that he believes. I hold firmly that the justification of a believer is a finished, perfect, and complete work and that the weakest saint (though he may not know and feel it) is as completely justified as the strongest. I hold firmly that our election, calling, and standing in Christ admit of no degrees, increase, or diminution. If any one dreams that by growth in grace I mean growth in justification, he is utterly mistaken about the whole point I am considering. I would go to the stake (God helping me) for the glorious truth that, in the matter of justification before God, every believer is complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10). Nothing can be added to his justification from the moment he believes and nothing taken away. When I speak of growth in grace, I only mean increase in the degree, size, strength, vigour, and power of the graces which the Holy Spirit plants in a believer's heart. I hold that every one of those graces admits of growth, progress and increase. I hold that repentance, faith, hope, love, humility, zeal, courage, and the like may be little or great, strong or weak, vigorous or feeble and may vary greatly in the same man at different periods of his life.
When I speak of a man growing in grace, I mean simply this: that his sense of sin is becoming deeper, his faith stronger, his hope brighter, his love more extensive, his spiritual mindedness more marked. He feels more of the power of godliness in his own heart; he manifests more of it in his life; he is going on from strength to strength, from faith to faith, and from grace to grace. I leave it to others to describe such a man's condition by any words they please. For myself, I think the truest and best account of him is this: he is growing in grace.
June 23, 2004
June 22, 2004
God's promises! By C.H. Spurgeon
"...He has given us His very great and precious promises..." 2 Peter 1:4
God's promises are precious because they tell of exceeding great and precious things. We have promises in the Bible which time would fail us to repeat, which for breadth and length are immeasurable. They deal with every great thing which the soul can need: promises of pardoned sin, promises of sanctification, promises of teaching, promises of guidance, promises of upholding, promises of ennobling, promises of progress, promises of consolation, and promises of perfection. In this blessed book you have.... promises of the daily bread of earth; promises of the bread of life from heaven; promises for time; promises for eternity.
You have so many promises, that all the conditions and positions of the believer are met. I sometimes liken the promises to the locksmith's great bunch of keys, which he brings when you have lost the key of your treasure chest, and cannot unlock it. He feels pretty sure that out of all the keys upon the ring some one or other will fit, and he tries them with patient industry. At last! yes! that is it, he has moved the bolt, and you can get at your treasures! There is always a promise in the volume of inspiration suitable to your present case. Make the Lord's promises your delight and your counselors, and they will befriend you at every turn.
Search the Scriptures, and you shall meet with a promise which will be so applicable to you as to appear to have been written after your trouble had occurred! So exactly will it apply, that you will be compelled to marvel at the wonderful tenderness and suitableness of it. As if the tailor had measured you from head to foot, so exactly shall the garment of the promise befit you. The promises are precious in themselves.... from their suitability to us, from their coming from God, from their being immutable, from their being sure of performance, and from their containing wrapped up within themselves all that the children of God can ever need.
God's promises are precious because they tell of exceeding great and precious things. We have promises in the Bible which time would fail us to repeat, which for breadth and length are immeasurable. They deal with every great thing which the soul can need: promises of pardoned sin, promises of sanctification, promises of teaching, promises of guidance, promises of upholding, promises of ennobling, promises of progress, promises of consolation, and promises of perfection. In this blessed book you have.... promises of the daily bread of earth; promises of the bread of life from heaven; promises for time; promises for eternity.
You have so many promises, that all the conditions and positions of the believer are met. I sometimes liken the promises to the locksmith's great bunch of keys, which he brings when you have lost the key of your treasure chest, and cannot unlock it. He feels pretty sure that out of all the keys upon the ring some one or other will fit, and he tries them with patient industry. At last! yes! that is it, he has moved the bolt, and you can get at your treasures! There is always a promise in the volume of inspiration suitable to your present case. Make the Lord's promises your delight and your counselors, and they will befriend you at every turn.
Search the Scriptures, and you shall meet with a promise which will be so applicable to you as to appear to have been written after your trouble had occurred! So exactly will it apply, that you will be compelled to marvel at the wonderful tenderness and suitableness of it. As if the tailor had measured you from head to foot, so exactly shall the garment of the promise befit you. The promises are precious in themselves.... from their suitability to us, from their coming from God, from their being immutable, from their being sure of performance, and from their containing wrapped up within themselves all that the children of God can ever need.
June 21, 2004
GOD FORBID!!! by M. Montgomery
"Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid!" says the apostle Paul.(Romans 6:2)
Sinners are justified before God through the imputed righteousness of God's appointed Substitute, the Lord Jesus Christ. They are justified by grace, through faith in Him, fully, freely and forever. Nothing can change nor alter their legal and just standing before God, nor separate them from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:28-39). When God saves a sinner, that sinner has been saved, is being saved, and shall be brought, by the sovereign purpose, power and grace of God into everlasting glory, there to dwell with his Redeemer, world without end. Such is the clear teaching of the Word of God.
Thus we often hear preachers say, "Nothing we ever do can alter this blessed relationship with our God," and this is true. However, it must be clearly and continually stated that, what we do, as professors, is a pretty good indicator of what our relationship with God truly is; that is, whether we are truly justified and reconciled unto God or deceived by Satan and his preachers. Yes, my friends, how we talk, what we do, and how we live before men most certainly manifests who our master really is and who we really serve. "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness" (Romans 6). I am not talking about perfection but about direction.
"God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto you. Being then made free from sin (dominion and servitude), ye became the servants of righteousness" (Romans 6:17,18). And "ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life" (Romans 6:22). "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid!" "GOD FORBID!"
"Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay:
Mould me and make me, After Thy will,
While I am waiting, Yielded and still."?
Maurice Montgomery
Sinners are justified before God through the imputed righteousness of God's appointed Substitute, the Lord Jesus Christ. They are justified by grace, through faith in Him, fully, freely and forever. Nothing can change nor alter their legal and just standing before God, nor separate them from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:28-39). When God saves a sinner, that sinner has been saved, is being saved, and shall be brought, by the sovereign purpose, power and grace of God into everlasting glory, there to dwell with his Redeemer, world without end. Such is the clear teaching of the Word of God.
Thus we often hear preachers say, "Nothing we ever do can alter this blessed relationship with our God," and this is true. However, it must be clearly and continually stated that, what we do, as professors, is a pretty good indicator of what our relationship with God truly is; that is, whether we are truly justified and reconciled unto God or deceived by Satan and his preachers. Yes, my friends, how we talk, what we do, and how we live before men most certainly manifests who our master really is and who we really serve. "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness" (Romans 6). I am not talking about perfection but about direction.
"God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto you. Being then made free from sin (dominion and servitude), ye became the servants of righteousness" (Romans 6:17,18). And "ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life" (Romans 6:22). "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid!" "GOD FORBID!"
"Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay:
Mould me and make me, After Thy will,
While I am waiting, Yielded and still."?
Maurice Montgomery
June 20, 2004
FORMALITY by J.C. Ryle
True religion must never expect to be popular. It will not have the praise of man, but of God. God's truth and scriptural Christianity are never really popular. They never have been. They never will be as long as the world stands. No one can calmly consider what human nature is, as described in the Bible, and reasonably expect anything else. As long as man is what man is, the majority of mankind will always like a religion of form better than a religion of heart.
Formal religion exactly suits an unenlightened conscience. Some religion a man will have. Atheism and downright infidelity, as a general rule, are never very popular. But a man must have a religion which does not require much, trouble his heart much, interfere with his sins much. Formal Christianity satisfies him. It seems the very thing that he wants.
Formal religion gratifies the secret self-righteousness of man. We are all of us more or less Pharisees. We all naturally cling to the idea that the way to be saved is to do so many things, go through so many religious observances, and at last we shall get to heaven. Formalism meets us here. It seems to show us a way by which we can make our own peace with God.
Formal religion pleases the natural indolence of man. It attaches an excessive importance to that which is the easiest part of Christianity-the shell and form. Man likes this. He hates trouble in religion. He wants something which will not meddle with his conscience and inner life. Only leave conscience alone and, like Herod, he will "do many things." Formalism seems to open a wider gate and a more easy way to heaven (Mark 6:20).
Can anyone deny that a mere outward religion, a religion of downright formality, is the religion which is popular at the present day? Only say your prayers, go to church with tolerable regularity, and receive the Lord's Table occasionally, and the vast majority will set you down as an excellent Christian. To require more of anyone is thought bigotry, illiberality, fanaticism, and enthusiasm.
Formal religion exactly suits an unenlightened conscience. Some religion a man will have. Atheism and downright infidelity, as a general rule, are never very popular. But a man must have a religion which does not require much, trouble his heart much, interfere with his sins much. Formal Christianity satisfies him. It seems the very thing that he wants.
Formal religion gratifies the secret self-righteousness of man. We are all of us more or less Pharisees. We all naturally cling to the idea that the way to be saved is to do so many things, go through so many religious observances, and at last we shall get to heaven. Formalism meets us here. It seems to show us a way by which we can make our own peace with God.
Formal religion pleases the natural indolence of man. It attaches an excessive importance to that which is the easiest part of Christianity-the shell and form. Man likes this. He hates trouble in religion. He wants something which will not meddle with his conscience and inner life. Only leave conscience alone and, like Herod, he will "do many things." Formalism seems to open a wider gate and a more easy way to heaven (Mark 6:20).
Can anyone deny that a mere outward religion, a religion of downright formality, is the religion which is popular at the present day? Only say your prayers, go to church with tolerable regularity, and receive the Lord's Table occasionally, and the vast majority will set you down as an excellent Christian. To require more of anyone is thought bigotry, illiberality, fanaticism, and enthusiasm.
June 13, 2004
ELECTION by Don Fortner
"Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God."– 1 Thessalonians 1:4
This blessed, glorious, doctrine of election is one of the most delightful doctrines of the gospel.
What does the Word of God teach about election?
Election is "in Christ."
Election is "unto salvation."
Election is an act of God's pure, absolute, sovereignty.
Election took place in eternity.
Election's source and cause is God's eternal lovefor his people.
Election is an act of free, unconditional grace.
Election is God's personal choice of specific sinnersto eternal life in Christ.
Election is irreversible.
Election is effectual.
Election is distinguishing (Isa. 43:1-4).
Election is the cause of all blessedness.
Who are the elect?
The elect are people who hear and receive the Gospel.
The elect are those who are called by the effectual,irresistible power and grace of the Holy Spirit.
The elect are those who follow Christ.Chosen sinners, when saved by the grace ofGod, are made disciples, followers of Christ,voluntary servants of King Jesus.
The elect are a people who are committed toChrist and the Gospel of his grace.
The elect experience repentance and conversionby the power of his grace.
They turn from theiridols to serve the living God.
This blessed, glorious, doctrine of election is one of the most delightful doctrines of the gospel.
What does the Word of God teach about election?
Election is "in Christ."
Election is "unto salvation."
Election is an act of God's pure, absolute, sovereignty.
Election took place in eternity.
Election's source and cause is God's eternal lovefor his people.
Election is an act of free, unconditional grace.
Election is God's personal choice of specific sinnersto eternal life in Christ.
Election is irreversible.
Election is effectual.
Election is distinguishing (Isa. 43:1-4).
Election is the cause of all blessedness.
Who are the elect?
The elect are people who hear and receive the Gospel.
The elect are those who are called by the effectual,irresistible power and grace of the Holy Spirit.
The elect are those who follow Christ.Chosen sinners, when saved by the grace ofGod, are made disciples, followers of Christ,voluntary servants of King Jesus.
The elect are a people who are committed toChrist and the Gospel of his grace.
The elect experience repentance and conversionby the power of his grace.
They turn from theiridols to serve the living God.
June 11, 2004
DOCTOR OR BROTHER by A.W. Pink
What strange methods God sometimes employs in teaching His Children much needed lessons! This has recently been the writer's experience. I have been approached by a "university" to accept from them a degree of "D.D." Asking for time to be given so that I might prayerfully seek from God, through His written word, a knowledge of His will, fuller light came than was expected. I had very serious doubt's as to the permissibility of one of God's servants accepting a title of fleshly honor. I now perceive that it is wrong for me to receive it even complimentary. Various friends, as a mark of respect, have addressed me as "Dr. Pink." I now ask them to please CEASE from doing so. Let it not be understood that I hereby condemn other men for what they allow. No, to their own Master they stand or fall. The principal passages which have helped me I now mention, praying that it may please God to also bless them to others.
FIRST, to the false comforters of Job, Elihu (God's representative) said. "Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give FLATTERING TITLES unto men" (Job 32:31). SECOND, "Be NOT ye called Rabbi" or teacher" (Matt. 23:8), which is what "Doctor" signifies. THIRD, John 5:44 reproves those who "receive honor one of another" and bids us seek "the honor that cometh from God ONLY." FOURTH, none of the Lord's servants in the New Testament ever employed a title. "Paul, an apostle, "but never "the apostle Paul." FIFTH, the Son of God "made Himself of no reputation" (Phil.2:7); is it then fitting that His servants should now follow an opposite course? SIXTH, Christ bids us learn of Him who was "meek and lowly" (Matt. 11:29). SEVENTH, one of the marks of the apostasy as "having men's persons in admiration because of advantage" (Jude 17). EIGHTH, we are bidden to go forth unto Christ outside the camp "bearing His reproach" (Heb. 13:13).
For these reasons it does not seem to me to be fitting that one who is here as a representative and witness for a "despised and rejected" Christ should be honored and flattered of men. Please address me as "BROTHER PINK"
FIRST, to the false comforters of Job, Elihu (God's representative) said. "Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give FLATTERING TITLES unto men" (Job 32:31). SECOND, "Be NOT ye called Rabbi" or teacher" (Matt. 23:8), which is what "Doctor" signifies. THIRD, John 5:44 reproves those who "receive honor one of another" and bids us seek "the honor that cometh from God ONLY." FOURTH, none of the Lord's servants in the New Testament ever employed a title. "Paul, an apostle, "but never "the apostle Paul." FIFTH, the Son of God "made Himself of no reputation" (Phil.2:7); is it then fitting that His servants should now follow an opposite course? SIXTH, Christ bids us learn of Him who was "meek and lowly" (Matt. 11:29). SEVENTH, one of the marks of the apostasy as "having men's persons in admiration because of advantage" (Jude 17). EIGHTH, we are bidden to go forth unto Christ outside the camp "bearing His reproach" (Heb. 13:13).
For these reasons it does not seem to me to be fitting that one who is here as a representative and witness for a "despised and rejected" Christ should be honored and flattered of men. Please address me as "BROTHER PINK"
June 10, 2004
Divine Predestination by Don Fortner
“Them he also did predestinate." -- Romans 8:29
Do not be afraid of predestination. And do not be ashamedof it. We are predestinarians, because we believe the Bible; and predestination is a Bible doctrine, full of comfort andjoy for God's saints. Predestination is God's infallible purpose of gracere garding his elect whom he foreknew. It simply means that our eternal destiny was settled by God, andinfallibly secured by him before the world began. In sovereign predestination, God eternally and immutably determined WHO he would save, HOW he would save them,WHEN he would save them, and WHERE he would save them. Then he sovereignly arranged everything necessary, both to accomplish their salvation and to bring them to gloryat last, perfectly conformed to the image of his dear Son.
Predestination marked the house into which grace would come, paved the road by which grace would travel to that house,set the time when grace would enter, and guaranteed that grace actually would come and enter in at the appointed time! Nothing was left to chance, blind fate, luck, or man's imaginary free will! Predestination is no more and no less than God Almighty having arranged from eternity everything necessary to bring his elect children into heaven in the perfection of everlasting life.
Do not be afraid of predestination. And do not be ashamedof it. We are predestinarians, because we believe the Bible; and predestination is a Bible doctrine, full of comfort andjoy for God's saints. Predestination is God's infallible purpose of gracere garding his elect whom he foreknew. It simply means that our eternal destiny was settled by God, andinfallibly secured by him before the world began. In sovereign predestination, God eternally and immutably determined WHO he would save, HOW he would save them,WHEN he would save them, and WHERE he would save them. Then he sovereignly arranged everything necessary, both to accomplish their salvation and to bring them to gloryat last, perfectly conformed to the image of his dear Son.
Predestination marked the house into which grace would come, paved the road by which grace would travel to that house,set the time when grace would enter, and guaranteed that grace actually would come and enter in at the appointed time! Nothing was left to chance, blind fate, luck, or man's imaginary free will! Predestination is no more and no less than God Almighty having arranged from eternity everything necessary to bring his elect children into heaven in the perfection of everlasting life.
June 09, 2004
Bow to the Word by Don Fortner
I bow to the Word of God.
There are many good creeds, confessions, and catechisms written by men, clearly setting forth the gospel of the graceof God; but I do not pin my faith to the writings of any man, or any group of men, no matter how much I may admire them. The Word of God alone is my rule of faith and practice.
I bow my will and my reason, my experience and my feelings,to the Word of God. I do not understand all that is written in the Scriptures; but I believe it all.
I bow to the authority of Holy Scripture. I do so unreservedly. Let men call it bigotry, ignorance, or whatever they may, I am not even open to the consideration of any thought, idea, or evidence which contradicts the Book of God.
There are many good creeds, confessions, and catechisms written by men, clearly setting forth the gospel of the graceof God; but I do not pin my faith to the writings of any man, or any group of men, no matter how much I may admire them. The Word of God alone is my rule of faith and practice.
I bow my will and my reason, my experience and my feelings,to the Word of God. I do not understand all that is written in the Scriptures; but I believe it all.
I bow to the authority of Holy Scripture. I do so unreservedly. Let men call it bigotry, ignorance, or whatever they may, I am not even open to the consideration of any thought, idea, or evidence which contradicts the Book of God.
June 07, 2004
Redemptive blood by E. Wilson
I just read through Exd. Chapter 12 and saw it as a marvelous example of the Gospel and salvation. There is a wonderful symbolism in demonstrating God’s sacrifice and the redemptive power of the blood. But being honest there are some strong contradictions to modern religion that I was wondering if you could explain.
For the father of every house was required to find an unblemished lamb as a sacrifice. Much like Jesus in the final days they was to keep the lamb for four days to prove it was clean and with out fault. Only after they have determined it pure was it offered up by the father as a sacrifice for their house. The lamb paying the price for that household must be a burnt offering, displaying the judgment by fire. They were then to take the blood of that lamb and place it on their posts as a token and eat of the flesh of the lamb.
On that night of the Passover the Lord passed through Egypt and every first-born child that believed that the blood would save them was spared, but every child who did not look to the blood and believe was smited. Was this a just and loving God to provide the blood to all from Pharaoh to Jew to the captive who was in the dungeon? All that was required was for the child to realize they needed a savior and accept their father’s sacrifice of the lamb as their salvation. Only then would they be saved. The only way they were condemned to die was if they did not believe.
The contradiction comes in that it is obviously not what was written. In fact, I could not find, after reading, any reference to the first-born child with the exception of the judgment of God in smiting or sparing based on the gift of their father. It appears that salvation for the first-born was not based on their belief but rather it was truly by grace. It was truly an unmerited gift from there father, not based on what they had done or believed but because they were their fathers child. It was the father who placed the blood; it was the father who redeemed his child by the sacrifice he made. What would have happened if the child did not believe that his father’s sacrifice would not save them, would he have been saved? Why did the Egyptians not place the blood on their door, because they did not believe or was these things not revealed to them? “But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep” (John 10:26)
For the father of every house was required to find an unblemished lamb as a sacrifice. Much like Jesus in the final days they was to keep the lamb for four days to prove it was clean and with out fault. Only after they have determined it pure was it offered up by the father as a sacrifice for their house. The lamb paying the price for that household must be a burnt offering, displaying the judgment by fire. They were then to take the blood of that lamb and place it on their posts as a token and eat of the flesh of the lamb.
On that night of the Passover the Lord passed through Egypt and every first-born child that believed that the blood would save them was spared, but every child who did not look to the blood and believe was smited. Was this a just and loving God to provide the blood to all from Pharaoh to Jew to the captive who was in the dungeon? All that was required was for the child to realize they needed a savior and accept their father’s sacrifice of the lamb as their salvation. Only then would they be saved. The only way they were condemned to die was if they did not believe.
The contradiction comes in that it is obviously not what was written. In fact, I could not find, after reading, any reference to the first-born child with the exception of the judgment of God in smiting or sparing based on the gift of their father. It appears that salvation for the first-born was not based on their belief but rather it was truly by grace. It was truly an unmerited gift from there father, not based on what they had done or believed but because they were their fathers child. It was the father who placed the blood; it was the father who redeemed his child by the sacrifice he made. What would have happened if the child did not believe that his father’s sacrifice would not save them, would he have been saved? Why did the Egyptians not place the blood on their door, because they did not believe or was these things not revealed to them? “But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep” (John 10:26)
June 02, 2004
BAPTISM by Tim James
1Pe 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
The Word of God says that baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Since baptism is also the believer's confession of his identification with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5), then it must be upon this basis that answers that he has a good conscience toward God. The only good conscience toward God is a clear conscience toward God. The only clear conscience toward God is one upon, which there is no ground to accuse. It stands to reason then, that when Christ arose from the dead, the grounds upon which the conscience accuses ceased to exist. On what basis does the conscience lays charges against someone? Is it not in the realm of the law that this screaming banshee within indicts us? Does not scripture declare that, in Christ and by His substitutionary satisfaction of the law, our "conscience is purged from dead works…" (Hebrews 9:14), and that the worshippers once purged should have no more conscience of sins…(Hebrews 10:2)? When our Lord put away sins by the sacrifice of Himself, was buried and rose again for our justification, what possible ground did conscience have upon which to accuse? Has not our sin been put away…does God remember it no more…is it not separated from us as far as the east is from the west? The conscience comes to the believer with the Law of God, turns on the searchlight of God's Holiness, scans the believer from top to bottom, even to the depths of heart thoughts and can find nothing but the pure, pristine, undiluted, unmitigated, unadulterated imputed righteousness of Christ. Conscience then must say, " Nothing here…no spot…no blemish…no wrinkle…nor any such thing…all is clear"! When a believer is baptized, he is confessing the unqualified success of the finished work of Christ…the answer of a good conscience toward God.
The Word of God says that baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Since baptism is also the believer's confession of his identification with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5), then it must be upon this basis that answers that he has a good conscience toward God. The only good conscience toward God is a clear conscience toward God. The only clear conscience toward God is one upon, which there is no ground to accuse. It stands to reason then, that when Christ arose from the dead, the grounds upon which the conscience accuses ceased to exist. On what basis does the conscience lays charges against someone? Is it not in the realm of the law that this screaming banshee within indicts us? Does not scripture declare that, in Christ and by His substitutionary satisfaction of the law, our "conscience is purged from dead works…" (Hebrews 9:14), and that the worshippers once purged should have no more conscience of sins…(Hebrews 10:2)? When our Lord put away sins by the sacrifice of Himself, was buried and rose again for our justification, what possible ground did conscience have upon which to accuse? Has not our sin been put away…does God remember it no more…is it not separated from us as far as the east is from the west? The conscience comes to the believer with the Law of God, turns on the searchlight of God's Holiness, scans the believer from top to bottom, even to the depths of heart thoughts and can find nothing but the pure, pristine, undiluted, unmitigated, unadulterated imputed righteousness of Christ. Conscience then must say, " Nothing here…no spot…no blemish…no wrinkle…nor any such thing…all is clear"! When a believer is baptized, he is confessing the unqualified success of the finished work of Christ…the answer of a good conscience toward God.
June 01, 2004
Acted or Acted upon? by Tim James
Luk 6:44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
Things are not always as they appear. In the plant world it appears that flower stems bend their flowers to follow the sun as it goes from horizon to horizon. Is the plant acting or is being acted upon? In truth, the plant is responding to a stimulus outside it self. Also, in truth, there is something in the plant that reacts to the outside stimulus. Inside the stem of the plant there is a hormone called Auxin. This hormone causes cells in the stem of the plant to elongate when light touches the plant. In the presence of sunlight the auxin migrates to the shady side of the plant stem and causes the cells on the shady side to elongate, thus bending the plant toward the light source. It appears that the plant is acting but, in reality, it is reacting. Its apparent action is the result of being acted upon. Without this knowledge, one might look at the plant bending and attribute wisdom, understanding and power of will to the plant. As with most things in nature a spiritual lesson or illustration may be drawn.
Men come to Christ for salvation. They choose to do so. They are willing to do so. Scripture declares that they do so (John 6:37, 45). Religion looks at men as they profess faith, as they enter the waters of baptism, as they seemingly gain an interest in spiritual things. They assess these acts and reach the conclusion that salvation is dependent upon an act of man or that man is acting. They then attribute wisdom, understanding and power to the will of man. With eyes that are only capable of seeing that which is visible, religion can reach no other conclusion. Man, however, is not an actor in the matter of salvation, he is a reactor. When one of the elect comes to Christ, it is because God has put something in him, a kind of divine auxin. God gives him life, spiritual life, through the Word. This life in him reacts to the light of the knowledge of Christ. He believes because God gives him faith. He wills to come because he is made willing in the day of God’s power. He comes to Christ because God the Father draws him. He loves God because God first loves him. He is acted upon and he reacts. As the flowers is caused to bend to and follow the sun, so the elect is caused to bow to and follow the Son. “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him…. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee…”
Things are not always as they appear. In the plant world it appears that flower stems bend their flowers to follow the sun as it goes from horizon to horizon. Is the plant acting or is being acted upon? In truth, the plant is responding to a stimulus outside it self. Also, in truth, there is something in the plant that reacts to the outside stimulus. Inside the stem of the plant there is a hormone called Auxin. This hormone causes cells in the stem of the plant to elongate when light touches the plant. In the presence of sunlight the auxin migrates to the shady side of the plant stem and causes the cells on the shady side to elongate, thus bending the plant toward the light source. It appears that the plant is acting but, in reality, it is reacting. Its apparent action is the result of being acted upon. Without this knowledge, one might look at the plant bending and attribute wisdom, understanding and power of will to the plant. As with most things in nature a spiritual lesson or illustration may be drawn.
Men come to Christ for salvation. They choose to do so. They are willing to do so. Scripture declares that they do so (John 6:37, 45). Religion looks at men as they profess faith, as they enter the waters of baptism, as they seemingly gain an interest in spiritual things. They assess these acts and reach the conclusion that salvation is dependent upon an act of man or that man is acting. They then attribute wisdom, understanding and power to the will of man. With eyes that are only capable of seeing that which is visible, religion can reach no other conclusion. Man, however, is not an actor in the matter of salvation, he is a reactor. When one of the elect comes to Christ, it is because God has put something in him, a kind of divine auxin. God gives him life, spiritual life, through the Word. This life in him reacts to the light of the knowledge of Christ. He believes because God gives him faith. He wills to come because he is made willing in the day of God’s power. He comes to Christ because God the Father draws him. He loves God because God first loves him. He is acted upon and he reacts. As the flowers is caused to bend to and follow the sun, so the elect is caused to bow to and follow the Son. “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him…. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee…”
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