The Knowledge of God # 1

 The Knowledge of God # 1

God is omniscient, He knows everything; everything possible, everything actual; all events and all creatures, of the past, present and the future. He is perfectly acquainted with every detail in the life of every being in Heaven, on earth, and in hell. "He knows what is in the darkness" (Daniel 2:22). Nothing escapes His notice, nothing can be hidden from Him, nothing is forgotten by Him. Well may we say with the Psalmist, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it" (Psalm 139:6).

God's knowledge is perfect. He never errs, never changes, never overlooks anything. "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight; but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" (Hebrews 4:13). Yes, such is the God "with whom we have to do!"

"You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely, O Lord" (Psalm 139:2-4). What a wondrous Being is the God of Scripture! Each of His glorious attributes should render Him honorable in our esteem before Him. Yet how little do we meditate upon this divine perfection! Is it because the very thought of it fills us with uneasiness?

How solemn is this fact: nothing can be concealed from God! "For I know the things that come into your mind, everyone of them" (Ezekiel 11:5). Though He is invisible to us, we are not to Him. Neither the darkness of night, the closest curtains, nor the deepest dungeon can hide any sinner from the eyes of Omniscience.

The trees of the garden were not able to conceal our first parents. No human eye beheld Cain murder his brother, but his Maker witnessed his crime. Sarah might laugh derisively in the seclusion of her tent, yet was it heard by Jehovah. Achan stole a wedge of gold and carefully hid it in the earth, but God brought it to light. David was at much pains to cover up his wickedness, but before long the all-seeing God sent one of His servants to say to him, "You are the man!" And to writer and reader is also said, "Be sure your sin will find out out!" (Numbers 32:23).

Men would strip Deity of His omniscience if they could! What a proof that "the carnal mind is enmity against God! (Romans 8:7). The wicked do as naturally hate this divine perfection, as much as theyare naturally compelled to acknowledge it. They wish there might be no Witness of their sins, no Searcher of their hearts, no Judge of their deeds. They seek to banish such a God from their thoughts! "They do not consider that I remember all their evil deeds. Their sins engulf them; they are always before Me!" (Hosea 7:2). How solemn is Psalm 90:8! Good reason has every Christ-rejecter for trembling before it: "You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your countenance.

But to the believer, the fact of God's omniscience is a truth fraught with much comfort.

In times of perplexity, he says with Job, "But He knows the way that I take." It may be profoundly mysterious to me, quite incomprehensible to my thoughts, but "He knows!"

In times of weariness and weakness believers assure themselves, "He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust" (Psalm 103:14).

In times of doubt and suspicion they appeal to this very attribute, saying, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23, 24).

In times of sad failure, when our actions have belied our hearts, when our deeds have repudiated our devotion,and the searching question comes to us, "Do you love Me?", we say, as Peter did, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You" (John 21:17).

The omniscience of God is an encouragement to prayer. There is no cause for fearing that the petitions of the righteous will not be heard, or that their sighs and tears shall escape the notice of God - since He knows the thoughts and intents of the heart.

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 2)

An Appeal To Reason And Faith # 2

 An Appeal To Reason And Faith # 2

In order to calm your mind in trouble, to compose your spirits under losses and crosses, remember that God acts in infinite wisdom. His plan, according to which He governs the world, and manages the affairs of every individual - is the perfection of wisdom. It will admit of no improvement. To alter it - would be to injure it. Whatever God does - He purposes to do; and whatever God purposed to do - is infinitely wise and good.

God's motives are just and gracious. God always has a reason for what He does - though He may not reveal it. Whatever He does - is prompted by His justice and grace. He is just to all - but gloriously gracious to His own people. Whatever God has purposed to do, or permit - is worthy of Himself. We often act unworthily, and repent of doing it, feeling ashamed of it; but God never does anything, or permits anything - which is unworthy of His nature and character. We may not see this now, for His work is not finished, His plan is not fully carried out; and until it is, "it is the glory of God to conceal a thing!" But He has told us for our comfort, "You do not realize now what I am doing - but later you will understand."

The least we can do is to submit; we ought to approve and acquiesce. True, many things are very painful to flesh and blood, and are very trying to faith and patience; but we have only to give God time to explain Himself - and all will be made clear and plain. Then we shall see why it was that we were: robbed of our property, bereaved of our children, separated from our friends, deprived of our health, and persecuted by the world. "The day shall reveal it!" And we shall see what we now profess to believe, that God is too wise to err - and too good to be unkind.!

Oh, Christian, you should prefer God's wisdom, way, and work - to your own! Whatever He does - He does well! In all He does - He keeps your good and His own glory in view! And, therefore, when you are displeased with any of His dispensations, He asks you, "Should it be according to your mind?"

Unconverted sinner, God has devised and revealed a way of salvation, in which He can save you, and if you submit, He will save you - but only in His own way, which is entirely of free grace. Your own works count for nothing, neither your prayers, nor tears, nor efforts - will count at all in the matter; it is all of grace, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Against this, your proud heart will rise; to it, you will perhaps raise many objections - but if you do, God's question to you is, "Should it be according to your mind!" Whose will is to be consulted - the will of the Saviour - or of those who need to be saved by Him?

He has devised a way in infinite wisdom, He has determined to save in that way, though it cost Him the life of His only begotten Son, and He is willing and able to save unto the uttermost, all who come unto God by Him. Are you anxious to be saved by Him? to be delivered from the wrath to come, to be entitled to and prepared for heaven? If so, God is willing to save you, and to you He says at this moment, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ - and you shall be saved!" "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him!"

"Should I do just as you imagine - ought I to consult your whims? Should it be according to your mind?" (Job 34:33).

~James Smith~

(The End)

An Appeal to Reason and Faith # 1

 An Appeal to Reason and Faith # 1

By Elihu, God asks Job: "Should I do just as you imagine - ought I to consult your whims? Should it be according to your mind?" (Job 34:33).

Poor Job found his trial too great for his patience, and he complained, he fretted himself, he reflected badly on God's dealings with him, and stumbled at the dispensations of Divine Providence. How often, how very often - do we do the same! We complain - when we ought to be grateful; we fret - when we ought to praise. We reflect badly on God's ways - when we ought to condemn ourselves; and we stumble at divine providences - when we ought to be resting on the promises.

Complain! What can a sinner have to complain of - who is out of fhell? Fret! What can a believer have to fret about - whose heaven is secure? Reflect badly on God's dealings! What, when all His ways are mercy and truth - to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies? Stumble at divine providences! What should stumble us, who are assured that all things shall work together for our good?

With such conduct God may well be displeased! For such conduct God may well chastise us. But He condescends to reason with us. He appeals to our sense of right. He makes us reprove and correct ourselves. He asks US: "Should I do just as you imagine - ought I to consult your whims? Should it be according to your mind?

To what does this apply? To God's dealings with us as individuals. Should the Most High God consult us - before He gives, or takes, works, or suspends His operations? Are we to be consulted as to the way in which He will lead us home, or the means by which He will prepare us for the joys which are at His right hand? If the Lord promises to do us good by all things - is He to consult us as to how He shall work, or by whom, or by what He shall accomplish His purposes?

It will apply, also, to God's dealings with others. It may be our friends, or our foes; our relatives or strangers; the Church, or the world. God has taken the management of His world, and every individual in it; of the Church, and every believer that composes it - into His own hand! He says, "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure. I will work, and who shall hinder Me?" Yes, who has a right to question Him, or to find fault with Him? Do you claim such a right? From whence did you derive it? How do you vindicate it? Things may be done that baffle your reason, perplex your mind, confound your judgment, and grieve your heart - but may they not be right for all that? May they not be the wisest and the best? "Should it be according to your mind?"

But, why do you think thus?

Are you wiser than God? His wisdom is infinite. Is it possible that you can imagine yourself capable of devising a wiser plan, or of executing God's plan in a more judicious manner? But if not, "Should it be according to your mind?"

Are you kinder than God? His loving-kindness to man is declared in His Word, proved by His works, and is gloriously displayed in our salvation by His Son. His loving-kindness is great beyond conception, and tender beyond description. Kinder than God! You - kinder than God? But if not, "Should it be according to your mind?"

Are you holier than God? He is holy in His nature, and holy in His works. He does nothing but what is strictly just, perfectly right, and calculated to produce the greatest good. If you are not more holy, more just, more righteous than God, "Should it be according to your mind?"

Are you better informed than God? Do you know more of the nature, dispositions, and tendencies of His creatures than He does? Can you see the end from the beginning, and the working of all things to bring about the end, fixed by His wisdom and grace - better than He does? He knows the whole and every part, the present and the future, which you do not! Your mind is dark, confused, selfish, unsettled, and often undecided! "Should it be according to your mind?"

~James Smith~

Man's Treatment of God's People # 2

Man's Treatment of God's People # 2

Consequently, that there is salvation in none other - but Jesus; by nothing - beside the perfect work of Jesus. MAN, therefore, must be pardoned as a criminal, for another's sake; must be justified as ungodly, through another's righteousness; must be sanctified as a sinner, through another's agency; must, in a word, be saved as a pauper, wholly and altogether of grace!

Such doctrines, laying as they do, man in the dust, and exalting the Lord alone, were highly offensive to the proud and haughty heart of man, and greatly excited his animosity and disdain. It became necessary, therefore, to suffer for them - or to dilute and accommodate them to the prejudices of the carnal mind. For a time, the former course was pursued, and the preachers and professors were driven out from human society, wandering about in sheep skins, and goat skins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented; or were cruelly put to death.

But while the Nazarenes suffered, their doctrines spread and prospered; and multitudes became obedient unto the faith. But at length professors began to compromise with the world, to mix the water of human ceremonies - with the wine of gospel ordinances; to mingle the doctrines of the heathen - with the doctrines of Christ; and the result was, the sword of the Spirit lost its edge, and the world gave up its opposition to what was now become another gospel; and the sect that had been spoken against everywhere, with the exception of a few, was swallowed up in a worldly church. The crown was lost, the honor was forfeited, and punishment and rejection followed.

But there were always some who had not defiled their garments, who would not mingle among the heathen, or conform to their ways. Some who cleaved to Jesus, held fast His doctrine, and sought to do Him honor. These were the objects of hatred, not to the heathen only - but to the worldly church, and these have been called to suffer for the truth, more or less.

There are still some, who, like the ancient sect of the Nazarenes, are spoken against everywhere. They will not swim with the stream. They will not compromise their Master's honor, give up their Master's truth, or change their Master's ordinances. According to the light they have - they walk; and they rejoice to exalt the Saviour, humble  the sinner, and proclaim salvation, all of grace. Spoken against they are - they will be; but while they maintain an honest conscience, enjoy the peace of God, and experience the comforts of the Holy Spirit; they can rejoice that they are counted worthy to suffer shame for His dear name.

Reader, do YOU belong to this sect? Is there anything in your religion that is distasteful to the world, anything that draws forth its opposition, or excites its contempt? The carnal mind is still enmity against God, and if we are godlike, that enmity will manifest itself against us! If we believe Christ's gospel as it is to be found in His word; if we copy Christ's example, as set before us in the gospel; if we testify against the world, that the works of it are evil, and call upon it to repent, as Christ did, we shall soon be hated by the world! We shall be ranked with those who would turn the world upside down. We shall be called enthusiasts, or hypocrites, or saints, or by some name intended to express contempt.

But if we be reproached for the sake of Christ, happy are we; for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon us; on their part he is evil spoken of - but on our part He is glorified. "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted!" (2 Timothy 3:12). If, therefore, our religion is palatable to the world, if it awakens no unpleasant remarks, if it calls forth no opposition, if it occasions us no loss in our reputation, or property, or social standing - there is some reason to suspect whether it be genuine and apostolic! One thing is clear, account for it how we may, we do not belong to that sect that is spoken against everywhere.

~James Smith~

(The End)

Man's Treatment of God's People # 1

Man's Treatment of God's People # 1

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you!" (John 15:18-19).

Such is the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Real Christians have never been favorites of the world - and while it continues  what it is, they never can be. "Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you." (1 John 3:13).

Nor can the pure and simple gospel be pleasant to the world, because it lays the sinner in the dust, and exalts God as supreme and sovereigh. Let us not be surprised then, if we hear worldlings speak against the gospel, and traduce the Lord's people; for what the Romans told Paul is in a good measure true in the present day, "For concerning this sect, we are aware that it is spoken against everywhere." A(Acts 28:22).

This sect originated with Jesus, the hated Nazarene, who came into the world for its good, and to save His people from their sins. He gathered around Him many - but they were principally the poor and unlearned. There was nothing in them, or about them, to recommend them to the proud and sensual world. They were begotten of God, born again, and made new creatures in Christ. They embraced the truth He taught, observed the precepts that He gae, and copied the example that He set. They loved His person, were concerned for His glory, and identified themselves with His interests.

There creed consisted pretty much in these facts: that man is a lost sinner, that salvation by works is impossible, and therefore it must be all of grace - or not at all. That the Lord Jesus came into the world to take the sinner's place, fulfill the law in the sinner's stead, and die as the sinner's substitute. That on account of what Jesus has done and suffered - pardon, peace, and reconciliation are preached to sinners, and whoever believes is promised everlasting life. That believers should profess faith in Christ, observe His ordinances, and make His will the rule of their lives. That they should love one another, serve one another, and if need be, die for each other. That believing in Jesus, doing His will, and seeking to glorify His name, they secure to themselves an inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for them. That as Christians, they should show their conformity to Christ, by loving sinners, doing good even to their enemies, and seeking by all means their salvation. By such hopes they were animated, by such rules they walked, and at such objects they aimed - and yet they were everywhere spoken against.

They themselves were spoken against, because they were generally poor and unlearned, and because they poured contempt on the luxuries, pride, and honors of this world. They were treated as the off-scouring of all things, unfit for society, unfit to live. Everyone felt that he might reproach, revile, and speak against a "Nazarene." For them, often, there was no protection, no law but to condemn them; and they suffered the loss of all things, and multitudes of them of life itself.

And yet, like Israel in Egypt, the more they were persecuted, the more they multiplied and grew; until at length they spread not only over the Roman empire - but nearly over the world. And, had they retained the simplicity of their lives, the spirituality of their minds, and the correctness of their creed - they would no doubt have encircled the globe. But at length they were courted by royalty, loaded with wealth, and became intoxicated with worldly honors, and then their glory departed. They drank into the spirit of the world, conformed to its maxims and customs, sought its approbation and applause - and so fell from their exalted station, and lost their real dignity.

Their doctrines were spoken against. They insisted upon the fact, that there is but one God, that in the Divine nature there are three persons, and that each person is truly, naturally, and eternally God. That man has sinned, and God is bound to punish, in order to manifest His justice, and maintain the honor of His law. There there is no escaping the punishment of sin - but by an atonement, for "without shedding of blood - there is no remission of sin." That no atonement could be acceptable to God, except it were infinitely meritorious; and consequently that no sinner could atone for his ransom for him. That in order to meet the cqase, God sent His own Son into the world, who taking human nature into union with His divine nature - undertook to answer  for man's conduct, atone for man's sin, and suffer all the penal consequences of man's guilt.

~James Smith~

(continued with # 2)

The Rest of Heaven! # 3

The Rest of Heaven! # 3

But if retirement has been preceded by honorable toil, by willing self-denial, or by deeds worth living for - then not only has the power to enjoy been augmenting, but the recollections of past labors brighten  and sweeten present rest. May we not believe that this law of earth is also a law of Heaven? We would not, indeed, even hint that regret or shame can for a moment darken that world of perfect joy; but still, is it not certain that the capacity of enjoying the rest of Heaven must be very different in the man whose life has been passed in comparative indolence - and in the man whose days have been all spent in the service of God? Both may receive from the great Judge their "penny" but that penny will not be the same to both. And hence it is not without significance that the eulogy is first pronounced, "Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus;" and then the assurance is added, "they shall rest from their labors, and their works follow them."

And unspeakably blessed to such is this rest. For it is as far removed as possible from mere quiescence or inglorious ease. All that is burdensome or distressing in work or warfare will be escaped from; there will be no conflict between the flesh and the spirit, no enemies to watch and repel, no scenes of misery and vice to oppose the heart, no opposition from those who have been the objects of toil and prayer, no fatigue or exhaustion from labor, no seasons of darkness or fear, of discouragement or despondency from weariness, trouble, and sin - there will be perfect, everlasting deliverance!

But this rest is by no means opposed to activity. May we not rather say that activity forms an integral part of that rest? Doom the man of energetic character to a sphere of absolute quiet, and he is as restless as the caged eagle, which frets all inaction, but in the boldest flight finds its recreation and delight.

To minds that are delivered from all distracting cares, and all the weakness of the flesh, who are surrounded by congenial society, and summoned to congenial employments - activity is rest. And such is the rest of Heaven. It is not quiescence, but satisfaction. There are grand purposes to accomplish, but no burden to cause distress or fatigue.

REST! What is our highest conception of it? Is it not this: that our nature should be restored to its original perfection; delivered from each trace of feebleness, disease, or sin; every power acting without effort; thought, purpose, desire, conduct - all spontaneously conformed to the Divine will and answering to the Divine ideal! 

Moreover that we should be placed in a world in every respect corresponding with our perfected nature... where no scene or object could jar with our sense of absolute beauty and enjoyment; where fellowship, influence, occupation, would be all on the side of holiness; and where the purity within and around would enable us to act with unconstrained freedom, and yet without danger or fear.

Finally, that we should be surrounded by circumstances in which no craving or aspiration should be unsatisfied, where intellect should discover  unalloyed, eternal truth; social affection find friends that never disappoint; the heart should exult in the presence of Jeus, and the soul be filled with the beatific vision of God!

Would not this constitute perfect satisfaction? Well, this is the blessedness of Heaven, where all is harmonious within, and all congenial without; there is ceaseless activity, and yet eternal rest!

This is the portion of the faithful dead; and this is to be our portion. This is the consummation to which our adorable Master is graciously leading us. This is the glorious outcome of our poor, feeble, fitful, unprofitable service. Who would not labor for such a Master? Who would not make light of earthly trials, in view of such a glorious eternal inheritance? Who would not toil in prospect of such a rest?

Then I heard a voice from Heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on."

"Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor,for their deeds will follow them." (Revelation 14:13).

~Joshua Harrison~

The Rest of Heaven! # 2

The Rest of Heaven! # 2

Such results, he is sure, could have sprung from nothing but living faith. Possessing that faith - faith which justifies, faith which purifies - he knows that is is secure. For him death is disarmed of its terrors. Hope sheds its radiance over the darkness of the tomb, and perfect love casts out fear. While listening to the last farewell of earth, in his ear - it seems blended with the welcome of Heaven, and he exclaims, with holy exultation, "Thanks be unto God, who gives me the victory through my Lord Jesus Christ."

We always consider it a spirit-stirring spectacle when we behold a man earnestly pursuing to the end, the course which he has adopted - when his last words or acts betoken fidelity to the main purpose of his life, and show the ruling passion strong in death.

With feelings of admiration and thankfulness we behold the departing saint, whether his course has been more public or more private, steadfast even to the end - faith in Christ his only hope - the spread of the gospel the one desire of his heart - ceasing to work only when he ceases to breathe - and as he looks back upon a whole life of service, now drawing toapeaceful close, with deep humility, and yet with holy confidence, declaring, "The time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

From the heart we exclaim, "Servant of God, well done! Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord!"

They are blessed because they die, that they may rest. And to the toil worn laborer, what can be more welcome than rest? Wearied by his burden of care and anxiety; his warfare with the world, the flesh, and the devil; his efforts to realize the scriptural ideal of the Christian life; his endeavors to turn men from sin's darkness to light - how joyfully does he listen to the assurance that he shall "rest from his labors!"

To the man, indeed, who has known nothing of toil or suffering - there is no charm in the prospect of rest. Let his Christianity be of the cast which lulls to sleep, rather than stimulates, forbids no luxury, demands no sacrifice, exacts no work, which seems only designed to render this world more comfortable by by taking away all fear for the future - what does he care for the promise of rest? Is he not resting already? Can ease or quiet be more profound? But let him know what it is to watch, to wait, to suffer, to labor, to struggle - and then, as the haven to the storm-tossed mariner, or home to the wounded soldier, or the Sabbath to the man of toil - such to him is the heavenly rest.

May we not with equal truth affirm that the rest when it comes, is all the sweeter because of the previous labor? As earthly things are the types of heavenly, from the one we may perhaps on this point judge of the other. Now, when a man retires from active duty, the pleasure with which he settles down in that retirement depends very much on his preceding course. If he has accomplished, or even attempted, nothing worthy of remembrance - nothing which he can look back upon with satisfaction or gratitude - his very rest lacks some of the first elements of enjoyment. He may be a statesman whose indecisive and wavering positive disgrace has missed the opportunity of doing his country service. He may be the ambassador, who has fallen into grave error, and endangered the peace of the world - or the humblest tradesman, whose one mistake has been to suppose that wealth is everything. In each of these cases the leisure which ensues is such as few would covet.

~Joshua Harrison~

(continued with # 3)