The Scriptures And The Promises # 2

 The Scriptures And The Promises # 2

How terrible, then, is the blindness and how great is the sin of those preachers who indiscriminately apply the Divine promises to the saved and unsaved alike! They are not only taking "the children's bread" and casting it to the "dogs" - but they are "handling the Word of God deceitfully." (2 Corinthians 4:2), and beguiling immortal souls!

And those who listen to and heed them are little less guilty, for god holds all responsible to search the Scriptures for themselves, and test whatever they read or hear by the unerring standard. If they are too lazy to do so, and prefer blindly to follow their blind guides - then their blood is on their own heads. Truth has to be "bought (Proverbs 23:23), and those who are unwilling to pay the price must go without it.

2. We profit from the Word when we labor to make the promises of God our own. To do this we must first take the trouble to become really acquainted with them. It is surprising how many promises there are in Scripture which the saints know nothing about - the more so seeing that they are the peculiar treasure of believers, the substance of faith's heritage lying in them. True, Christians are already the recipients of wondrous blessings - yet the capital of their heavenly wealth and the bulk of their glorious estate, is only prospective. They have already received a "pledge," but the better part of what Christ has purchased for them lies yet in the promise of God. How diligent, then, should they be in studying His testamentary will, familiarizing themselves with the good things which the Spirit "has revealed" (1 Corinthians 2:10), and seeking to take an inventory of their spiritual treasures!

Not only must I search the Scriptures to find out what has been made over to me by the everlasting covenant, but I need also to meditate upon the promises, to turn them over and over in my mind, and cry unto the Lord for spiritual understanding of them. The bee would not extract honey from the flowers as long as he only gazed upon them. Nor will the Christian derive any real comfort and strength from the Divine promises until his faith lays hold of and penetrates to the heart of them. God has given no assurance that the slothful shall be fed, but He has declared, "the soul of the diligent shall be made fat" (Proverbs 13:4). Therefore did Christ say, "Labor not for the food which perishes, but for that food which endures unto everlasting life." (John 6:27). It is only as the promises are stored up in our minds, that the Spirit brings them to remembrance at those seasons of fainting when we most need them.

3. We profit from the Word when we recognize the blessed scope of God's promises. "A sort of affectation prevents some Christians from seeking religion, as if its sphere lay among the commonplaces of  daily life. It is to them transcendental and dreamy; rather a creation of pious fiction than a matter of fact. They believe in God, after a fashion, for things spiritual, and for the life which is to be; but they totally forget that true godliness has the promise of the life which now is, as well as that which is to come. To them it would seem almost profanation to pray about the small matters of which daily life is made up. Perhaps they will be startled if I venture to suggest that this should make them question the realoity of their faith. If it  cannot bring them help in the little troubles of life, will it support them in the greater trials of death?" (Spurgeon).

"Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promises of the life that now is, and of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:8). Reader, do you really believe this, that the promises of God cover every aspect and particular of your daily life? Or have the dispensationalists deluded you into supposing that the Old Testament belongs only to fleshly Jews, and that "our promises" respect spiritual and not material blessings? How many a Christian has derived comfort from "I will never leave you, nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5); well, that is a quotation from Joshua 1:5! So, too, 2 Corinthians 7:1 speaks of "having these promises," yet one of them, referred to in 2 Corinthians 6:18 is taken from the book of Leviticus!

Perhaps someone asks, "But where am I to draw the line? Which of the Old Testament promises rightfully belong to me?" We answer that Psalm 84:11 declares, "The Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will be withheld from those who walk uprightly." If you are really walking uprightly you are entitled to appropriate that blessed promise and count upon the Lord giving you whatever "good thing" is truly required by you. "My God shall supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!" (Phil. 4:19). If then there is a promise anywhere in His Word which just fits your present case and situation - then make it your own as suited to your need. Steadfastly resist every attempt of satan to rob you of any portion of your Father's Word.

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 3)

The Scriptures And The Promises # 1

 The Scriptures And The Promises # 1

The Divine promises make known the good pleasure of God's will to His people to bestow upon them the riches of His grace. They are the outward testimonies of His heart, who from all eternity loves them and fore-appointed all things for them and concerning them. In the person and work of His Son, God has made an all-sufficient provision for their complete salvation, both for time and for eternity. To the intent that they might have a true, clear and spiritual knowledge of the same, it has pleased the Lord to set it before them in the exceeding great and precious promises which are scattered up and down in the Scriptures as so many stars in the glorious firmament of grace. By these precious promises, they may be assured of the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning them, and take sanctuary in Him accordingly, and through this medium have real communion with Him in His grace and mercy at all times, no matter what their case or circumstances may be.

The Divine promises are so many declarations to bestow some good, or remove some ill. As such they are a most blessed making known and manifesting of God's love to His people. There are three steps in connection with God's love:

first, His inward purpose to exercise it; the last, the real execution of that purpose; but in between there is the gracious making known of that purpose to the beneficiaries not only show His love fully to them in due time, but in the interim He will have us informed of His benevolent designs, that we may sweetly rest in His love, and stretch ourselves comfortably upon His sure promises. Thee we are able to say, "How precious also are your thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them" (Psalm 139:17).

In 2 Peter 1:4 the Divine promises are spoken of as "exceedingly great and precious." As Spurgeon pointed out, "greatness and preciousness seldom go together, but in this instance they are united in an exceeding degree." When Jehovah is pleased to open His mouth and reveal His heart, He does so in a manner worthy of Himself, in words of superlative power and richness. To quote again the beloved London pastor:

"They come from a great God,

they come to great sinners, 

they work for us great results,

and deal with great matters."

While the natural intellect is capable of perceiving much of their greatness - only the renewed heart can taste their ineffable preciousness, and say with David, "How sweet are your words unto my taste! yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103).

1. We profit from the Word when we perceive to whom the promises belong. They are available only to those who are in Christ. "For all the promises of God in Him (the Lord Jesus) are yes, and in Him. Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). There can be no communion between the thrice holy God and sinful creatures, except through a Mediator who has satisfied Him on their behalf. Therefore must that Mediator receive from God all good for His people, and they must have it at second hand through Him. A sinner might just as well petition a tree, as call upon God for mercy while he despises and rejects Christ.

Both the promises and the things promised, are made over to the Lord Jesus and conveyed unto the saints from Him. "This is the chief and grandest promise that he has promised us, even eternal life" (1 John 2:25); and as the same epistle tells us, "This life is in His Son" (1 John 5:11).

This being so, what good can they who are not yet in Christ have by the promises? None at all. A man out of Christ is out of favor of God, yes, he is under His wrath; the Divine threatenings and not the promises, are his portion. Solemn, solemn consideration is it that those who are "without Christ" and "and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). Only "the children of God" are "the children of the promise" (Romans 9:8). Make sure, my reader, that you are one of them.

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 2)

The Knowledge Of God # 2

 The Knowledge Of God # 2

There is no danger of the individual saint being overlooked amidst the multitude of supplicants who daily and hourly present their various petitions, for an infinite Mind is as capable of paying the same attention to millions, as if only one individual were seeking its attention.

So too, the lack of appropriate language, the inability to give expression to the deepest longing of the soul - will not jeopardize our prayers, for "It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24).

"Great is our Lord, and of great power! His understanding is infinite" (Psalm 147:5). God not only knows whatever has happened in the past in every part of His vast domains, and He is not only thoroughly acquainted with everything that is now transpiring throughout the entire universe - but He is also perfectly cognizant of every event, from the least to the greatest, that ever will happen in the ages to come.

God's knowledge of the future is as complete as is His knowledge of the past, and the the present - and that, because the future depends entirely upon Himself. Were it in any ways possible for something to occur apart from either the direct agency or permission of God, then that something would be independent of Him, and He would at once cease to be Supreme.

Now the divine knowledge of the future is not a mere abstraction, but something which is inseparably connected with and accompanied by His purpose. God Himself designed whatever shall yet be, and what He has designed must be effectuated. As His most sure Word affirms, "He does according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand" (Daniel 4:35). And again, "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand" (Proverbs 19:21).

The wisdom and power of God being alike infinite, the accomplishment of whatever He has purposed is absolutely guaranteed. It is more possible for the divine counsels to fail in their execution than it would be for the thrice holy God to lie!

Nothing relating to the future is in any way uncertain so far as the actualization of God's counsels are concerned. None of His decrees are left contingent either on creatures or secondary causes. There is no future event which is only a mere possibility. "Known unto God are all His works from the beginning" (Acts 5:18). Whatever God has decreed is inexorably certain.

The perfect knowledge of God is exemplified and illustrated in every prophecy recorded in His Word. Such prophecies could only have been given by One who knew the end from the beginning.

It should be pointed out, however, that neither God's knowledge nor His cognition of the future, considered simply in themselves, are causative. Nothing has ever come to pass, or ever will, merely because God knew it. The cause of all things is the will of God. 

A word or two by way of APPLICATION. The infinite knowledge of God should fill us with amazement. How far exalted above the wisest man is the Lord! None of us knows what a day may bring forth, but all futurity is open to His omniscient gaze. The infinite knowledge of God ought to fill us with holy awe. Nothing we do, say, or even think, escapes the cognizance of Him with whom we have to do. "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good" (Proverbs 15:3).

What a curb on sin this would be unto us, did we but meditate upon it more frequently! Instead of acting recklessly, we should say with Hagar, "You God see me!" (Genesis 16:13).

The apprehension of God's infinite knowledge should fill the Christian with adoration. The whole of my life stood open to His view from the beginning. He foresaw my every fall, my every sin, my every backsliding, yet, nevertheless, fixed His heart upon me. Oh, how the realization of this should bow me in wonder and worship before Him!

~A. W. Pink~

(The End)

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)