TableofContents

1.Introduction

2.ItsRoot

3.ItsNecessity

4.ItsNature

5.ItsAnalogy

6.ItsSeasonableness

7.ItsStages

8.ItsPromotion

9.ItsMeans

10.ItsDecline

11.ItsRecovery

12.ItsEvidences

1.Introduction

ThenamewhichisusuallygiventooursubjectbyChristianwritersisthatof"GrowthinGrace"whichisascripturalexpression,beingfound2Peter3:18.Butitappearstousthat,strictlyspeaking,growingingracehasreferencetobutasingleaspectorbranchofourtheme:"thatyourlovemayaboundyetmoreandmore"(Phil.1:9)treatsofanotheraspect,and"yourfaithgrowethexceedingly"(2Thess.1:3),withyetanother.Itseemsthenthat"spiritualgrowth"isamorecomprehensiveandinclusivetermandmoreaccuratelycoversthatmostimportantanddesirableattainment:"maygrowupintohiminallthings,whichistheHead,evenChrist"(Eph.4:15).Letitnotbethoughtfromthisthatwehaveselectedourtitleinacaptiousspiritorbecausewearestrivingafteroriginality.Notso:wehavenocriticismtomakeagainstthosewhomayprefersomeotherappellation.Wehavechosenthissimplybecauseitseemsmorefitlyandfullytodescribethegroundwhichwehopetocover.Ourreadersunderstandclearlywhatisconnotedby"physicalgrowth"or"mentalgrowth,"norshould"spiritualgrowth"beanythelessintelligible.

ThisSubjectIsaDeeplyImportantOneFirst,thatweshouldseektounderstandarighttheSpirit’steachingonthis

subject.Thereseemstobecomparativelyfewwhodoso,andtheconsequenceisthattheLordisrobbedofmuchofthepraisewhichisHisdue,whilemanyofHispeoplesuffermuchneedlessdistress.BecausesomanyChristianswalkmorebysensethanbyfaith,measuringthemselvesbytheirfeelingsandmoodsratherthanbytheWord,theirpeaceofmindisgreatlydestroyedandtheirjoyofheartmuchdecreased.Notafewsaintsareseriouslythelosersthroughmisapprehensionsuponthissubject.Scripturalknowledgeisessentialifwearebettertounderstandourselvesanddiagnosemoreaccuratelyourspiritualcase.Manyexercisedsoulsformanerroneousopinionofthemselvesbecauseoffailureatthisverypoint.Surelyitisamatterofgreatpracticalmomentthatweshouldbeabletojudgearightofourspiritualprogressorretrogressionthatwemaynotflatterourselvesontheonehandorundulydepreciateourselvesontheother.

Somearetemptedinonedirection,someintheother—dependingpartlyontheirpersonaltemperamentandpartlyonthekindofteachingtheyhavereceived.Manyareinclinedtothinkmorehighlyofthemselvesthantheyought,andbecausetheyhaveobtainedconsiderablyincreasedintellectualknowledgeof

thetruthimaginetheyhavemadeaproportionatespiritualgrowth.Butotherswithweakermemoriesandwhoacquireamentalgraspofthingsmoreslowly,supposethistosignifyalackofspirituality.UnlessourthoughtsaboutspiritualgrowthbeformedbytheWordofGodwearecertaintoerrandjumptoawrongconclusion.Asitiswithourbodies,soitiswithoursouls.Somesupposetheyarehealthywhiletheyaresufferingfromaninsidiousdisease;whereasothersimaginethemselvestobeillwheninfacttheyarehaleandsound.Divinerevelationandnothumanimaginationoughttobeourguideindeterminingwhetherornotwebe"babes,youngmen,orfathers"—andournaturalagehasnothingtodowithit.

Itisdeeplyimportantthatourviewsshouldberightlyformed,notonlythatwemaybeabletoascertainourownspiritualstature,butalsothatofourfellowChristians.IfIlongtobemadeahelpandblessingtothem,thenobviouslyImustbecapableofdecidingwhethertheyareinahealthyorunhealthycondition.Or,ifIdesirespiritualcounselandassistance,thenIwillmeetwithdisappointmentunlessIknowtowhomtogo.HowcanIregulatemycourseandsuitmyconversewiththesaintsIcontactifIamatalosstogaugetheirreligiouscaliber?Godhasnotleftustoourownerringjudgmentinthismatter,buthassuppliedrulestoguideus.Tomentionbutoneotherreasonwhichindicatestheimportanceofoursubject:unlessIcanascertainwhereinIhavebeenenabledtomakespiritualprogressandwhereinIhavefailed,howcanIknowwhattoprayfor;andunlessIcanperceivethesameaboutmybrethrenhowcanIintelligentlyaskforthesupplyofwhattheymostneed?

OurSubjectIsaVeryMysteriousOnePhysicalgrowthisbeyondhumancomprehension.Weknowsomethingof

whatisessentialtoit,andthethingitselfmaybediscovered,buttheoperationandprocessishiddenfromus:"Asthouknowestnotwhatisthewayofthespirit,norhowthebonesdogrowinthewombofherthatiswithchild,evensothouknowestnottheworksofGodwhomakethall"(Eccl.11:5).Howmuchmoresomustspiritualgrowthbeincomprehensible.Thebeginningofourspirituallifeisshroudedinmystery(John3:8),andtoaconsiderableextentthisistruealsoofitsdevelopment.God’sworkingsinthesoularesecret,indiscernibletotheeyeofcarnalreasonandimperceptibletooursenses."ThethingsofGodknowethnoman"savetowhomtheSpiritispleasedtorevealthem(1Cor.2:11,12).Ifweknowsolittleaboutourselvesandtheoperationofourfacultiesinconnectionwithnaturalthings,howmuchlesscompetentarewetocomprehendourselvesandourgracesinconnectionwiththatwhichissupernatural.

The"newcreature"isfromabove,whereofournaturalreasonhasnoacquaintance:itisasupernaturalproductandcanonlybeknownbysupernaturalrevelation.Inlikemanner,thespirituallifereceivedatthenewbirththrivesastoitsdegrees,unperceivedbyoursenses.Achild,byweighingandmeasuringhimself,maydiscoverthathehasgrown,yethewasnotconsciousoftheprocesswhilegrowing.Soitiswiththenewman:itis"reneweddaybyday"(2Cor.4:16)yetinsuchahiddenwaythattherenewingitselfisnotfelt,thoughitseffectsbecomeapparent.Thusthereisnogoodreasontobedisheartenedbecausewedonotfeelthatanyprogressisbeingmadeortoconcludethereisnoadvancebecausesuchfeelingisabsent."TherearesomeoftheLord’speopleinwhomtheessenceandrealityofholinessdwellwhodonotperceiveinthemselvesanyspiritualgrowth.Itshouldthereforeberememberedthatthereisarealgrowthingracewhereitisnotperceived.Weshouldjudgeofitnotbywhatweexperienceofitinourselves,butbytheWord.Itisasubjectforfaithtobeexercisedon"(S.F.Pierce).Ifwedesirethepure"milkoftheWord"andfeedthereon,thenwemustnotdoubtthatweduly"growthereby"(1Peter2:3).

ToquoteagainfromPierce:"Spiritualgrowthisamysteryandismoreevidentinsomethaninothers.ThemoretheHolySpiritshinesuponthemindandputsforthHislifegivinginfluencesintheheart,somuchthemoresinisseen,feltandloathedasthegreatestofallevils.Andthisisanevidenceofspiritualgrowth,namely,tohatesinassinandtoabhoritonaccountofitscontrarietytothenatureofGod.Thequickperceptionandinsightwhichwehaveofinherentsin,andourfeelingofit,soastolookonourselvesasmostvile,torenounceourselvesandallthatwecandoforourselves,andtolookwhollyandimmediatelytoChristforreliefandstrengtharegrowthingrace,andamostcertainevidenceofit."Howlittleisthenaturalmancapableofunderstandingthat!Havingnoexperienceofthesameitsoundstohimlikeadolefuldelusion.AndhowthebelieverneedstobegGodtoteachhimthetruthaboutthis!AsweknownothingwhateveraboutthenewbirthsavewhatGodhasrevealedinHisWord,sowecanformnocorrectcomprehensionaboutspiritualgrowthexceptfromthesamesource.

OurSubjectIsAlsoaDifficultOneThisisdueinparttoSatan’shavingconfusedtheissuebyinventingsuch

plausibleimitationsthatmultitudesaredeceivedthereby,andknowingthistheconscientioussoulistroubled.Undercertaininfluencesandfromvariousmotivespeopleareinducedsuddenlyandradicallytoreformtheirlives;andtheirabsencefromthegrosserformsofsinaccompaniedbyazealousperformanceofthecommondutiesofreligionisoftenmistakenforgenuine

conversionandprogressintheChristianlife.Thesearethe"tares"whichsocloselyresemblethe"wheat"thattheyareoftenindistinguishableuntiltheharvest.Moreover,thereisaworkofthelaw,quitedistinctfromthesavingeffectswroughtbythegospel,whichinitsfruitsbothexternalandinternalcannotbedistinguishedfromaworkofgraceexceptbythelightofScriptureandtheteachingoftheSpirit.Theterrorsofthelawhavecomeinpowertotheconscienceofmanyaone,producingpoignantconvictionsofsinandhorrorsofthewrathtocome,issuinginmuchactivityintheworksofrighteousness,butresultinginnofaithinChrist,andnoloveforHim.

Again:spiritualprogressisdifficulttodiscernbecausegrowthingraceisoftennotnearlysoapparentasfirstconversion.Inmanycasesconversionisaradicalexperienceofwhichwearepersonallyconsciousatthetimeandofwhichavividmemoryremainswithus.Itismarkedbyrevolutionarychangeinourlife.ItwaswhenwewererelievedoftheintolerableburdenofguiltandthepeaceofGodwhichpassethallunderstandingpossessedoursouls.ItwasbeingbroughtoutoftheawfulandtotalspiritualdarknessofnatureintoGod’smarvellouslight,whereasspiritualgrowthisbuttheenjoyingfurtherdegreesofthatlight.Itwasthattremendouschangefromhavingnograceatalltothebeginningsofgracewithinus,whereasthatwhichfollowsisthereceivingofadditionsofgrace.Itwasaspiritualresurrection,abeingbroughtfromdeathuntolife,butthesubsequentexperienceisonlyrenewingsofthelifethenreceived.ForJosephsuddenlytobetranslatedoutofprisontosituponthethroneofEgypt,secondonlytoPharaoh,wouldaffecthimfarmorepowerfullythantohaveanynewkingdomsaddedtohimlater,suchasAlexanderhad.AtfirsteverythinginthespirituallifeisnewtotheChristian;laterhelearnsmoreperfectlywhatwasthendiscoveredtohim,yettheeffectmadeisnotsoperceptibleandentrancing.

Further:thespirituallifeornaturecommunicatedatregenerationisnottheonlythingintheChristian:theprincipleofsinstillremainsinthesoulaftertheprincipleofgraceasbeenimparted.Thosetwoprinciplesareatdirectvariancewitheachother,engagedinaceaselesswarfareaslongasthesaintisleftinthisworld."Forthefleshlustethagainstthespirit,andthespiritagainsttheflesh:andthesearecontrarytheonetotheother;sothatyecannotdothethingsthatyewould"(Gal.5:17).Thatfearfulconflictisapttoconfusetheissueinthemindofitssubject;yea,itiscertaintoleadthebelievertodrawafalseinferencefromitunlessheclearlyapprehendstheteachingofScripturethereon.Thediscoveryofsomuchoppositionwithin,thethwartingofhisaspirationsandendeavors,hisfeltinabilitytowagethewarfaresuccessfully,makeshimseriouslytodoubt

whetherholinesshasbeenimpartedtohisheart.Theragingsofindwellingsin,thediscoveryofunsuspectedcorruptions,theconsciousnessofunbelief,thedefeatsexperienced,allappeartogivetheliedirecttoanyspiritualprogress.Thatpresentsanacuteproblemtoaconscientioussoul.

OurSubjectIsBothaComplexandComprehensiveOneBythiswemeanthatthisisatreewithmanybranches,whichbearsa

differentmanneroffruitsaccordingtotheseason.Itisasubjectintowhichvariouselementsenter,onethatneedstobeviewedfrommanyangles.Spiritualgrowthisbothupwardanddownward,anditisbothinwardandoutward.AnincreasedknowledgeofGodleadstoanincreasedknowledgeofself,andasoneresultsinhigheradorationofitsObject,theotherbringsdeeperhumiliationinitssubject.Theseissueinmoreandmoreinwarddenialsofselfandaboundingmoreandmoreoutwardlyingoodworks.Yetthisspiritualgrowthneedstobemostcarefullystatedlestwerepudiatethecompletenessofregeneration.Inthestrictestsense,spiritualgrowthconsistsoftheSpirit’sdrawingoutwhatHewroughtinthesoulwhenHequickenedit.Whenababeisbornintothisworlditiscompleteinpartsthoughnotindevelopment:nonewmemberscanbeaddedtoitsbodynoranyadditionalfacultiestoitsmind.

Thereisagrowthofthenaturalchild,adevelopmentofitsmembersanexpansionofitsfacultieswithafullerexpressionandclearermanifestationofthelatter,butnothingmore.TheanalogyholdsgoodwithababeinChrist."ThoughthereareinnumerablecircumstantialdifferencesinthecasesandexperienceofthecalledpeopleofGod,andthoughthereisagrowthsuitedtothem,consideredas‘babes,youngmenandfathers,’yetthereisbutonecommonlifeinthevariousstagesanddegreesofthesamelifecarriedontoitsperfectionbytheHolySpirituntilitissuesingloryeternal.TheworkofGodtheSpiritinregenerationiseternallycomplete.Itadmitsofnoincreasenordecrease.Itisoneandthesameinallbelievers.TherewillnotbetheleastadditiontoitinHeaven:notonegrace,holyaffection,desireordispositionthen,whichisnotinitnow.ThewholeoftheSpirit’sworkthereforefromthemomentofregenerationtoourglorificationistodrawoutthosegracesintoactandexercisewhichHehathwroughtwithinus.Andthoughonebelievermayaboundinthefruitsofrighteousnessmorethananother,yetthereisnotoneofthemmoreregeneratedthananother."(S.E.Pierce)

ThecomplexityofoursubjectisdueinparttoboththeDivineandthehumanelementsenteringintoit,andwhoiscompetenttoexplainorsetforththeirmeeting-point!Yettheanalogysuppliedfromthephysicalrealmagain

affordsussomehelp.Absolutelyconsidered,allgrowthisduetotheDivineoperations,yetrelativelytherearecertainconditionswhichwemustmeetortherewillbenogrowth—tonamenoother,thepartakingofsuitablefoodisanessentialprerequisite;neverthelessthatwillnotnourishunlessGodbepleasedtoblessthesame.Toinsistthattherearecertainconditionswhichwemustmeet,certainmeanswhichwemustuseinourspiritualprogressisnottodividethehonorswithGod,butissimplypointingouttheorderHehasestablishedandtheconnectionHehasappointedbetweenonethingandanother.Inlikemannertherearecertainhindranceswhichwemustavoidorgrowthwillinevitablybearrestedandspiritualprogressretarded.NordoesthatimplythatwearethwartingGod,butonlydisregardingHiswarningsandpayingthepenaltyofbreakingthoselawswhichHehasinstituted.

TheDifficultyofExpoundingOurSubjectTheverycomplexityofoursubjectincreasesthedifficultybeforetheone

attemptingtoexpoundit,forasisthecasewithsomanyotherproblemspresentedtoourlimitedintelligence,itinvolvesthematterofseekingtopreserveaduebalancebetweentheDivineandthehumanelements.TheoperationsofDivinegraceandthedischargeofourresponsibilitymusteachbeinsistedupon,andtheconcurringofthelatterwiththeformer,aswellasthesuperaboundingoftheformeroverthelattermustbeproportionatelysetforth.Inlikemannerourcontemplationofspiritualgrowthupwardmustnotbeallowedtocrowdoutthatofourgrowthdownward,normustourdeeperloathingofselfbesufferedtohinderanincreasinglivinguponChrist.ThemoresensibleweareofouremptinessthemorewemustdrawuponHisfulness.Norisourtaskrenderedeasierwhenwerememberwhatwewritewillfallintothehandsofverydifferenttypesofreaderswhositundervariedkindsofministry—theoneneedingemphasisuponadifferentnotefromanother.

ThatthereissuchathingasspiritualgrowthisabundantlyclearfromtheScriptures.Inadditiontothepassagesalludedtointheopeningparagraphwemayquotethefollowing."Theygofromstrengthtostrength"(Ps.84:7)."Thepathofthejustisasashininglight,thatshinethmoreandmoreuntotheperfectday"(Prov.4:18)."ThenshallweknowifwefollowontoknowtheLord"(Hos.6:3)."ButuntoyouthatfeartheLordshalltheSunofrighteousnessarisewithhealinginhiswings,andyeshallgoforthandgrowupascalvesofthestall"(Mal.4:2)."Andofhisfulnesshaveallwereceived,andgraceforgrace"(John1:16)."Everybranchinmethatbearethfruithepurgethitthatitmaybringforthmorefruit"(John15:2)."Butweall,withopenfacebeholdingasinaglassthegloryoftheLord,arechangedintothesameimagefromglorytogloryasbythe

SpiritoftheLord"(2Cor.3:18)."IncreasingintheknowledgeofGod"(Col.1:10)."AsyehavereceivedofushowyeoughttowalkandtopleaseGod,soyeaboundmoreandmore"(1Thess.4:1)."Hegivethmoregrace(James4:6).

TheabovelistmightbeextendedconsiderablybutsufficientreferenceshavebeengiventoshowthatnotonlyissuchathingasspiritualgrowthclearlyrevealedintheScriptures,butthatitisgivenaprominentplacetherein.LetthereaderdulyobservethevarietyofexpressionswhichareemployedbytheSpirittosetforththisprogressordevelopment—therebypreservingusfromtoocircumscribedaconceptionbyshowingusthemany-sidednessofthesame.Someofthemrelatetowhatisinternal,otherstowhatisexternal.SomeofthemdescribetheDivineoperations,othersthenecessaryactsandexercisesoftheChristian.Someofthemmakementionofincreasedlightandknowledge,othersofincreasedgraceandstrength,andyetothersofincreasedconformitytoChristandfruitfulness.ItisthusthattheHolySpirithaspreservedthebalanceanditisbyourcarefullynotingthesamethatweshallbekeptfromanarrowandone-sidedideaofwhatspiritualgrowthconsists.Ifdueattentionbepaidtothisvarieddescriptionweshallbekeptfrompainfulmistakes,andthebetterenabledtotestormeasureourselvesanddiscoverwhatspiritualstaturewehaveattainedunto.

ThisIsanIntenselyPracticalSubjectFromwhathasbeenpointedoutinthelastfewparagraphsitwillbeseen

thatthisisanintenselypracticalsubject.Itisnosmallmatterthatweshouldbeabletoarriveattheclearapprehensionofwhatspiritualgrowthactuallyconsistsof,andtherebybedeliveredfrommistakingitformerefantasy.Iftherebeconditionswhichwehavetocomplywithinordertothemakingofprogress,itismostdesirablethatweshouldacquaintourselveswiththesameandthentranslatesuchknowledgeintoprayer.IfGodhasappointedcertainmeansandaids,thesoonerwelearnwhattheyareandmakediligentuseofthemthebetterforus.Andiftherebeotherthingswhichactasdeterrentsandareinimicaltoourwelfare,themoreweareplaceduponourguardthelesslikelywearetobehinderedbythem.AndifChristiangrowthhasmanysidestoitthisshouldgovernourthinkingandactingthereon,thatwemaystriveafterafitly-proportionedandwell-roundedChristiancharacter,andgrowupintoChristnotmerelyinoneortworespectsbut"inallthings"thatourdevelopmentmaybeuniformandsymmetrical.

2.ItsRoot

BeforeattemptingtodefineanddescribewhatthespiritualgrowthofaChristianconsistsof,weshouldfirstshowwhatitisthatiscapableofgrowth,forspiritualgrowthnecessarilysupposesthepresenceofspirituallife:onlyaregeneratedpersoncangrow.ProgressintheChristianlifeisimpossibleunlessIbeaChristian.WemustthereforebeginbyexplainingwhataChristianis.Tomanyofourreadersthismayappeartobequitesuperfluous,butinsuchadayasthis,whereinspiritualcounterfeitsanddelusionsaboundoneveryside,whensomanyaredeceivedontheall-importantmatter,andbecauseofsuchwidely-differentclasses,wedeemitnecessarytofollowthiscourse.WedarenottakeforgrantedthatallourreadersareChristiansintheScripturalsenseofthatterm,andmayitpleasetheLordtousewhatweareabouttowritetogivelighttosomewhoareyetindarkness.Moreover,itmaybethemeansofenablingsomerealChristians,nowconfused,toseethewayoftheLordmoreclearly.Norwillitbealtogetherprofitless,wehope,eventothosemorefullyestablishedinthefaith.

ThreeKindsof"Christians"Broadlyspeakingtherearethreekindsof"Christians":preacher-made,self-

made,andGod-madeones.Intheformerareincludednotonlythosewhowere"sprinkled"ininfancyandtherebymademembersofa"church"(thoughnotadmittedtoallitsprivileges),butthosewhohavereachedtheageofaccountabilityandareinducedbysomehigh-pressure"evangelist"to"makeaprofession."Thishighpressurebusinessisindifferentformsandinvaryingdegrees,fromappealstotheemotionstomasshypnotismwherebycrowdsareinducedto"comeforward."UnderitcountlessthousandswhoseconscienceswereneversearchedandwhohadnosenseoftheirlostconditionbeforeGodwerepersuadedto"dothemanlything,""enlistunderthebannerofChrist,""unitewithGod’speopleintheircrusadeagainstthedevil."Suchconvertsarelikemushrooms:theyspringupinanightandsurvivebutashorttime,havingnoroot.Similartooarethevastmajorityproducedunderwhatiscalled"personalwork,"whichconsistsofaspeciesofindividual"buttonholing,"andisconductedalongthelinesusedbycommercialtravelersseekingtomakea"forcedsale."

The"self-made"classismadeupofthosewhohavebeenwarnedagainstwhathasjustbeendescribedabove,andfearfulofbeingdeludedbysuchreligioushucksterstheydeterminedto"settlethematter"directlywithGodin

theprivacyoftheirownroomorsomesecludedspot.TheyhadbeengiventounderstandthatGodloveseverybody,thatChristdiedforthewholehumanrace,andthatnothingisrequiredofthembutfaithinthegospel.Bysavingfaiththeysupposethatamereintellectualassentto,oracceptanceof,suchstatementsasarefoundinJohn3:16andRomans10:13isallthatisintended.ItmattersnotthatJohn2:23,24declaresthat"manybelievedinhisnamebutJesusdidnotcommithimselfuntothem,"that"manybelievedonhim,butbecauseofthePhariseestheydidnotconfesshimlesttheybeputoutofthesynagogue,fortheylovedthepraiseofmenmorethanthepraiseofGod,"whichshowshowmuchtheir"believing"wasworth.Imaginingthatthenaturalmaniscapableof"receivingChristaspersonalSaviour"theymaketheattempt,doubtnottheirsuccess,goontheirwayrejoicing,andnonecanshaketheirassurancethattheyarenowrealChristians!

"NomancancomeuntomeexcepttheFatherwhichhassentmedrawhim"(John6:44).HereisadeclarationofChristwhichhasnotreceivedevenmentalassentbythevastmajorityinChristendom.Itisfartooflesh-abasingtomeetwithacceptancefromthosewhowishtothinkthatthesettlingofaman’seternaldestinyliesentirelywithinhisownpower.ThatfallenmaniswhollyatthedisposalofGodisthoroughlyunpalatabletoanunhumbledheart.TocometoChristisaspiritualactandnotanaturalone,andsincetheunregeneratearedeadinsinstheyarequiteincapableofanyspiritualexercises.ComingtoChrististheeffectofthesoul’sbeingmadetofeelitsdesperateneedofHim,oftheunderstanding’sbeingenlightenedtoperceiveHissuitabilityforalostsinner,oftheaffectionsbeingdrawnoutsoastodesireHim.Buthowcanonewhosenaturalmindis"enmityagainstGod"haveanydesireforHisSon?

God-madeChristiansareamiracleofgrace,theproductsofDivineworkmanship(Eph.2:10).TheyareaDivinecreation,broughtintoexistencebysupernaturaloperations.BythenewbirthwearecapacitatedforcommunionwiththeTriuneJehovah,foritisthespringofnewsensibilitiesandactivities.Itisnotouroldnaturemadebetterandexcitedintospiritualacts,butinstead,somethingiscommunicatedwhichwasnottherebefore.That"something"partakesofthesamenatureasitsBegetter:"thatwhichisbornoftheSpiritisspirit"(John3:6),andasHeisholysothatwhichHeproducesisholy.ItistheGodofallgracewhobringsus"fromdeathuntolife,"andthereforeitisaprincipleofgracewhichHeimpartstothesoul,anditdisposesuntofruitswhicharewellpleasinguntoHim.Regenerationisnotaprotractedprocess,butaninstantaneousthing,towhichnothingcanbeaddednorfromitanythingtakenaway(Eccl.3:14).ItistheproductofaDivinefiat:Godspeaksanditisdone,

andthesubjectofitbecomesimmediatelyanewcreature."Regenerationisnottheoutcomeofanyclericalmagicnordoesthe

individualexperiencingitsupplyoughtthereto:heisthepassiveandunconsciousrecipientofit.SaidTruthincarnate:"whichwerebornnotofblood[hereditymakesnocontributionthereto,forGodhasregeneratedheathenswhoseancestorshaveforcenturiesbeengrossidolators]norofthewilloftheflesh[forpriortothisDivinequickeningthewillofthatpersonwasinveteratelyopposedtoGod]norofthewillof[a]man[thepreacherwasincapableofregeneratinghimself,muchlessothers]butofGod"(John1:13)—byHissovereignandalmightypower.AndagainChristdeclared,"Thewindblowethwhereitlistethandthouhearestthesoundthereof[itseffectsarequitemanifest]butcanstnottellwhenceitcomethandwhitheritgoeth[itscausationandoperationareentirelyabovehumanken,amysterynofiniteintelligencecansolve]soiseveryonethatisbornoftheSpirit"(John3:8)—notincertainexceptionalcases,butinallwhoexperiencethesame.SuchDivinedeclarationsareasfarremovedfrommostofthereligiousteachingofthedayaslightisfromdarkness.

Theword"Christian"means"ananointedone,"astheLordJesusis"TheAnointed"or"TheChrist."ThatwasoneofthetitlesaccordedHimintheOldTestament:"ThekingsoftheearthhavesetthemselvesandtherulershavetakencounseltogetheragainsttheLordandagainsthisanointed"or"Christ"(Ps.2:2andcf.Acts2:26,27).Heisthusdesignatedbecause"GodanointedJesusofNazarethwiththeHolySpirit"(Acts10:38),forinductionintoHisofficeandenduementforthedischargethereof.Thatofficehasthreebranches,forHewastoactasProphet,PriestandKing.AndintheOldTestamentwefindthisforeshadowedintheanointingofIsrael’sprophets(1Kings19:16),theirpriests(Lev.8:30)andtheirkings(1Sam.10:1;2Sam.2:4).AccordinglyitwasuponentranceintoHispublicministrytheLordJesuswasanointed,"foratHisbaptism"theheavenswereopeneduntohim"andtherewasseen"theSpiritofGoddescendinglikeadoveandlightinguponhim,"andtheFather’svoicewasheardsaying"ThisismybelovedSoninwhomIamwellpleased"(Matthew3:16,17).TheSpiritofGodhadcomeuponothersbeforethat,butneverasHenowcameupontheincarnateSon,"forGodgivethnottheSpiritbymeasureuntohim"(John3:34),forbeingtheHolyOnetherewasnothingwhateverinHimtoopposetheSpiritorgrieveHim,buteverythingtothecontrary.

ButitwasnotforHimselfalonethatChristreceivedtheSpirit,buttosharewithandcommunicateuntoHispeople.HenceinanotheroftheOldTestamenttypeswereadthat"Thepreciousointmentuponthehead,thatrandownuponthe

beard,uponAaron’sbeard,thatrandowntotheskirtsofhisgarments"(Ps.132:2).ThoughallIsrael’spriestswereanointed,nonebutthehighpriestwasdonesouponthehead(Lev.8:12).ThisforeshadowedtheSaviourbeinganointednotonlyasourgreatHighPriestbutalsoastheHeadofHischurch,andtherunningdownofthesacredungenttotheskirtsprefiguredthecommunicatingoftheSpirittoallthemembers,eventhelowliest,ofHismysticalBody."Nowhewho...hathanointedusisGod,whohathsealedusandgivenustheearnestoftheSpiritinourhearts"(2Cor.1:22)."Ofhis[Christ’s]fulnesshaveweallreceived"(John1:16).

Whentheapostleswere"filledwiththeHolySpiritandbegantospeakwithothertonguesastheSpiritgavethemutterance"onthedayofPentecost,andsomemocked,Peterdeclared"ThisisthatwhichwasspokenbytheprophetJoel"andconcludedbyaffirmingthatJesushadbeenbytherighthandofGodexalted"andhavingreceivedoftheFatherhethatshedforththis"(Acts2:33).A"Christian"thenisananointedonebecausehehasreceivedtheHolySpiritfromChrist"theanointed."Andhenceitiswritten"Butyehaveanunction[or"anointing"]fromtheHolyOne,"thatis,fromChrist;andagain."theanointingwhichyehavereceivedofhimabidethinyou"(1John2:20,27),forjustaswereadof"theSpiritdescendingandremainingonhim"(John1:33)soHeabideswithus"forever"(John14:16).

Thisistheinseparableaccompanimentofthenewbirth.TheregeneratedsoulisnotonlymadetherecipientofanewlifebuttheHolySpiritiscommunicatedtohim,andbytheSpiritheisthenvitallyunitedtoChrist,for"bethatisjoinedtotheLordisoneSpirit"(1Cor.6:17).TheSpiritcomestoindwellsothathisbodyismadeHistemple.Itisbythisanointingorinhabitationtheregeneratepersonissanctified,orsetapartuntoGod,consecratedtoHim,andgivenaplaceinthat"holypriesthood"whichisqualified"toofferupspiritualsacrificesacceptabletoGodbyJesusChrist"(1Peter2:5).Therebythesaintissharplydistinguishedfromtheworld,for"IfanymanhavenottheSpiritofChrist,heisnoneofhis"(Rom.8:9).TheSpiritistheidentifyingmarkorseal:asitwasbytheSpirit’sdescentonChristthatJohnrecognizedHim(John1:33)and"himhathGodtheFathersealed"(John6:27),sobelieversare"sealedwiththatHolySpirit."(Eph.1:13)

Butsincetheindividualconcernedinregenerationisentirelypassiveandatthemomentunconsciousofwhatistakingplace,thequestionarises,HowisasoultoascertainwhetherornothehasbeenDivinelyquickened?Atfirstsightitmightappearthatnosatisfactoryanswercanbeforthcoming,yetalittlereflectionshouldshowthatthismustbefarfrombeingthecase.Suchamiracle

ofgracewroughtinapersoncannotlongbeimperceptibletohim.Ifspirituallifebeimpartedtoonedeadinsinsitspresencemustsoonbecomemanifest.Thisisindeedthecase.Thenewbirthbecomesapparentbytheeffectsitproduces,namely,spiritualdesiresandspiritualexercises.Asthenaturalinfantclingsinstinctivelytoitsmother,sothespiritualbabeturnsuntotheOnewhogaveitbeing.TheauthorityofGodisfeltintheconscience,theholinessofGodisperceivedbytheenlightenedunderstanding,desiresafterHimstirwithinthesoul.Hiswondrousgraceisnowfaintlyperceivedbytherenewedheart.ThereisapoignantconsciousnessofthatwhichisopposedtothegloryofGod,asenseofoursinnershipsuchaswasnotexperiencedformerly.

Thenaturalman(allthatheisasafallencreaturebythefirstbirth)receivethnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod,fortheyarefoolishnessuntohim,neithercanheknowthem,becausetheyarespirituallydiscerned"(1Cor.2:14).Bynoeffortsofhisown,bynouniversityeducation,bynocourseofreligionsinstructioncanheobtainanyspiritualorvitalknowledgeofspiritualthings.Theyareutterlybeyondtherangeofhisfaculties.Self-loveblindshim:self-pleasingchainshimtothethingsoftimeandsense.ExceptamanbebornagainhecannotseethekingdomofGod.Hemayobtainanotionalknowledgeofthem,butuntilamiracleofgracetakesplaceinhissoulhecannothaveanyspiritualacquaintancewiththem.FishescouldsoonerliveondrygroundorbirdsexistbeneaththewavesthananunregeneratepersonenterintoavitalandexperimentalacquaintancewiththethingsofGod.

Thefirsteffectofthespirituallifeinthesoulisthatitsrecipientisconvictedofhisimpurityandguilt.Theconscienceisquickenedandthereisapiercingrealizationofbothpersonalpollutionandcriminality.Theilluminedmindseessomethingoftheawfulmalignityofsin,asbeinginitsverynaturecontrarytotheholinessofGod,andinitsessencenothingbuthigh-handedrebellionagainstHim.Fromthatarisesanabhorrenceofitasamostvileandloathsomething.Thedemeritofsinisseen,sothatthesoulismadetofeelithasgrievouslyprovokedtheMostHigh,exposinghimtoDivinewrath.Madeawareoftheplagueofhisheart,knowinghimselftobejustlyliabletotheawfulvengeanceoftheAlmighty,hismouthisstopped,hehasnotawordtosayinself-extenuation,heconfesseshimselftobeguiltybeforeHim;andhenceforththatwhichmostdeeplyconcernshimis,WhatmustIdotobesaved?inwhatwaymayIescapethedoomoftheLaw?

ThesecondeffectofthespirituallifeinthesoulisthatitsrecipientbecomesawareofthesuitabilityofChristtosuchavilewretchashenowdiscovershimselftobe.Thegloriousgospelnowhasanentirelynewmeaningforhim.He

requiresnourgingtolistentoitsmessage:itisheavenlymusicinhisears,"goodnewsfromafarcountry(Prov.25:25).Nay,henowsearchestheScripturesforhimselftomakesurethatsuchagospelisnottoogoodtobetrue.AshereadsthereinofwhotheSaviourisandwhatHedid,oftheDivineincarnationandHisdeathonthecross,heisawedasneverbefore.Ashelearnsthatitwasforsinners,fortheungodly,forenemiesthatChristshedHisblood,hopeisawakenedinhisheartandheiskeptfrombeingoverwhelmedbyhisburdenofguiltandfromsinkingintoabjectdespair.DesiresofaninterestinChristspringupwithinhissoul,andheisresolvedtolookforsalvationinnoneother.HeisconvincedthatpardonandsecurityaretobefoundinChristaloneifsobethatHewillshowhimfavor.HesearchesnowtodiscoverwhatChrist’srequirementsare.

AChristianisnotonlyone"anointed"bytheSpirit,butheisalsoonewhoisadiscipleofChrist(seeMatthew28:19margin,andActs11:26),thatis,alearnerandfollowerofChrist.HistermsofdiscipleshiparemadeknowninLuke14:26-33.Thosetermsaregeneratesoulisenabledtocomplywith.Convictedofhislostcondition,havinglearnedthatChrististheappointedandself-sufficientSaviourforsinners,henowthrowsdowntheweaponsofhisrebellion,repudiateshisidols,relinquisheshisloveofandfriendshipwiththeworld,surrendershimselftotheLordshipofChrist,takesHisyokeuponhim,andtherebyfindsrestuntohissoul;trustingintheefficacyofHisatoningbloodtheburdenofguiltisremoved,andhenceforthhisdominantdesireandendeavoristopleaseandglorifyhisSaviour.Thusregenerationissuesinandevidencesitselfbyconversion,andgenuineconversionmakesoneadiscipleofChrist,followingtheexampleHehasleftus.

3.ItsNecessity

I.Wecommencedthelastchapterbypointingoutthatnonecanpossibly

makeanyprogressintheChristianlifeunlesshefirstbeaChristianandthendevotedtheremaindertodefininganddescribingwhata"Christian"is.ItisindeedstrikingtonotethatthistitleisusedbytheHolySpiritinatwofoldway:primarilyitsignifiesan"anointedone";subordinatelyitdenotes"adiscipleofChrist."TherebytheyhavebroughttogetherinatrulywonderfulmannerboththeDivineandthehumansides.Our"anointing"withtheSpiritisGod’sact,whereinweareentirelypassive;butourbecoming"disciplesofChrist"isavoluntaryandconsciousactofours,wherebywefreelysurrendertoChrist’slordshipandsubmittoHissceptre.Itisbythelatterthatweobtainevidenceoftheformer.Nonewillyieldtotheflesh-repellenttermsofChristian"discipleship"savethoseinwhomaDivineworkofgracehasbeenwrought,butwhenthatmiraclehasoccurredconversionisascertaintofollowasacausewillproduceitseffects.OnemadeanewcreaturebytheDivinemiracleofthenewbirthdesiresandgladlyendeavorstomeettheholyrequirementsofChrist.

Here,then,istherootofspiritualgrowththecommunicationtothesoulofspirituallife.HereiswhatmakespossibleChristianprogress:aperson’sbecomingaChristian,firstbytheSpirit’sanointingandthenbyhisownchoice.Thistwofoldsignificationoftheterm"Christian’istheprincipalkeywhichopenstousthesubjectofChristianprogressorspiritualgrowth,foriteverneedstobecontemplatedfromboththeDivineandhumansides.ItrequirestobeviewedbothfromtheangleofGod’soperationsandfromthatofthedischargeofourresponsibilities.Thetwofoldmeaningofthetitle"Christian"mustalsobeborneinmindunderthepresentaspectofoursubject,forontheonehandprogressisneithernecessarynorpossible,whileinanotherveryrealsenseitisbothdesirableandrequisite.God’s"anointing"isnotsusceptibleofimprovement,beingperfect;butour"discipleship"istobecomemoreintelligentandproductiveofgoodworks.Muchconfusionhasresultedfromignoringthisdistinction,andweshalldevotetheremainderofthischaptertothenegativeside,pointingoutthoserespectsinwhichprogressorgrowthdoesnotobtain.

1.ChristianprogressdoesnotsignifyadvancinginGod’sfavor.Thebeliever’sgrowthingracedoesnotfurtherhimoneiotainGod’sesteem.Howcouldit,sinceGodistheGiverofhisfaithandtheOnewhohas"wroughtall

ourworksinus"(Isa.26:12)!God’sfavorableregardofHispeopleoriginatednotinanythingwhateverinthem,eitheractualorforeseen.God’sgraceisabsolutelyfree,beingthespontaneousexerciseofHisownmeregoodpleasure.ThecauseofitsexerciselieswhollywithinHimself.ThepurposinggraceofGodisthatgoodwillwhichHehaduntoHispeoplefromalleternity:"Whobathsavedusandcalleduswithanholycalling,notaccordingtoourworks,butaccordingtohisownpurposeandgracewhichwasgivenusinChristJesusbeforetheworldbegan"(2Tim.1:9).AndthedispensinggraceofGodisbuttheexecutionofHispurpose,ministeringtoHispeople:thusweread"Godgivethmoregrace,"yea,that"hegivethmoregrace"(James4:6).Itisentirelygratuitous,sovereignlybestowed,withoutanyinducementbeingfoundinitsobject.

Furthermore,everythingGoddoesforandbestowsonHispeopleisforChrist’ssake.Itisinnowiseaquestionoftheirdeserts,butofChrist’sdesertsorwhathemeritedforthem.AsChrististheonlyWaybywhichwecanapproachtheFather,soHeisthesolechannelthroughwhichGod’sgraceflowsuntous.Hencewereadofthe"graceofGod,andthegiftofgrace(namely,justifyingrighteousness)byoneman,JesusChrist"(Rom.5:15);andagain,"thegraceofGodwhichisgivenyoubyJesusChrist"(1Cor.1:4).TheloveofGodtowardusisin"ChristJesusourLord"(Rom.8:39).heforgivesus"forChrist’ssake"(Eph.4:32).Hesuppliesallourneed"accordingtohisrichesinglorybyChristJesus"(Phil.4:19).HebringsustoheaveninanswertoChrist’sprayer(John17:24).YetthoughChristmeritseverythingforus,theoriginalcausewasthesovereigngraceofGod."AlthoughthemeritsofChristarethe(procuring)causeofoursalvation,yettheyarenotthecauseofourbeingordainedtosalvation,Theyarethecauseofpurchasingallthingsdecreeduntous,buttheyarenotthecausewhichfirstmovedGodtodecreethesethingsuntous."(Thos.Goodwin)

TheChristianisnotacceptedbecauseofhisgraces,fortheverygraces(astheirnameconnotes)arebestoweduponhimbyDivinebounty,andarenotattainedbyanyeffortsofhis.AndsofarfromthesegracesbeingthereasonwhyGodacceptshim,theyarethefruitsofhisbeing"choseninChristbeforethefoundationoftheworld"and,decretively,"blessedwithallspiritualblessingsintheheavenliesinChrist"(Eph.1:3,4).Settleittheninyourownmindonceforall,myreader,thatgrowthingracedoesnotsignifygrowinginthefavorofGod.ThisisessentiallyaPapishdelusion,andthoughcreature-flatteringitisahorriblyChrist—dishonoringone.SinceGod’selectare"acceptedinthebeloved"(Eph.1:6),itisimpossiblethatanysubsequentchangewroughtinorattainedbythemcouldrenderthemmoreexcellentinHisesteemoradvance

theminHislove.WhentheFatherannouncedconcerningtheincarnateWord"ThisismybelovedSon[not"withwhom"but]inwhomIamwellpleased"HewasexpressingHisdelightinthewholeelectionofgrace,forHewasspeakingofChristinHisfederalcharacter,asthelastAdam,asheadofHismysticalbody.

TheChristiancanneitherincreasenordecreaseinthefavorofGod,norcananythinghedoesorfailstodoalteroraffecttotheslightestdegreehisperfectstandinginChrist.YetletitnotbeinferredfromthisthathisconductisoflittleimportanceorthatGod’sdealingswithhimhavenorelationtohisdailywalk.WhileavoidingtheRomishconceitofhumanmerits,wemustbeonourguardagainstAntinomianlicentiousness.AsthemoralGovernorofthisworldGodtakesnoteofourconduct,andinavarietyofwaysmakesmanifestHisapprobationordisapprobation:"Nogoodthingwillhewithholdfromthemthatwalkuprightly"(Ps.84:11),yettoHisownpeopleGodsays"yoursinshavewithholdengoodthingsfromyou"(Jer.5:25).So,too,astheFatherHemaintainsdisciplineinHisfamily,andwhenHischildrenarerefractoryHeusestherod(Ps.89:3-33).SpecialmanifestationsofDivinelovearegrantedtotheobedient(John14:21,23),butarewithheldfromthedisobedientandthecareless.

2.Christianprogressdoesnotdenotethattheworkofregenerationwasincomplete.Greatcareneedstobetakeninstatingthistruthofspiritualgrowthlestwerepudiatetheperfectionofthenewbirth.Wemustrepeathereinsubstancewhatwaspointedoutinthefirstarticle.Whenanormalchildisbornintothisworldnaturallythebabeisanentireentity,completeinallitsparts,possessingafullsetofbodilymembersandmentalfaculties.Asthechildgrowsthereisastrengtheningofitsbodyandmind,adevelopmentofitsmembersandanexpansionofitsfaculties,withafulleruseoftheoneandaclearermanifestationoftheother;yetnonewmemberoradditionalfacultyisorcanbeaddedtohim.Itispreciselysospiritually.Thespirituallifeornaturereceivedatthenewbirthcontainswithinitselfallthe"senses"(Heb.5:14)andgraces,andthoughthesemaybenourishedandstrengthened,andincreasedbyexerciseyetnotbyaddition,no,notinheavenitself."IknowthatwhatsoeverGoddoethitshallbeforever:nothingcanbeputtoitnoranythingtakenfromit"(Eccl.3:14).The"babe"inChristisjustastrulyandcompletelyachildofGodasthemostmatured"father"inChrist.

Regenerationisamoreradicalandrevolutionizingchangethanglorification.Theoneisapassingfromdeathuntolife,theotheranentranceintothefulnessoflife.Theoneisabringingintoexistenceof"thenewmanwhichafterGodiscreatedinrighteousnessandtrueholiness"(Eph.4:22),theotherisa

reachinguntothefullstatureofthenewman.TheoneisatranslationintothekingdomofGod’sdearSon(Col.1:13).theotheraninductionintothehigherprivilegesofthatkingdom.Theoneisthebegettingofusuntoalivinghope(1Peter1:3),theotherisarealizationofthathope.Atregenerationthesoulismadeanewcreature"inChrist,sothat"oldthingsarepassedaway,behold,allthingsarebecomenew"(2Cor.5:17).TheregeneratesoulisapartakerofeverygraceoftheSpiritsothatheis"completeinChrist"(Col.2:10),andnogrowthonearthorglorificationinheavencanmakehimmorethancomplete.

3.Christianprogressdoesnotprocureatitleforheaven.TheperfectandindefeasibletitleofeverybelieverisinthemeritsofChrist.Hisvicariousfulfillingofthelaw,wherebyHemagnifiedandmadeithonorable,securedforallinwhosesteadHeactedthefullrewardofthelaw.Itisontheall-sufficientgroundofChrist’sperfectobediencebeingreckonedtohisaccountthatthebelieverisjustifiedbyGodandassuredthatheshall"reigninlife"(Rom.5:17).IfhehadlivedonearthanotherhundredyearsandservedGodperfectlyitwouldaddnothingtohistitle.Heavenisthe"purchasedpossession"(Eph.1:14),purchasedforHispeoplebythewholeredemptiveworkofChrist.Hispreciousbloodgiveseverybelievingsinnerthelegalrightto"entertheholiest"(Heb.10:19).OurtitletogloryisfoundaloneinChrist.Oftheredeemednowinheavenitissaid,theyhave"washedtheirrobesandmadethemwhiteinthebloodoftheLamb:thereforearetheybeforethethroneofGodandserveHimdayandnightinHistemple"(Rev.7:14,15).

IthasnotbeensufficientlyrealizedthatGod’spronouncementofjustificationisverymuchmorethanameresenseofacquittalornon-condemnation.Itincludesaswellthepositiveimputationofrighteousness.AsJamesHerveysobeautifullyillustratedit:"Whenyonderorbmakeshisfirstappearanceintheeast,whateffectsareproduced?Notonlyaretheshadesofnightdispersed,butthelightofdayisdiffused.ThusitiswhentheAuthorofsalvationismanifestedtothesoul:hebringsatoncepardonandacceptance."Notonlyareour"filthyrags"removed,butthe"bestrobe"isputuponus(Luke15:22)andnoeffortsorattainmentsofourscanaddanythingtosuchaDivineadornment.Christnotonlydeliversusfromdeath,butpurchasedlifeforus;Henotonlyputawayoursinsbutmeritedaninheritanceforus.ThemostmatureandadvancedChristianhasnoughttopleadbeforeGodforhisacceptancethantherighteousnessofChrist:that,nothingbutthat,andnothingaddedtoit,ashisperfecttitletoGlory.

4.Christianprogressdoesnotmakeusmeetforheaven.Manyofthosewhoaremoreorlessclearonthethreepointsconsideredabovearefarfrombeingso

uponthisone,andthereforewemustenterintoitatgreaterlength.ThousandshavebeentaughttobelievethatwhenapersonhasbeenjustifiedbyGodandtastedtheblessednessof"themanwhosetransgressionisforgiven,whosesiniscovered"thatmuchstillremainstobedoneforthesoulbeforeitisreadyforthecelestialcourts.Awidespreadimpressionprevailsthatafterhisjustificationthebelievermustundergotherefiningprocessofsanctification,andthatforthishemustbeleftforatimeamidthetrialsandconflictsofahostileworld;yeasostronglyheldisthisviewthatsomearelikelytotakeexceptiontowhatfollows.Nevertheless,suchatheoryrepudiatesthefactthatitisthenew-creativeworkoftheSpiritwhichnotonlycapacitatesthesoultotakeinandenjoyspiritualthingsnow(John3:3,5),butalsofitsitexperimentallyfortheeternalfruitionofGod.

OnehadthoughtthatthoselaboringunderthemistakementionedabovewouldbecorrectedbytheirownexperienceandbywhattheyobservedintheirfellowChristians.Theyfranklyacknowledgethattheirownprogressismostunsatisfactorytothem,andtheyhavenomeansofknowingwhentheprocessistobesuccessfullycompleted.TheyseetheirfellowChristianscutoffapparentlyinveryvariedstagesofthisprocess.Ifitbesaidthatthisprocessiscompletedonlyatdeath,thenwewouldpointoutthatevenontheirdeath-bedsthemosteminentandmaturesaintshavetestifiedtobeingmosthumiliatedovertheirattainmentsandthoroughlydissatisfiedwiththemselves.Theirfinaltriumphwasnotwhatgracehadmadethemtobeinthemselves,butwhatChristwasmadetobeuntothem.Ifsuchaviewastheaboveweretrue,howcouldanybelievercherishadesiretodepartandbewithChrist(Phil.1:23)whiletheveryfactthathewasstillinthebodywouldbeproof(accordingtothisidea)thattheprocesswasnotyetcompletetofithimforHispresence!

But,itmaybeasked,istherenotsuchathingas"progressivesanctification"?Weanswer,italldependsonwhatissignifiedbythatexpression.Inourjudgmentitisonewhichneedstobecarefullyandpreciselydefined,otherwiseGodislikelytobegrosslydishonoredandHispeopleseriouslyinjuredbybeingbroughtintobondagebyamostinadequateanddefectiveviewofSanctificationasawhole.Thereareseveralessentialandfundamentalrespectsinwhichsanctificationisnot"progressive,"whereinitadmitsofnodegreesandisincapableofaugmentation,andthoseaspectsofsanctificationneedtobeplainlystatedandclearlyapprehendedbeforethesubordinateaspectisconsidered.First,everybelieverwasdecretivelysanctifiedbyGodtheFatherbeforethefoundationoftheworld(Jude1).Second,hewasmeritoriouslysanctifiedbyGodtheSonintheredemptiveworkwhichHeperformedinthesteadofandonthebehalfofHispeople,sothatitiswritten"by

oneofferinghebathperfectedforeverthemthataresanctified"(Heb.10:14).Third,hewasvitallysanctifiedbyGodtheSpiritwhenHequickenedhimintonewnessoflife,unitedhimtoChrist,andmadehisbodyHistemple.

Ifby"progressivesanctification"bemeantaclearerunderstandingandfullerapprehensionofwhatGodhasmadeChristtobeuntothebelieverandofhisperfectstandingandstateinHim;ifbyitbemeantthebelieverlivingmoreandmoreintheenjoymentandpowerofthat,withthecorrespondinginfluenceandeffectitwillhaveuponhischaracterandconduct;ifbyitbemeantagrowthoffaithandanincreaseofitsfruits,manifestedinaholywalk,thenwehavenoobjectiontotheterm.Butifby"progressivesanctification"beintendedarenderingofthebelievermoreacceptableuntoGod,oramakingofhimmorefitfortheheavenlyJerusalem,thenwehavenohesitationinrejectingitasaseriouserror.Notonlycantherebenoincreaseinthepurityandacceptablenessofthebeliever’ssanctitybeforeGod,buttherecanbenoadditiontothatholinessofwhichhebecamethepossessoratthenewbirth,forthenewnaturehethenreceivedisessentiallyandimpeccablyholy."ThebabeinChrist,dyingassuch,isascapableofashighcommunionwithGodasPaulinthestateofglory."(S.E.Pierce)

InsteadofstrivingafterandprayingthatGodwouldmakeusmorefitforheaven,howmuchbettertojoinwiththeapostlein"givingthanksuntotheFatherwhobathmadeusmeettobepartakersoftheinheritanceofthesaintsinlight"(Col.1:12),andthenseektowalksuitablyuntosuchaprivilegeanddignity!Thatisforthesaintsto"possesstheirpossessions"(Obad.17);theotheristoberobbedofthembyathinly-disguisedRomanism.BeforepointingoutinwhattheChristian’smeetnessforheavenconsists,letusnotethatheavenisheretermedallinheritance."Nowaninheritanceisnotsomethingthatweacquirebyself-denialandmortification,norpurchasedbyourownlaborsorgoodworks;ratheritisthattowhichwelawfullysucceedinvirtueofourrelationshiptoanother.Primarily,itisthattowhichachildsucceedsinvirtuetohisrelationshiptohisfather,orasthesonofakinginheritsthecrown.Inthiscase,theinheritanceisoursinvirtueofourbeingsonsofGod.

PeterdeclaresthattheFatherhath"begottenusuntoalivinghope...toaninheritanceincorruptibleandundefiledandthatfadethnotaway"(1Peter1:4).PaulalsospeaksoftheHolySpiritwitnessingwithourspiritthatwearethechildrenofGod,andthenpointsout:"andifchildren,thenheirs;heirsofGodandjoint-heirswithChrist"(Rom.8:16,17).Ifweinquiremoredistinctly,whatisthis"inheritance"ofthechildrenofGod?thenextverse(Col.1.:13)tellsus:itisthekingdomofGod’sdearSon."Thosewhomejoint-heirswithChristmust

shareHiskingdom.AlreadyHehasmadeus"kingsandpriestsuntoGod"(Rev.1:5),andtheinheritanceofkingsisacrown,athrone,akingdom.TheblessednesswhichliesbeforetheredeemedisnotmerelytobesubjectsoftheKingofkings,buttositwithHimonHisthrone,toreignwithHimforever(Rom.5:17;Rev.22:4).Suchisthewondrousdignityofourinheritance:astoitsextent,weare"joint-heirswith"HimwhomGod"hathappointedheirofallthings"(Heb.1:2).OurdestinyisboundupwithHis.OthatthefaithofChristianswouldriseabovetheir"feelings,""conflicts,"and"experiences,"andpossesstheirpossessions.

TheChristian’stitletotheinheritanceistherighteousnessofChristimputedtohim;inwhat,then,consistshis"meetness"?First,sinceitbemeetnessfortheinheritance,theymustbechildrenofGod,andthistheyaremadeatthemomentofregeneration.Second,sinceitistheinheritanceofsaints,"theymustbesaints,andthistootheyarethemomenttheybelieveinChrist,fortheyarethensanctifiedbythatverybloodinwhichtheyhaveforgivenessofsins(Heb.13:12).Third,sinceitisaninheritance"inlight,"theymustbemadechildrenoflight,andthisalsotheybecomewhenGodcalledthem"outofdarknessintohismarvellouslight"(1Peter2:9).Noristhatcharacteristiconlyofcertainspeciallyfavoredsaints;"yeareallthechildrenoflight."(1Thess.5:5)Fourth,sincetheinheritanceconsistsofaneverlastingkingdom,illordertoenjoyitwemusthaveeternallife;andthattooeveryChristianpossesses:"hethatbelievethontheSonofGodhatheverlastinglife"(John3:36).

"ForyeareallthechildrenofGodbyfaithinChristJesus"(Gal.3:28).Aretheychildreninnamebutnotinnature?Whataquestion!Itmightaswellbesupposedtheyhaveatitletoaninheritanceandyetbewithoutmeetnessforit,whichwouldbesayingthatoursonshipwasafictionandnotareality.VerydifferentistheteachingofGod’sWord:itdeclaresthatwebecomeHischildrenbybeingbornagain(John1:13).Andregenerationdoesnotconsistinthegradualimprovementorpurificationoftheoldnature,butthecreationofanewone.NorisbecomingchildrenofGodalengthyprocessatall,butaninstantaneousthing.Theall-mightyagentofitistheHolySpirit,andobviouslythatwhichisbornofHimneedsnoimprovingorperfecting.The"newman"isitself"createdinrighteousnessandtrueholiness"(Eph.4:22)andcertainlyitcannotstandinneedofa"progressive"worktobewroughtinhim!True,theoldnatureopposesalltheaspirationsandactivitiesofthisnewnature,andthereforeaslongasthebelieverremainsinthefleshheiscalledupon"throughtheSpirittomortifythedeedsofthebody,"yetinspiteofthepainfulandwearyconflict,thenewnatureremainsuncontaminatedbythevilenessinthemidstofwhichhe

dwells.ThatwhichqualifiestheChristianormakeshimmeetforheavenisthe

spirituallifewhichhereceivedatregeneration,forthatisthelifeornatureofGod(John3:5;2Peter1:4).ThatnewlifeornaturefitstheChristianforcommunionwithGod,forthepresenceofGod—thesamedaythedyingthiefreceivedit,hewaswithChristinParadise!Itistruethatwhilewearelefthereitsmanifestationisobscured,likethesunbeamshiningthroughopaqueglass.Yetthesunbeamitselfisnotdim,thoughitappearssobecauseoftheunsuitablemediumthroughwhichitpasses;butletthatopaqueglassberemovedanditwillatonceappearinitsbeauty.SoitiswiththespirituallifeoftheChristian:thereisnodefeatwhateverinthelifeitselfbutitsmanifestationissadlyobscuredbyamortalbody;allthatisnecessaryfortheappearingofitsperfectionsisdeliverancefromthecorruptmediumthroughwhichitnowacts.ThelifeofGodinthesoulrendersapersonmeetforglory:noattainmentofours,nogrowthingraceweexperience,canfitusforheavenanymorethanitcanentitleustoit.

II.IftheregenerationofChristiansbecomplete,iftheireffectualsanctification

beeffected,iftheyarealreadyfittedforheaven,thenwhydoesGodstillleavethemhereonearth?WhynottakethemtoHisownimmediatepresenceassoonastheybebornagain?

Ourfirstansweris,Thereisno"if"aboutit.Scripturedistinctlyandexpresslyaffirmsthatevennowbelieversare"completeinChrist"(Col.2:10),thatHehas"perfectedforeverthemthataresanctified"(Heb.10:14),thattheyare"mademeetfortheinheritanceofthesaintsinlight"(Col.1:12),andmorethan"complete,""perfect"and"meet"nonewilleverbe.AstowhyGod—generally,thoughnotalways—leavesthebabeinChristinthisworldforalongerorshorterperiod:evenifnosatisfactoryreasoncouldbesuggested,thatwouldnotinvalidatetotheslightestdegreewhathasbeendemonstrated,forwhenanytruthisclearlyestablishedahundredobjectionscannotsetitaside.However,whilewedonotpretendtofathomthemindofGod,thefollowingconsequencesaremoreorlessobvious.

ByleavingHispeoplehereforaseasonopportunityisgivenfor:1.GodtomanifestHiskeepingpower:notonlyinahostileworld,butsinstillindwellingbelievers.2.TodemonstratethesufficiencyofHisgrace:supportingthemintheirweakness.3.TomaintainawitnessforHimselfinascenewhichliethintheWickedOne.4.ToexhibitHisfaithfulnessinsupplyingalltheirneedinthewildernessbeforetheyreachCanaan.5.TodisplayHismanifoldwisdomunto

angels(1Cor.4:9;Eph.3:10).6.Toactas"salt"inpreservingtheracefrommoralsuicide:bythepurifyingandrestraininginfluencetheyexert.7.Tomakeevidenttherealityoftheirfaith:trustingHiminsharpesttrialsanddarkestdispensations.8.TogivethemanoccasiontoglorifyHimintheplacewheretheydishonoredHim.9.TopreachthegospeltothoseofHiselectyetinunbelief.10.ToaffordproofthattheywillserveHimamidthemostdisadvantageouscircumstances.11.TodeepentheirappreciationofwhatHehaspreparedforthem.12.TohavefellowshipwithChristwhoenduredthecrossbeforeHewascrownedwithgloryandhonor.

BeforeshowingwhyChristianprogressisnecessaryletusremindthereaderoncemoreofthedoublesignificationoftheterm"Christian,"namely,"ananointedone"and"adiscipleofChrist,"andhowthissuppliestheprincipalkeytothesubjectbeforeus,intimatingitstwofoldness.His"anointing"withtheSpiritofGodisanactofGodwhereinheisentirelypassive,buthisbecominga"discipleofChrist"isavoluntaryactofhisown,whereinhesurrenderstoChrist’sLordshipandresolvestoberuledbyHissceptre.Onlyasthisisdulyborneinmindshallwebepreservedfromerroroneithersideaswepassfromoneaspectofourthemetoanother.Asthedoublemeaningofthename"Christian"pointstoboththeDivineoperationsandhumanactivity,sointheChristian’sprogresswemustkeepbeforeustheexerciseofGod’ssovereigntyandthedischargeofourresponsibility.Thusfromoneanglegrowthisneithernecessarynorpossible;fromanotheritisbothdesirableandrequisite.ItisfromthissecondanglewearenowgoingtoviewtheChristian,settingforthhisobligationstherein.

Letusillustratewhathasbeensaidaboveonthetwofoldnessofthistruthbyafewsimplecommentsonawell-knownverse:"Soteachustonumberourdaysthatwemayapplyourheartsuntowisdom"(Ps.90:12).First,thisimpliesthatinourfallenconditionwearewaywardatheart,pronetofollowacourseoffolly;andsuchisourpresentstatebynature.Second,itimpliesthattheLord’speoplehavehadadiscoverymadetothemoftheirwoefulcase,andareconsciousoftheirsinfulinabilitytocorrectthesame;whichistheexperienceofalltheregenerate.Third,itsignifiesanowningofthishumiliatingtruth,acryingtoGodforenablement.Theybegtobe"sotaught,"astobeactuallyempowered.Inotherwords,itisaprayerforenablinggrace.Fourth,itexpressestheendinview:"thatwemayapplyourheartsuntowisdom"—performourduty,dischargeourobligations,conductourselvesas"Wisdom’schildren."Graceistobeimproved,turnedtogoodaccount,tradedwith.

Weallknowwhatismeantbyaperson’s"applyinghismind"tohisstudies,

namely,thathegathershiswanderingthoughts,focuseshisattentiononthesubjectbeforehim,concentratesthereon.Equallyevidentisaperson’s"applyinghishand"toapieceofmanuallabor,namely,thathegetdowntobusiness,sethimselftotheworkbeforehim,earnestlyendeavortomakeagoodjobofit.Ineithercasethereisanimplication:intheformer,thathehasbeengivenasoundmind,inthelatterthathepossessesahealthybody.Andinconnectionwithbothcasesitisuniversallyacknowledgedthattheoneoughttosoemployhismindandtheotherhisbodilystrength.Equallyobviousshouldbethemeaningofandtheobligationto"applyourheartsuntowisdom":thatis,diligently,fervently,earnestlymakewisdomourquestandwalkinherways.SinceGodhasgivena"newheart"atregeneration,itistobethusemployed.IfHehasquickenedusintonewnessoflifethenweoughttogrowingrace.IfHehasmadeusnewcreaturesinChristwearetoprogressasChristians.

Becausethiswillbereadbysuchwidely-differentclassesofreadersandweareanxioustohelpall,wemustconsiderhereanobjection,fortheremovalofwhichwequotetherenownedJohnOwen."Itwillbesaidthatifnotonlythebeginningofgrace,sanctification,andholinessfromGod,butthecarryingofitonandtheincreaseofitalsobefromHim,andnotonlysoingeneral,butthatalltheactingsofgrace,andeveryactofit,beanimmediateeffectoftheHolySpirit,thenwhatneedistherethatweshouldtakeanypainsinthisthingourselves,oruseourownendeavorstogrowingraceandholinessaswearecommanded?IfGodworkethallHimselfinus,andwithoutHiseffectualoperationinuswecandonothing,thereisnoplaceleftforourdiligence,duty,orobedience.

"Answer.1.Thisobjectionwemustexpecttomeetwithalateveryturn.MenwillnotbelievethereisaconsistencybetweenGod’seffectualgraceandourdiligentobedience;thatis,theywillnotbelievewhatisplainly,clearly,distinctly,revealedintheScripture,andwhichissuiteduntotheexperienceofallthattrulybelieve,becausetheycannot,itmaybe,comprehenditwithinthecompassofcarnalreason.2.Lettheapostleanswerthisobjectionforthisonce:‘hisDivinepowerhasgivenuntousallthingsthatpertainuntolifeandgodliness,throughtheknowledgeofhisthathathcalledustogloryandvirtue;wherebyaregivenuntousexceedinggreatandpreciouspromisesthatbythesewemightbepartakersoftheDivinenature,havingescapedthecorruptionthatisintheworldthroughlust’(2Peter1:3,4),Ifallthingsthatpertainuntolifeandgodliness,amongwhichdoubtlessisthepreservationandincreaseofgrace,begivenuntousbythepowerofGod;iffromHimwereceivethatDivinenature,byvirtuewhereofourcorruptionsaresubdued,thenIpraywhatneedisthereof

anyendeavorsofourown?Thewholeworkofsanctificationiswroughtinus,itseems,andthatbythepowerofGod:we,therefore,mayletitaloneandleaveituntoHimwhoseitis,whilstwearenegligent,secureandatease.Nay,saystheapostle,thisisnottheusewhichthegraceofGodistobeputunto.Theconsiderationofitisoroughttobe,theprincipalmotiveandencouragementuntoalldiligencefortheincreaseofholinessinus.Forsoheaddsimmediately:‘Butalsoforthiscause’[Greek]orbecauseofthegraciousoperationsoftheDivinepowerinus;‘givingalldiligence,addtoyourfaithvirtue,’etc.(v.5).

‘Theseobjectorsandthisapostlewereverydiverselymindedinthesematters:whattheymakeaninsuperablediscouragementuntodiligenceinobedience,thathemakesthegreatestmotiveandencouragementthereunto.3.Isay,fromthisconsiderationitwillunavoidablyfollow,thatweoughtcontinuallytowaitanddependonGodforsuppliesofHisSpiritandgracewithoutwhichwecandonothing;thatGodismoretheAuthorbyHisgraceofthegoodwedothanweareourselves(notI,butthegraceofGodthatwaswithme):thatweoughttobecarefulthatbyournegligencesandsinsweprovokenottheHolySpirittowithholdHisaidsandassistances,andsotoleaveustoourselves,inwhichconditionwecandonothingthatisspirituallygood:thesethings,Isay,willunavoidablyfollowonthedoctrinebeforedeclared;andifanyonebeoffendedatthemitisnotinourpowertorenderthemrelief."

Comingnowmoredirectlytotheneeds-beforspiritualgrowthorChristianprogress.Thisisnotoptionalbutobligatory,forweareexpresslybidder,to"GrowingraceandintheknowledgeofourLordandSaviourJesusChrist"(2Peter3:18)—growfrominfancytothevigorofyouth,andfromthezealofyouthtothewisdomofmaturity.Andagain,tobe"buildingupyourselvesonyourmostholyfaith."(Jude21)Itisnotsufficienttobegroundedandestablishedinthefaith,forwemustgrowmoreandmoretherein.Atconversionwetakeuponusthe"yoke"ofChrist,andthenHiswordis"learnofme,"whichistobealifelongexperience.InbecomingChrist’sdiscipleswedohotenterHisschool:notremaininthekindergartenbuttoprogressunderHistuition."Awisemanwillhearandincreaselearning"(Prov.1:5),andseektomakegooduseofthatlearning.Thebelieverhasnotyetreachedheaven:heisontheway,journeyingthither,fleeingfromthecityofdestruction.ThatiswhytheChristianlifeissooftenlikeneduntoarace,andthebelieveruntoarunner:"forgettingthosethingswhicharebehindandreachingforthuntothosethingswhicharebefore,Ipresstowardthemarkfortheprize"(Phil.3:13,14).

1.OnlythusisthetriuneGodglorified.Thisissoobviousthatitreallyneedsnoarguing.ItbringsnoglorytoGodthatHischildrenshouldhedwarfs.

Assunshineandrainaresentforthenourishmentandfructificationofvegetationsothemeansofgraceareprovidedthatwemayincreaseinourspiritualstature."Asnewbornbabes,desirethesinceremilkoftheWordthatyemaygrowthereby"(1Peter2:2)—notonlyintheintellectualknowledgeofit,butinapracticalconformitythereunto.Thisshouldbeourchiefconcernandbemadeourprincipalbusiness:tobecomebetteracquaintedwithGod,tohavetheheartmoreoccupiedwithandaffectedbyHisperfections,toseekafterafullerknowledgeofHiswill,toregulateourconductthereby,andthus"showforththepraisesofhimwhohathcalledusoutofdarknessintohismarvelouslight"(1Peter2:9).Themoreweevidenceoursonship,themoreweconductourselvesasbecomeththechildrenofGodbeforeaperversegeneration,themoredowehonorHimwhohassetHisloveuponus.

ThatourspiritualgrowthandprogressisglorifyinguntoGodappearsplainlyfromtheprayersoftheapostles,fornoneweremoreconcernedaboutHisglorythanthey,andnothingoccupiedsoprominentaplaceintheirintercessionasthis.Aswehopetoalludetothisagainlater,oneortwoquotationsheremustsuffice.FortheEphesiansPaulprayed,"thatyemightbefilledwithallthefulnessofGod"(5:19).ForthePhilippians,"thatyourlovemayaboundyetmoreandmore,inknowledgeandinalljudgment...beingfilledwiththefruitsofrighteousness"(1:9-11).FortheColossians,"thatyemightwalkworthyoftheLorduntoallpleasing,beingfruitfulineverygoodworkandincreasingintheknowledgeofGod"(1:10,11).FromwhichwelearnthatitisourprivilegeanddutytoobtainmorespiritualviewsoftheDivineperfections,begettinginusanincreasingholydelightinHim,makingourwalkmoreacceptable.ThereshouldbeagrowingacquaintancewiththeexcellencyofChrist,advancinginourloveofHim,andthemorelivelyexercisesofourgraces.

2.Onlythusdowegiveproofofourregeneration."HereinismyFatherglorified,thatyebearmuchfruit:soshallyebemydisciples"(John15:8).ThatdoesnotmeanwebecomethedisciplesofChristasaresultofourfruitfulness,butthatwemakemanifestweareHisbyourfruitbearing.TheywhobearnofruithavenovitalunionwithChrist,andlikethebarrenfigtree,areunderHiscurse.Verysolemnisthis,andbysuchacriterioneachofusshouldmeasurehimself.ThatwhichisbroughtforthbytheChristianisnottoherestricteduntowhat,inmanycircles,iscalled"service"or"personalwork,"buthasreferencetothatwhichissuesfromtheexerciseofallthespiritualgraces.Thus:"Loveyourenemies,blessthemthatcurseyou,dogoodtothemthathateyouandprayforthemwhichdespitefullyuseyouandpersecuteyou;thatyemaybethechildrenofyourFatherwhichisinheaven"(Matthew5:44,45),thatis,thatyoumay

makeitevidenttoyourselfandfellowsthatyouhavebeenmade"partakeroftheDivinenature."

"Nowtheworksoftheflesharemanifest,whicharethese,"etc.,"butthefruitoftheSpiritislove,joy,peace,longsuffering,gentleness,goodness,faith,meekness,temperance"(Gal.5:19,22,23).ThereferenceisnotdirectlytowhattheHolySpiritproduces,butrathertothatwhichisbornofthe"spirit"ornewnatureofwhichHeistheAuthor(John5:6).Thisisevidentfromitsbeingsetoveragainstthe"worksoftheflesh"oroldnature.Itisbymeansofthis"fruit,"theselovelygraces.thattheregeneratemakemanifestthepresenceofasupernaturalprinciplewithinthem.Themoresuch"fruit"abounds,theclearerourevidencethatwehavebeenbornagain.Thetotalabsenceofsuchfruitwouldproveourprofessiontobeanemptyone.Ithasoftenbeenpointedoutbyothersthatwhatissuesfromthefleshisdesignatedworks,"foramachinecanproducesuch;butthatwhichthe"spirit"yieldsisliving"fruit"incontrastfrom"deadworks"(Heb.6:1;9:14).Thisfruit-bearingisnecessaryinordertoevidencethenewbirth.

3.OnlythusdowecertifythatwehavebeenmadepartakersofaneffectualcallandareamongthechosenofGod."Brethren,givediligencetomakeyourcallingandelectionsure"(2Peter1:10)istheDivineexhortation—onewhichhaspuzzledmany.Yetitshouldnot:itisnottosecureitGodward(whichisimpossible),buttomakeitmorecertaintoyourselvesandyourbrethren.Andhowisthistobeaccomplished?Why,byacquiringaclearerandfullerevidenceofthesame:byspiritualgrowth,forgrowthisproofthatlifeispresent.Thisinterpretationisdefinitelyestablishedbythecontext.AfterenumeratingthebestowmentsofDivinegrace(vv.3,4)theapostlesays,nowhereisyourresponsibility:"Andbesidesthis,givingalldiligence,addtoyourfaith[bybringingitintoexercise]virtue;andtovirtueknowledge;andtoknowledgetemperance;andtotemperancepatience;andtopatiencegodliness;andtogodlinessbrotherlykindness;andtobrotherlykindnesslove"(vv.5-7).Faithitselfisevertobeoperative,butaccordingtodifferentoccasionsandintheirseasonsleteachofyourgracesbeexercised,andinproportionastheyare,thelifeofholinessisfurtheredinthesoulandthereisaproportionatespiritualgrowth(cf.Col.3:12,13).

4.Onlythusdoweadornthedoctrineweprofess(Titus2:10).TheTruthweclaimtohavereceivedintoourheartsis"thedoctrinewhichisaccordingtogodliness"(1Tim.6:3),andthereforethemoreourdailylivesbeconformedtheretotheclearerproofdowegivethatourcharacterandconductisregulatedbyheavenlyprinciples.Itisbyourfruitsweareknown(Matthew7:16),for

"everygoodtreebringethforthgoodfruit."Thus,itisonlybyourbeing"fruitfulineverygoodwork"(Col,1:10)thatwemakeitmanifestthatwearethe"treesoftheLord"(Ps.104:16)."NowareyelightintheLord,walkaschildrenoflight"(Eph.5:8).Itisnotthecharacterofourwalkwhichqualifiesustobecomethechildrenoflight,butwhichdemonstratesthatwearesuch.BecausewearechildrenofHimwhoislight(1John1:5)wemustshunthedarkness.Ifwehavebeen"sanctifiedinChristJesus"(1Cor.1:2)thenonlythatshouldproceedfromuswhich"becomethsaints"(Eph.5:3).Themoreweprogressingodlinessthemoreweadornourprofession.

5.Onlythusdoweexperiencemoregenuineassurance.PeacebecomesmorestableandjoyaboundsinproportionaswegrowingraceandintheknowledgeofourLordandSaviourJesusChrist,andbecomemoreconformedpracticallytoHisholyimage.ItisbecausesomanybecomeslackinusingthemeansofgraceandaresolittleexercisedaboutgrowingupintoChrist"inallthings"(Eph.4:16)thatdoubtsandfearspossesstheirhearts.Iftheydonot"givealldiligencetoaddtotheirfaith"(2Peter1:5)bycultivatingtheirseveralgraces,theymustnotbesurprisediftheyarefarfrombeing"sure"oftheirDivinecallingandelection.Itis"thediligentsoul,"andnotthedilatory,who"shallbemadefat"(Prov.13:4).

ItistheonewhomakesconscienceofobedienceandkeepsChrist’scommandmentswhoisfavoredwithlove-tokensfromHim(John14:21).Thereisaninseparableconnectionbetweenourbeing"led[forward]bytheSpiritofGod"—whichintimatesourvoluntaryoccurrence—andHis"bearingwitnesswithourspirit"(Rom.8:14,16).

6.Onlythusarewepreservedfromgrievousbacksliding.Inviewofmuchthathasbeensaidabovethisshouldbequiteobvious.Theveryterm"backsliding"denotesfailuretomakeprogressandgoforward.Peter’sdenialofChristinthehighpriest’spalacewasprecededbyhisfollowingHim"afaroff"(Matthew26:58),andthathasbeenrecordedforourlearningandwarning.ThesameprincipleisillustratedagaininconnectionwiththeawfulfallofDavid.Thoughitwas"atthetimewhenkingsgoforthtobattle"hewasselfishlyandlazilytakinghisease,andwhilesolaxsuccumbedtotemptation(1Sam.11:1,2).Unlesswe"followontoknowtheLord"andlearntomakeuseofthearmorwhichHehasprovided,weshalleasilyheovercomebytheEnemy.Onlyasourheartsarekepthealthyandouraffectionsetuponthingsaboveshallwebeimpervioustotheattractionsofthisworld.Wecannothestationary:ifwedonotgrow,weshalldecline.

7.OnlythusshallwepreservethecauseofChristfromreproach.ThebackslidingofHispeoplemakesHisenemiestoblaspheme—howmanyhavetakenoccasiontodosofromthesadcaseofDavid!Whentheworldseesushalting,itisgratified,beingbolsteredupintheirideathatgodlinessisbutapose,asham.Becauseofthis,amongotherreasons,Christiansarebiddento"beblamelessandharmless,thesonsofGod,withoutrebukeinthemidstofacrookedandperversenation,amongwhomshineyeaslightsintheworld"(Phil.2:15).Ifwegobackwardinsteadofforward—andwemustdooneortheother—thenwegreatlydishonorthenameofChristandfillHisfoeswithunholyglee.Ratherisit"thewillofGodthatwithwell-doingweputtosilencetheignoranceoffoolishmen"(1Peter2:15).Thelongertheyremaininthisworld,themoreapparentshouldbethecontrastbetweenthechildrenoflightandthosewhoarethesubjectsofthePrinceofdarkness.Verynecessarythen,frommanyconsiderations,isourgrowthingrace.

4.ItsNature

I.Wehavenowarrivedatwhatisreallythemostimportantpartofour

subject,butwhichisfarfrombeingtheeasiesttohandle.Ifwearetobepreservedordeliveredfromerroneousviewsatthispointitisverynecessarythatweshouldformarightconceptofwhatspiritualgrowthisnotandwhatitactuallyis.MistakenideasthereonarewidelyprevalentandmanyofGod’sownpeoplehavebeenbroughtintobondagethereby.TherearethosewhohavemadelittleornoadvancementintheschoolofChristthatfondlyimaginetheyhaveprogressedconsiderably,andareveryhurtifothersdonotsharetheiropinion;norisitanysimpletasktodisillusionthem.Ontheotherhand,somewhohavegrownconsiderablyknowitnot,andevenconcludetheyhavegonebackward;norisitanyeasymattertoassurethemtheyhavebeen,needlesslydisparagingthemselves.ineithereasethemistakeisduetomeasuringthemselvesbythewrongstandard,orinotherwords,throughignoranceofwhatspiritualgrowthreallyconsists.

IfthereadermetahalfdozenpeopleoutofasmanydifferentsectionsofChristendomwhomheiswarrantedinregardingaschildrenofGod,andaskedthemtodefineforhimtheirideasofspiritualgrowth,hewouldprobablybesurprisedatthediversityandcontrarietyoftheanswersgiven.AsthereceptionofonepartoftheTruthpreparesustotakeinanother,sotheadmittanceoferrorpavesthewayforthecominginofmore.Moreover,theparticulardenominationtowhichwebelongandthedistinctiveformofits"lineofthings"(2Cor.10:16),hasapowerfuleffectindeterminingthetypeofChristiansrearedunderitsinfluences—justasthenatureofthesoilaffectstheplantsgrowinginit.NotonlyarehistheologicalviewscastintoacertainmoldandhisconceptofthepracticalsideofChristianitylargelydeterminedthereby,buthisdevotionallifeandevenhispersonaldemeanorarealsoconsiderablyaffectedbythesame.Consequentlythereismuchsimilarityinthe"experience"ofthegreatmajoritybelongingtothatparticularparty.Thisislargelythecasewithalltheprincipalevangelicaldenominations,asitisalsowiththosewhoprofesstobe"outsideallsystems."

Justasatrainedearcanreadilydetectvariationsofinflectioninthehumanvoiceandlocatebyaperson’sspeechandaccentwhichpartofthecountryhehailsfrom,soonewithwideinterdenominationalassociationshaslittledifficulty

indetermining,evenfromabrieftalkonspiritualthings,whichsecthiscompanionbelongsto:nolabelisnecessary,hisaffiliationisplainlystampeduponhim.AndifinthecourseoftheconversationheshouldaskhisacquaintancetodescribewhatheconsideredtobeamatureChristian,hisportrayalwouldnaturallyandnecessarilybeshapedbytheparticularecclesiasticaltypehewasbestacquaintedwith.Ifhebelongedtooneparticulargroup,hewouldpictureasomberandgloomyChristian;butiftoagroupattheoppositepole,aconfidentandjoyousone.Thekindmostadmiredinsomecirclesisadeeptheologian;inothers,theonewhodecries"drydoctrine"andisoccupiedchieflywithhissubjectivelife.Yetanotherwouldvalueneithertheologynorexperience,consideringthatthesoul’scontemplationofChristwasthebeginningandendoftheChristianlife;whilestillotherswouldregardaseminentChristiansthosewhoweremostzealousandactiveinseekingtosavesinners.

InattemptingtodescribethecharacterofChristianprogress,orasitismorefrequentlytermed,growthingrace,weshallthereforeseektoavoidamistakeoftenmadethereonbymanydenominationalwriters—amistakewhichhashadmostinjuriouseffectsonalargenumberoftheirreaders.InsteadofbringingoutwhattheScripturesteachthereon,onlytoooftentheyrelatedtheirownexperiences;insteadoftreatingtheessentialsofspiritualgrowth,theydweltuponcircumstantials;insteadofdelineatingthosegeneralfeatureswhicharecommontoallwhoarethesubjectsofgraciousoperations,theydepictedthoseexceptionalthingswhicharepeculiaronlytocertaintypes—theneuroticormelancholy.Thisismuchthesameasthoughartistsandsculptorstookfortheirmodelsonlythosewithunusualdeformities,insteadofselectinganaveragespecimenofhumanity.True,itwouldbeahumanbeingthatwasimaged,yetitcouldconveyonlyamisrepresentationofthecommonspecies.Alasthat,inthereligiousaswellasthephysicalrealm,afreakattractsmoreattentionthananormalperson.

Weshallnotthenrelateourownspiritualhistory.First,becausewearenotnowwritingtosatisfytheunhealthycuriosityofacertainclassofreaderswhodelightinperusingsuchthings.Second,becauseweregardtheprivateexperienceoftheChristianasbeingtoosacredtoexposetothepublicview.Ithaslongseemedtousthatthereissuchathingasspiritualunchastity:theinnerworkingsofthesoularenotafitsubjecttobelaidbarebeforeothers—"Theheartknowethhisownbitterness,andastrangerdothnotintermeddlewithhisjoy"(Prov.14:10).Third,becausewearenotsoconceitedastoimagineourownparticularconversionandtheupsanddownsofourChristianlifeareof

sufficientimportancetonarrate.Fourth,becausethereareprobablysomefeaturesaboutourconversionandsomethingsinoursubsequentspiritualhistorywhichhavebeenduplicatedinveryfewothercases,andthereforetheywouldonlybecalculatedtomisleadothersiftheyshouldlookforaparallelinthemselves.Finally,becauseasintimatedabove,wedeemitmorehonoringtoGodandfarmorehelpfultosoulstoconfineourselvestotheteachingofHisWordonthissubject.

Butbeforeproceedingwemustanticipateanobjectionwhichisalmostcertaintobebroughtagainstwhathasbeensaidinthelastparagraph.DidnottheapostlePauldescribehisconversion.Andmaynot,shouldnot,wedosotoo?Answer:first,PaulistheonlyNewTestamentwriterwhogaveusanyaccountofhisconversionorrelatedanythingofhissubsequentexperiences.Itwouldbeareversalofallsoundreasoningtomakeanexceptionintoaruleorconcludethatanisolatedcaseestablishedaprecedent.TheveryfactthatPaul’scasestandsalone,indicatesitisnottobemadeanexampleof.Second,hisexperiencewasnotonlyexceptionalbutunique:themeansusedwasthesupernaturalappearancetohimoftheascendedChrist,sothathehadaphysicalsightofHimandheardHisvoicewithhisnaturalears—athingwhichnonehasdonesince.Third,theaccountofhisconversionwasnotmadetointimateChristianfriends,norbeforealocalchurchwhenapplyingformembership,butinsteadbeforehisenemies(Acts22),andAgrippa—virtuallyhisjudge—whenmakingadefenseforhislife.Thusthecircumstanceswereextraordinaryandaffordnocriterionforordinarycases.Finally,hisexperienceontheDamascusroadwasnecessarytoqualifyhimfortheapostolicoffice(Acts1:22;1Cor.15:8,9;cf.2Cor.12:11).

Oncemoreitseemsadvisabletotakeupfirstthenegativesideofoursubjectereturningtothepositive.Somanymistakennotionsnowholdthefieldthattheyneeduprootingifthegroundistobeprepared:ortodropthefigure,ifthemindsofmanyaretobefittedtotakeintheTruth.Ourreadersdiffersomuchinthetypeofministrytheyhavesatunder,andsomeofthemhaveformedsuchfallaciousviewsofwhatspiritualgrowthconsistsof,thatifwenowdescribedtheprincipalelementsofChristianprogress,oneandanotherwouldprobablyconsider,accordingtowhattheyhaveimbibed,thatwehadomittedthemostimportantfeatures.Weshallthereforedevotetheremainderofthischaptertopointingoutasmanyaspossibleofthosethingswhich,thoughoftenregardedassuch,arenotessentialpartsofspiritualgrowth,infactnopartthereofatall.Thoughthismayproveratherwearisometosome,wewouldaskthemtobearwithusandofferupaprayerthatitmaypleaseGodtousetheparagraphswhich

followtotheenlightenmentofthosewhoarebefogged.1.Weightofyears.Itisoftenconsideredthatspiritualgrowthistobe

measuredbythecalendar,thatthelengthoftimeonehasbeenaChristianwilldeterminetheamountofprogresshehasmade.Certainlyitoughttobeso,yetinfactitisfrequentlynoindexatall.Godoftenpourscontemptonthedistinctionsmadebymen:outofthemouthof"babesandsucklings"hasHeperfectedpraise(Matthew21:16).Itisgenerallysupposedthatthosewithsnowylocksaremuchmorespiritualthanyoungbelievers,yetifweexaminewhatisrecordedoftheclosingyearsofAbraham,Isaac,David,HezekiahandothersofIsrael’skings,wefindreasontoreviseorqualifysuchaconclusion.True,someofthechoicestsaintswehaveevermetwere"patriarchs"and"mothersinIsrael,"yettheyhavebeenexceptionsratherthantherule.ManyChristiansmakemorerealprogressinpietythefirstyearthaninthenexttenthatfollow.

2.Increasingknowledge.Wemustdistinguishbetweenthingsthatdiffer,namely,aknowledgeofspiritualthingsandactualspiritualknowledge.Theformercanbeacquiredbytheunregenerate:thelatterispeculiartothechildrenofGod.Theoneismerelyintellectualandtheoretical;theotherisvitalandeffectual.Onemaytakeup"Biblestudy"inthesamewayasanotherwouldthestudyofphilosophyorpoliticaleconomy.Hemaypursueitdiligentlyandenthusiastically.HemayobtainafamiliarityoftheletterofScriptureandaproficiencyinunderstandingitsterms,farinadvanceofthehard-workingChristianwhohaslessleisureandlessnaturalability;yetwhatissuchknowledgeworthifitaffectsnottheheart,failstotransformthecharacterandmakethedailywalkpleasingtoGod!"ThoughIunderstandallmysteriesandallknowledge...andhavenotlove,Iamnothing"(1Cor.13:2).Unlessour"Biblestudy"isconformingus,bothinwardlyandoutwardly,totheimageofChrist,itprofitsusnot.

3.Developmentofgifts.AnunregeneratepersontakingupthestudyoftheBiblemayalsobeonewhoisendowedwithconsiderablenaturaltalents,suchasthepowerofconcentration,aretentivememory,aperseveringspirit.Asheprosecuteshisstudyhistalentsarecalledintoplay,hiswitsaresharpenedandhebecomesabletoconversefluentlyuponthethingshehasread,andheislikelytobesoughtafterasaspeakerandpreacher:andyettheremaynotbeasparkofDivinelifeinhissoul.TheCorinthiansgrewfastingifts(1Cor.1:4,7)yettheywerebut"babes"and"carnal"(3:2,3),andneededtoberemindedofthe"moreexcellentway"oflovetoGodandtheirbrethren.Ah,myreader,youmaynothavetheshowygiftsofsome,norbeabletoprayinpublicasothers,butifyouhaveatenderconscience,anhonestheart,aforbearingandforgivingspirit,you

havethatwhichisfarbetter.4.Moretimespentinprayer.Hereagain,toavoidmisunderstanding,we

mustdistinguishbetweenthingsthatdiffer:naturalprayerandspiritual.Someareconstitutionallydevotionalandareattractedbyreligiousexercises,asothersarebymusicandpainting;andyettheymaybetotalstrangerstothebreathingsofGod’sSpiritintheirsouls.Theymaysetasidecertainpartsofthedayfor"aquiettimewithGod"andhaveaprayerlistaslongastheirarm,andyetbeutterlydevoidofthespiritofgraceandsupplications.ThePhariseeswererenownedfortheir"longprayers."TheMohammedanwithhis"prayingmat,"theBuddhistwithhis"prayingwheel,"andthePapistwithhis"beads,"allillustratethesameprinciple.ItisquitetruethatgrowthingraceiseveraccompaniedbyanincreaseddependenceuponGodandadelightingofthesoulinHim,yetthatdoesnotmeanthatwecanmeasureourspiritualitybytheclock—bytheamountoftimewespendonourknees.

5.Activityinservice.Innotafewcirclesthishasbeenandstillismadethetestofone’sspirituality.AssoonasayoungpersonmakesaChristianprofessionheissettowork.Itmattersnothowillqualifiedheis,lackingasyet(inmanyinstances)evenarudimentaryknowledgeofthefundamentalsofthefaith,neverthelessheisrequiredoratleastexpectedtoengageforthwithinsomeformofwhatisplausiblytermed"serviceforChrist."ButtheEpistleswillbesearchedinvainforawarrantforsuchthings:theycontainnotsomuchasasingleinjunctionforyoungbelieverstoengagein"personalwork."OnthecontrarytheyareenjoinedtoobeytheirparentsintheLord(Eph.6:1)andtheyoungwomenaretobe"keepersathome"(Titus2:5).Manyhavereasontolament"they[notGod!]mademethekeeperofthevineyards,butmineownvineyard[spiritualgraces]haveInotkept"(SongofSol.1:6).

6.Happyfeelings.Considerableallowanceneedstobemadeforbothtemperamentandhealth.Somearenaturallymorevivaciousandemotionalthanothers,ofamorelivelyandcheerfulspirit,andconsequentlytheyengageinsingingratherthansighing,laughterthanweeping.Whensuchpeopleareconvertedtheyareapttobemoredemonstrativethanothers,bothinexpressinggratitudetotheLordandintellingpeoplewhatapreciousSaviouristheirs.YetitwouldbeagreatmistaketosupposethattheyhadreceivedalargermeasureoftheSpiritthantheirmoresoberandequablebrethrenandsisters.Ashallowbrookbabblesnoisilybut"stillwatersrundeep"—yetthereareexceptionshereastheNiagaraFallsillustrate.Increasingholinessisnottobegaugedbyourinwardcomfortsandjoy,butratherbythemoresubstantialqualitiesoffaith,obedience,humilityandlove.Whenafireisfirstkindledthereismoresmoke

andcrackling,butafter,thoughtheflamehasanarrowercompass,ithasmoreheat.

7.Becomingmoremiserable.Yet,strangeasitmaysoundtosomeofourreaders,therearenotafewprofessingChristianswhoregardthatasoneoftheprincipalelementsofspiritualgrowth.TheyhavebeentaughttoregardassuranceaspresumptionandChristianjoyaslightness,ifnotlevity.Shouldtheyexperienceabriefseasonofpeace"inbelieving"theyarefearfulthattheDevilisdeceivingthem.TheyareoccupiedmostlywithindwellingsinratherthanwithChrist.Theyhugtheirfearsandidolizetheirdoubts.Theyconsiderthatthesloughofdespondistheonlyplaceofsafety,andarehappiestwhenmostwretched.Thisisbynomeansanexaggeratedpicture,butsadlytruetoacertaintypeofreligiouslife,wherelong-facednessandspeakinginwhispersareregardedasevidenceofa"deepexperience"andmarksofpiety.True,themorelightGodgivesusthemoreweperceiveoursinfulness,thoughhumbledthereby,themorethankfulweshouldbeforthecleansingblood.

8.Addedusefulness.ButGodissovereignandordersHisprovidencesaccordingly.UntooneHeopensdoors,untoanotherHeclosesthem,andtoHisgoodpleasurewearecalledupontosubmit.SomestreamsHereplenishes,butothersaresufferedtodryup:thusitisinHisdealingswithHispeople—byprovidingorwithholdingfavorableopeningsforthemtobeofspiritualhelptotheirfellows.Itisthereforeagreatmistaketomeasureourgrowthingraceandourbringingforthofgoodfruitbythelargenessorsmallnessofouropportunitiesofdoinggood.Somehavelargeropportunitieswhenyoungthanwhentheybecomeolder,yetiftheheartsofthelatterareright,Godacceptsthewillforthedeed.SomethathavethemostgracearestationedinisolatedplacesandarelargelyunknowntotheirfellowChristians,yettheeyeofGodseesthem.Shallwesaythattheflowersonthemountainsidearewastedbecausenohumaneyeadmiresthem,orthatthesongsofbirdsintheforestsarelostontheairbecausetheyregalenottheearsofmen!

9.Temporalprosperity.Thoughitissharedbyfewofourfellowministers,yetitisthefirmconvictionofthiswriterthat,asageneralrule,temporaladversityandstraitenedcircumstancesinthepresentlifeofaChristianisamarkofGod’sdispleasure,anevidencethathehaschokedthechannelofblessing(seePs.84:11;Jer.5:25;Matthew6:33).Ontheotherhandweshouldcertainlybedrawinganerroneousconclusionifweregardtheflourishingaffairsofanunregenerateprofessorasaproofthatthesmileofheavenresteduponhim,ratherwoulditbetheeaseofonewhowasbeingfattenedforthe"dayofslaughter"(James5:5).Manysuchanonereceiveshisgoodthingsinthisworld,

butintheworldtocomeistormentedintheflame(Luke16:24,25).EvenamongGod’sownpeopletheremaybethosewhoyieldtoaspiritofcovetousness,andinsomecasestheLordgratifiestheircarnaldesires,but"sendsleannessintotheirsouls"asHedidwithIsraelofold.

10.Liberalityingiving.WedonotbelieveanyheartcanremainselfishandmiserlywheretheloveofGodhasbeenshedabroadinit,butratherthatsuchanonewillesteemitaprivilegeaswellasdutytosupportthecauseofChristandministertoanybrotherinneed,accordingasGodhasprosperedhim,yetitisaverymisleadingstandardtojudgeaperson’sspiritualitybyhisgenerosity(1Cor.13:3).Forsomeyearswelivedindistrictswheretheprincipaldenominationstaughtthatthechurch’sspiritualitywasmeasuredbytheamountitcontributedtomissions;yetwhilenumbersofthemraisedveryconsiderablesums,vitalgodlinesswasmostconspicuousbyitsabsence.Millionsofdollarsaregiventothe"RedCrossSociety"bythosemakingnoChristianprofessionatall!Neverwerethecoffersofthechurchessofullastheyaretoday,andneverwerethechurchessodevoidoftheSpirit’sunctionandblessing.

II.Allsoundteaching,likethesafestmethodofreasoning,proceedsfromthe

generaltotheparticular,andthereforeweshallattempttoshowtheprinciplesfromwhichspiritualgrowthissuesandthemainlinesalongwhichChristianprogressadvances,beforeweenterintoadetailedanalysisofthesame.GodfirstgaveIsraelHislaw,andthenbecauseHis"commandmentisexceedingbroad"(Ps.119:96)suppliedamplificationthroughtheprophetsandastillmorespecificexplicationofitscontentsthroughChristandHisapostles.Spiritualgrowthisthedevelopmentofspirituallife,andspirituallifeiscommunicatedtoasinneratthenewbirth,sothemoreclearlyweareenabledtounderstandthenatureofregeneration,thebetterpreparedweshallbetoperceivethecharacterofspiritualgrowth.Admittedlyregenerationisprofoundlymysterious,butthereareatleasttwothingswhichaffordushelpthereon:thefactthatitisa"renewing"(Titus3:5),andthatitisarealandradical(thoughnotcompleteorfinal)reversalofwhathappenedtousatthefall.Theoldcreationgivesussomeideaofthenewcreation,andtheorderinwhichtheformerwaswreckedpreparesustograsptheorderinwhichthelatteriseffected.

Naturalmanisacompositebeing,madeupofspiritandsoulandbody.The"spirit"seemstobethehighestpartofhisnature,beingthatwhichcapacitatesforGod-consciousnessortheknowledgeofGod—Hebeing"spirit"(John4:24).The"soul"oregoappearstobethatwhich,expressingitselfthroughthebody,

constituteswhatistermedour"personality,"andistheseatofself-consciousness,andbyitmanhascommunionwithhisfellows.Thebodyorphysicalorganismisthatwhichprovidesthesoulwithahabitationinthisworld,anditistheseatofsense-consciousness,beingthatthroughwhichmanhascontactwithmaterialthings.TheorderofScriptureis"spiritandsoulandbody"(1Thess.5:23),butmanwithhiscustomaryperversityinvariablyreversesitandspeaksof"body,andsoulandspirit."Howthatrevealswhatmanhasdegeneratedinto:thebody,whichhecanseeandfeel,whichoccupiesmostofhisconcern,andcomesfirstinhisconsiderationandestimation.His"soul"receiveslittlethoughtandstilllesscare,andastohis"spirit"heisunawarethathehasany.

"AndGodsaid,Letusmakemaninourimage,afterourlikeness"(Gen.1:26).Godistri-une,therebeingthreepersonsinoneandindivisibleDivineessence.AnditwasintheimageofthetriuneGodthatmanwasmade,asthepluralpronounsplainlyconnote.Thusmanwasmadeatri-unecreature.His"spirit"whichistheintellectualprincipleandhighestpart,wascapacitatedforcommunionwithGodandwasdesignedtoregulate(byitswisdom)thesoul,inwhichresidestheemotionalnatureorthe"affections."Thesoulinturnwastoregulatethebody,asitreceivedthroughthephysicalsensesinformationoftheexternalworld.Hiltatthefallmanreversedtheorderofhiscreation:makinga"god"ofhisbellyhehenceforthbecameenslavedtothelowerworld,andthesoulinsteadofdirectingthephysicalmechanismbecametoalargeextentthelackeyofitssensesanddemands.CommunionwithGodbeingsevered,thespiritnolongerfunctionedaccordingtoitsdistinctivenature,andthoughnotextinguished,wasdraggeddowntothelevelofthesoul.

WhathasjustbeenpointedoutshouldbeclearertothereaderbyponderingitinthelightofGenesis3.InassailingEve,Satanmadehisattackuponherspirit—theprinciplewhichreceivesfromGod—forhefirstcalledintoquestiontheDivineprohibition(v.2)andthen,replyingtoherobjection,assuredher"yeshallnotsurelydie,"andaddedasaninducement"inthedayyeeatthereof,thenyoureyesshallbeopened,andyeshallbeasgods,knowinggoodandevil"(vv.4,5),therebyseekingtoweakenherfaith,andflatterherambitionbypromisinggreaterwisdom.Hearkeningtohislies,theWomanwas"deceived"(1Tim.2:14).HerjudgmentbecamecloudedthroughdoubtingGod’sthreat,andoncethelightofGodinherspiritwaslost,allwaslost.Heraffectionsbecamecorruptedsothatshenow"desired"orlustedaftertheforbiddenfruit—notbythepromptingofherspirit,butbythesolicitationofherphysicalsenses:andherwillbecamedepravedsothatshe"took"thereof.

Now,fromtheexperimentalsideofthings,regenerationistheinitialworkofGodinreversingtheeffectsofthefall,foritsfavoredsubjectisthen"renewedinknowledge,aftertheimageofhimthatcreatedhim"(Col.3:10):thatistosay,spiritualperceptionisrestoredtohim,sothathenowhasagainwhathelostinAdam—avital,powerful,directknowledgeofGod.InconsequenceofthisheisbroughtbackagainintocommunionwithGod,restoredtoaconsciousfellowshipwithHim.OneaspectofthismysteriousbutblessedworkisbroughtbeforeusinHebrews4:12wherewearetold,"theWordofGodisquickandpowerful,andsharperthananytwo-edgedsword,piercingeventothedividingasunderofsoulandspirit."Weunderstandthatlastclausetosignifythattheregeneratedperson’s"spirit"isnowfreedfromitsImmersionintothesoulandisraisedtoitsownsuperiorlevel,beingplacedenrapport(broughtintoharmonywith)GodHimself.ThusPauldeclares"Iserve[God]withmyspirit"(Rom.1:9)—not"soul";and"myspiritprayeth"(1Cor.14:14).Indistinctiontherefrom"purifiedyoursouls[affections]inobeyingthetruth"(1Peter1:22).

Thoughtheabovemaysoundreconditeand,beingnewtoourreaders,somewhatdifficulttograsp,yetitshould,wethink,bemoreorlessclearthatinorderforustoanswertowhatGodhaswroughtinus,inordertoliveasbecomethChristians,thebodyshouldtakesecondplacetothesoulandberuledthereby:andthesoulinturnbesubordinatedtothespirit,whichistobeenlightenedandcontrolledbyGod.Unlessthebodybemadesubservienttothesoul,manliveshislifeonthesamelevelastheanimals;andunlesstheChristian’s"affections"andemotionsberegulatedbywisdomfromthespirit,helivesonthesameplaneastheunregenerate."SeekyefirstthekingdomofGodandhisrighteousness,andallthesethingsshallbeaddeduntoyou"(Matthew6:33).Thatmeans,makethethingsofthespirityourparamountconcern,andyourlowerinterestswillbeautomaticallysubserved.Ifthemindorspiritbe"stayedonGod,"thesoulwillenjoyperfectpeace,andthesoulatrestwillactbeneficiallyonthebody.Thus,inproportionasourlivesaccordwithwhattookplaceinusatthenewbirthwillbeourspiritualgrowthandprosperity.

NothingbutaknowledgeofGodcansatisfythespiritofman,asnoughtbutHislovecancontentthesoul.Man’ssupremehappinessconsistsintheexerciseofhisnoblestpartsandfacultiesontheirproperobjects,andthemoreexcellentthoseobjectsbe,themorerealandlastingpleasuredotheygiveusintheknowledgeandloveofthem.Thusitisthat,whenGodhasdesignsofmercytowardanindividual,Hebeginsbyshininguponhisunderstandingandattractinghisheartuntohimself.Asthatworkofgraceproceedsthatindividualisenabledtoseesomethingof"thedeceitfulnessofsin"(Heb.3:13),howithas

deludedhimintovainlyimaginingthatthethingsoftimeandsensecouldaffordhimsatisfaction,untilhediscoversthat(tousethefigurativelanguageoftheprophet)hehas"spenthismoneyforthatwhichisnotbread"and"laboredforthatwhichsatisfiethnot."(Isa.55:2)ThereforedoesGodsayuntohim,"hearkenuntome,andeatyethatwhichisgood,andletyoursouldelightitselfinfatness."UntilGodbecomesour"Portion"thesoulisleftwithanachingvoid.

Here,then,iswhatoccursatregeneration:God"hathgivenusanunderstandingthatwemayknowhimthatistrue"(1John5:20)—andthisHedoesbyquickeningthe"spirit"inus.Andagainweread"ForGodwho[inconnectionwiththefirstcreation,Gen.1:3]commandedthelighttoshineoutofdarkness,hath[inHisworkofthenewcreation]shinedinourhearts,togivethelightoftheknowledgeofthegloryofGodinthefaceofJesusChrist"(2Cor.4:6).Thus,ChristianprogressmustconsistinouradvancinginapersonalandexperimentalknowledgeofGod,andconsequentlywhentheapostleprayedforthespiritualgrowthoftheColossianshemaderequestthattheymightbe"increasingintheknowledgeofGod"(1:10).SimultaneouslywiththiscommunicationofasupernaturalknowledgeofHimself,the"loveofGodisshedabroadinourheartsbytheHolySpirit"(Rom.5:5)andthereforespiritualgrowthconsistsofadeeperapprehensionandfullerenjoymentofthatlovewithamorecompleteresponsethereto;andhencewhenmakingrequestforthesameonbehalfoftheEphesiansPaulprayedthattheymight"knowtheloveofChristwhichpassethknowledge"(3:19).

Itisnotourimmediatedesigntogiveasfulladescriptionasourpresentlightaffordsoftheprecisenatureofregeneration,butonlytopointoutthoseofitsprincipalelementswhichthebetterenablesustograspwhatspiritualgrowthconsistsof.Wewillthereforementionbutoneotherfeatureofthenewbirth,orthatwhichisatleastaninseparableadjunctofit,namely,theimpartationoffaith.Norshallwenowattempttodefinewhatfaithis:sufficientforthemomenttoacknowledgethatitisablessed"giftofGod"(Eph.2:8),innowiseoriginatingintheexerciseofthehumanwill,butcommunicatedby"theoperationofGod"(Col.2:12),andthereforeitisasupernaturalprinciple,activeinitsfavoredrecipient,bringingforthfruitafteritsownkind,andtherebyevidencingitsDivinesource.Itis"byfaith,notbysight"(2Cor.5:7)theChristianwalks:assaidtheapostle"thelifewhichInowliveintheflesh,IlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod[HebeingitsObject],wholovedmeandgavehimselfforme"(Gal.2:20).Thisitiswhichdistinguishesalltheregeneratefromtheunregenerate,forthelatterare"childreninwhomisnofaith"(Deut.32:20;cf.2Thess.3:3).

TheChristianlifebeginsbytheexerciseofaGod-givenfaith,namely,an

actwherebywereceiveChristasourownpersonalSaviour(John1:1).Weare"justifiedbyfaith,"andbyChrist"haveaccessbyfaithintothisgrace[i.e.,acceptedintoGodisfavor]whereinwestand"(Rom.5:1,2).Weare"sanctifiedbyfaith"(Acts26:18),thatis,madeactualparticipantsoftheineffablepurityofChrist.ThroughtheSpiritwe"waitforthehopeofrighteousnessbyfaith"(Gal.5:5;cf.2Tim.4:8).Itisby"theshieldoffaith,"andthatalone,weareableto"quenchallthefierydartsofthewicked"(Eph.6:12).Itis"throughfaithandpatience"thatwe"inheritthepromises"(Heb.6:12).ItwasbyfaiththattheOldTestamentsaints"obtainedagoodreport"(Heb.11:3)andwroughtsuchwondersastheremainderofthatchapterdemonstrates.ItisbyfaithwesuccessfullyresisttheDevil(1Peter5:9)andovercometheworld(lJohn5:4).FromallofwhichitisveryevidentthattheTreasureofourChristianprogresswillheverylargelydeterminedbytheextenttowhichthisprinciplehekepthealthyandremainsoperatinginus.

Tosumupwhathasbeenpointedoutabove:regenerationisbotha"renewing"anda"newcreation."Asa"renewing"itisacontinualprocess,as2Corinthians4:16clearlyshows.Thisaspectofitisapartialreversalofandrecoveryfromwhathappenedtousatthefall.ItisaDivinequickening,whichnecessarilypresupposesanentityorfacultyalreadyexisting,thoughinneedofbeingmadealiveorrevived.This"renewing"isoftheinnerman,whichincludesbothspiritandsoulor"themind"arid"heart."Itisaninitialandradicalact,followedbyarepeatedbutimperceptibleprocesswherebythenoblerorimmaterialpartsofourbeingsareelevatedorrefined.Thisdoesnotmeanthat"theflesh"orevilprincipleinusundergoesanyimprovement,butthatourfacultiesarespiritualized;andthusspiritualgrowthwillconsistofthemindbeingmoreandmoreengagedwithDivineobjects,theaffectionsbeingincreasinglysetuponthingsabove,theconsciencebecomingmoretender,andthehumanwillbeingmademoreamenabletotheDivine,andtherebytheinnermanmoreandmoreconformedtotheholyimageofChrist.

Butregenerationissomethingmorethana"renewing"orquickeningofpartsandfacultiesalreadyinexistence:itisalsoa"newcreation,"thebringingintoexistenceofsomethingwhichdidnotexistbefore,theactualbestowmentofsomethingtothesinnerinadditiontoallthathehadasanaturalman.That"something"isvariouslydesignatedinScripture(andbytheologians)accordingtoitsdifferentrelationsandaspects.Itistermed"life"(1John5:12),yealife"moreabundantly"(John10:10)thanunfallenAdamenjoyed.Itisnamed"spirit"because"bornoftheSpirit"(John3:6)andthereforeistobedistinguishedfromournaturalspirit;arid"thespiritofpowerandofloveandof

asoundmind"(2Tim.1:7).Itiscalled"theearnestoftheSpirit"(2Cor.1:22),beingatokenorfirstfruitsofwhatwillbeourswhenglorified;and"grace"(Eph.4:7)asaninwardprinciple.Theologiansdesignateit"thenewnature,"andmanyalludetoitunderthecompositetermof"theChristian’sgraces,"whichiswarrantedbyJohn1:16,andisprobablytheeasiestforustocomprehend.Consideredthus,spiritualgrowthmaybesaidtobethedevelopmentofourgraces:thestrengtheningoffaith,theenlargingofhope,theincreasingoflove,theaboundingofpeaceandjoy:see2Peter1:3andcarefullynoteverses5-8.

Thusfarwehavebeendwellingalmostentirelyupontheinternalaspectofourtheme,sowewillnowquoteoneversewhichdirectsattentiontotheexternalside."Forwearehisworkmanship,createdinChristJesusuntogoodworks,whichGodbathbeforeordainedthatweshouldwalkinthem"(Eph.2:10).Hereistheresponsewhichwearerequiredtomakeuntothenewbirth.God’spurposeinournewcreationorregenerationisthatweshould"walkingoodworks"thatwemaymakemanifestthespiritualrootwhichHethenimplantedbybearingspiritualfruit.SuchwasthedesignofChristindyingforus:to"purifyuntohimselfapeculiarpeople,zealousofgoodworks."(Titus2:14)Fromwhichitplainlyfollowsthat,themorezealousweareofgoodworksandthemoresteadfastlywewalkinthem,themoredowerightlyanswertowhatGodhaswroughtinus.Nowtheperformanceofourdailydutiesaresomany"goodworks,"iftheybedonefromfaith’sobediencetoGod’srequirementsandwithaneyetoHisapprobationandglory.HencethemorefaithfullyandconscientiouslywedischargeourobligationstowardGodandtowardourfellows,themoretrueChristianprogresswearemaking.

Allthathasbeenbeforeusabovereceivessimplificationwhenitisviewedinthelightofconversionanditspropersequel.RegenerationisentirelytheworkofGod,whereinwearepassive,butconversionisanactofours;theonebeingtheeffectandconsequenceoftheother.Theword"conversion"meanstoturnaround,itisaright-about-face.ItisaturningfromtheworlduntoGod,fromSatanuntoChrist,fromsinuntoholiness,frombeingabsorbedwiththethingsoftimeuntodevotiontooureternalinterests.AtregenerationwereceivedasupernaturalknowledgeofGod,andastheconsequence,inHislightweseeourselvesasdepraved,lostandundone.Atregenerationwereceivedanaturewhichis"createdinrighteousnessandtrueholiness"(Eph.4:24),andasaconsequencewenowhateallunrighteousnessandsin.AtregenerationweweregivenanunderstandingthatwemightknowHimthatistrue(1John5:20)andourresponseistoyieldourselvesuntoHisdominionandtrustinHisatoningblood.AtregenerationwereceivedDivine"grace"asanindwellingprinciple,

andtheeffectistomakeuswillingtodenyourselves,takeupourcrossdailyandfollowChrist.ThepropersequeltosuchaconversionisthatwesteadfastlyadheretothesurrenderwethenmadeofourselvesuntotheLordJesus,andthemorewedososuchwillbeourspiritualprogress.

III.Wehavesoughttoshowtheprinciplesfromwhichspiritualgrowthissues

andthemainlinesalongwhichChristianprogressadvances,pointingoutthatspiritualgrowthisthedevelopmentofthespirituallifecommunicatedatregeneration.Nowweshalllookattheparticular,seekingtosetoutinsomedetailofwhatthatdevelopmentactuallyconsists.

1.Spiritualgrowthconsistsofanincreaseinspiritualknowledge.Godworksinusasrationalcreatures,accordingtoourintelligentnature,sothatnothingiswroughtinusunlessknowledgepavestheway.Wecannotspeakalanguageunlesswehavesomeunderstandingofthesame.Wecannotdoworkwithanimplementormachinenorplayonamusicalinstrumentuntilwehaveaknowledgeofthem.Thesameobtainsinconnectionwithspiritualthings.WecannotworshipintelligentlyoracceptablyanunknownGod.HemustfirstrevealHimselfandbeknownbyus,forwecouldnotloveortrustOnewithwhomwehadnoacquaintance.ThereforedoesGod’sWorddeclare"Theythatknowthynamewillputtheirtrustinthee"(Ps.9:10).Itcannotbeotherwise:onceGodisrevealedtousasalivingreality,theheartatonceconfidesitselftoHim,asbeingdefinitelyworthyofitsfullestrelianceanddependence.ItisspiritualignoranceofGodwhichliesatthefoundationofallourdistrustofHim,andthereforeofallourdoubtsandfears:"Acquaintnowthyselfwith,himandbeatpeace"(Job22:21).

TheChristianlifebeginsinknowledge,for"thenewmanisrenewedinknowledge"(Col.3:10)."Thisislifeeternal,thattheymightknowtheetheonlytrueGod,andJesusChristwhomthouhastsent"(John17:3).Therehasbeenmuchdifferenceofopinionamongcommentatorsastothescopeofthesewords.When,wewrotethereonmanyyearsagoweadoptedtheviewofthemajorityofChristianwriters,namely,adeclarationofthewayandmeansbywhicheternallifeisobtained:justasthewordsthatfollow"thisisthecondemnation"inJohn3:19donotdefinethecharacterofthatcondemnation,butrathertellusthecauseofit.Whilewestillbelieveinthelegitimacyandsoundnessoftheinterpretationwegaveformerly,yetamorematurereflectionwouldnotrestrictthemeaningofJohn17:3tothatexplanation,butwouldalsounderstandittosignifythat"eternallife"(ofwhichwenowhavebutthepromiseandearnest)oreverlasting

blissandglorywillconsistofanever-increasingknowledgeofthetriuneGodasrevealedinthePersonoftheMediator.

ThisknowledgedoesnotconsistintheologicalthoughtsormetaphysicalspeculationsabouttheGodhead,butinsuchspiritualunderstandingofHimascausesustobelieveintheLordGod,tocastoursoulsuponHim,andcenterinHimasoureverlastingPortion."Therenewedunderstandingisraisedupandenlightenedwithasupernaturallife,sothatwhatweknowoftheLordisbyintuitiveknowledgewhichtheHolySpiritismostgraciouslypleasedtogive.Hencebelieversaresaidtobecalledoutofdarknessintomarvellouslight,andPaulsays‘yeweresometimedarknessbutnowareyelightintheLord.’AstheknowledgeoftheFather,SonandSpiritisreflectedupontherenewedmindinthepersonofChrist,soitisreceivedintotheheart."(S.F.Pierce)ThisspiritualapprehensionofGodissuchasnooutwardmeanscanofthemselvesconvey:no,noteventhereadingoftheWordorhearingitpreached.Inadditionthereto,GodbyHisownlightandpowerconveystothehumanspiritsuchaneffectualdiscoveryofHimselfasradicallyaffectstheunderstanding,conscience,affectionsandwill,reformingthelife.

AstheChristianlifebeginsinspiritualknowledgesoitisincreasedthereby:"ButgrowingraceandintheknowledgeofourLordandSaviourJesusChrist"(2Peter3:18),uponwhichwequoteagainfromtheexcellentPierce."Iconceivethatbygracehereallthosefaculties,graces,habits,dispositions,whicharewroughtinusbytheHolySpiritaretobeunderstood.Andtohaveourspiritualfaculties,graces,habits,anddispositionsexerciseddistinctivelyandsupernaturallyontheirproperobjectsandsubjectsisto‘growingrace.’Whatfollowsinthetextisexplanatory:‘andintheknowledgeofourLordandSaviourJesusChrist.’HeistheObjectonwhichallourgracesaretobeexercised.Heisthelifeofallourgraces.ThereforegrowingintoagreaterknowledgeofHim,andtheFather’sloveinHim,isto‘growingrace,’fortherebyallourgracesarequickened,strengthened,exercisedanddrawnforthtothepraiseofGod."Whilewedonotthinkthatexhauststhemeaningof2Peter3:18,yetsuchaninterpretationisborneoutbythesecondverseoftheEpistle:"GraceandpeacebemultiplieduntoyouthroughtheknowledgeofGod,andofJesusourLord"—notbytheknowledgeofGodalone,noroftheLordJesusalone,butofGodinChristtheMediator,whichisalsotheforceofJohn17:3.

Oneofthewaysbywhichwemayascertainwhatspiritualgrowthconsistsofisbyattendingtotherecordedprayersoftheapostlesandnotingwhatitwasforwhichtheymaderequest.Beingveryeminentthemselvesingraceandholiness,itwastheirearnestdesirethatthechurchesandparticularindividualsto

whomtheirEpistleswereaddressed,mightincreaseandgreatlyflourishinthoseDivinebestowments.AccordinglyinhisprayerfortheEphesianswefindPaulpetitioningthattheFatherofglorywouldgiveundothem"thespiritofwisdomandrevelationintheknowledgeofhim,"thattheeyesoftheirunderstandingmightbeenlightenedthattheymightknowwhatisthehopeofHiscalling(vv.17,18).Itshouldbeobviousthatinaskingforsuchfavorsforthosesaintstherewasnoimplicationthattheywereentirelydevoidofthemorthathesoughttheinitialbestowmentofthem—anymorethanJohn20:31signifiestheFourthGospelwasaddressedtounbelievers(1:16provesotherwise)orthathisFirstEpistlewassenttoChristianslackinginassurance;ratherdoes1John5:13connote"thatyemayhaveaclearerandfullerknowledgethateternallifeisyours."

No,inmakingthosepetitionsonbehalfoftheEphesiansaintsPaulrequestedthatalargerdegreeofheavenlylightmightbefurnisheduntotheirminds,thattheymighthaveamorespiritualapprehensionoftheOnewithwhomtheyhadtodo,ofHiswondrousperfectionsaccordingtotherevelation,HehasmadeofHimselfintheWord,andofhisvariedrelationshipstothem.ItwasthattheymightdiscernthewondersofHisgraceandpowertoward,in,andforthem.Itwasthattheymighthaveanenlargedconceptionandperceptionoftheirvivicationwhentheywereinastateofdeathandsin.Inlikemanner,heprayedthattheloveofthePhilippiansaintsmight"aboundyetmoreandmoreinknowledgeandalljudgment"(1:9).SofortheColossians,thattheymightbe"increasingintheknowledgeofGod"(1:10),whichistobetakeninitsfullestsense:increasingintheknowledgeofGodinthemanifestationHehasmadeofHimselfincreation,inprovidenceandingrace;inknowledgeofGodinHisthreePersons,inHisChristtheMediator,inHislaw,inHisgospel;intheknowledgeofHisholywill.

ThisknowledgeofGod,whichdistinguishestheregeneratefromtheunregenerate,whichtheapostlesolicitedonbehalfofhisconverts,andwhichisthebasicelementinallrealChristianprogress,issomethingvastlydifferentfromandsuperiortothemerepossessionofacorrectopinionaboutGodoranyspeculativeviewconcerningHim.Itisasupernaturalandsavingknowledge.AmeretheoreticalknowledgeofGodisinoperativeandineffectual,butanexperimentalacquaintancewithHimisdynamicalandtransforming.Itisaknowledgewhichdeeplyaffectstheheart,producingreverentialawe,for"thefearoftheLordisthebeginningofwisdom"(Prov.9:10).ItissuchaknowledgeasstrengthenstheChristian’sgracesandcallsthemforthintolivelyexercise.SincethatDivinelightandpoweriscommunicatedtothesaintbytheSpirit

throughtheScriptures,itcauseshimtosearchandponderthemasheneverdidpreviously,andtomixfaithwithwhathereadsandtakesmm.Itissuchaknowledgeaspromotesholinessintheheartandpietyinthelife.ItisaknowledgewhichproducesobediencetotheDivinecommandments,as1John2:3,4plainlyteaches.YettherecanbenosuchknowledgeofGodexceptaslieisapprehendedthroughChrist(2Cor.4:6).

SuchaknowledgeofGodliesatthefoundationofeverythingelseinthespirituallife,beingbothessentialandintroductory.WithoutsuchaknowledgeofGodwecannotknowourselves,howtoorderourlivesinthisworld,norwhatawaitsusintheworldtocome:untilmadeacquaintedwithHimwhoislight(1John1:5)weareincompletedarkness.CalvinevincedtheprofundityofhisspiritualinsightbycommencinghisrenownedInstitutesinsaying,"Trueandsubstantialwisdomprimarilyconsistsoftwoparts:theknowledgeofGodandtheknowledgeofourselves."WithoutapersonalandspiritualknowledgeofGodwecannotperceivetheinfiniteevilofsinandthefearfulhavocithaswroughtinus:itisonlyinHislightthatwe"seelight"(Ps.36:9)anddiscoverthehorriblenessandtotalityofourdepravity.ThenitisthatwebothbeholdandfeelourselvestobejustasGodhasdescribedusinHisWord,EquallysoitisonlybysuchknowledgeofGodthatwecanappreciatetheDivinely-providedremedy:eitherindiscoveringwhereinitconsistsorrealizingourdireneedofthesame."Thewayofthewickedisasdarkness"(Prov.4:19).

FromallthathasbeenpointedoutabovewemayseehowcompletelydependenttheChristianisuponGod:nospiritualprogressispossibleexceptasHecontinuestoshineuponus.Neitherapowerfulintellect,theartificialaidsofphilosophy,norathoroughtraininginlogic,cancontributeoneiotauntoaspiritualapprehensionofDivinethings.True,theyareofuseinenablingtheteachertodiscoursethereon,toexpresshimselfmorereadilyandfluentlythantheilliterate,butastodiscoveringtohimDivinetruththeyareofnovaluewhatever.Thereasonofthisisevident:celestialthingsarehighabovethereachofcarnalreason,andthereforeitcanneverattainuntoanacquaintancewiththeirtruenature.Heavenlygraceisrequiredforanentranceintoheavenlythings,andthemeanestcapacityisassusceptibletoheavenlygraceasthemostcapaciousmind.Moreover,thethingsofGodareaddressedtofaith,andthatisagraceofwhichtheunregenerate,behethemostaccomplishedsavant,isutterlydevoid.Divinemysteriesarehiddenfromthenaturallywiseandprudent.huttheyaresupernaturallyrevealedtospiritualbabes(Matthew11:25)—revealedbytheHolySpiritthroughaDivinely-impartedfaith.

AnuneducatedChristianmaynotbeabletoenterintothesubtlenicetiesof

theologicalmetaphysics,liemaynotbecompetenttodebatetheTruth,withingeniousobjectors,butlieiscapableofunderstandingthecharacterandperfectionsofGod,thepersonandworkofChrist,themysteriesandwondersofredemptionsoastoobtainsuchagraciousvie\vthereofastoexciteinhismindaholyadorationoftheFatherandaloveforandjoyintheRedeemer.Andsuchaknowledge,andthatalone,willstandusinsteadinthetimeoftrial,thehouroftemptation,orthearticleofdeath.YetitisonlyastheHolySpiritispleasedtogivefreshlightandlifetothebeliever’smindbybringinghomeanewbyHisownunctionandefficacywhatisalreadyknownthathecanincreaseinthespiritualknowledgethereof.WhatGodhasrevealedinHisWordmustbeappliedagainandagainbytheSpiritifitistobeoperativeinusandbearfruitthroughus.ThebelieverisasmuchdependentuponGodforanyincreaseofspiritualknowledgeashewasforthefirstreceptionofit,andconstantlydoesheneedtobearinmindthathumblingword"withoutmeyecandonothing."

Ifweaddednothingtothelastparagraphweshouldpresentamostunbalancedviewofthispoint,conveyingtheimpressionthatwehadnoresponsibilityinthematter.AsthereisaradicaldifferencebetweentheChristianandthenon-Christian,sothereisbetweenourfirstspiritualknowledgeofGodandourincreaseinthesame."ButgrowingraceandIntheknowledgeofourLord"isaDivineexhortation,intimatingbothourprivilegeandourduty.WearerequiredtomakediligentuseofthemeansGodhasprovided,forHeplacesnopremiumonslothfulness.ThoughwearedependentupontheSpirittoapplytheTruthtous,yetthatdoesnotsignifythatitwillmakenodifferencewhetherornotwekeepthethingsofGodfreshinourmindsbydailymeditationuponthem.OnlyGodcanbringHisWordhometoourheartsinlivingpower,neverthelesswemustpray"quickenthoumeaccordingtothyWord"(Ps.119:25).MoreoveritisourobligationtoabstainfromwhateverwouldgrievetheSpiritandtherebyweakentheassurancewhichenablesustosay"myFather"and"myRedeemer."IfweincreasenotintheknowledgeofGodthefaultisours.

2.Spiritualgrowthconsistsofadeeperdelightinspiritualthingsandobjects.Thisisevertheaccompanimentandeffectofspiritualknowledge—affordingusanothercriterionbywhichwemaytestthekindofknowledgewehave.AmerelyspeculativeknowledgeofDivinethingsiscoldandlifeless,butaspiritualandexperimentalacquaintancewiththemaffectstheheartandmovestheaffections.OnemayacceptmuchofGod’sWord(throughearlytraining)inatraditionalway,andevenbepreparedtocontendforthesameagainstthosewhoopposeit,yetitwillavailnothingwhentheDevilassailshim.Hencewearetoldthatwhen)theWickedOneisrevealed,whosecomingisaftertheworkingof

Satan,withallpowerandsignsandlyingwonders,Godpermitshimtowork"withalldeceivablenessofunrighteousnessinthemthatperish,"andHisreasonforthisisstatedtohe:"becausetheyreceivednottheloveofthetruththattheymightbesaved"(2Thess.2:10).Atbesttheyhadonlyaletteracquaintancewiththetruth:itwasneverenshrinedintheiraffections.Butdifferentfarisitwiththeregenerate:eachofthemcansaywiththePsalmist"OhowloveIthylaw:itismymeditationalltheday"(Ps.119:97).

Spiritualdelightnecessarilyfollowsspiritualknowledge,foranobjectcannotbeappreciatedanyfurtherthanitisapprehendedandknown.Spiritualknowledgeofspiritualthingsimpartsnotonlyaconvictionoftheirverityandthecertaintyoftheirreality,butitalsoproducesthesoul’sadherencetothem,thecleavingoftheaffectionsuntothem,aholyjoyinthem,sothattheyappearinexpressiblyblessedandgloriousuntothosegrantedadiscoveryofthesame.Butnothavingbeenadmittedintothesecretthereof,theunregeneratecanformnotrueconceptorestimateoftheChristian’sexperience,andwhenhehearshimexclaimingofthethingsofGod"Morearetheytobedesiredthangold,yea,thanmuchfinegold;sweeteralsothanhoneyorthehoney-comb"(Ps.19:10),hecanbutregardsuchlanguageaswildenthusiasmorfanaticism.Thenaturalmanlacksboththepowertodiscernthebeautyofspiritualthingsandapalatetotastetheirsweetness.Noristhebeliever’srelishforGod’sWordconfineduntothepromisesandcomfortingportions:healsodeclares"Iwilldelightmyselfinthycommandments,whichIhaveloved"(Ps.119:47).

Themorethebelieveradvancesinspiritualacquaintancewiththeexcellencyandbeautyofheavenlythings,themoresolidsatisfactiondotheyaffordhismind.ThemoretheChristianentersintotheimportanceandvalueofGod’seternalTruththemorehisheartisdrawnoutuntothegloriousobjectsrevealedtherein.ThemorethatheactuallytastesthattheLordisgracious(1Peter2:3),themorewillhedelighthimselfmiHim.ThemorelightheisgranteduponthesublimemysteriesoftheFaith,themorewillheadmirethewondrouswisdomwhichdevisedthem,thepowerwhichexecutedthem,thegracewhichconveyedthem.ThemoreherealizestheScripturesaretheveryWordofGodhimself,themoreheisawedbytheirsolemnityandimpressedwiththeirweightiness.ThemoretheineffableperfectionsofDeityarerevealedtohisspirit,themorewillheexclaim"Whoislikeuntothee,OLord,amongthegods[or"mightyones"],whoislikethee,gloriousinholiness,fearfulinpraises,doingwonders!"(Ex.15:11).Andthemorehisheartisoccupiedwiththeperson,office,andtheworkoftheRedeemer,themorewillheenterintotheexperienceofhintwhosaid,"Icountallthingsbutlossfortheexcellencyofthe

knowledgeofChristJesusmyLord"(Phil.3:7).Itistruethat,throughslacknessandfolly,thebelievermaytoa

considerableextentlosehisrelishforspiritualthings,sothathisreadingoftheWordaffordshimlittlesatisfactionanddelight.Onewhoeatsanddrinksunwiselyupsetshisstomach,andthenthepalatenolongerfindsthechoicestfoodagreeabletohim.Itisthusspiritually.IfthebelieverbeoutofcommunionwithGodandturnstotheworldforsatisfaction,heloseshisappetitefortheheavenlymanna.Whereforewearebiddento"layapartallfilthinessandsuperfluityofnaughtinessandreceivewithmeeknesstheengraftedword"(James1:21):theremustbethis"layingapart"beforetherecanheanappreciativereceptionoftheWord.Soagain1Peter2:1showsusthattherearecertainlustswhichhavetobemortifiedifweareto"asnew-bornbabesdesirethesinceremilkoftheWordthatyemaygrowthereby."Ifsuchexhortationsbedulyheeded,andtheWordofChristdwellsinusrichly,thenshallwebefound"singingwithgraceinourheartstotheLord"(Col.3:16)withanever-deepeningjoyinHim.

IV.3.SpiritualgrowthconsistsinagreaterloveforGod.Whenpointingoutthe

variousaspectsofregeneration(inchapter6)wequotedRomans5:5:"theloveofGodisshedabroadinourheartsbytheHolySpiritwhichisgivenuntous."ContrarytothecommentatorswedonotregardthereferencethereasbeingtoGod’sloveforHispeople,butratheroneoftheblessedeffectsorconsequencesofthesame.First,becausethescopeandunityofthewholecontextrequiressuchaninterpretation.In5:1-11theapostleenumeratesthesevenfoldresultofourbeingjustifiedbyfaith:wehavepeacewithGod(v.1),weareestablishedinHisfavor(v.2),werejoiceinhope(v.2),weareenabledtobenefitfromtrials(vv.3,4),wehaveahopethatfailsnot(v.5),ourheartsaredrawnouttoGod(v.5),weareassuredoffinalpreservation(vv.8-10).Second,therelationofthesecondhalfofv.5("because")tothefirstleadstothesameconclusion:itisourlovetoGodwhichfurnishesevidencethatourhopeisavalidone.Third,God’sloveforusisinHimself,andthoughmanifesteduntouscouldscarcelyhesaidtobe"shedabroadinourhearts."Verse8clearlydistinguishesHislovetowardus.

BynaturetheelecthavenotoneparticleofloveforGod;nay,theirverymindsare"enmity"againstHim(Rum.8:7).ButHedoesnotleavethemforeverinthatfearfulstate.No,havingfrometernitysetHisheartuponthem,HehasdeterminedtowintheirheartsuntoHimself.Andhowisthataccomplished?By

sheddingabroadHisloveintheirhearts,whichweunderstandtodenote,bycommunicatingfromHimselfaspiritualprincipleoflovewhichqualifiesandenablesthemtoloveHim.FaithisHisgifttothem(Eph.2:8),andtheevidenceofthatprinciplebeinginthemisthattheynowbelieveandtrustinHim.HopeisalsoHisgifttothem(2Thess2:16),forpriortoregenerationwehad"nohope"(Eph.2:12),andtheevidenceofthatprinciplebeinginusisthatwehaveaconfidentexpectationofthefuture.Inlikemanner,loveisalsoaDivinegift,andtheevidenceofthatprinciplebeinginanindividualisthathenowlovesGod,lovesHisChrist,lovesHisimageinHispeople.NotehowinRomans5wehavetheChristian’sfaith(v.1).hope(vv.4.5)andlove(v.5)—whicharethetheegreatdynamicsandregulatorsoftheChristianlife.

ThisDivinevirtuewhichiscommunicatedtotheheartsofallChristiansisthatwhichmovestheiraffectionstocleaveuntoGodinChristastheirsupremeGood,itisdesignated"theloveofGod"becauseHeistheBestowerofit,becauseHeistheObjectofit,andbecauseHeistheIncreaserandPerfecterofit.ItisfirststirreduntoactionordrawnouttoGod,thenthesoulapprehendsHisloveforhim,for"weloveGodbecausehefirstlovedus"(1John4:19),forsolongaswefearedthiswrathwehatedHim.Thisparticulargraceistheonewhichmostaffectstheothers:iftheheartbekeptrighttheheadwillnotgofarwrong;butwhenlovecools,everygracelanguishes.HencewefindtheapostleprayingfortheEphesiansaintsthattheymightbe"rootedandgroundedinlove"(3:17).AstheChristiangrowshelearnstoloveGodnotonlyforwhatHehasdoneforhimbutchieflyforwhatHeisinHimself—theinfinitelygloriousOne,theSunofallperfection.YetourloveforHimiseasilychilled—throughtheheart’sbeingturneduntootherobjects.Infact,ofallofourgracesthisoneisthemostsensitiveanddelicateandneedsthemostcherishingandguarding(Matthew24:12;Rev.2:5).

Theforceofwhathasjustbeenpointedoutappearsinthatexhortation"keepyourselvesintheloveofGod"(Jude21).Negatively,thatmeans,avoideverythingwhichwouldchillanddampenit:carelesslivingsoondullsoursenseofGod’slove.EschewwhateverwouldgrievetheSpiritortherebygiveHimoccasiontoconvictusofoursinsandoccupyuswithourwaywardness,insteadoftakingthethingsofChristandshowingthemuntous(John16:14).Shuntheembracesoftheworld,keepingyourselvesfromidols(1John5:21).Positively,itsignifies:usetheappointedmeansforkeepingyouraffectionswarmandlively,setonthingsabove.FamiliarizeyourselfwithGod’sHolyWord,regardingitasaseriesoflettersfromyourheavenlyFather.CultivatecommunionwithHimbyprayerandfrequentmeditationsonHisperfections.

KeepupafreshsenseofHisloveforyou,sunningyoursoulintheenjoymentofit.Aboveall,adherestrictlytothepathofobedience.WhentheLordJesusbadeus"continueyeinmylove"heatoncewentontoexplainhowwemaydoso:"Ifyekeepmycommandmentsyeshallabideinmylove;evenasIhavekeptmyFather’scommandmentsandabideinhislove"(John15:9,10;cf.1John5:3).

AdeeperandincreasingloveforGodisnottobeascertainedsomuchbyourconsciousnessofthesameasbytheevidencesitproduces.TherearemanywhosingandtalkabouthowmuchtheyloveChrist,buttheirwalkgivesthelietotheiravowals.OntheotherhandtherearesomewhobemoanthefeeblenessoftheirloveandthecoldnessoftheiraffectionswhoselivesmakeitmanifestthattheirheartsaretruetoHim.Feelingsarenosafecriterioninthismatter:itisconductwhichisthesurestindextoit.Moreoveritmustheborneinmindthattheholiestsaintwhoeverwalkedthisearth,whoenjoyedthemostintimatefellowshipwith’theLord,wouldbethefirsttoacknowledgeandbewailtheinadequacyofhisaffectionforHimwhoselovepassethknowledge.NeverthelessthereissuchathingasagrowingloveforGodinChrist,andthesameisdemonstratedbyastrongerbentofsoultowardHim,themindbeingmorestayeduponHim,theheartenjoyingmorecommunionwithHimandgreaterdelightinHim,andtheconscienceincreasinglyexercisedinourcaretopleaseHim.ThemorewearespirituallyengagedwithGod’sloveforus,themorewillouraffectionstoHimbeenflamed.

4.Spiritualgrowthconsistsofthestrengtheningandenlargingofourfaith.FaithisthegiftofGod(Eph.2:8),bywhichissignifiedthatitisaspiritualprinciple,graceorvirtuewhichHecommunicatestotheheartsofHiselectattheirregeneration.AndasHis"talents"arebestoweduponustotradewith,toprofitbyandincrease,sotheprincipleoffaithisgivenustouseandemploytothegloryofGod.ItsfirstactistobelieveChrist,trustinHim,andasColossians2:6bidsus,"AsyehavethereforereceivedChristJesustheLord,sowalkyeinHim."Thisisamostcomprehensiveandsummarizedexhortation,andwouldrequiremanydetailsinordertofurnishafullexplanationofit.Forexample,itmightbepointedoutthattheChristianiscalledupontowalkhumbly,dependently,submissivelyorobediently;yetalloftheseareincludedinfaithitself.Faithisahumblingandself-emptyinggrace,foritisthestretchingforthofthebeggar’shandtoreceiveGod’sbounty.Faithisanacknowledgmentofmyowninsufficiencyandneed,aleaninguponOnewhoismightytosave.FaithisalsoanactofthewithwherebyitsurrenderstotheauthorityofChristandreceivesHimasKingtoreignoverourheartsandlives.Thus,thoughthereismuchmoreinitthanthis,yettheprimeandessentialforceofColossians2:6is:

asyehavebecomeChristiansatthefirstbyanactoffaithinChristJesustheLord,continuetrustinginHimandletyourlifeberegulatedbyfaith—"walk"denotesprogressorgoingforward.

InHebrews10:38wearetold"nowthejustshalllivebyfaith."Averyelementarystatementisthat,yetonewhichisturnedintoaseriouserrorthemomentwetamperwithorchangeitspronoun.Wearenotjustifiedbecauseofourfaith,butbecauseoftheimputedrighteousnessofChrist,butthatrighteousnessisnotactuallyreckonedtoouraccountuntilwebelieve—instrumentallyweare"justifiedbyfaith"(Rom.5:1).Norarethejustifiedbiddento"liveupontheirfaith,"thoughmanyvainlytrytodoso.No,thebelieveristoliveuponChrist,yetitisonlybyfaiththathecandoso.Letusbeassimpleaspossible:Ibreakmyfastwithfood,yetIpartakeofthatfoodbymeansofaspoon.Ifeedmyself,yetitisthefoodandnotthespoonIeat.ItwassaidofEsau,"bythyswordshaltthoulive"(Gen.27:40),notonthysword—hecouldnoteatit.Esauwouldliveonwhathisswordbroughtin.TheChristianmakesaseriousblunderwhenheattemptstoliveuponthefaithhefancieshecanfindorfeelwithinhimself:ratherishetofeedupontheWord,andthishedoesonlysofarashisfaithisoperative—asfaithlaysholdofandappropriatesitsholyandblessedcontents.

"Nowthejustshalllivebyfaith"(Heb.10:28)maywellberegardedasthetextofthesermonwhichfollowsimmediatelyinthenextchapter,forinHebrews11weareshownatgreatlengthandinconsiderablevarietyofdetailhowtheOldTestamentsaintsexercisedthatGod-givenprinciple,howtheylivedbyfaith,andwroughtgreatwondersbyit.Nothingistheresaidoftheircourage,zeal,patience,butalltheirworksandtriumphsareattributedtofaith:thereasonforthisbeingthattheircourage,zeal,andpatiencewerethefruitsoffaith.Asitwaswiththem,soitiswithus:wearecalledto"walkbyfaith"(2Cor.5:7)andtheextenttowhichwedosowilldeterminethemeasureofsuccessorfailurewehaveinourChristianlives.AstheLordJesusdeclareduntothetwoblindbeggarswhobesoughtHismercy,"accordingtoyourfaithl)eituntoyou"(Matthew9:29)andtothefatherofthedemon-possessedchild"allthingsarepossibletohimthatbelieveth,"(Mark9:23).IfwearestraighteneditisnotinGodhutinourselves,forHeeverrespondstorelianceinandcountinguponHisintervention.HehasexpresslypromisedtohonorthosewhohonorHim,andnothinghonorsHimmorethanafirmandchildlikefaithinHim.

"ThelifewhichInowliveintheflesh,,IlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod,wholovedmeandgavehimselfforme"(Gal.2:20).SuchatestimonyfromthechiefoftheapostlesshowsustheplacewhichfaithhasintheChristianlife.This

expression"thefaithoftheSonofGod"signifiesthatHeisthegrandObjectoffaith,theOneonwhomitistobeexercised—whichshouldhelpthereadertoabetterunderstandingof"theloveofGod"inRomans5:5andourremarksthereon.TheChristian)lifeisessentiallyalifeoffaith,andinproportionashisfaithisnotoperativedoeshefailtolivetheChristianlife.AlifeoffaithconsistsoffaithbeingengagedwithChrist,drawingonhim,receivingfromHimthesupplyofeveryneed.ThelifeoffaithbeginsbylookingtoChrist,trustinginHim,relyingwhollyuponHimasourrighteousnessbeforeGod,anditiscontinuedbylookingtoandtrustinginHimforeverythingelse.FaithistolooktoChristforwisdomthatwemaybeabletounderstandallthatHehasrevealedconcerningGod,concerningourselves,salvation,andvariousduties.FaithistolayholdofHispreceptsandappropriateHispromises.Butmoreespecially,faithistolooktoChristforstrengthtoperformHispreceptsacceptably.Aswehavenorighteousnessofourown,sonostrength:weareasdependentuponHimfortheoneasfortheother,andeachisobtainedfromHimbyfaith.

ButatthismostvitalpointmanyoftheLord’speoplehavebeengrievouslymisled.UndertheguiseofdebasingthecreatureandexaltingDivinegrace,theyhavebeenmadetobelievethattheyarequitehelplessinthismatter:thatasGodaloneistheImparteroffaith,soHealoneistheIncreaserofit,andthattheyhavetomeeklysubmittoHiswillastothemeasureoffaithHebestowsorastowhatHewithholdsfromthem.Theconsequenceisthatsofarfromtheirfaithincreasing,theyareforthemostpartlefttospendtheirremainingdaysonearthinastatefullofdoubtingandfears.Andwhatisstillworse,manyofthemfeelticblameorreproachforthefeeblenessoftheirfaith,butinstead,blatantlyattributeittothesovereigntyofGod.Ifsuchpeoplerebukedagodlessdrunkardforhisintemperance,theywouldbejustlyshockedwerehetoreply"Godhasnotgivenincgracetoovercomemythirst";andyetwhentheyarereprovedfortheirunbelieftheyvirtuallychargeGodwithit,bysayingthatHehasnotgrantedthemalargermeasureoffaith.Whatawickedslander!WhatahorriblemisuseofthetruthofGod’ssovereigngrace!Theblameistheirs,andtheyshouldhonestlyacknowledgeitandpenitentlyconfessitbeforeHim.

ItisperfectlytruethatGodistheIncreaseraswellastheGiveroffaith,butitcertainlydoesnotfollowfromthisthatwehavenoresponsibilityinthematter.Thelittlenessandweaknessofmyfaithisentirelymyownfault:due,nottoGod’sunwillingnesstogivememore,buttomysinfulfailuretousewhatHehasalreadygivenme!tomynotcryingearnestlyuntoHim"Lord,increaseourfaith"(Luke17:5),andtomywoefulneglectinmakingaproperuseofthemeansHehasappointedformyobtaininganincreaseofit.Whenthediscipleswerefilled

withterrorofthetempestandawoketheirMaster,crying"carestthounotthatweperish"(Mark4:38),Hereprovedthemfortheirunbelief,saying"Whyareyefearful,Oyeoflittlefaith?"(Matthew8:26):thatwasfarfrominculcatingthedeadlydelusionthattheyhadnoresponsibilityconcerningthemeasureandstrengthoftheirfaith!OnanotheroccasionHesaidtoHisdisciples"Ofoolsandslowofhearttobelieve"(Luke24:25),whichplainlysignifiedthattheyweretoblamefortheirlackoffaithandweretobeadmonishedfortheirunbelief.

IfIhavesurrenderedmyselftotheLordshipofChristandtrustedinHimasanall-sufficientSaviour,thenChristismine,andImayknowHeismineupontheinfallibleauthorityofGod’sWord.SinceChristismine,thenitisbothmyprivilegeanddutytoobtainanincreasingknowledgeofandacquaintancewithHimthroughtheScriptures.Itismyprivilegeanddutyto"trustinhimatalltimes"(Ps.62:8),tomakeknowntoHimmyeveryneedandtocountuponHimtograciouslysupplythesame.ItismyprivilegeanddutytomakefulluseofChrist,toliveuponHim,todrawfromHisfulness(John1:16),tofreelyavailmyselfofHissufficiencytomeetmyeverywant.ItismyprivilegeanddutytostoreupHispreceptsandpromisesinmymemorythattheonemaydirectmyconductandtheothersupportmysoul.ItistheofficeoffaithtoobtainfromHimstrengthfortheformerandcomfortfromthelatter,expectingHimtomakegoodHisword"Ask,andyeshallreceive;seek,andyeshallfind;knock,anditshallbeopeneduntoyou(Matthew7:7).Itismyprivilegeanddutyto"mixfaith"(Heb.4:2)witheveryrecordedsentencethatfellfromhissacredlips,andaccordingasIdososhallIbe"nourishedup"(1Tim.4:6)—myfaithwillbefed,thrive,andbecomestronger.

Butontheotherhand,ifIwalkbysight,ifIconstantlytakemyeyesofftheirproperObject,andamallthetimelookingwithinatmycorruptions,Ishallgobackwardandnotforward.IfIammoreconcernedaboutmyinwardcomfortsthanIamaboutbyoutwardwalkinthepleasingofChrist,inearnestlyseekingtofollowtheexampleHehasleftme,thentheHolySpiritwillbegrievedandwillceasetakingofthethingsofChristandshowingthemuntome.IfIformthehabitofattemptingtoviewthepromisesofGodthroughthedarkenedandthicklensofmydifficulties,insteadoflookingatmydifficultiesinthelightofGod’spromisesthendefeatratherthanvictorywillinevitablyfollow.IfIturnmyeyesfrommyall-sufficientSaviourandamoccupiedwiththewindsandwavesofmycircumstances,thenlikePeterofoldIshallbegintosink.IfIdonotmakeitmydailyanddiligentbusinesstoresisttheworkingsofunbeliefinmyheartandcryouttoChristforstrengthtoenablemetodoso,thenfaithwillsurelysufferaneclipse,andthefaultwillbeentirelymyown.IfIneglectfeedingupon"the

wordsoffaithandgooddoctrine"(1Tim.4:6),thenmyfaith,willnecessarilybeweakandlanguishing.

WesayagainthattheChristianlifeisalifeoffaith,andjustsofarasthebelieverisnotactuatedbythisspiritualprincipledoeshefailatthemostvitalpoint.Butletitbesaidveryemphaticallythatalifeoffaithisnotthemysticalandnebulousthingwhichfartoomanyimagine,butanintenselypracticalone.NorisitthemonopolyofmenlikeGeorgeMullerandthosewhogoforthtopreachthegospelinforeignlandswithoutanyguaranteedsalaryorbelongingtoanyhumanorganization,trustingGodaloneforthesupplyoftheireveryneed;ratherisitthebirthrightandprivilegeofeverychildofGod.Norisitalifemadeupofecstasiesandrapturousexperiences,livedupintheclouds:no,itistobeworkedoutonthecommonlevelofeverydaylife.ThemanorwomanwhoseconductisregulatedbytheDivinepreceptsandwhoseheartissustainedbytheDivinepromises,whoperformshisorherordinarydutiesasuntotheLord,lookingtoHimforwisdom,strengthandpatienceforthedischargethereof,andwhocountsuponHisblessingonthesame,ishivingalifeoffaithastrulyasthemostzealousandself-sacrificingpreacher.

ItistruewemustbeonourguardagainstunwarrantablyexaltingthemeansandmakingthemasubstitutefortheLordHimself.Thedoctrine,thepreceptsandthepromisesofScripturearesomanywindowsthroughwhichwearetobeholdGod.ItisourprivilegeanddutytolooktoHimforHisblessinguponthemeans,andsinceHehasappointedthesametocountuponHimsanctifyingthemtous,expectingHimtomakethemeffectual.Butwemustconcludeourremarksuponthispointbymentioningsomeoftheevidencesofadeepeningandincreasingfaith.Itisaproofofastrongerandlargerfaith:whenthesoulismoreestablishedinthetruth;whenthereisasteadierconfidenceinGod;whenwemakegreateruseofthepromises;whenwearelessinfluencedandaffectedbywhatotherprofessingChristiansbelieve,restingoursoulsaloneona"thussaiththeLord"(1Cor.2:5);whenwelivemoreoutofourselvesandmoreuponChrist;whenmanyofHisunregeneratedisciplesareturningawayfromChristandHesays"Willyealsogoaway?"andwecananswer"towhomshallwego?Thouhastthewordsofeternallife"(John6:66-69);whenwehavebecomemoreconscientiousanddiligentintheperformingofourduties,forfaithisshownbyitsworks(James2:8).

5.Spiritualgrowthconsistsofadvancinginpersonalpiety.Thismatterwouldbesadlyincompleteifweomittedallreferencetoprogressinpracticalgodliness.Asvariousaspectsofthiswillcomebeforeusunderthenextbranchofoursubject,thereisthelessneednowtoenterintomuchdetail.Asthe

ChristianobtainsanenlargedspiritualapprehensionofGod’sperfections,notonlyishisheartincreasinglyaffectedbyHiswondrousgoodnessandgrace,butheismoreandmoreawedbyHishighsovereigntyandineffableholiness,sothathehasadeeperreverenceforHimandHisfearalargersphereinhisheart,everexertingamorepotentinfluenceinhisapproachestoHimandonhisdeportmentandconduct.Inlikemanner,astheChristianbecomesbetteracquaintedwiththeperson,offices,andworkofChrist,heobtainsnotonlyafullerrealizationofhowmuchheowestoHimandwhathehasinHim,butheismademoreandmoreconsciousofwhatisdueuntoHimandwhatbecomesonewhoisafolloweroftheLordofglory.Thebetterherealizesthatheis"nothisown,butboughtwithaprice,"themorewillheresolveandendeavortoglorifyGodinChrist"inhisbodyandinhisspirit"(1Cor.6:19,20).longingmoreardentlyforthetimewhenhewillbeabletodosowithoutletorhindrance.

5.ItsAnalogy

I.An"analogy"isanagreementorcorrespondenceincertainrespects

betweenthingswhichotherwisediffer,andjustasitisoftenanaidtoobtainingtheforceofawordbyconsideringitssynonyms,soitfrequentlyhelpsustoabetterunderstandingofasubjectorobjecttocompareitwithanotherandascertaintheanalogybetweenthem.ThismethodwasfrequentlyusedbyourLordinHispublicleaching,whenHelikenedthe"Kingdomofheaven"toaconsiderablevarietyofthings.ThesameprincipleisillustratedbythefigurativenameswhichScripturegivestothepeopleofGod.Forexample,theyarecalled"sheep,"andthatnotonlybecauseoftherelationwhichtheysustaintoChristtheirShepherd,butalsobecausetherearemanyresemblancesbetweentheoneandtheother,GodhavingdesignedthatindifferentrespectsthisanimalmorethananyothershouldshadowforththenatureandcharacterofaChristian.Muchvaluableinstructionisobtainedbytracingthoseresemblances.ThesameDivinewisdomwhichdesignatedourSaviourboth"theLamb"and"theLion"wasexercisedinselectingthevariousobjectsandcreaturesafterwhichHischildrenarefigurativelynamed,anditbehoovesustofollowouttheanalogybetweenthemandlearnthelessonstheyareintendedinimpart.

"Thattheymighthecalledthetreesofrighteousness,theplantingoftheLord"(Isa.63:1).BothintheOldTestamentandintheNewthissimilitudeisusedofthesaints.ThePsalmistdeclared"IamlikeagreenolivetreeinthehouseofGod"(52:8)andaffirmed"Therighteousshallflourishlikethepalmtree,heshallgrowlikeacedarinLebanon.ThosethatbeplantedinthehouseoftheLordshallflourish"(92:12,13).OurSaviouremployedthesamefigurewhenHesaid"Everygoodtreebringethforthgoodfruit,"andagain,"Eithermakethetreegoodandhisfruitgood,orelsemakethetreecorruptandhisfruitcorrupt:forthetreeisknownbyhisfruit"(Matthew7:17;12:23)—thuseverypassagewhere"fruit"ismentionedisalsoanextensionofthesameemblem.InRomans11theapostlelikenedthenationofIsraeltoa"goodolivetree"andChristendomto"awildolivetree"(vv.24,17)inconnectionwiththeirtestimonybeforetheworld.TheSaviourHimselfwastermed"theBranchoftheLord"andasOnewhoshouldgrowupbeforehim"asatenderplantandasarootoutofadryground"(Isa.4:2;53:2),whileHeresembledHimselfandHispeopleincommunionwithHimto"thetruevine"(John15:1).

NowitshouldbeobviousfromthefrequencywithwhichthissimilitudeisusedintheScripturesthatitmustbeapeculiarlyinstructiveone.Someofthemoreprominentresemblancesarequicklyapparent.Forexample,theirattractiveness.Howthecountrysideandthemountainslopesarebeautifiedbythetrees.AndwhatissolovelyinthehumanrealmasthosewhobeartheimageofChristandshowforthHispraises!Theymaybedespisedbytheunregenerate,buttoananointedeyeGod’schildrenare"theexcellentofalltheearth,"andhowtheyberegardedbyHimwhoseworkmanshiptheyareisrevealedinthosewords"hisbeautyshallheastheolivetree"(Hos.14:6).So,too,theirusefulness.Treesprovideahabitationforthebirds,shadefortheearth,nourishmentforthecreature,materialforbuilding,fuelforthereliefofmanagainstthecold.Many,too,aretheuseswhichGodmakesofHispeopleinthisworld.Amongotherthingspredicatedofthem,theyare"thesaltoftheearth"—preservingthebodypoliticfromgoingtoutterputrefaction.

Beforeturningtothatwhichbearsmostcloselyuponourpresentthemeitshouldbeparticularlynotedthatitisnotwildbutcultivatedtreeswhichisthesimilitudeused."BlessedisthemanthattrustethintheLord...forheshallbelikeatreeplantedbythewaters"(Jer17:7,8).Observehowfrequentlythisword"planted"occurs:"whichtheLordhathplanted"(Num.24:6)andcomparePsalm92:13,14;104:16;Isaiah61:3.TheyarethepropertyoftheHeavenlyHusbandman(John15:1;1Cor.3:7-9)andtheobjectsofHiscare.ThatitiswhichgivessuchsolemnforcetoourLord’swords"everyplantwhichmyheavenlyFatherhathriotplantedshallberootedup(Matthew15:13).Thisfigureofthesaintsbeing"planted"byGod—transferredfromonesoilorpositiontoanother—hasatleastathreefoldreference.First,toGod’seternaldecree,whenHetookthemoutofthecreaturemassandchosetheminChrist(Eph.1:3).Second,totheirregeneration,whenlieliftsthemoutoftherealmofdeathandmakesthem"newcreaturesinChrist"(2Cor.5:17).Third,totheirtranslation,whentheyareremovedfromearthandplantedinHiscelestialParadise.Butitisthegrowthof"trees"wemustnowconsider.

1.Theyhavetheprincipleofgrowthwithinthemselves.Treesdonotgrowspontaneouslyandimmediatelyfromexternalfurtherances,butfromtheirownseminalvirtueandradicalsap.AnditisthuswiththespiritualgrowthofChristians.AtregenerationaDivine"seed"isplantedinhisheart(1Peter1:23;1John3:9)andthat"seed"containswithinitselfalivingprincipleofgrowth.Wecannotdefinethat"seed"morecloselythantosayanewlifeorspiritualnaturehasbeencommunicatedtotheonebornagain.ItisthatwhichdistinguishesthelivingchildrenofGodfromthelifelessprofessionallaroundthem.Thelatter

mayfromexternalinfluences—suchastheappealsandexhortationsofpreachers,theexampleofChristians,thenaturalconvictionsproducedfromreadingtheWord—beinducedtoperformalltheoutwarddutiesofChristianity,butsincetheirworksissuenotfromaprincipleofspirituallifeinthesoul,theyarenotthefruitsofholiness.ThatspiritualprincipleorDivinegraceimpartedisdescribedbyChristas"thewater"whichHegivesandwhichbecomeswithinitspossessor"awellofwaterspringingupintoeverlastinglife"(John4:14).ThusitisthenatureofChristianstogrowasitisoftreeswiththeseminalprinciplewithinthemtodolikewise.Thetreebearingfruitwhoseseedisinitself"(Gen.1:12)—firstreferenceto"trees"!

2.Theymustbewateredfromabove.ThoughtreeshavewithinthemselvesavitalprincipleyettheyarenotindependentofprovisionfromtheirCreator,beingfarfromself-sustaining.Theirgrowthisnotsomethinginevitablebyvirtueoftheirownseminalpower,forinaprotracteddroughttheywitheranddecay.Hence,whenScripturespeaksofthegrowthoftreesitiscarefultoascribeituntoGod’swateringofthem."Iwillpourwateruponhimthatisthirstyandshowersuponthedryground[interpretedby],IwillpouroutmySpirituponthyseedandmyblessinguponthineoffspring;andtheyshallspringupasamongthegrass,aswillowsbythewatercourses"(Isa.44:3,4)."IwillbeasthedewuntoIsrael:heshallgrowupasthelilyandcastforthhisrootsasLebanon"(Hos.14:5).OnlyasGodwatersvegetationwillitthriveorevensurvive.Itissospiritually.TheChristianisnotself-sufficientandindependentofGod.Thoughhehasanaturecapableofgrowth,iflefttoitselfthatnaturewoulddie,foritisonlyacreature,eventhougha"newcreature."Hencethebelieverneedstobe"renewedintheinnermandaybyday"(2Cor.4:16).

3.Theygrowsilentlyandimperceptibly.Thedevelopmentofthesmallsaplingintothetoweringtreeisaprocessveiledinsecrecy."SoisthekingdomofGod:asifamancastseedintotheground,andshouldsleep,andrisenightandday,andtheseedshouldspringupandgrow,heknowethnothow"(Mark4:26,27).Thegrowingofthefreecannotbediscernedbythekeenesteye,exceptbytheconsequencesandeffectsofit.Itisequallythuswithspiritualgrowth:itisunrecognizabletoeitherourselvesorothers.Nomatterhowcloselyweobservethemarkingsofourheartsorhowintrospectivebecomesourviewpoint,wecannotperceivetheactualprocess.ItisseenonlybyHimbywhomitiswrought.Neverthelessitismademanifestbyitseffectsandfruits:inthecaseofsomemoreclearlythanothers.Butthoughtheprocessbesecretthemeansareplain:inthecaseoftrees—nourishmentfromthesoil,moisturefromtheclouds,lightandheatfromthesun.SowiththeChristian:"meditateonthese

things,givethyselfwhollytothem,thatthyprofitingmayappeartoall"(1Tim.4:15)—thatthyspiritualgrowthmaybeevidenttothoseaboutthee.

4.Theygrowgradually.Inthecaseofsometreesitisaveryslowexperience;withothersmaturityisreachedmorequickly.Henceinonepassagethegrowthofbelieversislikeneduntothatofa"cedar"(Ps.92:12),whereasinanother—wherearecoveredbacksliderisinview—itissaid,"heshallgrowasthelily"(Hos.14:5).Butinthemajorityofcasesthedevelopmentofspirituallifeinthesaintsisaprotractedprocess,beingcarriedonbydegrees,orastheprophetexpressedit,"Forpreceptmustbeuponprecept,preceptuponprecept;lineuponline,lineuponline;herealittleandtherealittle"(Isa.28:10).Ourspiritualgrowthisproducedandpromotedbythegracious,wise,patient,andfaithfuloperationsoftheHolySpirit.NorealChristianiseversatisfiedwithhisgrowth:farfromit,forheispainfullyconsciousofwhatlittleprogresshehasmadeandhowfarshortofGod’sstandardhecomes.Nevertheless,ifheusestheappointedmeansandavoidsthehindrances,hewillgrow.Butletusnowendeavortopresenttheanalogymoreclosely.

First,thegrowthofatreeisupward.Thevitalprinciplewithinitisdrawnoutuntothesunabove,attractedbyitsrays.Thoughrootedintheearthitsnatureistomovetowardheaven,slowlybutsurelyliftingitsheadhigherandhigher.Thusthegrowthofatreeisascertainedfirstandmaybemeasuredbyitsupwardprogress.Anddoesnottheanalogyholdgoodinthespiritualrealm?isitnotthuswiththesaint?ItistheverynatureofthatnewlifewhichhereceivedatregenerationtoturnuntoitsGiver.ThefirstevidenceofthatlifebeingimpartedtothesoulishisseekinguntoGodinChrist.TheneedofHimisnowfelt;Hissuitabilityisnowperceived,andtheheartisdrawnoutuntoHim.Asyethemaynotbeableintelligentlytoarticulatethenewborndesireinhisheart,yetifthatdesirewereputintoScripturallanguageitwouldbeexpressedthus:"Asthehartpantethafterthewaterbrooks,sopantethmysoulafterthee,OGod"(Ps.42:1),fornoneelsecannowsatisfythenewly-createdthirstwithinhim.Inviewofthelasttwochaptersthereislessneedforustodevelopthisatlength.

Thehigherthetopofatreereachestowardheaventhefurtherfromtheearthdoesitmove.Ponderthat,myreader,foritisaparableinaction.Beforeregenerationyourheartwaswhollysetuponthisworldandwhatitprovidesforitsdevotees;butwhenyourheartwassuper-naturallyilluminedandyoubeheld"thelightoftheknowledgeofthegloryofGodinthefaceofJesusChrist"(2Cor.4:6)thespellwasbroken,andyoucouldnolongerbecontentwiththeperishingbaubleswhichhithertoenthralledyou.True,the"flesh"maystilllustafterthem,andifyouyieldtotheirsolicitationsyourpeaceandjoywillhe

dampened,andforaseasondisappointmentandsorrowwillbeyourportion;yetthereisthatwithinyounowthatisnolongercontentedwithchildishtoysandthatseeksaftertheOnewhobestowedthatnewnature.Itisthenormalthingforthatspirituallifetogrow,andifitdoesnot,youarelivingfarbelowyourprivileges.SuchupwardgrowthwillconsistofstrongeryearningsafterGod,moreconstantandfrequentseekingsafterHim,acloseracquaintancewithHim,awarmerloveforHim,moreintimatecommunionwithHim,afullerconformitytoHim,andadeeperjoyinHim.

AsthebelievergrowsGodwardHisglorybecomesmoreandmorehisconcernandthepleasingofHiminallhiswaysthemainbusinessofhislife,sothatheperformsevencommondutieswithaneyeincreasinglyuponHim.OurpersonalandexperimentalknowledgeofGodincreasesbyour"followingon"toknowHim(Hos.6:3),forthemoreweseektodoHiswillthebetterwecometounderstand(John7:17)andadmirethesame.Truthisthensealedonthemind,theunderstandingismorequickenedinthefearoftheLord,andourrelishofGod’swaysisintensified.HolyActsbecomeholyhabitsandwhatwasatfirstdifficultandirksomebecomeseasyandpleasant.Themorewe"exerciseourselvesuntogodliness"(1Tim,4:7)themoreweareadmittedintoitssecrets.Fromadimperceptionofspiritualmysterieswegraduallyattainunto"allrichesoffullassuranceofunderstanding"(Col.2:2)ofthem.Themoreweareweanedfromtheworld,thekeenerrelishdowehaveforspiritualthingsandthesweeterdotheybecometoourtaste.AsGodisbetterknown,ourloveforHimincreasesandwesetahigheresteemonHim,agreaterdelightinHimisexperiencedandmoreandmoretheheartpantsafterafullfruitionofHiminglory.

NotthatthebelievereverreachesapointwhereheissatisfiedwithhisknowledgeofGodorpleasedwithhisloveforHim.Therecouldbenomorelamentableproofofspiritualdeadnessandfatalself-deceptionthanaself-complacentviewofourloveforGod.Ontheotherhand,equallyunwarrantableisittoconcludewearenotthechildrenofGodatallbecauseourloveforHimissofeebleandfaulty.Itisnottheloveofanaturalsonforhisfatherwhichconstituteshimhischild,thoughfilialloveisthepropereffectofthatrelationship.Anexaltedconceptionofthecharacteroftheparentandofthesacrednessoftherelationshipwillrenderanaffectionatechilddissatisfiedwithhimselfandcausehimtodeclare"IreproachmyselfdailythatIlovemyfathersolittle,andIcanneverrepayhimasIought."Thatwouldbethelanguageoffilialrelation.Yethewouldnotbewarrantedinarguing,BecauseIdonotlovehimasIought,Icannotbehischild;orbecauseIlovehimsolittle,Iquestionverymuchifhelovesmeatall."Thenwhyreasonthusinconnectionwithour

heavenlyFather!Summingupthisaspectwemaysaythat,theupwardgrowthofabelieverisexpressedbyhisheavenlymindednessandthemeasureinwhichhisaffectionsaresetuponthingsabove.

Second,thegrowthofatreeisdownward.Ittakesafirmerholdofthesoil.Moreparticularlyisthatthecaseinhotcountries,fortherethetaprootofatreehastopenetratedeeperanddeeperintotheearthinordertofinditsneededmoisture.AnallusiontothisaspectofouranalogyisfoundinHosea14:6wheretheLordpromisesIsraelthatheshall"castforth[or,better,‘strike’—seemargin]hisrootsasLebanon,"thatis,asthecedarsofLebanonstrucktheirrootsdeeperintothemountainslopes—cf."hissmellasLebanon"inthenextversewheretheobviousreferenceistothefragrantaromaofthecedars.Thespiritualcounterpartofthisisfoundinsuchexpressionsas"beingrootedandgroundedinlove"(Eph.3:17)and"continueinthefaith,groundedandsettled"(Col.1:23),thetwothingsbeingbroughttogetherin"rootedandbuiltupinhimandestablishedinthefaith"(Col.2:7),whichallspeakinthelanguageofourpresentsimilitude.

AsthebelievergrowsspirituallyhetakesafirmergriponChristand"laysholdoneternallife"(1Tim.6:12),nolongertouchingmerely"thehemofhisgarment."HebecomesmoresettledinhisknowledgeandenjoymentoftheSaviour’sloveandisestablishedmoresecurelyinthefaithsothatheislessliabletobe"tossedtoandfroandcarriedaboutwitheverywindofdoctrinebytheslightofmenandcunningcraftinesswherebytheylieinwaittodeceive"(Eph.4:21).Theyoungsaplinghasbutashallowandfeeblegripontheearthandisthereforeingreaterdangerofbeinguprootedbystormsandgales;buttheoldertree,whichhassurvivedthehostilewinds,hastakendeeperrootandismoresecure,Soitisspiritually;theyoungChristianismoresusceptibletoerroneousteachings,butthosewhoarematureandestablishedinthetruthdiscernandrefusehumanfables.ThemorewearerootedintheloveofChrist,governedbythefearofGod,andhaveHisWorddwellingrichlyinus,thelessshallwebeswayedbythefearofman,thecustomsoftheworld,ortheassaultsofSatan.

Butmorespecifically:thedownwardgrowthofaChristianconsistsinincreasinghumilityorbecomingmoreandmoreoutoflovewithhimself.AndthisofnecessityforinexactratiotohisrealgrowthGodwardwillbehisgrowthdownward.Themorewegrowupward,thatis,themorewetakeintoourrenewedmindsspiritualapprehensionsoftheperfectionsofGod,theexcellencyoftheMediatorandthemeritsofHiswork,themorearewemadeconsciousofwhatisduetheOneandtheOther,andthemoredeeplydowefeelwhatapoorreturnwehavemadeuntothem.Ifitbesomethingdeeperandmoreinfluential

thanamerelyspeculativeortheoreticalknowledgeoftheFatherandtheSon,ifinsteadwebegrantedanexperimental,vital,andaffectingknowledgeofthem,thenshallwehemadethoroughlyashamedofourselves,whollydissatisfiedwithourlove,ourdevotion,ourconformitytotheirimage.Suchknowledgewillhumbleusintothedust,makinguspainfullysensibleofthecoldnessofourhearts,thefeeblenessofourgraces,theleannessofoursouls,andthecorruptionswhichstillindwellus.

Themoreatreegrowsdownward,thedeeperitsrootsbecomeimbeddedintheearth,themorefirmlyitisfixedandthestrongeritbecomes,havingagreaterpowertoresisttheforceofthetempest.Itisneithertheheightnorthegirthofthetree,butthedepthsofitsrootsanditsclingingtothegroundwhichgivesitstabilityandsecurity.Soitisspiritually.Forthebelievertogrowdownwardisforhimtohavelessandlessconfidenceinanddependenceuponhimself:"whenIamweak,thenamIstrong";foraconsciousnessofmyweaknesscausesmetoturnmoreandmoreuntoGodandclingtoHim."OourGod,wiltthounotjudgethem,forwehavenomightagainstthisgreatcompanythatcomethagainstus;neitherknowwewhattodo:butoureyesareuponthee"(2Chron.20:12)—thatwasthelanguageofonewhohadgrowndownward.

II.WehavestatedthatincreasinghumilityinaChristiancorrespondstothe

downwardgrowthofatree.Astheupwardgrowthofatreeisaccompaniedbyitsbecomingmoredeeplyrootedintheground,sotheChristian’sacquaintancewith,lovefor,anddelightinGod,issuesinadeeperself-depreciationandself-detestation.IftheknowledgewehaveacquiredoftheTruthorifwhatwetermour"Christianexperience"hasmadeusthinkmorehighlyofourselvesandbetterpleasedwithourattainmentsandperformances,thenthatisasureproofwearecompletelydeceivedinimaginingwehavemadeanyrealgrowthupward.ThegranddesignoftheScripturesistoexaltGodandhumbleman,andthemoreweexperimentallyorspirituallyknowGodthelessweshallthinkofourselvesandthelowerplaceshallwetakebeforehim.Theknowledgewhich"puffethup"ismerelyanintellectualorspeculativeone,butthatwhichtheSpiritimpartscausesitsrecipientfeelinglytoown"IknownothingyetasIoughttoknow"(1Cor.8:2).

ThemorethesoulconverseswithGodandthemoreitperceivesHissovereigntyandmajesty,themorewillheexclaimwithAbraham,"Iamdustandashes"(Gen.18:27).ThemorethebelieverisgrantedaspiritualviewoftheDivineperfections,themorewillheacknowledgewithJob,"Iabhormyself"

(42:5).ThemorethesaintapprehendstheineffableholinessoftheLord,themorewillhedeclarewithIsaiah,"Woeisme?forIamundone,becauseIamamanofuncleanlips"(6:5).ThemoreheisoccupiedwiththeperfectionsofChrist,themorewillhefindwithDaniel,"mycomelinesswasturnedinmeintocorruption,andIretainednostrength"(10:8).ThemorehediscernstheexaltedspiritualityofGod’slaw,andhowlittlehisinnermanisconformedthereto,themorewillhegroaninconcertwithPaul,"OwretchedmanthatIam!whoshalldelivermefromthebodyofthisdeath"(Rom.7:24).InGod’slightweseeourselves,discoverthehorriblecorruptionsofourverynature,mournovertheplagueofourownheart(1Kings8:38),andmarvelatthecontinuedlongsufferanceofGoduntous.

Thetrulyhumblepersonisnottheonewhotalksmostofhisownunworthinessandisfrequentlytellingofhowsuchandsuchanexperienceabasedhimtothedust."Therearemanythatarefullofexpressionsoftheirownvileness,whoyetexpecttobelookeduponaseminentsaintsbyothersastheirdue;anditisdangerousforanysomuchastohintthecontraryortocarryittowardsthemanyotherwisethanasifwelookeduponthemassomeofthechiefofChristians.Therearemanythataremuchincryingouttheirwickedheartsandtheirgreatshort-comingsandunprofitableness,andspeakingofthemselvesasthoughtheylookedonthemselvesasthemeanestofthesaints;whoyet,ifaministershouldseriouslytellthemthesamethingsinprivate,andshouldsignifythathefearedtheywereverylowandweakChristiansandthattheyhadreasonsolemnlytoconsideroftheirgreatbarrennessandunprofitablenessandfallingsomuchshortofmanyothers,itwouldbemorethantheycoulddigest.Theywouldthinkthemselveshighlyinjuredandtherewouldbedangerofarootedprejudiceinthemagainstsuchaminister."(JonathanEdwards)

Thesamewriterdefinedevangelicalhumilityasthe"sensethataChristianhasofhisownutterinsufficiency,despicablenessandodiousness,withananswerableframeofheart."Thatanswerableframeofheartconsistsofbeing"poorinspirit,"asenseofdeepneed,arealizationofsinfulnessandhelplessness.Thenaturalmancompareshimselfwithhisfellowsandprideshimselfthatheisatleastasgoodashisneighbors.ButtheregeneratepersonmeasureshimselfbytheexaltedstandardwhichGodhassetbeforehim,andwhichisperfectlyexemplifiedintheexampleChristhaslefthimthatheshould"followHissteps;"andashediscovershowlamentablyhefallsshortofthatstandardandhow"faroff"hefollowsChrist,heisfilledwithshameandcontrition.Thisemptieshimofself-righteousnessandcauseshimtodependwhollyonthefinishedworkofChrist.Itmakeshimconsciousofhisweakness

andfearfulthathewillsufferasadfall,andthereforehelooksaboveforhelpandcries,"HoldthoumeupandIshallbesafe"(Ps.119:117),ThusthetrulyhumblepersonistheonewholivesmostoutsideofhimselfonChrist.

Thisbringsustothoseoft-quotedbutwefearlittle-understoodwords,"growingrace"(2Peter3:18).GrowthingraceisonlytoofrequentlyconfusedwiththedevelopmentoftheChristian’sgraces.Thatiswhyweselectedadifferenttitleforthisbookthantheonecommonlyaccordedthesubject.GrowthingraceisbutoneaspectorpartofspiritualgrowthandChristianprogress.Whenaministeraskedasimplecountrysidewomanwhatwasherconceptof"growingingrace,"shereplied,"AChristian’sgrowthingraceislikethegrowthofacow’stail."Puzzledatherreply,heaskedforanexplanation.Whereuponshesaid,"Themoreacow’stailgrows,theneareritcomestotheground;andthemoreaChristiangrowsingrace,themoredoeshetakehisplaceinthedustbeforeGod."Ah,shehadbeentaughtfromabovesomethingwithwhichmanyaneminenttheologianandcommentatorisunacquainted.Growthingraceisagrowthdownward:itistheformingofalowerestimateofourselves;itisadeepeningrealizationofournothingness;itisaheartfeltrecognitionthatwearenotworthyoftheleastofGod’smercies.

Whatisittoenterintoapersonalexperienceofsavinggrace?IsitnotafeelingmydeepneedofChristandtheconsequentperceptionofHisperfectsuitabilitytomydesperatecase?—tobeacutelyconsciousthatIam"sick"insoulandthebetakingofmyselftothegreat"Physician"?Ifso,thenmustnotanyadvancementingraceconsistofanintensificationofthesameexperience,aclearerandfullerrealizationofmyneedofChrist?AndsuchgrowthingraceresultsfromacloseracquaintanceandfellowshipwithHim:"GraceandpeacebemultiplieduntoyouthroughtheknowledgeofGodandofJesusourLord"(2Peter1:2)—thatis,avitalpractical,effectualknowledgeofHim.InHislightweseelight:webecomebetteracquaintedwithourselves,moreawareofourtotaldepravity,moreconsciousoftheworkingsofourcorruptions.Graceisfavorshowntotheundeserving;andthemorewegrowingracethemoreweperceiveourundeservingness,themorewefeelourneedofgrace,themoresensibleweareofourindebtednesstotheGodofallgrace.TherebyarewetaughttowalkwithGodandtomakemoreandmoreuseofChrist.

EveryChristianreaderwillagreethatifevertherewasonechildofGodwhomorethanothers"grewingrace"itwastheapostlePaul;andyetobservehowhesaid"Notthatwearesufficientofourselves,tothinkanythingasofourselves"(2Cor.3:5);andagain,"bythegraceofGodIamwhatIam"(1Cor.15:10).Whatbreathingsofhumilitywerethose!Butwecanappealtoan

infinitelyhigherandmoreperfectexample.OftheLordJesusitissaidthathewas"fullofgraceandtruth"(John1:14),andyetHedeclared"Takemyyokeuponyouandlearnofme,forIammeekandlowlyinheart"(Matthew11:29).Doesthereaderdetectaslipofthepeninthelastsentence?SinceChristwas"fullofgraceandtruth"weshouldhavesaid"therefore[andnot‘yet’]hedeclared,‘learnofme,forIammeekandlowlyinheart’—thelatterwastheevidenceoftheformer!Yes,so"meekandlowlyinheart"wasHethat,thoughtheLordofglory,HedeclinednottoperformthemenialtaskofwashingthefeetofHisdisciples!AndinproportionaswelearnofHimshallwebecomemeekandlowlyinheart.Hence"andtheknowledgeofourLordJesusChrist"isexplanatoryof"growingrace"in2Peter3:18.

TruehumilitydwellsonlyinaheartwhichhasbeensupernaturallyenlightenedofGodandwhichhasexperimentallylearnedofChrist,andthemorethesoullearnsofChristthemorelowlywillitbecome.Eveninnaturalthingsitisthenoviceandnotthesavantwhoisthemostconceited.Asmatteringoftheartsandsciencesfillsitsyouthfulpossessorwithanexaltedestimateofhiswisdom,butthefurtherheprosecuteshisstudiesthemoreconsciouswillhebecomeofhisignorance.Muchmoresoisthisthecasewithspiritualthings.AnunregeneratepersonwhobecomesfamiliarwiththeletteroftheTruthimagineshehasmadegreatprogressinreligion;butaregeneratepersonevenafterfiftyyearsintheschoolofChristdeemshimselfaverybabeinspirituality.Themoreasoulgrowsingrace,themoredoeshegrowoutoflovewithhimself.InoneofhisearlyepistlesPaulsaid,"Iamtheleastoftheapostles"(1Cor.15:9);inalater,"whoamlessthantheleastofallsaints"(Eph.3:8);inoneofhislast,"sinners,ofwhomIamchief!"(1Tim.1:15)

Third,treesgrowinwardly.Thisbringsustowhatisadmittedlythehardestpartofoursubject.Wehavenevermadeastudyofbotany,andeventhoughwehaditisdoubtfulifitwouldstandusinmuchsteadonthispoint.Thattheremustbeaninwardgrowthofthetreeisobvious,thoughexactlywhatitconsistsofisanothermatter.Yetthatneednotsurpriseus,foriftheanalogyholdsgoodheretoo,isnotthisuncertaintyjustwhatweshouldexpect?IsnottheinwardgrowthofaChristianthataspectofhisprogresswhichisthemostdifficulttodefine,describe,andstillmoresotoputintopractice?Unlessthetreegrowsinwardlyitwouldnotgrowinanyotherdirection,foritsoutwardgrowthisbutthedevelopmentandmanifestationofitsvitalorseminalprinciple.Wemustfallbackthenongeneralprinciplesandexercisealittlecommonsense,andsay:theinwardgrowthofatreeconsistsofanincreaseofitssap,aresistingofthatwhichwouldinjure,andthetougheningofitstissues.

Thesapisthevitaljuiceofallplantsanditsfreecirculationthedeterminerofitshealthandgrowth.TheanalogyofthisintheChristianisthegraceofGodcommunicatedtohissoul,andhisspiritualprogressisfundamentallydeterminedbyhisreceivingfreshsuppliesofgrace.AtregenerationGoddoesnotimparttousasupplyofgracesufficientfortheremainderofourlives:instead,HehasmadeChristtobethegrandFountainofallgrace,andwearcrequiredtocontinuebetakingourselvestoHimforfreshsupplies.TheLordJesushasissuedafreeinvitation:"Ifanymanthirst,lethimcomeuntome,anddrink"(John7:37),whichmustnotberestrictedtoourfirstapproach.AslongastheChristianremainsonearthheisasneedyaswhenhedrewhisfirstspiritualbreath,andhisneedissuppliedinnootherwaythanbyhiscomingtoChristdailyforfreshsuppliesofHisgrace.Christis"fullofgrace,"andthatfulnessisavailableforHispeopletodrawfrom(Heb.4:16)."Hegivethmoregrace...untothehumble"(James4:6),thatis,tothosewho"thirst,"whoareconsciousoftheirneedandwhopresentthemselvesasemptyvesselstobereplenished.

Butthereisanotherprinciplewhichoperatesandregulatesourobtainingfurthersuppliesofgrace:"Foruntoeveryonethathathshallbegivenandheshallhaveabundance"(Matthew25:29;cf.Luke8:18).Thecontextshowsthattheonewho"hath"ishewhohastradedwithwhathadbeenbestoweduponhim:inotherwords,thewaytoobtainmoregraceistomakearightandgooduseofwhatwealreadyhave.WhyshouldChristgivemoreifwehavenotimprovedwhatHepreviouslycommunicated?Faithbecomesstrongerbyexercisingit.AndhowdoestheChristianmakeagooduseofgrace?Byheedingthatall-importantinjunction,"Keepthyheartwithalldiligence,foroutofitaretheissuesoflife"(Prov.4:23).ThisisthegreattaskwhichGodhasassignedtoeachofHischildren.The"heart"signifiesthewholeinnerman—the"hiddenmanoftheheart"(1Peter3:4).Itisthatwhichcontrolsandgivescharactertoallthatwebecomeanddo.Themaniswhathisheartis,for"ashethinkethinhisheart,soishe"(Prov.23:7).ToguardandgarrisontheheartisthegrandworkGodhasappointedus:theenablementisHis,butthedutyisours.

Negatively,thekeepingoftheheartwithalldiligencesignifies,excludingfromitallthatisopposedtoGod.Itmeanskeepingtheimaginationfreefromvanity,theunderstandingfromerror,thewillfromperverseness,theconscienceclearfromallguilt,theaffectionsfrombeinginordinateandsetonevilobjects,theinnermanfrombeingdominatedbysinandSatan.Inaworditmeans,tomortifythe"flesh"withinus,withallitsaffectionsandlusts;toresistevilimaginations,nippingtheminthebud;tostriveagainsttheswellingsofpride,theworkingsofunbelief;toswimagainstthetideoftheworld;torejectthe

solicitationsoftheDevil.Thisistobeourconstantconcernandceaselessendeavor.Itmeanstokeeptheconsciencetendertosininitsfirstapproach.Itmeanslookingdiligentlyafteritscleansingwhenithasbeendefiled.Forallofthismuchprayerisrequired,earnestseekingofGod’sassistance,Hissupernaturalaid;andifitbesoughttrustfullyitwillnotbesoughtinvain,foritisthegraceofGodwhichteachesustodeny"ungodlinessandworldlylusts"(Titus2:11,12).

Positively,thekeepingofourheartswithalldiligencesignifies,thecultivationofourspiritualgraces—called"thefruitofthespirit"(Gal.5:22,23).Forthehealth,vigor,exerciseandmanifestationofthosegracesweareaccountable.Theyarelikesomanytenderplantswhichwillnotthriveunlesstheyaregivenmuchattention.Theyarelikesomanytendrilsonavinewhichmustbeliftedfromtrailingontheground,prunedandsprayed,iftheyaretobefruitful.Theyarelikesomanysaplingsinthenurserywhichneedrichsoil,regularwatering,thewarmthofthesun,iftheyaretothrive.GocarefullyovertheninefoldlistgiveninGalatians5:22,23andthenhonestlyaskthequestion,WhatsincereeffortamIreallymakingtocultivate,tofoster,todevelopthosegraces?Comparetoothesevenfoldlistof2Peter1:5-7andputtoyourselfasimilarinquiry.WhenyourgracesarelivelyandflourishingandChristdrawsnear,youwillbeabletosay"myBelovedisgonedownintohisgardentothebedsofspices,tofeedinthegardensandtogatherlilies"(SongofSol.6:2).Godesteemsnothingsohighlyasholyfaith,unfeignedlove,andfilialfear(cf.1Peter3:4;1Tim.1:5).

"Manlookethontheoutwardappearance,buttheLordlookethontheheart"(1Sam.16:7).Isthatsufficientlyrealizedbyus?Ifitis,thenwearemakingitourchiefconcerntokeepourheartswithalldiligence."Myson,givemethineheart"(Prov.23:26):untilthatbedone,Godwillacceptnothingfromyou.Theprayersandpraisesofourlips,theofferingsandlaborsofourhands,yea,acorrectoutwardwalk,arethingsofnovalueinHissightunlesstheheartbeatstruetoHim.NorwillHeacceptadividedheart.AndifIhavereallygivenHimmyheart,thenitistobekeptforHim,itmustbedevotedtoHim,itmustbesuitedtoHim.Ah,myreader,thereismuchheadreligion,muchhandreligion—busilyengagedinwhatistermed"Christianservice,andmuchfeetreligion—rushingaroundfromonemeeting,"BibleConference,""Communion"toanother,butwherearethosewhomakeconscienceofkeepingtheirhearts!Theheartoftheemptyprofessorislikethevineyardof"themanvoidof[spiritual]understanding,"namely,"allgrownoverwiththorns,andnettleshadcoveredthefacethereof"(Prov.24:30,31).

Averyfewwordsmustsufficeuponthethirdaspectofinwardgrowth.Inthecaseofatreethisconsistsinthetougheningofitstissuesorstrengtheningofitsfibers—apparentfromtheharderwoodobtainedfromanolderonethanfromasapling.ThespiritualcounterpartofthatisfoundirktheChristianattainingmorefirmnessandfixednessofcharacter,sothatheisnolongerswayedbytheopinionsofothers.Hebecomesmorestable,sothatheislessemotional;andmorerational,actingnotfromsuddenimpulsebutfromsettledprinciple.HebecomeswiserinspiritualthingsbecausehismindisincreasinglyengagedwiththeWordofGodandhiseternalconcerns,andthereforemoreseriousandsoberinhisdemeanor.Hebecomesconfirmedindoctrineandthereforemorediscerninganddiscriminatinginwhomhehearsandwhathereads.NothingcanmovehimfromallegiancetoChrist,andhavingboughttheTruthherefusestosellit(Prov.23:23).heisnotafraidofbeingcalledabigot,forhehasdiscoveredthat"liberality"isemblazonedprominentlyontheDevil’sbanner.

Fourth,thegrowthofatreeisoutward,seeninthespreadingofitsboughsandthemultiplicationofitsbranches.Wehavepurposelydevotedagreaterspacetothoseaspectsofoursubjectonwhichwefeltthereadermostneededhelp.Thisonealmostexplainsitself:itisthedailywalkofthebeliever,hisexternalconduct,whichisinview.IftheChristianhasgrownupward—thatis,ifhehasobtainedanincreasedvitalandpracticalknowledgeofGodinChrist;ifhehasgrowndownward—thatis,ifhehasbecomethoroughlyawareofhistotaldepravitybynatureandlearnedtohave"noconfidenceintheflesh"(Phil.3:3)toeffectanyimprovementinhimself;ifhehasgrowninwardly—obtainedfreshsuppliesofgracefromChristandhasdiligentlyusedthesamebystrivingagainstindwellingsinandbyresolutelyresistinghiscarnalandworldlylusts,andifhehasimprovedthatgracebydiligentlycultivatinghisspiritualgracesinthegardenofhisheart;thenthatupward,downward,andinwardgrowthwillbe(notsimply"oughttobe"),mustbe,clearlyandunmistakablyshowninhisoutwardlife.

Andhowwillthatupward,downward,andinwardgrowthbemanifestedbytheChristianoutwardly?Why,byalifeofobediencetohisLordandSaviour.OutofloveandgratitudeuntotheOnewhosufferedanddidsomuchforhim,bewillsincerelyendeavortopleaseHiminallhisways.Realizingthatheisnothisownbutboughtwithaprice,hewillmakeithishighestaimandearnestendeavortoglorifyGodinhisbodyandinhisspirit(1Cor.6:19,20).ThegenuinenessofhisdesiretopleaseGodandtheintensityofhispurposetoglorifyHim,willbeevidencedbythediligenceandconstancywithwhichhereads,meditatesuponandstudiesHisWord.InsearchingtheScriptureshismain

questwillnotbetooccupyhismindwithitsmysteries,butrathertoobtainafullerknowledgeofGod’swillforhim;andinsteadofhankeringafteraninsightintoitstypologyoritsprophecieshewillbefarmoreconcernedinhowtobecomemoreproficientinperformingGod’swill.ItisinthelightofHisWordhelongstowalk,andthereforeitisHispreceptsandpromises,Hiswarningsandadmonitions,Hisexhortationsandaids,hewillmostlaytoheart.

OneoftheNewTestamentexhortationsis,"Werequestyou,brethren,andbeseechyoubytheLordJesus,thatasyehavereceivedofushowyeoughttowalkandpleaseGod,soyewouldaboundmoreandmore(1Thess.4:1).Oneofitsprayersis,"Thatyemightbefilledwithaknowledgeofhiswillinallwisdomandspiritualunderstanding:thatyemightwalkworthyoftheLorduntoallpleasing,beingfruitfulineverygoodwork."(Col.1:9,10)Oneofitspromisesis,"Godisabletomakeallgraceaboundtowardyou,thatyealwayshavingallsufficiencyinallthings,mayaboundineverygoodwork."(2Cor.9:8)Andoneofitsexamplesis,"Andthey[theparentsofJohntheBaptist]werebothrighteousbeforeGod,walkinginallcommandmentsandordinancesofthelawblameless."(Luke1:6)Inthelightofthoseverses—eachofwhichtreatswithoutwardgrowth—ourdutyandprivilegeisclear:whatGodrequiresfromusandthesufficiencyofHisenablementforthesame.

6.ItsSeasonableness

I."Toeverythingthereisaseason,andatimetoeverypurposeunderthe

heaven....Hehathmadeeverythingbeautifulinhistime"(Eccl.3:1,11).Ifthewholeoftheseelevenversesbereadconsecutivelyitwillbeseenthattheyfurnishafulloutlineofthemanyanddifferentexperiencesofhumanlifeinthisworld,eachaspectofman’svariedcareerandhisreactionstheretobeingstated.ThatwhichisemphasizedinconnectionwithallthemutationsandvicissitudesoflifeisthattheyareallordainedandregulatedbyGod,accordingtoHisunerringwisdom.NotonlyhasHeappointedatimetoeverypurposeunderheaven,but"everythingisbeautifulinhistime."Nothingistooearly,nothingtoolate.Everythingisperfectlycoordinated,andaswelearnfromtheNewTestamentmadeto"worktogetherforgoodtothemthatloveGod,tothemwhoarethecalledaccordingtohispurpose"(Rom.8:28).

Thereisapredestinedtimewheneachcreatureandeacheventshallcomeforth,howlongitshallcontinue,andinwhatcircumstancesitshallbe:allbeingdeterminedbytheLord.Thisistrueoftheworldasawhole,forGod"workethallthingsafterthecounselofhisownwill’(Eph.3:11).Thisearthhasriotalwaysexisted.GodwastheOnewhodecidedwhenitshouldspringintobeing,andHecreateditbyamereflat:"Forhespake,anditwasdone;hecommanded,anditstoodfast"(Ps.33:9).Norwillitlastforever,forthehouriscomingwhenitsveryelements"shallmeltwithferventheat,theearthalsoandtheworksthatarethereinshallbeburnedup"(2Peter3:10).Howfardistant,orhownear,thatsolemnhouris,nocreaturehasanymeansofknowing;yettheprecisedayforitisunchangeablyfixedintheDivinedecree.

ThesamegrandtruthwhichpertainstothewholeofcreationapplieswithequalforcetoalltheworkingsofDivineProvidence.Thebeginningandtheend,andthewholeinterveningcareer,ofeachpersonhasbeendeterminedbyhisMaker.Sotootherise,theprogress,theheightattained,andtheentirehistoryofeachnationhasbeenforeordainedofCod."Forofhim,andthroughhim,andtohimareallthings,towhombegloryforever.Amen"(Rom.11:36).Anationisbuttheaggregateofindividualscomprisingit;andthoughitscorporatelifebemuchlongerthanofanyonegenerationofitsmembers,yetitissubjecttothesameDivinelaws.Eachkingdom,eachempire,hasitsbirthanddevelopment,itsmaturityandzenith,itsdeclineanddeath.TheEgyptianhad.;sobadthe

Babylonian,Medo-Persian,Grecian,andRoman.WhatisstatedinEcclesiastes3:1,11holdsgoodofthingsinthespiritual

realm,equallysowiththoseinthematerialsphere,thoughwearemoreapttoforgetthisinconnectionwiththeformerthanwiththelatter.ItisaactthatintheChristianlife"Toeverythingthereisaseasonandatimetoeverypurposeundertheheaven."HowcanitbeotherwiseseeingthattheGodofcreation,theGodofprovidenceandtheGodofallgraceisone.ItistruethereismuchintheDivineoperationsbothinProvidenceandinGracewhichisprofoundlymysterious,for"greatthingsdoethhewhichwecannotcomprehend"(Job37:5).YetnotalittlelightiscastuponthosehighermysteriesifweseektoobservethewaysandworkingsofGodinNature.HowoftentheLordJesusmadeuseofthatprinciple,directingtheattentionofHishearerstothemostfamiliarobjectsinthephysicalrealm.

AgainandagainwefindtheDivineTeacherusingthethingsgrowinginthefieldtoillustrateandadumbratethethingswhichareinvisibleandtoinculcatelessonsofspiritualvalue."Considerthelilies."Notonlylookuponandadmirethem,butreceiveinstructiontherefrom."Learnaparableofthefigtree"(Matthew24:32).Yes,learnfromit:ponderit,letitinformyouaboutspiritualmatters.WhenChristinsistedontheinseparableconnectionthereisbetweencharacterandconduct,Heemployedthesimilitudeofatreebeingknownbyitsfruit.WhenHeurgedthenecessityofnewheartsforthereceptionofnewcovenantblessings,Hespokeofnewbottlesfornewwine,WhenHerevealedtheessentialconditionsofspiritualfruitfulness,Hementionedthevineanditsbranches.Yes,thereismuchinthematerialworldfromwhichwemaylearnvaluablelessonsonthespirituallife.

TaketheseasonswhichCodhasappointedfortheyearandhoweachbringsforthaccordingly.Thecoldnessandbarrennessofthewintergivesplacetothewarmthandfertilityofthespring,whilethevegetablesandfruitwhichsproutinthespringandgrowthroughthesummerarematuredintheautumn.Eachseasonhasitsownpeculiarfeaturesandcharacteristicproducts.Thesameprincipleisseenoperatinginahumanbeing.Thelifeofmanisdividedintodistinctseasonsorstages:childhood,youth,maturityandoldage;andeachofthosestagesismarkedbycharacteristicfeatures:theinnocenceandshynessof(normal)children,thezealandvigorofyouth,thestabilityandenduranceofmaturity,theexperienceandwisdomofoldage;andeachofthesedistinctivefeaturesis"beautifulinitstime."

NotonlyhasCodappointedtheparticularseasonswheneachofHis

creaturesshallcomeforthandflourish,butweareobligedtowaitHissettimeforthesame.Ifwesowseedsinthewintertheywillnotgerminate.Plantswhichsproutinthespringcannotbeforced,buthavetowaitforthesummer’ssun.Soitisinthehumanrealm."Toeverythingthereisaseasonandatimetoeverypurposeundertheheaven."Wecannotputoldheadsonyoungshoulders,andsucheffortswillnotonlyproveunsuccessfulbutissueindisastrousconsequences.Aseverythingis"beautifulinhistime"theyareincongruousandunseemlyoutofseason."WhenIwasachild,IspakeasachildIreasonedasachild,butwhenIbecameaman,Iputawaychildishthings"(1Cor.13:11).

InthelightofwhathasbeensaiditisbothinterestingandinstructivetoponderthewaysofGodwithHispeopleduringtheOldTestamentandNewTestamenterasMuchofthatwhichobtainedundertheMosaicdispensationwassuitedtothatinfantileperiodandwas"beautifulinhistime;"butnowthat"thefulnessoftime"hascomesuchthingswouldbequiteoutofplace.DuringthatkindergartenstageGodinstitutedanelaborateritualwhichappealedtothesenses,andinstructedbymeansofpicturesandsymbols.Therewasthecolorfultabernacle,thepriestlyvestments,theburningofincense,theplayingofinstruments.Theywereallinvestedwithatypicalsignificance,butwhentheSubstanceappearedtherewasnofurtherneedofthem:theyhadbecomeobsolete,andtobringforwardsuchthingsintoChristianworshipisanunseasonablelapsingbacktothenurserystage.

AllthathasbeenpointedoutaboveismostpertinenttothespiritualgrowthoftheindividualChristian,andparticularlytotheseveralstagesofhisdevelopmentorprogress,andifdulyattendedtoshouldpreservefrommanymistakennotionsanderroneousconclusions.AstheyearisdividedintodifferentseasonssotheChristianlifehasdifferentstages,andastherearecertainfeatureswhichmoreorlesscharacterizetheyear’sseasonssotherearecertainexperiencesmoreorlesspeculiartoeachstageintheChristianlife;andaseachoftheyear’sseasonsismarkedbyadecidedchangeinwhatthegardenandtheorchardthenbringforth,sothereisavariationandalterationinthegracesmanifestedandthefruitsbornebytheChristianduringtheseveralstagesthroughwhichhepasses;but"everythingisbeautifulinhistime"—asitwouldbeincongruousoutofitsseason.

Nowthoughtheearth’sseasonsarefourinnumber,yetonlythreeofthemareconcernedwithfertilityorproduction.Theanalogypertainsspiritually:intheChristianlifethereisaspring,asummer,andanautumn—the"winter"iswhenhisbodyhasbeencommittedtothegraveinsureandcertainhopeofresurrection,awaitingtheeternalSpring.Thusweshouldexpecttofindthatthe

moreexplicitteachingoftheNewTestamentdividesthespirituallifeofthesaintonearthintothreestages;andsuchisindeedthecase.InoneofhisparablesofthekingdomofCod,Christusedthesimilitudeofamancastingseedintotheground(afigureofpreachingthegospel),saying"Theearthbringethforthofherself:firsttheblade,thentheear,afterthatthefullcornintheear"(Mark4:28):therearethethreestagesofgrowth.Inlikemannerwefindtheapostlegradingthosetowhomhewroteintothreeclasses,namely,"fathers,""youngmen,"and"littlechildren"(1John2:13).

Nothingwhichlivesisbroughttomaturityimmediatelyinthislowerworld:instead,everythingadvancesbygradualgrowthandorderlyprogress.GodindeedcreatedAdamandEveintheirfullperfection,butHedoesnotregenerateusintoourcompletestatureinChrist,Allthepartsandfacultiesofthenewmancomeintobeingatthenewbirth,buttimeisneededfortheirdevelopmentandmanifestation.Moreover,asnaturaltalentsarenotbestoweduniformly—tosomebeinggivenfive,tootherstwo,andtoyetothersonlyone(Matthew25:15),soGodbestowsagreatermeasureofgracetooneofHispeoplethantoanother.ThereisthereforeagreatdifferenceamongChristians:allarenotofonestature,strength,andgrowthingodliness.Someare"sheep"andothersbut"lambs"(John21:15,16).Someare"strongothersare"weak"(Rom.15:1).Somearebut"babes,"andothersareof"fullage"Heb.5:13,14).Nevertheless,eachbringsforthfruit"inhisseason"(Ps.1:3).

Ifmoreattentionwerepaidtotheprincipleswhichwehavesoughttoenunciateandillustrate,someofuswouldbepreservedfromformingharshjudgmentsofouryoungerbrethrenandsistersandfromcriticizingthembecausetheydonotexercisethosegracesandbearthosefruitswhichpertainmoretothestageofChristianmaturity.Onewouldinstantlyperceivethefollyofafannerwhocomplainedbecausehisfieldofgrainborenogoldenearsduringtheearlymonthsofspring:equallysenselessandsinfulisittoblameababeinChristbecausehehasneitherthematurejudgmentnorthepatienceofanexperiencedandlong-triedbeliever.Tothatstatementeveryspiritualreaderwillreadilyassent:yetweverymuchfearthatsomeoftheseverypersonsareguiltyofthesamethinginanotherdirection—selfward:reproachingthemselvesinlaterlifebecausetheylacktheglowandardor,thezealandzestwhichformerlycharacterizedthem.

SomeolderChristianslookbackandcomparethemselveswiththedaysoftheirspiritualyouthandthenutterhardthingsagainstthemselves,concludingthatsofarfromhavingadvanced,theyhaveretrograded.Incertaincasestheirlamentationsarejustifiable,aswithSolomon.Butinmanyinstancestheyarenot

warrantable,beingoccasionedbyawrongstandardofmeasurementandthroughfailingtobearinmindtheseasonablenessorunseasonablenessofcertainfruitsatparticulartimes.Theycomplainnowbecausetheylackthelivelinessofearlierdays,whentheyhadwarmeraffectionsforChristandHispeople,morejoyinreadingtheWordandprayer,morezealinseekingtopromotethegoodofothers,morefruitfortheirlabors,Theycomplainthatthoughtheynowspendmoretimeinusingthemeansofgrace,otherswhoarebutspiritualbabesappeartoderivefargreaterbenefitthoughlessdiligentindutiesthantheyare.

Insomecaseswhereconversionhasbeenmoreradicalandclearlymarked,growthismoreeasilyperceived;butwhereconversionitselfwasaquietandgradualexperience,itismuchmoredifficulttotraceoutthesubsequentprogressthatismade.AstheChristianobtainsmorelightfromGodhebecomesincreasinglyawareofhisfilth,andbyapprehensionsofhisdecreasehewillincreaseinhumility.Asspiritualwisdomincreaseshemeasureshimselfbyahigherstandard,andthusbecomesmoreconsciousofhiscomingsshortthereof.Formerlyhewasmoreoccupiedwithhisoutwardwalk,butnowheismorediligentinseekingtodisciplinehisheart.Inearlieryearstheremayhavebeenmorefervorinhisprayers;butnowhispetitionsshouldbemorespiritual.AstheChristiangrowsspirituallyhisdesiresenlargeandbecausehisattainmentsdonotkeeppaceheisapttoerrinhisjudgmentofhimself:"thereisthatmakethpoor,yethathgreatriches!"(Prov.13:7)

YoungChristiansaregenerallymoreenthusiasticandactive,yettheirzealisnotalwaysaccordingtoknowledge,andattimesitisunseasonablethroughneglectingtemporalaffairsforspiritual.AyoungChristianisreadytorespondtoalmostanyplausibleappealformoney,butamatureoneismorecautiousbeforeheactslestheshouldbesupportingenemiesoftheTruth.TheolderChristianmaynotperformsomedutieswiththesamezestasformerly,yetwithmoreconscience:qualityratherthanquantityiswhatnowmostconcernshim.Aswegrowolder,greaterandmoredifficultiesareencountered,andtheovercomingofthemevidencesthatwehavealargermeasureofgrace.Particulargracesmaynotbeasconspicuousaspreviously,andyettheexerciseofnewonesbemoreevident(2Peter1:5-7).Measurenotyourgrowthbyanyonepartofyourlife,norbyanysingleaspectofit,butbyyourChristiancareerasawhole.

ItisbynomeansasimplemattertoaccuratelyclassifybelieversastowhichparticulargradeorclasstheybelongtointheschoolofChrist,eitherconcerningourselvesorothers,forspiritualgrowthisrarelyuniform—thoughitoughttobeso.SomeChristiansareweakandstrongatoneandthesametime,yetindifferentrespects,asbothexperienceandobservationshow.Somehavebetter

headsthanhearts,whileothershavesounderheartsthanheads.Someareweakinknowledge,ignorantandunsettledintheFaith,whoneverthelessputtoshametheirbetter-instructedbrethrenbytheirloveandzeal,andbytheirwalkandfruitfulness.OthershaveagoodunderstandingoftheTruthbutareveritablebabeswhenitcomestoputtingitintopractice.Solomonwasenduedwithgreatwisdom,butruinedhistestimonythroughyieldingtofleshlylusts."AChristianshouldlaborforagoodheartwell-headed,andaheadwell-hearted"(Thos.Manton).

Again;itneedstobeborneinmindthattherearegreatdifferencesinthesameChristianatsundrytimes,yeawithinasingleseason,sothatthethreestagesofspiritualgrowthmaycoincideinasinglesaint.Thematurest"father"insomerespectsmaybeasweakasanewborn"babe"inotherregards,andtemptedasviolentlyasthe"youngmen.Thecaseofthegodliestmanisnotalwaysuniform.OnedayhemayberaptintotheholymounttobeholdChristinHisglory;andthesameeveninghemaybetossedwithwindsandwaves,andinhisfeelingsbelikeashiponthepointofsinking.Nowhemay,likePaul,becaughtupintoParadiseandfavoredwithrevelationswhichhecannotexpresstoothers,andanonbeafflictedwithathornintheflesh,themessengerofSatantobuffethim.Calmsandstorms,peaceandtroubles,combatsandconquests,weaknessandstrength,alternateinthelivesofGod’speople;yetineachtheymaybringforthfruitwhichis"beautifulinhistime."

Allthathasbeendweltuponabovemayappeartosomeofourreadersasbeingsoelementaryandobviousthattherewasreallynoneedtopointoutthesame.Thoughthatbethecase,thereareotherswhoatleastrequiretoberemindedthere.Itisnotsomuchourknowledgebuttheusewemakeofitthatcountsthemost;andoftenourworstfailuresissuenotfromignorancebutfromactingcontrarytothelightwehave.Aduerecognitionoftheseasonablenessorunseasonable-nessofparticularspiritualfruitsintheChristianlifewillpreservefrommanywrongconclusions.Ontheonehanditshouldkeephimfromexpectingtofindinaspiritualbabethosefruitsanddevelopedgraceswhichpertaintoastateofmaturity,andontheotherhandhewhoregardshimselfasa"father"inChristmustvindicatethatestimationbybringingforthfarmorethandoyoungChristians.

II.Theleadingprinciplewhichwesoughttoenunciateandillustrate,namely,

fruitsuitabletotheseason,receivesexemplificationinthatstatement,"Awordspokenindueseason,howgoodisit!"(Prov.15:23):awordofsympathytoone

introuble,ofencouragementtothedespondent,ofwarningtothecareless.HencewefindtheministerofChristexhorted,"Preachtheword:beinstantinseason,outofseason;reprove,rebuke,exhort,withalllongsufferinganddoctrine"(2Tim.4:2)—bythe"inseason,outofseason"weunderstand,atstatedtimesandasopportunityoccurs.ThesameprinciplewasexemplifiedbytheBaptistwhenhesaid,"Bringforththereforefruitsmeetforrepentance"(Matthew3:8)—praisingGodforHismerciesatthattimewouldhavebeenunseasonable,ratherwasgodlysorrowfortheabuseofthemcalledfor."Thereisatimetoweep,andatimetolaugh."(Eccl.3:4)

Fruitfulnessisanessentialqualityofagodlyperson,buthisfruitshouldbeseasonable.Atimeofsufferingcallsforself-examination,confession,andtheexerciseofpatience.Aseasonoftestingandtrialrequirestheexerciseoffaithandcourage.Whenblestwithrevivingsandspiritualprosperity,holyjoyandpraisearebecoming.Itiswritten"ThereforewilltheLordwaitthathemaybegracious...blessedarealltheythatwaitforhim"(Isa.30:18)—waitforthetimeHehasappointedforthedevelopmentandmanifestationofparticulargraces.Unseasonablegracesarelikeuntimelyfigs,whichareneverfullflavored.Mostofusaretooimpatient."Nochasteningforthepresentseemethtobejoyous,butgrievous...neverthelessafterwardityieldeththepeaceablefruitofrighteousnessuntothemwhichareexercisedthereby"(Heb.12:11)—exercisedinconscienceastowhathasgivenoccasionforthechastisement,exercisingfaithforthefulfillingofthispromise,andpatiencewhileawaitingthesame.

AsweturnnowtolookatthecharacteristicswhichmarkthethreestagesoftheChristianlife,itmustbeborneinmind:(1)wearenottounderstandthatwhatispredicatedofthe"fathers"innowisepertainstothe"babes,"butratherthattheparticulargraceascribedaboundsintheformermoreeminently.(2)Thatwhatissaidofeachofthethreemay,indifferentrespects,belongtoasingleChristiansothat"youngmen"whoare"strong"mayinanotherway,beasweakasthe"babes."(3)WemustnotlosesightofGod’slibertyinapportioningHisgraceasandwhenHepleases:Heworksnotuniformly,andcausessomeofHispeopletomakemuchmorerapidprogressthanothersduringtheearlieryearsoftheirChristianlives,whileotherswhoseemslowatthestartovertakeandpassthematalaterstage.

"Iwriteuntoyoulittlechildren(teknia)becauseyoursinsareforgivenyouforHisname’ssake."(1John2:12)"Iwriteuntoyoufathers,becauseyehaveknownhimthatisfromthebeginning.Iwriteuntoyouyoungmen,becauseyehaveovercomethewickedone.Iwriteuntoyoulittlechildren(paidia)because

yehaveknowntheFather"(1John2:13).Thisistheclassicalpassageonthepresentaspectofourtheme,thoughitsforceissomewhatobscuredthroughthetranslatorsmakingnodistinctionbetweenthetwodifferentGreekwordstheyhaverendered"littlechildren."1John2:12pertainstothewholeofthe"called"familyofGodirrespectiveofgrowthorattainment,foreverybelieverhashadhissinsforgivenhimforChrist’ssake.Thewordusedtherefor"littlechildren"isatermofendearment,andwasemployedbyChristinJohn13:33whenaddressingtheapostles,andoccursagaininthisepistlein2:28;3:7etc.

Onlyin1John2:13arebelieversgradedintothreedistinctclassesaccordingtothedegreesoftheirspiritualprogress:"fathers,""youngmen,"and"littlechildren"—orpreferably"babes,"tomarkthedistinctionfromthewordusedinverse12.Thatistheorderofdignityandresponsibility:haditbeentheorderofgrace,ithadbeen"babes,youngmenandfathers."Assomeonehassaid"IfChristweretoenteraChristiangatheringforthepurposeofshowingforthHisfavor,Hewouldcommencewiththeyoungestandfeeblestonepresent;butiftojudgetheworksofHisservants,Hewouldbeginwiththematurestsaint."Forexample,ChristappearedmanytimesafterHisresurrection:HeendedbymanifestingHimselftotheapostlePaul,butwithwhomdidHebegin?—withMaryMagdaleneoutofwhomHehadcastsevendemons!Thesameprincipleisillustratedintheparableofthe"pence"(grace)—beginningwiththeeleventh-hourlaborer;butreversedintheparableofthe"talents,"whereresponsibilityasinview.

Aswearewritingonthesubjectofspiritualprogress,orasmostwritersdesignateit"growthingrace,"weproposetoinversetheorderof1John2:13andconsiderfirstthespiritualbabes.IfanyoneshouldconsiderwearetakinganunwarrantablelibertywiththeWordinsodoing,wewouldappealtoMark4:28,whereourLordspokeof"firsttheblade,thentheear,afterthatthefullcornintheear."Andnowasweseektograpplemorecloselywithourpresenttaskwehavetoacknowledgeweexperienceconsiderabledifficultyinattemptingtosetforthwithanymeasureofdefinitenesswhatitiswhichspeciallymarksthespiritual"babe"incontrastfromthe"youngmen"and"fathers,"orifothersprefer,thatwhichdistinguishesthe"blade,"fromthe"ear"and"thefullcornintheear."Butifwecannotsatisfyourreaders,wetrustthatwemaybekeptfromconfusinganyofthem.

Inviewofthevastlysuperiorconditionswhichobtainedinthedaysoftheapostles—illustratedbysuchpassagesasActs2:44,45;11:19-21;1Corinthians12:8-11—itisnottobesupposedthatmanyofthefeatureswhichmarkedthatgloriousperiodwillbereproducedina"dayofsmallthings"(Zech.4:10)such

asthatinwhichwearenowliving.Thelineofdemarcationbetweenthechurchandtheworldwasmuchmoreplainlydrawnthenthanitisnow;thecontrastbetweenlifelessandlivingprofessorsmoreeasilyperceived,andsoon.ThereforeitisreasonabletoconcludethatthedistinctstagesoftheChristianlifeandthedifferentformswhichbelieversoccupiedintheschoolofChrist,werethenmoreplainlymarked;andthoughthedifferencebeoneofdegreeratherthanofkind,yetthatverydifferencerendersitthemoredifficultforustodescribeoridentifytheseveralgrades.

Inhismostexcellent"LettersonReligiousSubjects"JohnNewtonhasthreepiecesentitled"GraceintheBlade,""GraceintheEar""GraceintheFullCorn."Hebeganhissecondpiecebysaying"ThemanneroftheLord’sworkintheheartsofHispeopleisnoteasilytraced,thoughthefactiscertainandtheevidencedemonstrablefromScripture.Inattemptingtoexplainwecanonlyspeakingeneral,andareatalosstoformsuchadescriptionasshalltakeintheimmensevarietyofcaseswhichoccurintheexperienceofbelievers."Itisjustbecausesomanypreachershavefailedtotakeintotheiraccountthat"immensevarietyofcases,"andinstead,havepicturedtheexperienceofconversionasthoughitwerecastinauniformmold,thatnumbersoftheirhearersandreadershavebeenmuchstumbled,fearingtheywerenevertrulyconvertedbecausetheirexperiencedifferedwidelyfromthatdescribedbythepreacher.

GeorgeWhitefieldstated,"IhaveheardofapersonwhowasinacompanywithfourteenministersoftheGospel,someofwhomwereeminentservantsofChrist,andyetnotoneofthemcouldtellthetimewhenGodfirstmanifestedHimselftotheirsoul."Thenhewentontosaytohishearersandreaders,"Wedonotlovethepope,becausewelovetobepopesourselves,andsetupourownexperienceasastandardtoothers.ThosethathadsuchaconversionasthePhilippianjailorortheJewsonthedayofPentecostmaysay,YouarenotChristiansatallbecauseyouhadnottheliketerribleexperience.Youmayaswellsaytoyourneighbor,Youhavenothadachild,foryouwerenotinlaborallnight.Thequestionis,whetherarealchildisborn:nothowlongwastheprecedingpain,butwhetheritwasproductiveofthenewbirthandwhetherChristhasbeenformedinyourhearts!"

Somearelikelytoobjecttowhatissaidaboveandsay,Thoughthecircumstantialsofconversionmayvaryindifferentcases,yettheessentialsarethesameinall:thelawmustdoitsworkbeforethesoulispreparedforthegospel,theheartmustbemadesensibleforitssicknessbeforeitwillbetakeitselfuntothegreatPhysician.Eventhoughthatshouldbetheexperienceofmanyofthesaints,yettheHolySpiritisbynomeanstieddowntothatorderof

things,nordotheScriptureswarrantanysuchrestrictedview.TakethecasesofPeterandAndrew,hisbrother,andthetwosonsofZebedee(Matthew4:18-22),andthereisnothinginthesacrednarrativetoshowthattheywentthroughaseasonofconvictionofsinbeforetheyfollowedChrist!NorwasthereinthecaseofMatthew(9:9).ZaceheuswasapparentlyattractedbymerecuriositytoobtainasightoftheLordJesus,andaworkofgracewaswroughtinhisheartimmediately,andhe"receivedhimjoyfully!"(Luke19:6)

Letusnotbemisunderstoodatthispoint.Weareneithercastinganyreflectionuponthoseministerswhopreachthelawbywhichaknowledgeofsinisobtained(Rom.3:20),nordisparagingtheimportanceandnecessityofconvictionofsin.RatherareweinsistingthatGodisperfectlyfreetoworkasHepleases,andthatIhavenoScripturalreasontodoubttherealityofmyconversionsimplybecausemyheartwasthenmeltedbyasenseofGod’swondrouslove,ratherthanawedbyadiscoveryofHisholinessorterrifiedbyarealizationofHiswrath;andthatIhavenowarranttocallintoquestionthegenuinenessofanother’sconversionmerelybecauseitwasnotcastinacertainmold.Theall-importantthingiswhetherthesubsequentwalkevidencesthatIhavepassedfromdeathuntolife.InZechariah12:10"mourning"followsandnotprecedesasavinglookinguponChrist!Therearesomewhotastethebitternessofsinmoresharplyafterconversionthantheydidbefore.

NowastheHolySpiritispleasedtousedifferentmeansinconnectionwiththeconvertingofsouls,soalsothereisrealvarietyintheexperiencesofthosenewlybroughttoasavingknowledgeoftheTruth.Ontheotherhand,astherearecertainessentialsfoundineverygenuineconversion—theturningfromsin,self,theworlduntoGodinChrist,receivingHimasourpersonalLordandSaviourandthenfollowinghiminthepathofobedience—sotherearecertaincharacteristicsinbabesinChristwhichdistinguishthemfromthe"youngmen"and"fathers."Andtheverynamebywhichtheyaredesignatedmoreorlessdefinesthosecharacteristics.Asinfantsorlittlechildrentheyarelargelycreaturesofimpulse,swayedbytheiremotionsmorethanregulatedbyjudgment.Feelingsplayalargepartintheirlives.Theyareveryimpressionable,easilyinfluenced,andlargelyunsuspecting,believingreadilywhateveristoldthembythosewhohavetheirconfidence.

"Iwriteuntoyoulittlechildren,becauseyehaveknowntheFather"(1John2:13).ThatisthedistinguishingmarkwhichnoneotherthantheHolySpirithasgivenofthespiritualinfant.Itisastatementwhichneedstobeparticularlytakentoheartandponderedbysomeofourreadersforitplainlysignifiesthatunlesswe"knowtheFather"wearenotentitledtoregardourselvesasbeingHis

children.Inthenaturallifetheveryfirstthingwhichbabesandyoungchildrendiscoverisanacknowledgement—intheirinfantileway—oftheirparents,aimingtocallthembytheirnames("papa"and"mamma")indistinguishingthemfromothers.Andthusitisalsospiritually:thedistinguishingactofbabesinChrististoacknowledgeGodtobetheirFather,andthistheydobyexpressing,intheirway,theirattachmenttoHim,theirdelightinHim,andtheirdependenceonHim,lispingoutHisnameintheirpraisesandpetitionsbeforethethroneofgrace.

Whatwehavejustpointedoutisagreeabletosuchpassagesasthese:"thoushaltcallme,myFatherandshaltnotturnawayfromme.(Jer.3:19)"IamaFatherto[thespiritual]Israel,andEphraimismyfirstborn...Ephraim,mydearson,apleasantchild...Iwillsurelyhavemercyuponhim,saiththeLord."(Jer.31:9,20)InthefirstformalinstructionwhichtheLordJesusgavetoHisyoungdisciples,Hebadethem"Afterthismannerprayye:ourFatherwhichartinheaven."(Matthew6:9)HowcanweapproachHimwithanyconfidenceorfreedomunlessweviewHiminthisblessedrelation?IfwehavebeenreconciledtoHimbyJesusChristthenGodisourFather,and"becauseyearesons,GodhathsentforththespiritofHisSonintoyourhearts,crying,Father!Father!"(Gal.4:6);andthatspiritcausesitspossessortocomeinaholyfamiliarityandchildlikemannertoGod,andevidencesitselfinadesiretohonorandpleaseHim.

Notonlywoulditbemisleadingtoourmindsfortheyoungconvert(eventhougholdinyears)tobelikeneduntoa"littlechild"(Matthew18:2,3)unlesstherewasarealresemblance,andthusaproprietyinemployingthisfigure,butitwouldalsobeastrangedeparturefromoneofthewell-established"ways"ofGod,namely,HishavingsowroughtinthefirstcreationastostrikinglyforeshadowHisworksinthenewcreation,thenaturalhavingbeenmadetoadumbratethespiritual.Weseethatprincipleandfactillustratedineverydirection.Asinthenaturalsointhespiritual:thereisabegetting(James1:19),aconceptionorChristbeingformedinthesoul(Gal.4:19),abirth(1Peter1:23),andthatbirthevidencedbya"cry"(Rom.8:15),andthenewbornbabedesiring"thesinceremilkoftheWord"(1Peter2:2);sotherearemanyfeaturesincommonbetweenthenaturalandthespiritualinfant.

Littlechildrenarefarmoreregulatedbytheiraffectionsthanbytheirunderstanding,andtheyoungChristianismuchtakenwiththeloveofGod,thegraceoftheLordJesus,andthecomfortsoftheHolySpirit.hedelightsgreatlyinhisownexperience,andtoheartheexperienceofothers.Asthenaturalchildistimorousandeasilyscared,sotheyoungChristianisquicklyalarmed,aswas

evidencedbythefearingdisciplesonthestorm-sweptsea,towhomtheSavioursaid"Oyeoflittlefaith."Asthedigestivesystemofayoungsterisfeeble,sothebabeinChristneedstobefedon"milk"ratherthan"strongmeat.""Ihaveyetmanythingstosayuntoyou,butyecannotbearthemnow"(John16:12).Owingtoanundevelopedunderstanding,babesinChristarenot"established"intheFaith:"benomorechildren—tossedtoandfroandcarriedaboutwitheverywindofdoctrine"(Eph.4:14).

"Ayoungconvertismuchtakenwithhisownimportunityinprayer,withhisownenlargementsandaffections(theybeingverywarmandlively),withthemultitudeofmeansandthemuchtimehespendsintheuseofandobservanceofthem;whereasabelieveroflongerstandingandgreatermeasureofspiritualgrowthvaluesthosediscoverieswhichtheHolySpiritgiveshiminprayerandinwardconversewiththeLord,oftheFather’sfreelove,andtheSon’spersonal,particular,andprevalentintercessiononhisbehalf:andheismoretakenwiththose,thanwithhisownfervorandsupplications.The‘babes’inChristareparticularlyaffectedwithasenseandenjoymentofpardoningmercyandcallingGod‘Father.’Hence,theblessingsofpardonofsin,peacewithGod,thespiritofadoption,andanadvancementinandanincreasedspiritualperceptionofthesepreciousrealities,mustbeagrowthingracesuchasisquitesuitedtotheirspiritualstatureandcircumstances"(S.E.Pierce).

7.ItsStages

IInthelastchapterwecalledattentiontothefactthatChristiansmaybe

gradedintothreeclassesaccordingtotheir"stature"inChristortheirspiritualdevelopmentandprogress.InproofthereofappealwasmadetoMark4:28and1John2:13.InadditiontothosepassageswemayalsotakenoteofourLord’sParableoftheWheat,whereinHerepresentedthegood-groundhearersasbringingforthfruitinvaryingdegreesorquantities.ThatparableisrecordedineachofthefirstthreeGospelsandthereis,amongothers,thisnoticeabledifferencebetweentheirseveralstatements:thatMarksaysofthosewhoreceivedtheWord,they"bringforthfruit:somethirtyfold,somesixty,andsomeahundred"(4:20);whereasinMatthew’saccountthatorderisreversed:"broughtforthsomeahundredfold,somesixty,aridsomethirty"(13:23).EvidentlythesameparablewasutteredbyourLordondifferentoccasionsandHedidnotemploypreciselythesamelanguage,theHolySpiritguidingeachEvangelistaccordingtoHisparticulardesigninthatGospel.

SinceMatthewistheopeningbookoftheNewTestamentitisobviouslytheconnectinglinkbetweenitandtheOld,andaccordinglythenatureofitscontentsdifferconsiderablyfromthatofthethreewhichfollow.Thepropheticelementisfarmoreprominentanditsdispensationalcharactermoremarked.ManyhaveregardedtheparablesofMatthew13assupplyingapropheticoutlineofthehistoryofChristendom.Personally,westillbelieveinthatview:that,insteadofitscoursebeingsteadilyupwards,itwastobedefinitelydownwards,andthatsofarfromthegospelconvertingtheworldtoChristthisagewouldwitnessthewholepublictestimonyofGodbeingcorrupted.Thusweregardthe"hundredfold"ofMatthew13:23asbeingdescriptiveoftheprimitiveprosperityofChristianityinthedaysoftheapostles,the"sixty"ofthenoticeableandlesseryieldduringthetimesoftheReformersandPuritans,andthe"thirty"asthatwhichresultedfromthelaborsofmenlikeWhitefield,Jon.Edwards,andlater,Spurgeon;whiletodaynothingisleftbutthemeregleaningsoftheharvest.ThusthecourseofthisChristiandispensationhasbeenverysimilartothatoftheMosaical,withitsreformationsinthedaysofDavidandthenofEzra,butendingasMalachishows!

ButinMark4:20itisnotthecorporatetestimonywhichisinview,hutthespiritualexperienceofindividualbelievers:"andbroughtforthfruit:some

thirtyfold,somesixty,andsomeahundred,"whichcorrespondswiththethreegradesofverse28—"firsttheblade,thentheear,afterthatthefullcornintheear,"andtheapostle’smoredefinitedescription—"Iwriteuntoyoufathers,becauseyehaveknownhimthatisfromthebeginning.Iwriteuntoyouyoungmen,becauseyehaveovercomethewickedone.Iwriteuntoyoulittlechildren[babes]becauseyehaveknowntheFather"(1John2:13).AsThomasGoodwinpointedout:John"hadanadvantageoverallhisfellowapostlesinthathelivedthelongestofthem,sothatinthecourseofhislifehewentthroughtheseveralagesorseasonsthatChristiansdo,andhavingalsohadanexperienceofotherChristiansandwhatwaseminentlyinandpropertoeachageofmeninChrist,writestoallsortsaccordingly,andsetsdownwhatthingsspiritualbelongedintothoseseveralstages."

Intheprecedingchapterwedweltuponsomeofthefeatureswhichcharacterizethe"babes"or"littlechildren,"pointingoutthatthoseverydesignationsintimatethatwhichdistinguishesthemfromthe"youngmen"and"fathers,"forGodhasmadethenaturaltoshadowforththespiritual."Brethren,benotchildreninunderstanding"(1Cor.14:20).Asinayoungchildreasonisundeveloped,soinaspiritualbabethereisbutafeebleapprehensionofthedeeperthingsofGod;yetasthatexhortationshows,thebelieveroughtsoontopassoutofastateofinfancy.Whatissaidofthemin1John2:13describesanothermark:"yehaveknowntheFather."Littlechildrenacknowledgetheirparents,aredeartothem,hangaboutthem,cannotenduretobelongabsentfromthem.Theyexpecttobemuchnoticedandfondled,andaccordinglyitissaidofthegoodShepherd"Heshallgatherthelambswithhisarmsandcarrytheminhisbosom"(Isa.40:11).Littleonesmustbedangledontheknees,cannotendurethefrownsofafather,andarenotyetstrongenoughforconflicts:andhenceGodtempersHisprovidentialdealingswiththemaccordingly.Thebabehas"tastedthattheLordisgracious"(1Peter2:3),butasyetknowsnotofthe"fulness"thereisinHim.

Nowtheyoungconvertisnottoremainaspiritualbabebutisbiddento"growingraceandintheknowledgeofourLordandSaviourJesusChrist"(2Peter3:18),yea,to"growupintohiminallthings"(Eph.4:15).Godhasmadefullprovisionforhimtodoso,andbyhisavailinghimselfofthatprovisionisHehonoredandglorified.ButthesadfactisthatmanyChristiansneverdoso,andmanyotherswho"runwell"forawhilelapsebackagainintospiritualinfancy.WearewarnedagainstthisverydangerbythesolemnexampleoftheHebrews,towhomtheapostlehadtowrite,"Ofwhomwehavemanythingstosayandhardtobeuttered,seeingyearedullofhearing.Forwhenforthetime

yeoughttoheteachers,yehaveneedthatoneteachyouagainwhichbethefirstprinciplesoftheoraclesofGod,andarebecomesuchashaveneedofmilkandnotofstrongmeat.Foreveryonethatusethmilkisunskillfulinthewordofrighteousness:forheisababe"(5:11-13).

ThreethingsmarkedthosebelieverswhohadfailedtoadvanceintheschoolofChrist.First,theywere"dullofhearing"whichconnotesnotslow-wittedness,butfailureofaffectionandwilltorespondtotheteachingtheyhadreceived.Theywereunconcernedaboutwhattheyheard,unsearchedbyit,andconsequentlyiteffectednochangeforthebetterintheircharactersandconduct.InScripture,to"hear"GodmeanstoheedHim,tobringourwaysandworksintoaccordwithHisrevealedwill.God’sWordisgiventousasaRuletowalkby(Ps.119:105),andwalkingsignifiestogoforwardinthehighwayofholiness.Thus,tobe"dullofhearing"isaspeciesofself-will,itisanon-responsetothecallofGod,itistodisregardHisprecepts.Asintelligencebeginstodawn,thefirstthingrequiredofalittlechildshouldbesubjectiontothewillofthosewhohaveitsbestinterestsatheart;andthefirstthingrequiredbytheFatherofHischildrenislovingobediencetoHim.

Spiritualbabesneedtobetaught"thefirstprinciplesoftheoraclesofGod."Whatwerethe"firstprinciples"whichGodtaughtAdamandEveinEden?Why,thatHewastheirMakerandrequiredobediencefromthem.Whatwerethe"firstprinciples"inculcatedbyJehovahatSinai?Why,thatIsraelmustbeindutifulsubjectionuntotheOnewhohadredeemedthemfromEgypt.Whatwerethe"firstprinciples"enunciatedbyChristinHisinitialpublicaddress?Hissermononthemountmustanswer.The"firstprinciples"ofspiritualityorgenuinepietyarepersonalfaithinGodandlovingobediencetoHim.Whiletheybeinoperationthesoulwillprosperandmakeprogress;assoonastheybecomeinoperativewedeteriorate.Hence,thesecondthingcomplainedofis,theHebrewswere"unskillful[margin"inexperienced"]inthewordofrighteousness."ObservetheparticulartitlebywhichtheWordisherecalled—thatwhichemphasizesthepracticalsideofthings:theywerenotwalkingin"thepathsofrighteousness"(Ps.23:3).Theyhaddegeneratedintoself-pleasers,followingtheby-waysofself-will.

Third,theywereincapableofreceiving"strongmeat."Theforceofwhichmaybegatheredfromverses10,11.TheapostledesiredtoopenuntotheHebrewsthemysteryof"Melchizedek"andbringbeforethemdeeperteachingconcerningtheofficialgloriesofChrist,buttheirstatecrampedhim.Hemustsuithisinstructionaccordingtotheconditionoftheirhearts,asitwasevidencedbytheirwalk.HewassimilarlyrestrainedbythecaseoftheCorinthians:"AndI,

brethren,couldnotspeakuntoyouasuntospiritual,butasuntocarnal,asuntobabesinChrist.Ihavefedyouwithmilkandnotwithmeat,forhitherto(becauseoftheirperversityandnaughtiness)yewerenotabletobearit,neitheryetnowareyeable"(1Cor.3:1,2;seeMark4:33)."Milk"isafigurativeexpressiondenotingpreciselythesamethingas"thefirstprinciplesoftheoraclesofGod"—faith,obedience.Asitwouldbesenselesstoteachachildgrammarbeforeitlearnedthealphabet,orarithmeticbeforeitknewthevaluesofthenumerals,soitisuselesstoteachChristiansthehighermysteriesoftheFaithortotakeanexcursionintotherealmofprophecywhentheyhavenotlearnedtoberegulatedbythepracticalteachingofScripture.

Here,then,aretwoofthechiefreasonswhysofewChristiansreallyadvancebeyondspiritualbabyhoodandbecome"youngmen"thatare"strong"andwho"overcomethewickedone."Herearethewormswhich,itistobefeared,havebeeneatingattherootofthespirituallifeofsomeofourreaders.Becausetheywere"dull[notofintellect,but]ofhearing."TheCreekwordfor"dull"isrendered"slothful"inHebrews6-12.Itdenotesastateofslacknessandinertia.Itmeanstheyweretooindolenttobestirthemselves.Theywerespiritualsluggards.Theywerenotwillingto"buythetruth"(Prov.23:23)—makeittheirownbyincorporatingitintheirdailylives.Theyfailedto"girduptheloinsoftheirminds"(1Peter1:13)andearnestlyandresolutelysetaboutthetaskGodhasappointedthem,namely,todenyselfandtakeuptheircrossdailyandfollowChrist.Theydidnotlaytoheartthepreceptsofthegospelandtranslatethemintopractice.Theymadenoprogressinpracticalgodliness.

Second,lackofprogresswasduetotheirbeing"unskillfulinthewordofrighteousness."Theword"righteousness"meansrightdoing,uptotherequiredstandard.God’sWordisthealoneRuleofrighteousness,theStandardbywhichallourmotivesandactionsaretobemeasured,theRulebywhichtheyaretoberegulated.ThatWordistogovernusbothinwardlyandoutwardly.BythatWordofRighteousnesseachofuswillbejudgedintheDaytocome.NowitisnotsaidthatthoseHebrewswereignorantofthisWord,but"unskillfulin"it.Theword"unskillful"heremeansinexperienced,thatis,inexperiencedinthepracticalusetheymadeofit.Imaybethoroughlyfamiliarwithitsletter,understandmuchofitsliteralmeaning,abletoquotecorrectlyscoresofitsverses,yetsofarfromthatservinganygoodpurposeitwillonlyaddtomycondemnationifIamnotcontrolledbyit.Tobe"unskillfulinthewordofrighteousness"meansIhavenotyetlearnedhowtomortifytheflesh,overcometemptations,resisttheDevil;andaslongasthatbethecase,ifIbesavedatall,Iamonlyaspiritualinfant,undevelopedinthespirituallife.

Anotherthingwhichholdsbackmanyayoungconvertfromspiritualprogressishismakingtoomuchofhisinitialexperience.Unlesshebeonhisguardthereisgreatdangerofmakinganidolofthepeaceandjoywhichcomesfromtheknowledgeofsinsforgiven.Godrequiresustowalkbyfaithandnotbyfeelings,forthoughthelattermayforawhilepleaseus,theformeristhatwhichhonorsHim,andthefaithwhichmosthonorsHimisthatwhichrestsonHisbareWordwhentherearenofeelingstobuoyusup.Moreover,GodisajealousGodandwillnotlongsufferustoesteemHisgiftsmorehighlythanHimself.IfwearemoreoccupiedwithlivelyframesandinwardcomfortsthanwearewithGodinChrist,thenHewilltakefromusasenseofHiscomforts,andthesoulwillsinkandbecastdownunderasenseofthelossofthem.Insuchacase,Revelation2:5prescribestheremedy:thesinofidolatrymustbepenitentlyconfessedandwemustreturntotheStorehouseofgraceasabeggar,andmakeChristourall.

ManybabesinChristhavetheirspiritualgrowthretardedby(negatively)thelackofsuitableinstruction,and(positively)bythecoldwaterpouredontheirjoyandardorbytheftelders.Itisneithernecessarynorkindforsomewould-bewiseacrestotellthem,thisjoyofyourswillnotlastlong:yourbrightskywillsoonbeovercastwithdarkclouds.Manyofthemarelikelytodiscoverthatsoonenoughforthemselves,whileothersmaylivetodisprovesuchdolefulpredictions.ThiswriterwasoftentoldthathewouldquicklylosehisassuranceofGod’sacceptanceofhiminChrist,butthoughmorethanthirty-fiveyearshavepassedsincesovereigngrace"pluckedhimoutofthefire"(Zech.3:2),hisassurancehasneverwaveredorweakened,forithasalwaysrestedontheunchangingWordofHimthatcannotlie.OthersaregreatlystumbledbyemptyprofessorsandtheinconsistenciesofsomerealChristians,andtheyallowthattokeepthemfromstrivingafteracloserwalkwithGod.

ManyarekeptweakinfaiththroughfailuretoattainuntoaproperacquaintancewiththepersonandworkofChrist.TheydonotrealizehowsufficientandableHewasforeverythingHeundertooktodoforthem,andhowperfectlyHefinishedthesame.TheyhavenoclearviewsofeitherthefulnessorthefreenessofHisso-greatsalvation.Consequently,alegalspiritworkingwiththeirunbeliefputsthemuponreasoningagainsttheirbeingsavedfreelybygracethroughfaith.Thoseunbelievingreasoningsgaingreatpowerfromtheirdefeatsintheirwarfarebetweenthespiritandtheflesh,orgraceandnature.TheyhearkentoandtrustmoreinthereportsofselfthantothetestimonyofGod’sWord.TherebytheirfaithischeckedinitsgrowthandtheyremainbutbabesinChrist.TheirweakfaithreceivesbutlittlefromChrist,anditcontinuesweak

becausetheyhavesolittledependenceuponthefulnessofgracethereisinHimforsinners.TheyappropriatenotHispromises,nortrustinHisfaithfulnessandpower.GrowthingraceandintheknowledgeofChristareinseparable,andexperimentalknowledgeofChristisentirelydependentupontheexerciseoffaithonHim.

Butwemustpassonnowtothesecondclass."Ihavewrittenuntoyouyoungmenbecauseyearestrong,andtheWordofGodabidethinyou,andyehaveovercomethewickedone"(1John2:14).AlthoughtheclassificationwhichthispassagemakesoftheLord’speopledoesnotregardthemsimplyaccordingtotheirnaturalages,butrathertotheseveraldegreesofstatureinChrist,yetthecharactersgiventhemaremoreorlesstakenfromandassimilateduntowhatprominentlydistinguisheseachclassintheirnaturallife.Infantsrejoiceinthesightoftheirparentsandinprattlingtothem:thusthespiritualbabesaresaidto"knowtheFather."Proverbs20:29tellsus"thegloryofyoungmenistheirstrength,"andaccordinglythosewhoreachthesecondstageofChristiandevelopmentaretermed"youngmen"anditissaidofthemyearestrong."Youngmenarerenownedfortheirathleticvigorandaretheonescalledupontofightinthedefenseoftheircountry,andheretheyarepicturedasvictoriousinconflict,ashaving"overcomethewickedone."

II"Ihavewrittenuntoyouyoungmenbecauseyearestrong,andtheWordof

Godabidethinyou,andyehaveovercomethewickedone."Thoughthesewordsweremostcertainlynotwrittenbytheapostleinordertoflatter,butwerebeyonddoubtasoberstatementoffactconcerningthoseheaddressed,yet—becauseofourdullnessofunderstanding—theyarebynomeansfreeofdifficultytous,Therefore,astheLordispleasedtoenable,weshallendeavortosupplyananswertothefollowingquestions.Whereindothe"youngmendifferfromthe"babes"?Inwhatsensecantheybesaidtobe"strong"?—Istheresuchathingasout-growingspiritualweakness!Exactlywhatissignifiedby"theWordofGodabidethinyou,"andarethosewordstobeunderstoodasexplainingtheprecedingclauseortheonewhichfollows?InviewofthemanydefeatswhichapparentlyallChristiansexperience,whatismeantby"yehaveovercomethewickedone"?

Whereindo"youngmen"differfrombabes"?First,becausehavingbeenlongerengagedinthepracticeofgodliness,theyhavelearnedmoreseriouslytoconsidertheirwaysinorderthattheymayavoidsinandtheoccasionsthereof.TheyhavesufficientlyacquaintedthemselveswithGodastorealizetheneedof

watching,praying,strivingbothagainstinwardcorruptionsandoutwardtemptations.Theyfrequentlypresentbeforethethroneofgracesuchpetitionsasthese:"Teachme,OLord,thewayofthystatues,andIshallkeepituntotheend.GivemeunderstandingandIshallkeepthylaw,yea,Ishallobserveitwithmywholeheart.Makemetogointhepathofthycommandments,forthereindoIdelight.Inclinemyheartuntothytestimoniesandnottocovetousness(Ps.119:33-36).Sinswhichformerlytheyregardedasblottedoutbythegeneralpardonreceivedatconversion,arenowthoughtofwithshameandbitterness.

Second,theyaremorediligentintheuseofmeans.Notthattheynecessarilydevotemoretimethereto,butthattheyaremoreconscientiousandspirituallyexercisedtherein.Astheyhavebecomeincreasinglyacquaintedwiththeircorruptinclinations,rebelliouswills,theworkingsofunbeliefandpride,theyattendmorecloselytothatbasicduty"Keepthyheartwithalldiligence,foroutofitaretheissuesoflife"(Prov.4:23),andaccordinglytheycantruthfullysay"Ihaveinclinedmyhearttoperformthystatutesalways,evenuntotheend"(Ps.119:112),thoughtheywilloftenhavetoconfesslackofpowertoperformtheirdesire.Thatmakesthemthemoreconcernedtolearnhowtomakeuseoftheirspiritual"armor,"fornonesoconsciousofitsneedandsoearnesttoputitonasthisgradeofbelievers.

Third,theyarebetterversedintheWordofGod.ThoughnotsoexperiencedandproficientintheWordofRighteousnessasthe"fathers,"yettheyarenotasunskillfulasthe"babes."TheyhavelearnedmuchinhowpersonallytoappropriatetheScriptures,howtoapplythemtotheirseveralcases,circumstances,andneeds.TheylongtomakefurtherprogressinpietyandthereforetheymeditateinthelawofGoddayandnight.DeeplyexercisedthattheirdailylivesmaybepleasingtoGodandadorningtotheprofessionwhichtheymake,theyareconcernedtoinquire"Wherewithalshallayoungmancleansehisway?"anddiscovertheanswertobe"bytakingheedtheretoaccordingtothyword"(Ps.119:9).Thustheyaredailyfurnishingthemselveswithspiritualknowledgeandfortifyingthemselvesagainsttheirenemies.

Fourth,theyhavelearnedtolookmoreoutsideofself.Theyneithermakesomuchofinwardcomfortsnordotheyleansomuchuntotheirownunderstandingasoncetheydid.TheylookmoretoChristandlivemoreuponHim.AsformerlytheytrustedHimforcleansingandrighteousness,nowtheyturntoHimforwisdomandstrength.TheyhavediscoveredfromexperiencethatthesecanonlybedrawnfromHimbytheexerciseoffaith.Theyhaverealizedthemselvestobepoor,helplesscreatures,continuallyinneed,andashavingnomeansoftheirowntosupplythem.TherebytheLordteachesthemtolivemore

outofthemselvesandmoreuponHisfulness.Whentheenemycomethinlikeaflood,theylooktoChristforvictory.Whenconsciousoftheirimpotencytheydonotgivewaytodespair,buttrustChristtorenewtheirstrength.Thusbysuchmeanstheypassfromtheweaknessofinfancyandbecome"youngmen."

"Ihavewrittenuntoyouyoungmenbecauseyearestrong,andtheWordofGodabidethinyou,andyehaveovercomethewickedone"(1John2:14).WehavesoughttodescribesomeofthecharacteristicfeaturesofthosewhomweconsidermayjustlyberegardedasbelongingtothatclassofChristianswhoareheredesignated"youngmen"particularlyastheyaredistinguishedfromthe"babes"or"littlechildren."Letitbeunderstoodthatwhatwewrotethereonwasinnospiritofdogmatism,butmerelyanexpressionofpersonalopinion.Weconsiderthatthespiritual"youngmen"arebelieverswhohaveacquiredaconsiderableknowledgeoftheTruthandarewellestablishedinthewholeplanofdoctrineassetforthintheScriptures,thoughasyetlackingthedeeperunderstandingthereofaspertainsto"thefathers."Towhichwewouldadd,theyknowwhomtheyhave"believed"and"committed"theirall,forwewouldcertainlyregardaChristianwithoutassurancethatChristishisasstillbuta"babe,"thoughwedonotexpectallwillagreetothat.

"Ihavewrittenuntoyouyoungmenbecauseyearestrong,andtheWordofGodabidethinyou,andyehaveovercomethewickedone."HowdifferentarethewaysofGodfrommen’s,eventhoseofgoodmen!ManyelderlyChristianstodaywoulddeemitmostimprudenttowriteorsaytotheiryoungerbrethren"yearestrong...andhaveovercomethewickedone,"fearingthatsuchanassertionwas"dangerous"becausehavingastrongtendencyto"puffup"itsrecipients;whichonlygoestoshowhowlittlesomeofourthoughtsareformedbytheWordofGodandhowproneweallaretofleshlyreasoning.Suchanattitudeisbuta"showofwisdom"(Col.2:23)andapoorshowatthat,foritbetraysbothignoranceandsilliness.Thosewhoare"strong"spirituallyarenotatalllikelytobepuffedupbytellingthemthetruth.Contrariwise,anywhoarepuffedupbysuchastatementwoulddemonstratetheywereweak!Letusnotseektobewiseabovewhatiswritten,butrathersetasideourproudreasoningsandreceivewhatGodsaysas"alittlechild."

Inmakingtheaboveassertiontheapostlewascertainlynotseekingtoflatterthemforhedidnotsay"yehavemadeyourselvesstrong."Ratherwashemakingafactualstatement.Indoingso,he,first,honoredtheHolySpirit,byowningHisworkwithinthem:theexplanationofthatstatementoffactwasthegraciousoperationsoftheSpiritintheirhearts.Second.hewasexpressinghisownjoy:itwasamatterofdelighttohimthattheyhad,bythegraceofGod,reachedthis

stageofspiritualhealthandvigor.Third,itwassaidbywayofencouragementtothem.IfontheonehanditbeourdutytorebukeandreprovewhatisevilinfellowChristians,itequallybecomesustorecognizeandownwhateverisgoodinthem.Awordofcheerandstimulusisoftenarealhelp.Iftherebe"atimetobreakdown,"thereisalso"atimetobuildup"(Eccl.3:3).PauldidnothesitatetotelltheThessalonians"yourfaithgrowethexceedinglyandthecharityofeveryoneofyoualltowardeachotheraboundeth"(2Thess.1:3).

Butwhatdidtheapostlesignifybyhis"yearestrong"?ProbablythemajorityofChristianswouldpromptlyreply,Why,onlyinthesensethattheywere"strongintheLordandinthepowerofhismight"(Eph.6:10).Yetwebelievethatanswerisinadequate,andifthe"only"initheinsistedupon,erroneous.WeareinheartyaccordwithThomasGoodwinwhopointedoutthat,"Thereisadoublespiritualstrength:onethatisradicalinthesoulitself,consistinginthestrengthandvigorofhabitualgraces;theotherisassistanttheretofromtheSpirit,accordingasHeispleasedtoarmandfillthesoulwithHimself,joiningwithitbystrengtheningthegracesinus,whichwereadofinEph.3:16,‘ThatHewouldgrantyou,accordingtotherichesofHisglory,tobestrengthenedwithmightbyHisSpiritintheinnerman.

BynaturetheChristianwasentirelydevoidofspiritualpower.WritingtothesaintsatRomePaulsaid,"Forwhenyewereyetwithoutstrength,induetheeChristdiedfortheungodly"(5:6).Nowthat"yet"wouldbequitepointlessifthosetowhomhewaswritingwerestill"withoutstrength.""ForGodhathnotgivenusthespiritoffear,butofpowerandofloveandofasoundmind"(2Tim.1:7).WedishonortheworkoftheblessedSpiritifweviewtheregenerateasbeinginthesamehelplessplightastheunregenerate.Atregenerationwereceivedspirituallife,andasGoodwinpertinentlyasks"whatisstrengthbutlifeinanactivevigor."Arewenottold"thejoyoftheLordisyourstrength"(Neh.8:10),i.e.,themorethebelieverdelightshimselfintheLordandrejoicesinHisperfectionsandhisrelationtoHim,themorewillhissoulbeinvigoratedandhisgracesquickened.DoesnotthePsalmistacknowledgeThou"strengthenedstmewithstrengthinmysoul"(138:3),sothathewasnolongerfeebleinhimself,

Butletusnotbemisunderstoodatthispoint.Wearenotarguinginfavorofanykindof"strength"beingimpartedtotheChristianwhichrendershiminanywiseself-sufficient.Noindeed,perishthethought.Eventhe"fathers"areascompletelydependent,momentbymoment,uponDivinegrace,astheyoungestandfeeblestbabeinChrist.Paradoxicalasitmaysoundtothecarnalmind,thevery"strength"whichiscommunicatedatthenewbirthmakesitsrecipientconscious(forthefirsttime)ofhisutterweakness.Itisthepurityofthenew

natureinthesoulwhichmakesmanifestthecorruptionsofhisflesh:itishisreceptionoftheearnestofhisinheritancewhichmakeshimpoorinspirit:itisthegiftoffaithwhichcauseshimtobesensibleoftheworkingsofunbelief.ItisthelifeofGodintherenewedwhichcausesthemtothirstandpantafterGod.Nevertheless,thereisarealsenseinwhichtheChristianisstrong,bothcomparativelywithhisunregenerateimpotency,andrelativelyinhimself.

"Awisemanisstrong,yea,amanofknowledgeincreasethstrength"(Prov.24:5).Inproportionasspiritualknowledgeincreasessoalsodoesspiritualstrength.Thespiritisnourishedandenrichedbothforspiritualworkandwarfarebytruewisdom.Aswehavesooftenremindedthereader,growthingraceandinspiritualknowledgeareinseparablyconnected(2Peter3:18).Thereisastrengthofcourage,offortitude,ofresolution,whichenablesitspossessortostandfirmagainstopposition,toovercomedifficulties,toenduretrialsandafflictions.Butthereverseofthatisexpressedin"ifthoufaintinthedayofadversity,thystrengthissmall"(Prov.24:10).Ifinthedayoftestingandtrialspiritssinksothatyourhandshangdownandyourkneesbecomeweak,ifwhenafflictionscomeyoutakethelineofleastresistance,neglectthemeansofgraceandareunfittedforduties,thenyour"strength"is"small,"andsuchanattitudewillfurtherweakenit.Untosuchthatwordisespeciallyappropriate,"WaitontheLord:beofgoodcourage,andheshallstrengthenthineheart;wait,Isay,ontheLord"(Ps.27:4).

Theorderthereistobecarefullynoted:first,anacknowledgementofourdependencyupontheLord.Second,abeingofgoodcourage.Third,theDivinepromiseuntothosewhoareofgoodcourage.Fourth,trustingGodforthefulfillmentofHispromiseoffurtherstrength.Itisuntothosewhohavethatmoreisgiven(Matthew24:29),itisthosewhomakeuseofthegracebestowedwhoreceivelargersupplies."Godmoreordinarilyvouchsafethadjuvant(extra-assisting)efficaciousgracetoovercometemptationsaccordingtothemeasureofgracehabitualorinherent,andthereforewhenmen(we)aregrownuptomoreradicalinwardstrengthHegivesmoreeffectualassistingstrength,and(accordingly)Hemeetethforthtemptationstotheabilityourinwardmanisfurnishedwithal,asthatweareabletobearthem(1Cor.10:13).HevouchsafesHisactualsuppliesofaidingstrengthaccordingtotheproportionofthatinherentstockofabilityHeseesintheinnerman,andthenastheconflictsgrowgreaterouradditionalaidsaretogethertherewithincreased"(Thos.Goodwin).

Withoutfurtherquotingverbatimfromthiswriterwewillsummarizeandparaphrasehisnextparagraph,withwhichweareinheartyaccord.ThegraceofGodindeedworksfreely,andHetiesHimselfabsolutelytonorulesand

measures,buteveractsaccordingtohisowngoodpleasure.HetakeslibertytowithholdHissuppliesofassistinggraceevenfromthosewhohavemostinherentgrace,toshowustheweaknessofallourgraceasitisinus,withholdingfrom"thestrong"(Rom.15:1).Hisfurtherinfluencinggracewhichmovesusbothtowillandtodo—toevidencethatHisgraceistiedtonone.ThisweseebothinDavidandHezekiahwhentheyhadgrownuptothismiddleageingrace.YetthataltersnotthefactthatinHisordinarydispensationsGodgivesmoregracetothosewhomakegooduseofwhattheyalreadyhave:"everybranchthatbearethfruit,Hepurgethitthatitmaybringforthmorefruit"(John15:2).Thepromiseofbeing"madefat"isnottothesluggardbutto"thesoulofthediligent"(Prov.13:4).

Tosumup:bytheapostle’s"youngmen,becauseyearestrong,"weunderstandthatthroughusingthemeansofgrace,byincreasedspiritualknowledge,byappropriatingthestrengthwhichisinChristJesus(2Tim.2:1),throughexercisingthegracesofthenewman,byimproving(profitingfrom)thevariedexperiencesthroughwhichtheyhadpassed,andbytheassistingoperationsoftheHolySpirit,theyhaddevelopedfrom"babes"intoahigherspiritualstatureandwerethebetterqualifiedtousetheirspiritualmuscles.Itiswritten"TheythatwaitupontheLord[whichrefersnotsomuchtoanactasitisdescriptiveofanattitudefoundinalltheregeneratewhoareinahealthycondition]shallrenewtheirstrength:theyshallmountupwithwingsaseagles,theyshallrun,andnotbeweary;theyshallwalk,andnotfaint"(Isa.40:31).Thereissuchathingasovercomingspiritualweaknessorbabyhood,butnotofcontinualdependenceontheLord.Thereissuchanexperienceasgoingon"fromstrengthtostrength"(Ps.84:7).ThoughwithoutChristIcandonothing(John15:5),yetthroughHimstrengtheningme"Icandoallthings"(Phil.4:13).

"AndtheWordofGodabidethinyou."Weregardthatclauseasconnectedfirst,withtheprecedingone,ascastingfightuponandfurnishinga(partial)explanationofwhythese"youngmen"were"strong,"asrevealingtousoneoftheprincipalsourcesandmeansoftheirspiritualstrength.Andatthesametimeitalsoservestodefinethenatureofthestrengthmentioned,namely,asinherentgrace,assomethingwithinthemselves.ItisbythepuremilkoftheWordthatthebabeinChristgrows(1Peter2:2),anditisbythatWordabidinginhimthathebecomesstrong,thatthefacultiesorgracesofthenewmanarekepthealthyandvigorous.But,second,weregardthatclauseashavinganintimatebearingontheonethatfollows,seeingthatitendsaswellasbeginswiththeword"and."ForitwasbymeansoftheWordofGodabidinginthemthattheseyoungmenhadbeenenabledto"overcomethewickedone"—"bythewordofthylipshaveI

keptmefromthepathsofthedestroyer"(Ps.17:4)."Andyehaveovercomethewickedone."Note,first,thisisnotan

exhortationorintimationofduty:itisnot"yeoughtto"but"yehave"Second,thisisnotpredicatedasarareexperience,peculiartosomeexceptionallyexaltedsaint,butispostulatedofthewholeofthiscompany:"yehave."Third,itisnotdescribedeitherasapresentprocessorafutureattainment,butasanaccomplishedthing:not"yeareovercoming"or"will"doso,but"yehaveovercomethewickedone."LittlewonderthatGoodwinsaidonthispoint,"Thereisasecondandgreaterdifficulty[beyonddefiningthe"yearestrong"]namely,Howandinwhatrespecttheyaresaidmoreeminently[i.e.,thanthe"babes"]tohaveovercomeSatan?Foraretheynotintheirconflictsapttobeovercomeandtoyieldtocorruptaffections?andhowfartheymaybeovercome[bythose]isnottobedeterminedbyman"—wordsinbracketsare,ineachinstance,ourownadditions.

"Yehaveovercomethewickedone."Whateverdifficultywemayexperienceinunderstandingthemeaningofthosewords,thereissurelynooccasionforusneedlesslytoaddtothedifficulty.Wemustbeverycarefulwiththisverse,aswithallothers,nottoreadintoitwhatisnotthere.Itdoesnotsay"yehaveovercometheflesh,"thattheyoungmenhadobtainedvictoryovertheirinwardcorruptions.Itisamostsignificantfact,andonewhichshouldexertgreatinfluenceonourthinkingatthispoint,thatwhilethisEpistlespeaksofovercoming"thewickedone"andovercoming"theworld"(5:4),itdoesnotspeakofbelieversovercomingtheirlusts.Itistruewearebiddentomortifyourmemberswhichareupontheearth(Col.3:5),andthatinvaryingdegreesalltheregeneratedoso.ItisalsotruethatthegraceofGodeffectuallyteachesitsrecipientstodenyungodlinessandworldlylusts,andtolivesoberly,righteouslyandgodlyinthispresentworld"(Titus2:12),butScripturenowhereaffirmsthatanysaint"overcametheflesh."

Asintimatedabove,webelievethattheprecedingclause"andtheWordofGodabidethinyou"throwslightuponthosewordswhichhavepresentedsuchadifficultyuntosomany—"andyehaveovercomethewickedone."First,becausetheydeclareuntoustheprincipalmeansbywhichtheenemyisovercome,namely,theWordofGod,whichisexpresslydesignated"theSwordoftheSpirit"—theoneoffensiveweaponwhichistobeusedagainstthe"wicked"(Eph.6:16,17).SupremedemonstrationofthatwasgivenbytheLordJesuswhenHewasattachedbytheDevil.HethengaveproofthattheWorddweltrichlyinHim,thattheWordofGodabodeinHisaffectionsandthoughtsandwastheRegulatorofHisways.ToeachofSatan’stemptationsHereplied"Itis

written."HedidnotparleywiththeEnemy,Hedidnotreasonorarguewithhim;HetookHisstandontheauthoritativeandall-sufficientWordofGodandrefusedtoturnasidetherefrom,andtherebyHeovercamehim.InthatChristhasbothleftusanexamplethatweshouldfollowHisstepsandgivenussuchencouragementasensuressuccess.

Butsecond,itseemstousthattheclause"andtheWordofGodabidethinyou"notonlysignifiesthemeanstobeused,butalsoandperhapschiefly,intimatestheverynatureofwhereintheyoungmenhadovercomethewickedone."Inotherwords,theveryfactthatitcouldbesaidofthem"theWordofGodabidethinyou"wasitselfthegrandproofoftheirvictoryoverthegreatAdversary.InHisparableoftheSowerourLordtaughtthattheseedsownwastheWord,andthatwhichfellbythewayside"thefowlsoftheaircameanddevoureditup."InHisinterpretationChristexplainedthattosignify:"SatancomethimmediatelyandtakethawaytheWordthatwassownintheirhearts"(Mark4:15).ThatshowsplainlythattheprimaryandprincipalaimoftheDevilistopreventtheWordofGodfindingapermanentabodeinthehumanheart,andinthecaseofthevastmajorityofourfellowsheispermittedtosucceed.ToaverylargepercentageofprofessingChristianstheLordsays,asHedidtotheJews,whohadmuchheadknowledgeoftheScriptures."YehavenottheWordofGodabidinginyou"(John5:38).

Wearelivinginadayofsuchdarknessthatthisgenerationis"ignorantofhisdevices"(2Cor.2:11).ManyofGod’sownpeopleseektoblameSatanforwhatoriginateswiththemselves.Notewellthefollowingstatements:"Fromwithin,outoftheheartofmen,[not"fromtheDevil"]proceedevilthoughts,adulteries,murders...alltheseevilscomefromwithin."(Mark7:21,23)"Nowtheworksoftheflesh[not"oftheDevil"]aremanifest,which,arethese:adultery...envyings,murders,drunkenness,revellings,andsuchlike"(Gal.5:19-21)."Everymanistemptedwhenheis[not"assailedbytheEvilone,"but]drawnawayofhisownlust"(James1:14).Butprideworks,andwedonotwishtothinkthatwearesoevilandvile,andsoweattempttoescapetheonusbyattributingtoSatanwhatweourselvesareresponsiblefor.ThereisnoneedforSatantotemptmentosuchthingsasthosepassagesmention.Heworksfarmoresubtlyandinsidiouslythanthat.

IfwegobacktoGenesis3,wherewehavetheearliestmentionofSatan—andthefirstmentionofanythinginScriptureinvariablysuppliestimekeytosubsequentreferences—weareshowntherealminwhichheworksandthecentralobjectofhisattack.Thatrealmisthereligious,andthatobjectistheWordofGod.HisopeningwordstoEvewere"YeahathGodsaid?"callinginto

questiona"thussaiththeLord."AsheseeksnightanddaytopreventGod’sWordenteringthehumanheart,sohelaborsincessantlytoremoveitwhenithasentered.Oneofhisfavoritetacticsistoinjectdoubtsintothemindsofspiritualbabes,togetthemtoquestiontheinspirationandveracityoftheScriptures.Undertheimposingtermsof"modernthought,""scholarship,""thediscoveriesofscience,"heseekstosapthefoundationoffaith.Wherethatfails,appealismadetotheconflictingviewsofthesectsanddenominationstodiscredittheinerrancyoftheWord.Wherethatfails,recourseishadtohuman"tradition"inordertosetasidetheOraclesofGod.

ItisfartoolittlerealizedthateveryattackwhichismadeupontheWordofGod,everydenialofitsverbalinspirationandDivineauthority,everyrepudiationofitssufficiencyasbeingouraloneRuleoffaithandpractice,everycorruptionofitsdoctrineandeveryperversionoftheordinancesandworshipoftheTriuneGod,arefromtheDevil.Manyofthe"babes"inChristareseverelyshakenbythoseattacksandaretossedtoandfrobyvariouswindsoferroneousdoctrine.Nevertheless,Divinegracepreservesthem,andastheygrowingraceandknowledge,astheybecomemorecautiousofwhomtheyhearandwhattheyread,astheybecomeestablishedintheTruth,theytriumphovertheEnemy.HefailstodestroytheirfaithintheScriptures,toleadthemastrayby"damnableheresies,"tocatchawaytheSeedsownintheirhearts,andthereforetheWordofGodabidinginthemissureproofthattheyhave"overcomethewickedone."Asthesameapostlegoesontosayinhisfourthchapter,"manyfalseprophetsaregoneoutintotheworld,"andthenheadded,"yeareofGodlittlechildren[thetermofendearment]andhaveovercome"(4:1,4).

IIIInEphesians4:13thereisastatureofChristspokenof,namely,thatof"a

perfectMan—untothemeasureofthestatureofthefulnessofChrist."Itwouldleadustoofarastrayfromthepresentaspectofoursubject,whichisthespiritualgrowthofindividualChristians,toenterintoafullanalysisanddiscussionofthepassageinwhichthisverseoccurs(4:11-16),sufficeitnowtopointoutthatittreatsofthecorporategrowthoftheChurchanditsultimateperfection.Verses11,12,statetheappointmentoftheChristianministry,verse13announcesitsgoal,whileverses14-16makesknowntheprocessbywhichthatgoalisreached.Thereisa"unityofthefaith"amongbelieversnow,astoits"firstprinciples,"astrulyasthereisasaving"knowledgeoftheSonofGod"possessedbytheminthislife;butthatwhichthispassagecontemplatesistheconsummationofthesameintheBodycorporate,whentherewillbeperfectunityoffaith,astherewillyetbeperfectknowledgeandperfectholiness(Heb.12:23),forallthesaints

willthenbefullyconformeduntotheimageofChrist.Whenthe"perfectMan"isopenlyrevealed,itwillconsistofaglorifiedHeadwithaglorifiedBody.

"ThemeasureofthestatureofthefulnessofChrist"isthattowhichthewholeoftheChurchispredestinatedandtheaccomplishmentthereofwillbeseenatthesecondadventofourLord,"whenHeshallcometobeglorifiedinHissaintsandadmiredinallthemthatbelieve"(2Thess.2:10).ButduringthispresentlifetherearedifferentstagesofspiritualdevelopmentreachedbyChristians,differentformsintheschoolofChristtowhichtheybelong,differentmeasuresofprogressmadebythem.Broadlyspeakingtherearethreedegreesof"thestatureofChrist"reachedbybelieversinthislife,thoughthehighestofthemfallsveryfarshortofthatwhichshallpertaintotheminthelifetocome.Thosethreedegreesaremostclearlyspecifiedin1John2:12-14,wheretheapostlegradesthemembersofGod’sfamilyintothe"babes,"the"youngmen"andthe"fathers."Wehavesoughttodescribetheprincipalfeaturesofthefirstandsecond,andnowwearetoconsiderwhatismorecharacteristicofandpre-eminentinthethirdclass,the"fathers."

Notecarefullyhowwewordedtheclosingpartofthelastsentence:itisnotthatwhichispeculiarto,butratherthatwhichisdistinctiveofthethirdclass.Thisneedstobeemphasized,oratleastplainlystated,inordertopreventreadersfromdrawingawrongconclusion.Whatispredicatedofeachseparateclassisalsocommontothewhole,thoughnottothesamedegree.Intheirmeasurethe"babes"overcomethewickedoneandhavearealandsavingknowledgeof"himthatisfromthebeginning,"yettheydonot"overcome"tothesameextentastheyoungmen"nor"know"Christsowellorextensivelyasdothe"fathers."Inlikemannerthe"fathers"rejoiceintheknowledgeofsinsforgiven,and"knowtheFather"evenbetterthantheydidinthedaysoftheirspiritualinfancy;sotootheyarenotonlyas"strong"astheywereinthetimeoftheirspiritualyouth,throughtheWordofGodabidinginthem,buttheyhaveprogressed"fromstrengthtostrength"(Ps.84:7),fortheWordnowdwellsinthem"richly"(Col.3:16).

Letusremindthereaderoncemorethatin1John2:12-14believersarenotgradedaccordingtotheirnaturalages,norevenaccordingtothelengthoftimetheyhavebeenChristians,butaccordingtothespiritualgrowthandprogresstheyhavemadeintheChristianlife.SomeofGod’selectareconvertedverylateinlifeandareleftinthisworldforbutashortseasonatmost,andthoughtheygiveclearevidenceofaworkofgracewroughtinthemandbringforthfruittothegloryofGod,yettheyattainnottothespiritualvigorof"youngmen"andstilllesstothespiritualintelligenceandmaturityofthe"fathers."Ontheother

handtherearethosewhoareregeneratedintheiryouthandsomeofthemmakesteadyandconstantprogress,adorningthedoctrinetheyprofessandbecomingusefultotheirfellowChristians;whileothersafterapromisingbeginning,backslide,andareagrieftotheirbrethren.ItiswithindividualChristiansaswithcorporatecompaniesofthem:ofthesaintsatRomePaulcouldsay"yourfaithisspokenofthroughoutthewholeworld"(1:8),whiletotheGalatianshecomplained"yedidrunwell,whodidhinderyou?"(5:7).TotheThessalonianshecouldsay"Yourfaithgrowethexceedingly"(2Thess.1:3),butoftheEphesiansitisrecorded"thouhastleftthyfirstlove"(Rev.2:4).

WhileitbetruethatthelongerapersonhasbeenaChristianthemorematurehisspiritualcharactershouldbe,themoregrowthingraceoughttomarkhim,thesnoreintelligenceheshouldhaveinthethingsofGod,yetinmanyinstancesthisisfarfrombeingactualizedinexperience.Inonlytoomanygrowthisstuntedandprogressisretarded,andsomeChristiansoftwentyyears’standingadvancenofurtherintheschoolofChristthanthosewhoentereditafewmonthsbefore.WehaveatypeofthisinthecontrastpresentedbetweenElihuandtheagedmenwhotookituponthemselvestocounselandcriticizeJob."Isaid,Daysshallspeakandmultitudeofyearsshallteachwisdom"—theyweregiventhefloorfirst,onlytoexhibittheirincompetency."Butthereisaspiritinmen,andtheinspirationoftheAlmightygiveththemunderstanding.Greatmenarenotalwayswise,neitherdotheagedunderstandjudgment.Therefore,Isaid,Hearkentome"(Job32:7-9).The"hoaryhead"isonlya"crownofgloryifitbefoundinthewayofrighteousness"(Prov.16:31).

Notewell,myreader,thatstatementintheabovepassage:"theinspirationoftheAlmightygiveththemunderstanding."Graciousabilitycomesnotfromthepassingoftheyears,butbytheteachingoftheHolySpirit.ThatgivesustheDivineside:butthereisalsoahumanside—thatofourresponsibility.SaidDavid"IunderstandmorethantheancientsbecauseIkeepthyprecepts"(Ps.119:100).ThoughstudyofandmeditationupontheWordareindeedmeansofgraceandofgrowth,yetspiritualunderstandingisobtainedchieflyfrompersonalsubmissiontoGod—Hewillnotgrantlightonthe"mysteries"ofScriptureifweforsakethepathofobedience.TheyoungChristianwhowalksaccordingtotheDivinepreceptswillhavemorespiritualdiscernmentandbetterjudgmentthanamucholderonewhoislaxinhis"ways.""IfanymanwilldoHiswill,heshallknowofthedoctrine"(John7:17).Theworldsays"Experienceisthebestteacher,"butiterrs:thechildwhosubjectshimselfwhollytotheDivineRulehasanall-sufficientGuideandisindependentofexperience.UnderstandingobtainedthroughkeepingGod’spreceptsisinfinitelybetterthan

knowledgesecuredbypainfulexperience."Ihavewrittenuntoyoufathers,becauseyehaveknownhim[thatis]from

thebeginning"(1John2:14).TheonethingwhichisherepredicatedofmatureChristiansistheirknowledgeofChrist,forthereferenceistotheSonofGodasincarnate.Theyhaveattaineduntoafuller,higher,andmoreexperimentalknowledgeofChrist.TheyarenowmoreoccupiedwithwhoHeisthanwhatHedidforthem.TheydelightinviewingHimastheOnewhomagnifiedtheDivinelawandmadeithonorable,whosatisfiedalltherequirementsofDivineholinessandjustice,whoglorifiedtheFather.TheyhaveadeepinsightintothemysteryofHiswondrousPerson.TheyhaveaclearerunderstandingofHiscovenantengagementsandofHisprophetic,priestly,andkinglyfunctions.TheyhaveamoreintimateacquaintancewithHimthroughpersonalfellowship.Theyhaveafullerexperienceofhislove,Hisgrace,Hispatience.TheyhaveobtainedexperimentalverificationofHisteachings,thevalueofHiscommandments,andthecertaintyofHispromises.

The"knowledge"whichishereascribeduntothe"fathers"isfarmorethanaspeculativeandhistoricalone,withwhichthemajorityofprofessingChristiansarecontent.Thereareseveraldegreesofthismerelytheoreticalknowledge.Withsomeitisnothingmorethanmemorative,astheJewsaresaidtohavehad"aformofknowledge"Rom.2:20),likeamapofitintheirbrains—acquiredbyretainingintheirmindswhattheyhavereadorheardaboutDivinethings.Withothersitisanopinionativeknowledge,sothattheyhavenotonlyamentalacquaintancewithpartsofthetruth,butakindofconscienceandjudgmentaboutthosethings,whichcausesthemtoregardthemselvesas"orthodox,"andyetwisdomentersnotintotheirhearts(Prov.1:20).Afewhaveayethigherdegreeofthisknowledge,whichinmeasureaffectstheirheartsandleadstoreformationoflife,sothatthey"escapethepollutionsoftheworldthroughtheknowledgeofthe(not‘their’)LordandSaviour";yetitsholdontheiraffectionsistooweaktowithstandstrongtemptations,andhencetheyapostatizefromtheFaithandreturntotheirwallowinginthemire(2Peter2:20,22).

Incontrastfromnominalprofessors,everyregeneratedsoulhasasupernaturalandspiritualknowledgeofGod,ofChrist,andthegospel,andashegrowsingraceitincreases.Thekindofknowledgepossessedbyeachofusmaybedeterminedbytheeffectsitproduces:whetheritbeonlyabare,non-influentialknowledge,orwhetheritbeaspiritualandsavingoneisdiscoveredbythefruitsitbears.ADivinely-impartedoneleadsitspossessortoputhistrustintheLord(Ps.9:10).toesteemChristsuperlatively(Phil.3:8,9),toobeyHim(1John2:3,4).Itissuchascausesustoreceivethetruthnotonlyinthelightof

it,butintheloveofit(2Thess.2:10),andthusitisanintimate,permanent,heart-affecting,andlife-transformingknowledge.Itiswhattheapostleterms"theexcellencyoftheknowledgeofChrist,"andthatisonewhichcausesitspossessortocountallotherthingsbutdung,andmoveshimtopantafterayetfulleracquaintancewithChrist,amoreunbrokencommunionwithHim,amorecompleteconformityuntoHisimage.

TheknowledgeofChristwithwhichthe"fathers"areblestissuchasfillstheirsoulswithholyawe,astonishmentandadmiration.TheyknowHimthroughtherevelationofthegospelastheOnewhowas"setupfromeverlasting,fromthebeginning,"whowas"dailytheFather’sdelight"(Prov.8:23,30).ThustheyknowHimastheOnewhotookintounionwithHisdivinepersonaholyhumanity.TheyknowHimastheImageoftheinvisibleGod(Col.1:16),astheOnewhohasfullytoldouttheFather.TheyareledintoaknowledgeofHisDivinemajesty,HisHeadshipofthechurch,astheMediatorofunionandcommunion,whichfloodstheirheartswithdelight.TheyknowHimastheirLord,theirRedeemer;theirHope,theirAllinall.HeisthegrandSubjectandObjectoftheircontemplations,sothattheyaremoreandmoreabsorbedwithHim.SuchknowledgefindsexpressioninspeakingwellofHimtofellow-saints,byendeavoringtopleaseHiminallthings,bydiligentlyfollowingtheexampleHehasleftus.

Itmustnotbeconcludedfrom1John2:13,14thatthisdeeperandfullerknowledgeofthePerson,officesandworkofChrististheonlydistinguishingmarkwhicheminentlycharacterizesthe"fathers."Hebrews5:11-14showsotherwise:they"teach"others,bothbyexampleandprecept,givingcounselandadmonition,encouragementsandcomfort,totheiryoungerbrethren.Inthatsamepassagetheyaretermed"themthatareoffullage,"andthemarksofsucharedescribedas"thosewhobyreasonofusehavetheirsensesexercisedtodiscernbothgoodandevil,"andbeingcapacitatedtomasticate"strongmeat,"whichaccordingtothescopeofthatepistlehasreferencetotheofficialgloriesofChrist,particularlyHispriestly.Whilethosewhocannotdigestsuchfoodwhofindneithersavournornourishmenttherein,aretermed"babes,"whocanrelishnaughtbut"milk,"thatis,thesimplerandmoreelementaryaspectsofthegospel.

Justasthenaturalinfantpossessestheverysamefacultiesastheadultbuthasnotlearnedtoemploythem,sothebabeinChristhasallthe"senses"orspiritualgracesofthe"fathers"buthasnotlearnedtousethemtothesameadvantage.Asthenaturalinfantisincapableofdistinguishingbetweenwholesomeandinjuriousfood,sothespiritualinfanthasnottheabilitytoforma

correctjudgmentanddistinguishbetweenpreacherswhoministeronlytheletteroftheWordandthosewhoareenabledtoopenitupspiritually.Itisby"reasonofuse"thatthespiritualsensesaredeveloped.Asthemusclesoftheathleteorthefingersofthecraftsmanbecomefitorskillfulthroughconstantexercise,sothespiritualgracesofthenewmanaredevelopedbyregularlycallingthemintoplay.Itisbyusingthelightwehave,bypracticingwhatwealreadyknow,whichfitsthesoulforfurtherdisclosuresofthetruthandforclosercommunionwithChrist,andwhichthebetterenablesusto"discernbothgoodandevil."Thus,afurthermarkofthe"fathers"iswisdom,soundjudgment,keendiscernment.

"TheoldChristianhasmoresolid,judiciousandconnectedviewsoftheLordJesusChrist,andthegloriesofHisredeeminglove:hencehishopeismoreestablished,hisdependencemoresimple,hispeaceandstrengthmoreabidinganduniformthanisthecaseoftheyoungconvert.ThoughhissensiblefeelingsmaynotbesowarmaswhenhewasinthestateofA(spiritualinfancy),hisjudgmentismoresolid,hismindmorefixed,histhoughtsmorehabituallyexerciseduponthethingswithintheveil.HisgreatbusinessistobeholdthegloryofGodinChrist,andbybeholdingheischangedintothesameimage,andbringsforthinaneminentanduniformmannerthefruitsofrighteousness.Hiscontemplationsarenotbarespeculations,buthavearealinfluence,andenablehimtoexemplifytheChristiancharactertomoreadvantageandwithmoreconsistencythancan,inthepresentstateofthings,beexpectedfromthe‘babes’of‘youngmen’"(JohnNewtonGraceintheFullEar).

The"fathers"aresuchasaremorediligentlyemployedintheexercisesofgodliness,forhavingprovedforthemselvesthatobediencetoGodistrueliberty,theirpracticeofpietyisnotperformedonlyfromasenseofduty,butwithjoy.Theymorewiselymanagetheaffairsofthislife,fortheyhaveagreatermeasureofspiritualprudenceandcircumspection.Theydischargetheirdutieswithincreasingdiligenceandcare,knowingthatGodesteemsqualityratherthanquantity,theheartengagedthereinratherthanthelengthormeasureoftheperformance.Theyaremoreweanedfromthedelightsofsense,fortheirassuranceisnowbaseduponknowledgeratherthanfeelings.Theyaremoreconsciousthantheyformerlywereoftheirfrailtyandignorance,andthereforeleanharderontheeverlastingarmsandmorefrequentlyseekwisdomfromabove.TheyaremoresubmissiveunderthevaryingdispensationsofProvidence,forthefryingoftheirfaithhaswroughtpatience(James1:3)andthereforetheyaremorecontenttomeeklyandtrustfullyleavethemselvesandtheiraffairsinthehandsofHimthatdoeth"allthingswell."

The"fathers"aresuchashavebeengreatlyfavoredwithlightfromthe

SpiritbyHisgraciousopeningoftheirunderstandingstoperceiveandtheirheartstoreceivetheteachingsofHolyWrit,andtheyhavelearnedthattheycannomoreenterintothespiritualmeaningofanyverseintheWordwithouttheSpirit’sassistancethancreateaworld,andthereforetheirdailyprayeris"Openthoumineeyes,thatImaybeholdwondrousthingsoutofthylaw."ThroughdeepacquaintancewithGodtheircharactersaremoremellowedandtheirlivesaremorefaithfultoHispraise—notnecessarilyinoutwardactivitiesbutbytheexerciseoftheirgraces,thanksgiving,andadoration.HavinghadmadetothemmanydiscoveriesofthegloriesofChrist,receivedinnumerableproofsofHisforbearance,beenpartakersofcountlesslove-tokensfromHim,theirtestimonyis,"WhomhaveIinheavenbutthee,andthereisnoneuponearththatIdesirebesidethee"(Ps.73:25).TheirmindsarelargelytakenupwithandexerciseduponthewondrousperfectionsofChrist,bothpersonalandofficial.

"Butspeakthouthethingswhichbecomesounddoctrine:thattheagedmenhesober,grave,temperate,soundinfaith,incharity,inpatience"(Titus2:1,2).Hereweareinformedwhataretheparticulargraceswhichshouldcharacterizethe"fathers"inGod’sfamily.First,besober,"orasthemarginpreferablyhasit,"bevigilant."Theymustnotstifferincreasingyearstoinducespirituallethargy,rathershouldtheyissueinincreasingwatchfulnessandalertnesstodanger."Grave":notgarrulousandexcitable,butthoughtfulandserious:lessallowancewillbemadeforthemthanyoungerbrethreniftheyindulgeinlevityandvanity."Temperate"ormoderateinallthings:theGreekwordsignifies"self-restrained,"havingtheirtempersandaffectionsundercontrol."Soundinfaith":sincereandstedfastintheirprofession."Inlove"toChristandtheirbrethren."Andpatience,"notpeevishandfretful:perseveringingoodworks,meeklyenduringtrialsandpersecutions."Thosewhoarefullofyearsshouldbefullofgraceandgoodness"(Matt.Henry).

NotonlydoestheNewTestamentmaintainthedistinctionbetweenspiritualinfantsandmatureChristians,butitrevealshowGodprovidesservantsofHiswhoarespeciallysuiteduntoeach:"ForthoughyehavetenthousandinstructorsinChrist,yetnotmanyfathers"(1Cor.4:15).The"fathers"amongtheministersofChristarenotonlycharacterizedbytheirdisinterested,affectionate,faithful,andprudentinstructions,sothattheyareentitledtotheloveandrespectshownuntoaparent;butareDivinelyandexperimentallyfittedtoopenup"thedeepthingsofGod"andedifytheolderaswellastheyoungsaints.ThoughallthetrueservantsofChristarecommissionedbyHim,yetallarenotequallyqualified,gifted,orusefultothechurch.Manyare"instructorsinChrist"butcangonofurther,beingneitherdesignednorfittedforanythingbeyondthat.Buta

fewaregreatlysuperiortothemandhavemorelastingimportancetotheflock.Allareusefulintheirseveralstations,butallarenotusefulinthesameway.

InconcludingthisaspectofoursubjectwecannotdobetterthancallattentiontotheanalogybetweenthespiritualgrowthofthechildrenofGodandthatintheincarnateSon.BeautifulindeedisittobeholdhowthislineoftruthwasexemplifiedinHim.ThehumanityofChristwasperfectlynaturalinitsordinarydevelopmentandeverythingwas"beautifulinhistime"(Eccl.3:1)inHim.First,weseeHimasaBabe"wrappedinswaddlingclothes"andcradledinamanger.ThenwebeholdHisprogressfrominfancytochildhoodandasaboyoftwelveHismoralperfectionsshoneforthinbeing"subjecttoHisparents."andwearetoldthat"Heincreasedinwisdom,andstatureandinfavorwithGodandman"(Luke2:51,52).WhenHebecamemanHisgloryfoundotherexpressions,workingatthecarpenter’sbench(Mark6:3)followedbyHispublicministry.SupremelywasHethe"Treeplantedbytheriversofwater"whichbroughtforth"hisfruitinhisseason."

8.ItsPromotion

I.Wehavenowarrivedatwhatisperhapsthemostimportantaspectofour

subject—notfromthedoctrinalsidebutfromthepracticalstandpoint.Itwillavailuslittletodiscoverthatthereisamanifoldneeds-bewhytheChristianshouldgrowingraceandintheknowledgeoftheLord,asitwouldadvantageusnothingtobequiteclearinourmindsastowhatChristianprogressisnotandwhatitreallyconsistsof,ifwecontinuetobestationary.Whileitmayawakeninteresttolearnthatincertainfundamentalrespectsthegrowthofsaintsislikeuntotreesintheirupward,downward,inwardandoutwarddevelopment,yetsuchinformationwillproveofnorealvalueunlesstheconsciencebeexercisedtherebyandtherebedefiniteeffortonourpart.Treesdonotgrowmechanically,butonlyastheyderivenourishmentfromthesoilandreceivewaterandsunshinefromabove.ItisinstructivetofindouttherearedifferentgradesinGod’sfamilyandtoascertainthecharacteristicsofeach,butofwhatservicewillthatbetomeunlessIpersonallypassfromspiritualinfancytoyouthandeventuallybecomea"father"inChrist?

WhilethereisacloseanalogybetweenthemannerofaChristian’sgrowthandthatofatree,itmustnotbelostsightofthatthereisarealandradicaldifferencebetweenthemconsideredasentities,forwearemoralagents,accountablecreatures,whiletheyarenotso;anditistheexerciseofourmoralagencyandthedischargeofourresponsibilitywhichisnowtoengageourattention.Spiritualgrowthisveryfarfrombeingafortuitousthing,whichoccursirrespectiveoftheuseofsuitablemeans,nordoesittakeplacespontaneouslyorapartfromtheavailingourselvesofourprivilegesandtheperformanceofourduty.RatherisittheoutcomeofGod’sblessinguponouremploymentoftheaidswhichHehasprovidedandappointedandtheorderlydevelopmentofthedifferentgracesHehasbestoweduponus.Asitisinthenatural,soitisinthespiritual:therearecertainthingswhichfosterandthereareotherthingswhichhinderChristianprogress,anditisthelastingobligationofthesainttomakefulluseoftheformerandtoresolutelyavoidthelatter.Spiritualgrowthwillnotbepromotedwhileweremainindifferentandinactive,butonlyaswegivetheutmostdiligencetoattendinguntothehealthofoursouls.

Inseekingtotreatofthespiritualgrowthofasaintitneedstobeborneinmindthathere,aseverywhereintheChristianlife,therearetwodifferentagents

atwork,twoentirelydifferentprinciplesareconcerned:thereisbothaDivineandahumansidetothesubject,andmuchwisdomandcarearerequiredifaproperandscripturalproportionistobemaintained.ThosetwoagentsareGodandthesaint;thosetwoprinciplesaretheoperationsofDivinesovereigntyandthedischargeofChristianresponsibility.Thedifficultyinvolved—admittedlyarealone—istorecognizetheexistenceofeachandtomaintainaduebalancebetweentheoneandtheother.Thereisarealdangerthatwebecomesooccupiedwiththebeliever’sdutyandhisdiligenceinusingthepropermeans,thathetakestoomuchcredittohimselfandtherebyrobsGodofHisglory—asinlargemeasuredotheArminians.Ontheotherhand,equallyrealisthedangerthatwedwellsoexclusivelyontheDivineoperationsandourdependenceontheSpirit’squickening,thataspiritofinertiaseizesusandwebecomereducedtounaccountablenon-entities—asisthecasewithFatalistsandAntinomians.Fromeitherextremeweshouldearnestlyseekdeliverance.

ItisofvitalimportanceattheoutsetthatweclearlyrecognizethatGodalonecanmakeHispeoplegrowandprosper,andthatweshouldbedeeplyandlastinglysensibleofourentiredependencyuponHim.Aswewereunabletooriginatespirituallifeinoursouls,soweareequallyunabletopreserveorincreasethesame.Deeplyhumblingthoughthattruthbeuntoourhearts,yetthedeclarationsofHolyWritaretooimplicitandtoonumeroustoleaveusintheslightestdoubtuponit."Nonecankeephisownsoulalive"(Ps.22:29):truealikenaturallyandspiritually;positively,"OblessourGod...whichholdethoursoulinlife"(Ps.68:9)."Thoumaintainestmylot"(Ps.16:5)saidChristHimself."ThyGodhathcommandedthystrength"(Ps.68:28)."Frommeisthyfruit"(Hos.14:8)."Thoualsohastwroughtallourworksinus"(Isa.26:12)."Allmyspringsareinthee"(Ps.87:7)."Withoutmeyecandonothing"(John15:5).Suchflesh-witheringstatementsasthosecutawayallgroundforboastingandplacethecrownofhonorwhereitrightfullybelongs.

Butthereisanotherclassofpassages,equallyplainandnecessaryforustoreceiveattheirfacevalueandbedulyinfluencedbythem:passageswhichemphasizetheChristian’saccountability,whichinculcatethedischargeofhisresponsibility,andwhichblamehimwhenhefailstherein:passageswhichshowthatGoddealswithHispeopleasrationalcreatures,settingbeforethemtheirdutyandrequiringthemunderpainofHisdispleasureandtheirgreatlosstodiligentlyperformthesame.Heexpresslyexhortsthemto"growingrace"(2Peter3:18).Hebidsthemto"layaside"thethingswhichhinderandtodesirethesinceremilkoftheWordthattheymaygrowthereby"(1Peter2:1,2).SofarfromholdingtheHebrewsasbeingwithoutexcusefornothavinggrown,He

blamesthem(5:11-14).ThoughHehaspromisedtodogooduntohispeople,neverthelesstheLordhasdeclared"IwillyetforthisbeinquiredofbythehouseofIsraeltodoitforthem"(Ezek.36:37),andhesitatesnottosay"Yehavenot,becauseyeasknot"(James3:2).

Atfirstsightitmayappearimpossibleforustoshowthemeeting-pointbetweentheoperationsofGod’ssovereigntyandthedischargeofChristianresponsibility,andtodefinetherelationofthelattertotheformerandthemanneroftheirinterworking.Hadwebeenlefttoourselves,ithadindeedbeenataskbeyondthecompassofhumanreason;butScripturesolvestheproblemforus,andintermssoplainthatthesimplestbelieverhasnodifficultyinunderstandingthem."BythegraceofGodIamwhatIam:andHisgracewhichwasbestoweduponmewasnotinvain,butIlaboredmoreabundantlythantheyall;yetnotI,butthegraceofGodwhichwaswithme"(1Cor.15:10).Itistruethattheapostlewastreatingmoreimmediatelywithhisministerialcareer,yetinitswiderapplicationitisobviousthattheprinciplesoftheverseapplywithequalproprietyandforcetothepracticalsideoftheChristian’slife—evidencedbytheLord’speopleinallagesappropriatingtothemselvesitsfirstandlastclauses:butequallyimportantandpertinentisthatwhichcomesinbetweenthem.

Insomepassages"thegraceofGod"signifiesHiseternalgoodwilluntoHispeople;inothersitconnotesrathertheeffectofHisfavor,the"grace"whichHebestowsuponandinfusesintothem,asin"ButuntoeveryoneofusisgivengraceaccordingtothemeasureofthegiftofChrist"(Eph.4:7).Christis"fullofgraceandtruth...andofhisfulnesshaveallwereceived,andgraceforgrace"(John1:14,16).Justassinisapowerfulprincipleworkingwithinthenaturalman,inclininghimtoevil,soatregenerationGod’selecthavecommunicatedtotheirsoulsDivinegrace,whichactsasapowerfulprincipleworkingwithinthemandinclininguntoholiness."GraceisnothingelsebutanintroductionofthevirtuesofGodintothesoul"(T.Manton).Thatprincipleofgracewhichisimpartedtousatthenewbirthiswhatisoftentermed"thenewnature"intheChristian,andisdesignated"thespirit"becausebornoftheSpirit"(John3:6);andbeingspiritualandholyitisopposedbyindwellingsin—called"theflesh"(Gal.5:17)—andthatinturnopposestheworkingsofsinorthelustsoftheflesh,theonebeingcontrarytotheother.

Theprincipleofgraceornewnaturewhichisbestowedonthesaintisbutacreature,andthoughintrinsicallyholyitisentirelydependentuponitsAuthorforstrengthandgrowth.Andthuswemustdistinguishbetweentheprincipleofgraceandfreshsuppliesofgraceforitsinvigorationanddevelopment.Wemay

likenthenewly-bornbabeandtheyoungChristiansubsequentlytoafully-riggedyacht:thoughitssailsbeset,itisincapableofmovementuntilawindblows.TheChristianisresponsibletospreadhissailsandlooktoGodforabreezefromHeaven,butuntilthewindstirs(John3:8)hewillmakenoprogress.Todropthefigureandcometothereality,whathasjustbeensaidreceivesillustrationintheapostolicbenediction,whereinPaulsouniformlyprayedforthesaints,"GracebeuntoyouandpeacefromGodourFatherandtheLordJesusChrist";orasPeterexpressesit"graceandpeacebemultiplieduntoyou,"fornothinglessthangrace"multiplied"willenableanyChristiantogrowandthrive.

WemustdistinguishthennotonlybetweentheeternalgoodwillandfavorofGodtoHispeople(Eph.1:4,5)andtheeffectorfruitofitintheactualinfusionofHisgrace(Eph.4:7)orbestowalofanactiveprincipleofholiness,butwemustalsorecognizethedifferencebetweenthatprincipleandthedailyrenewingofit(2Cor.4:16)orenergizingsofitbytheinfluencesoftheHolySpirit,whichwedeservenot.ThoughthatnewnaturebeaspiritualandholyonewhichdisposesitspossessoruntothepleasingofGod,yetithasnosufficiencyinitselftoproducethefruitsofholiness.SaidthePsalmist"Othatmywaysweredirectedtokeepthystatutes"(119:5):suchadesireproceededfromtheprincipleofgrace,buthavingnotthepowerinitselfitneededadditionalDivineenablementtocarryitout.Soagain"Quickenthoumeaccordingtothyword"(v.25):thesparksofgracetindertheashesofthefleshneededfanningintoablaze.ThelifeofgracecanonlybecarriedonbycompletedependenceuponGodandreceivingfromHimafresh"supplyoftheSpiritofJesusChrist"(Phil.1:19).

"YemustdependuponChristforstrength,abilitytorepent:allevangelicaldutiesaredoneinHisstrength.Christmustgiveussofthearts,heartsthatarerepentant;andmustteachthembyHisSpiritbeforetheywillrepent.ExceptHesmitetheserocks,theywillyieldnowater,notearsforsin;exceptHebreakthesehearts,theywillnotbleed.Wemayaswellmeltaflintorturnastoneintofleshasrepentinourownstrength.Itisfarabovethepowerofnature,naymostcontrarytoit.Howcanwehatesinwhichnaturallyweloveaboveall?mournforthatwhereinwemostdelight?forsakethatwhichisasdearasourselves?ItisthealmightypowerofChristwhichonlycandothis:wemustrelyon,seektoHim,forit—Lam.5:21"(DavidClarkson,1670).Thesameappliesjustastrulytofaith,hope,love,patience—theexerciseofanyandalloftheChristiangraces.OnlyaswearestrengthenedwithmightbytheSpiritinourinnermanareweenabledtobefruitfulbranchesoftheVine.

InitsfinalanalysisthespiritualgrowthoftheChristianturnsuponthegracewhichhecontinuestoreceivefromGod,noristhemeasureobtaineddeterminedbyanythinginorofus.Sinceitbegrace,itsAuthordispensesitaccordingtoHisownsovereigndetermination:"ItisGodwhichworkethinyoubothtowillandtodoofhisgoodpleasure"(Phil.2:13).ItisGod"thatgiveththeincrease"(1Cor.3:7):tosomeanincreaseoffaithandwisdom,toothersofloveandmeekness,toyetothersofcomfortandpeace,toyetothersstrengthandvictory—"dividingtoeverymanseverallyasHewill"(1Cor.12:11).Ourconcernandco-operationisequallyduetoenablinggrace,forofourselvesweareriotsufficienttothinkanythingasofourselves:butoursufficiencyisofGod"(2Con.3:5).AllthatisgoodinusisbutastreamfromthefountainofDivinegrace,andnaughtbutanabidingconvictionofthatfactwillkeepusbothhumbleandthankful.Goditiswhoinclinesthemindandwilluntoanygood,whoilluminesourunderstandingsanddrawsoutouraffectionsuntothingsabove.EventhemeansofgraceareineffectualunlessGodblessesthemtous;yetwesinifweusethen,not.

Butletusturnnosytothehuman—accountability-sideofthissubject:wearerequiredto"growingrace"(2Peter3:18),itisourresponsibilitytoobtain"moregrace"(James4:6)andthefaultisentirelyoursifwedonot,for"theGodofallgrace"(1Peter5:10)isinfinitelymorewillingtogivethanwearetoreceive.Weareplainlyexhorted"Ask,anditshallbegivenyou;seek,andyeshallfind;knockanditshallbeopeneduntoyou"(Matthew7:7)—wherethereferenceistoourobtainingfreshsuppliesofgrace.Nofatalisticapathyisinculcatedthere:nosittingstillwithourhandsfoldeduntilGod"bepleasedtoreviveus.No,theveryopposite:adefinite"asking,"anearnest"seeking,"animportunate"knocking,"untiltheneededsupplyisobtained.Weareexpresslybiddento"bestronginthegracethatisinChristJesus"(2Tim.2:1).Wearefreelyinvited"tocomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace,thatwemayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpintimeofneed"(Heb.4:16)—pardoninggrace,sanctifyinggrace,perseveringgrace,aswellasgracetofaithfullyperformthecommontasksoflife.

Itisthenbothourprivilegeanddutytoobtainfreshsuppliesofgraceeachday.Saystheapostle"letushavegrace(Heb.12:28).Butletusnotethewholeofthatverseandobservethefivethingsinit."Wherefore[aninferencedrawnfromthecontext]wereceivingakingdomwhichcannotbemoved[theprivilegeconferreduponus],letushavegrace[theenablement]wherebywemayserveGodacceptably[thetaskassignedus]withreverenceandgodlyfear"—themannerofitsperformance.SuchadutyasservingGodacceptablywecannot

possiblyperformwithoutspecialDivineassistance.Thatassistanceorstrengthistobedefinitely,diligently,constantlysoughtbyus.ToquotefromJohnOwenonthisverse—whoisoneoftheverylasttobeaccusedofhavingalegalisticspirit:"tohaveanincreaseofthisgraceasuntoitsdegreesandmeasuresandtokeepinexerciseinallthedutiesoftheserviceofGod,isadutyrequiredofbelieversbyvirtueofalltheGospelprivilegeswhichtheyreceivefromGod.ForhereinconsiststhatrevenueofglorywhichontheiraccountHeexpectethandrequireth."Alasthatsomanyhyper-Calvinistshavegotsofarawayfromthatholybalance.

Inordertotheobtainingfreshsuppliesofgraceweneed,first,tocultivateasenseofourownweakness,sinfulness,andinsufficiency,fightingagainsteveryuprisingofprideandself-confidence.Second,weneedtobemorediligentinusingthegracewealreadyhave,rememberingthattheonewhotradedwithhistalentswashetowhomadditionaloneswereentrusted.Third,weneedtosupplicateGodforthesame:sinceChristhastaughtustoaskourFatherforourdailybread,howmuchmoredoweneedtoaskHimfordailygrace.ThereisamediatorialfulnessofgraceinChristforHispeople,anditistheirprivilegeanddutytodrawuponHimforthesame."Letusthereforecomeboldly[freelyandconfidently]untothethroneofgrace":theverbisnotintheaoristbutthepresenttense,signifyingacontinuouscoming—formthehabitofsodoing.Itisbothourprivilegeanddutytocome,andtocome"boldly."Theapostledidnotsaynonemaycomeexcepttheydosoconfidently:ratherisheshowing(fromconsiderationsinthecontext)howweshouldcome.Ifwecannotcomewithboldness,thenletuscomeaskingforit.

Wecanadvancenothingbutthemostidleandworthlessexcusesforournon-compliancewiththeblessedinvitationofHebrews4:16andourfailureto"findgracetohelpinlimeofneed,"yea,sopointlessandvainarethoseexcusesitwouldbeawasteoftimetonameandrefutethem.Ifwetracedthembacktotheirsource,littleaswemaysuspectit,itwouldbefoundthatthoseexcusesissuefromasenseofself-sufficiency,asisclearlyimpliedbythosewords"Godresisteththeproud,butgivethgraceuntothehumble"(James4:6).Godsaystome,toyou,lethimtakeholdofmystrength"(Isa.27:5);andagain,"seektheLordandhisstrength"(1Chron.16:11).ThereforeweshouldcomebeforeHimwiththeprayer"NowthereforeOGodstrengthenmyheart"(Neh.6:9),pleadingHispromise"Iwillstrengthenthee,yea,Iwillhelpthee"(Isa.41:10).Inanearlierparagraphwequotedthewords"thyGodhathcommandedthystrength,"yetsofarfromthePsalmistfeelingthatrelievedhimofallresponsibilityinthematter,hecried"strengthen,OGod,thatwhichthouhastwroughtforus"

(68:28).AndnowletusshowhowthatICorinthians15:10revealsthemeetingpoint

betweentheDivineoperationsofgraceandourimprovementofthesame.First,"bythegraceofGodIamwhatIam"—abrandpluckedoutofthefire,anewcreatureinChristJesus.Second,"andthegracewhichwasbestoweduponmewasnotinvain(contrast2Cor.6:1),butIlaboredmoreabundantlythantheyall":sofarfromgraceencouraginguntolistlessness,itstirreduptoearnestendeavorandtheimprovingofthesame,sothattheapostlewasconsciousofandshranknotfromaffirminghisowndiligenceandzeal,Third,"yetnotIbutthegraceofGodwhichwaswithme":hedisownsanycredittohimself,butgivesalltheglorytoGod.ItisourboundendutytousethegraceGodhasbestoweduponus,stirringupandexercisingthatholyprinciple,yetthisisnottopuffusup.Astheapostlesaidagain,"WhereuntoIalsolabor,strivingaccordingtohisworking,whichworkethinmemightily"(Col.1:29)—hetooknopraiseuntohimself,buthumblyascribedwhathehaddoneentirelyuntotheLord.Fourth,thusgraceisgiventheChristiantomakeuseof,tolaborwith—instrivingagainstsin,resistingtheDevil,runninginthewayofGod’scommandments;yetinsolaboring,liemustbemindfuloftheSourceofhisspiritualenergy.WecanonlyworkoutwhatGodhaswroughtinus(Phil.2:12,13),butrememberitisourdutyto"workout."

NotonlyisittheChristian’sresponsibilitytoseekandobtainmoregraceforhimself,butitisalsohisdutytostimulateandincreasethegraceofhisbrethren.Re-readthatsentenceandletitstartleyououtofyourlethargyandself-complacency.Itisofnoavailtoreply,Icannotincreasemyownstockofgrace,letalonethatofanother.Scriptureisplainonthispoint:"Letnocorruptcommunicationproceedoutofyourmouth;butthatwhichisgoodtotheuseofedifying,thatitmayministergraceuntothehearers"(Eph.4:29)—notewellthatverseisaddressednotspeciallytotheministersofthegospel,buttherankandfileofGod’speople.Yes,youmay,yououghttobeahelper,astrengthener,abuilderupofyourfellowsaints.Crumblingaboutyourlot,groaningoveryourstate,willnotbeanystimulustothem:ratherwillitdepressandfosterunbelief.ButifyouspeakofthefaithfulnessofGod,beartotestimonytosufficiencyofChrist,recounthisgoodnessandmercytoyou,quoteHispromises,thenwillyourhearersexperiencethetruthofthatproverb"Ironsharpenethiron:soamansharpeneththecountenanceofhisfriend"(27:17).

II.Ithasoftenbeensaidthat"Everythingdependsuponarightbeginning."

Thereisconsiderableforceinthatadage:ifthefoundationbefaulty,thesuperstructureiscertaintobeinsecure;ifwetakethewrongturnwhenstartingoutonajourney,thedesireddestinationwillnotbereached—unlesstheerrorbecorrected.ItisindeedofvitalimportancefortheprofessingChristian,tomeasurehimselfbytheunerringstandardofGod’sWordandmakesurethathisconversionwasasoundone,andthathishouseisbeingbuiltupontherockandnotuponthesand.Multitudesaredeceived,fatallydeceivedatthisvitalpoint:"thereisagenerationthatarepureintheirowneyes,andyetisnotwashedfromtheirfilthiness"(Prov.30:12).ThereforeareGod’schildrenexpresslybidden"Examineyourselves,whetheryebeinthefaith:proveyourownselves"(2Cor.13:5).Noristhattobedoneinanyhalf-heartedway:"givediligencetomakeyourcallingandelectionsure"(2Peter1:10)isourboundenduty.

"Proveallthings":takenothingforgranted,givenotyourselfthebenefitofanydoubt,butverifyyourprofessionandcertifyyourconversion,restnotsatisfieduntilyouhaveclearandreliableevidencethatyouareindeedanewcreatureinChristJesus.Thenheedtheexhortationthatfollows:"Proveallthings,holdfastthatwhichisgood"(1Thess.5:21).Thatisnoneedlesscaution,butonewhichitisincumbentuponustotaketoheart.Thereisthatstillwithinyouwhichisopposedtothetruth,yea,whichlovesalie.Moreover,youwillencounterfierceoppositionfromwithoutandbetemptedtoforsakethestandyouhavetaken.Moresubtlestillwillbetheevilexampleoflaxprofessors,whostilllaughatyourstrictnessandseektodragyoudowntotheirlevel.Fortheseandotherreasons"Weoughttogivethemoreearnestheedtothethingswhichwehaveheard,lestatanytimeyeshouldletthemslip"(Heb.2:1)—the"atanytime"intimateswemustconstantlybeoutourguardagainstsuchacalamity.

"Letusholdfasttheprofessionofourfaithwithoutwavering,forheusfaithfulthatpromised"(Heb.10:23),andthereforeweshouldbefaithfulinperforming.Seetoitthatyouhidenotyourlightunderabushel.BenotashamedofyourChristianuniform,butwearitonalloccasions.Letyourlightsoshinebeforementhattheymayseeyourgoodworks.Benotacompromiserandtemporizer,butoutandoutforChrist."Rememberthereforehowthouhastreceivedandheard,andholdfast"(Rev.3:3)Ifyourconversionwasasavingoneyoureceivedthatwhichwasinfinitelymorepreciousthansilverandgold:thenprizeitassuchandclingtenaciouslytoit.HoldfastthethingsofGodinyourmemorybyfrequentmeditationthereon,keepthemwarminyouraffectionsandinviolateinyourconscience."Holdfastthatwhichthouhast,thatnomantakethycrown"(Rev.3:11).Ifyouhavebygraceboughtthetruth,seetoitthatyou"sellitnot"(Prov.23:23):beunflinchinginyourmaintenanceofitand

unswervinginyourdevotednesstoChristandwhatHehasentrustedtoyou.Thusitisnotonlynecessarythatwebeginaright,butitisequallyessential

thatwecontinueright:"Ifyecontinueinmywordthenareyemydisciplesindeed"(John8:31).AperseveringattendanceonChrist’sinstructionsisthebestproofoftherealityofourprofession.OnlybyasteadyfaithinthepersonandworkofChrist,afirmrelianceonHispromises,andregularobediencetoHisprecepts—notwithstandingalloppositionfromtheflesh,theworld,andtheDevil—doweapproveourselvestobeHisgenuinedisciples."AstheFatherhathlovedme,sohaveIlovedyou:continueyeinmylove"(John15:9)—continueinthebelievingenjoymentofit.Andhowisthattobeaccomplished?Why,byrefrainingfromthosethingswhichwouldgrievethatlove,bydoingthosethingswhichconducetoafullermanifestationthereof.Norissuchcounselintheleastdegree"legalistic,"asourLord’sverynextwordsshow:"Ifyekeepmycommandmentsyeshallabideinmylove,evenasIhavekeptmyFather’scommandmentsandabideinhislove"(v.10).

ItisperfectlytruethatifasoulhasbeenregeneratedbytheSpiritofGodthathewill"holdonhisway,"yetitisequallytruethatholdingourwayistheevidenceorproofofourregeneration,andthatifwedonotso,thenweonlydeceiveourselvesifwesupposeweareregenerated.ThefactthatGodhaspromisedto"perform"or"complete"thegoodworkwhichHehasbeguninanyofHispeopledoesnotrenderitneedlessforthemtoperformandcompletetheworkwhichHehasassignedthem.Notsodidtheapostlesthinkoract.PaulandBarnabasspaketotheirfollowers"persuadingthemtocontinueinthegraceofGod"(Acts13:43),whichweunderstandtosignifythattheyexhortedthemnottobediscouragedbytheoppositiontheymeetwithfromtheungodly,norallowtheragingsofindwellingsintobecloudtheirapprehensionoftheDivinefavor,butrathertogooncountinguponthesuperaboundingofGod’sgraceandforthemtomoreandmoreproveitssufficiency.

Sotoowefindthosesameapostlesgoingontootherplaces"Confirmingthesoulsofthedisciplesandexhortingthen,tocontinueinthefaith,andthatwemustthroughmuchtribulationenterintothekingdomofGod"(Acts14:22).Veryfarweretheyfrombelievinginthemechanicalideaof"oncesaved,alwayssaved,"whichisnowsorife.Theyinsistedontheneeds-beforthedischargeoftheChristian’sresponsibilityandwerefaithfulinwarninghimofboththedifficultiesandperilsofthepathhemuststeadfastlypursueifhewastoenterHeaven.Yea,theyhesitatednottosayuntothesaintsthattheywouldbepresentedunblameableandunreprovableinGod’ssight"ifyecontinueinthefaithgroundedandsettled,andnotmovedawayfrontthehopeofthegospel"

(Col.1:23).Sotootheyexhortedthem"Continueinprayerandwatchinthesamewiththanksgiving"(Col.4:2)—watchagainstdisinclinationtoprayer,benotdiscouragediftheanswerbedelayed,bepersistentandimportunate,bethankfulforpastandpresentmerciesandexpectantoffutureones.

TheChristianthenistocontinuealongthesamelinesashebegan."AsyehavereceivedChristJesustheLord,sowalkyeinhim"(Col.2:6).Observewellwheretheemphasisisplaced:itisnot"ChristJesustheSaviour"or"Redeemer"but"ChristJesustheLord."InordertoreceiveChristJesusas"theLord"itwasnecessaryforyoutoforsakeallthatwasopposedtohim(Isa.55:7);continuethusand"notturnagaintofolly"(Ps.85:8).ItwasrequiredthatyouthrowdowntheweaponsofyourwarfareagainstHimandbereconciledtoHim:thentakethemnotupagain,and"keepthyselffromidols"(1John5:20).ItwasbysurrenderingyourselftoHisrighteousclaimsandgivingtoHimthethroneofyourheart:thensuffernot"otherlordstohavedominionoveryou"(Isa.26:13),but"yieldyourselfuntoGodasonethatisalivefromthedead"(Rom.6:13).AsRomainepointedout,"HemustbereceivedalwaysasHewasreceivedonce."ThereisnochangeofObjectandtheremustbenochangeinus.Bewilling,yeagladforHimtoruleoveryou.

Butletustakenotenowofanotherwordinthatimportantverse:"AsyehavereceivedChristJesustheLord,sowalkyeinhim."Here,asinsomanypassagesintheEpistles,theChristianlifeislikeneduntoa"walk,"whichdenotesaction,movementinaforwarddirection.Wearenotonlyrequiredto"holdfast"whatwehaveandto"continue"aswebegan,butwemustadvanceandmakesteadyprogress.The"narrowway"hastobetraversedifLifeistobeenteredinto.Therehastobeaforgettingofthosethingswhicharebehind(nocomplacentcontentmentwithanypreviousattainment)anda"reachingforthuntothosethingswhicharebefore,"pressing"towardthemarkfortheprizeofthehighcallingofGodinChristJesus"(Phil.3:14,15).Therethefigurepassesfromwalkingtorunning—whichismorestrenuousandexacting.InHebrews12:1,2theChristianlifeislikeneduntoarace,andinICorinthians9:24wearereminded"theywhichruninaracerunall,butonereceiveththeprize,"towhichisadded"sorunthatyemayobtain."

Indiscussingthepromotionofspiritualgrowthwehavedweltonlyongeneralprinciples;inthosewhichimmediatelyfollowonthemeansofgrowth,weshallentermoreintodetail;butbeforeturningtothemletusconnectwhathasbeenpointedoutintheaboveparagraphswithwhatweemphasizedearlierinthischapter.Therewesaidthat"inthefinalanalysisthespiritualgrowthofaChristiandependsuponthegracewhichhecontinuestoreceivefromGod."Now

itshouldatoncebeapparenttoanyrenewedsoulthatwhileitisobviouslyhisdutytoholdfastwhathehasreceivedfromGod,tocontinueinthepathofholiness,yeatogoforwardtherein,yethewillonlybeenabledtodischargethosedutiesashereceivesfurthersuppliesofstrengthandwisdomfromabove.Thereforeitisrecordedforhisencouragement,"Godgivethmoregrace...givethgraceuntothehumble"(James4:6),andthe"humble"arethosewhofeeltheirneed,whoareemptiedofself-confidenceandself-complacency,whocomeasbeggarstoreceivefavors.

"Graceandpeacebemultiplieduntoyou"(2Peter1:2).Inconnectionwiththeapostolicsalutationsitneedstobeborneinmind,first,theywereverymuchmorethanpiousformsofgreeting,theyweredefiniteprayersonbehalfofthosetowhomtheirEpistleswereaddressed.Second,sincesuchprayerswereimmediatelyandverballyinspiredbytheHolySpirit,theymostcertainlycontainedrequestsforthosethingswhichwere"accordingto"theDivinewill.Third,insupplicatingGodforwhattheydid,theapostlessetbeforetheirreadersanexample,teachingthemwhattheymostneededandwhattheyshouldespeciallyaskfor.Fourth,thusChristianstodayhaveasureindexfortheirguidanceandshouldbeatnolosstodecidewhethertheyarewarrantedinprayingforsuchandsuchaspiritualblessing.BelieverstodaymaybefullyassuredthatitisboththeirprivilegeanddutytoseekfromGodnotonlyanincrease,butalsoamultiplicationofthegracewhichhehasalreadybestoweduponthem.

Theneedforincreasedgraceisrealandimperative.Anactivenaturesuchasman’smusteithergrowworseorbetter,andthereforeweshouldbeasdeeplyconcernedabouttheincreaseofgraceasweshouldhecautiousagainstthelossofgrace.TheChristianlifeisapullingagainstthecurrentofthefleshwithinandtheworldwithout,andtheywhorowagainstthestreammustneedsplytheiroarsvigorouslyandcontinuously,ortheforceofthewaterswillcarrythembackward.Ifamanbetoilingupasandyhill,hewillsinkdownifhedoesnotgoforward:andunlesstheChristian’saffectionsbeincreasinglysetuponobjectsabove,thentheywillsoonbeimmersedinthethingsoftimeandsense.VerysolemnandsearchingisthatwarningofourLord’s:themanwhodidnotimprovehistalentlostit(Matthew25:28)—manyaChristianwhooncehadzealintheLord’sserviceandmuchjoyinhissoul,havethemnomore.Yetstillmoresolemnisittonotethatthecallof"Letusgoonuntoperfection"isatoncefollowedbyadescriptionofthestateanddoomofapostates(Heb.6:1,4).

AsMantonpointedout,"Itisanillsigntobecontentedwithalittlegrace.Hewasnevergoodthatdothnotdesiretogrowbetter.Spiritualthingsdonot

cloyintheenjoyment.Hethathathoncetastedthesweetnessofgracehathargumentsenoughtomakehimseekfurthergrace:everydegreeofholinessisasdesirableasthefirst,thereforetherecanbenotrueholinesswithoutadesireofperfectholiness.Godgivethusatastetothisendandpurposethatwemaylongforafullerdraught."YetHedoesnotforcethefurtherdraughtuponus,butoftentestsustoseeifsuchisreallywantedbyus—asChristaftercommuningwiththetwodisciplesonthewaytoEmmausandmakingtheirhearts"burnwithinthem"whileHetalkedwiththemintheway,then"madeasthoughHewouldhavegonefurther"whentheyarrivedattheirdestination;butthey"constrainedhim,saying,Abidewithus"(Luke24:28-32).ThegrapesofEshcolwereasampleofwhatCanaanproducedandfiredthezealofJoshuaandCalebtogoupandpossessthatland;buttheirunbelievingbrethrenwerecontentwiththesample—andneverobtainedanythingmore!

IntheoutwardpartoftheChristianlifetheremayhetoomuch,butnotsointheinward.Thereisazealwhichisnotaccordingtoknowledge,arestlessenergyofthefleshwhichspurstoactivitieswhichScripturenowhereenjoins,butsuch,worksasthosearetermed"willworship"(Col.2:22)andareoftendictatedbymeretraditionorsuperstition,oraresimplytheimitationofwhatother"churchmembers"engagein.ButtherecannotbetoomuchfaithinGod,toomuchofHisHolyfearuponus,toomuchknowledgeofspiritualthings,toomuchdenyingofselfanddevotiontoChrist,nortoomuchloveforourfellowsaints.Forallsuchvirtuesweneed"abundantgrace."TherearesomewhoarefarfromthekingdomofGod,havingnodeepconcernfortheirsouls(Eph.2:13).ThereareotherswhocomeneartothekingdomofGod(Mark12:34),yetneverenterintoit(Acts26:18).TherearesomewhoenterbutwhomakelittleprogressandarepoortestimonialstoChrist.Butthereareafewofwhomitissaid,"Forsoanentranceshallbeministereduntoyouabundantlyintotheeverlastingkingdom"(2Peter1:11),andasthecontextshows,theyaretheoneswho"givediligence"—puttingtheirsoul’sinterestsbeforeeverythingelse.

Thosewhoimprovethegracegiventherebymakeroomformore(Luke8:18)andensureforthemselvesamoreamplerewardinthedaytocome.WefullyconcurwithMantonthat"Accordingtoourmeasuresofgrace,sowillourmeasuresofglorybe,fortheythathavemostgracearevesselsofalargercapacity—othersarefilledaccordingtotheirsize."WeknowtherewasnotfullagreementamongthePuritansonthispoint,thoughwecouldquotefromothers,ofthemwhoheldtherewillbedegreesofgloryamongthesaintsinHeaven,astherewillbedifferencesofpunishmentamongthelostinHell.Andwhynot?Thereareconsiderablediversitiesamongtheangelsonhigh(Eph.1:21,etc.).It

cannotbegainsaidthatGoddispensesthegiftsandgracesofHisSpiritunequallyamongHispeopleonearth.ScripturemakesitabundantlyclearthatGodwillsuitourrewardsaccordingtoourservices,andourcrownsaccordingtotheimprovementwehavemadeofHisgraceandofouropportunitiesandprivileges.Thereapingwillbeinproportiontothesowing(2Cor.9:6,Gal.6:8).True,everycrownwillbecastatthefeetofChrist,butthecrownswillnotbeinallrespectsalike.Labor,then,togetmoregraceandimprovethesame.

ThusthereisabundantreasonwhythechildofGodshouldnotonlyseekformoregrace,butthatgracemayhe"multiplied"untohim.Ifanearthlymonarchshouldinviteoneofhissubjectstoaskafavorofhim,linewouldnotfeelhimselfflatteredifonlysometriflingthingwererequested.NordowehonortheSovereignofHeavenbymakingpettyrequests—"WearecomingtoaKing;largepetitionsletusbring."DoesHenotbidus"openthymouthwide,andIwillfillit"(Ps.81:10):thinkyouthatHemeansnotwhatHesays?DoesHenotinviteus"drink,yeadrinkabundantly[fromthefountainofgrace],Obeloved"(SongofSol.5:1):then,whynottakeHimatHisword?Heis"theGodofallgrace"(1Peter5:10)andhasrevealedtous"therichesofhisgrace"(Eph.1:7),yea,"theexceedingrichesofhisgrace"(Eph.2:7):andforwhomaretheyavailable,ifnotforthosewhofeeltheirdeepneedofandtrustfullyseekthem?"Godisabletomakeallgraceaboundtowardyou"(2Cor.9:8)andHewouldnothavetoldusthisifHewasnotalsowillingtodoso.

Andnowletusanticipateanobjection,whichmightbeexpressedthus:IrealizethatspiritualgrowthisentirelydependentonreceivingfreshsuppliesofgracefromGod,andthatitismyresponsibilityanddutytodiligentlyandconfidentlyseekthesame.Ihavedoneso,yetinsteadofgracehavingbeen"multiplied"tome,mystockhasdiminished:sofarfromhavingprogressed,Ihavegonebackward;insteadofmyiniquitiesbeing"subdued"(Micah7:19),mylustsragemorefiercelythanever.Severalrepliesmayhemade.First,youmaynothavesoughtasearnestlyasyoushould.Askingandseekingarenotsufficient:therehastobeaninsistent"knocking"(Matthew7:7),aholystrivingwithGod(Rom.15:30),asayingwithJacob,"Iwillnotlettheegoexceptthoublessme"(Gen.32:26).Second,God’stimetograntyourrequestmaynothavearrived:"thereforewilltheLordwaitthathemaybegraciousuntoyou"(Isa.30:18)—Hewaitstotestyourfaith,andbecauseHerequirespersistenceandimportunityfromus.Whatishardtoobtainisvaluedmorehighlythanthatwhichcomeseasily.

Third,itistobeborninmindthattheinfusionofgraceintoasoulpromptlyevokestheenmityoftheflesh,andthemoregracebegivenusthemorewillsin

resistit.VerysoonafterChristcameintotheworldHerodstirredupallthecountryagainstHim,seekingtoslayHim;andwhenChristentersasoulthewholeofindwellingsinisstirredagainstHim,forHehascomethereasitsEnemy.Themoregracewehavethemoreconsciousareweofourcorruptions,andthemoreweareoccupiedwiththemthelessconsciousareweofourgrace.Asgraceisincreasedsotooisoursenseofneed.Fourth,Goddoesnotalwaysanswerinkind.Youhaveaskedforincreasedholiness,andbeenansweredwithmorelight;fortheremovalofaburden,andbeengivenmorestrengthtocarryit.Youhavesoughtforvictoryoveryourlusts,andhavebeengivenhumblinggracesothatyouloathyourselfmoredeeply.YouhavebesoughttheLordtotakeawaysome"thornintheflesh,"andHehasansweredbygivingyougracetobearit.

9.ItsMeans

I.Afterwhatwehavesaidpreviouslyitmayseemalmostsuperfluousto

followwithachapterdevotedtoapresentationoftheprincipalmeansofspiritualgrowth.IfsuccessintheChristianlifereallynarrowsdowntoourobtainingfreshSuppliesofgracefromGod,thenwhyenumerateanddescribeindetailthevariousaidswhicharetobeemployedforthepromotionofpersonalgodliness?Becausetheexpression"seekingfreshsuppliesofgrace"isafarmoreextensiveonethaniscommonlysupposed:the"means"arereallythechannelsthroughwhichthatgracecomestous.WhenexpoundingMatthew7:7inourbookSermonontheMountitwaspointedoutthat,inseekinggracetoenablethebelievertoliveaspiritualandsupernaturallifeinthisworld,thoughsuchenablementistobesoughtattheThroneofGrace,yetthatdoesnotrenderuselessnorexempttheChristianfromdiligentlyemployingtheadditionalmeansandagencieswhichGodhasappointedfortheblessingofHispeople.Prayermustnotbeallowedtoinducelethargyinthosedirectionsorbecomeasubstitutefortheputtingforthofourenergiesinotherways.Wearecalledupontowatchaswellaspray,todenyself,striveagainstsin,taketousthewholearmorofGod,andfightthegoodfightoffaith.

IntheprecedingportionsofhissermonChristhadpresentedastandardofmoralexcellencywhichisutterlyunattainablebymerefleshandblood.Hehadinculcatedonerequirementafteranotherthatliesnotwithinthepoweroffallenhumannaturetomeet.Hehadforbiddenanopprobriousword,amalignantwish,animpuredesire,arevengefulthought.Hehadenjoinedthemostunsparingmortificationofourdearestlusts.Hehadcommandedthelovingofourenemies,theblessingofthosewhocurseus,thedoinggoodtothosewhohateus,andtheprayingforthosewhodespitefullyuseandpersecuteus.InviewofwhichtheChristianmaywellexclaim"Whoissufficientforthesethings?Suchdemandsofholinessarefarbeyondmyfeeblestrength:yettheLordhasmadethem,whatthenamItodo?"HereisHisownanswer:"Ask,andyeshallreceive,seek,andyeshallfind;knock,anditshallbeopeneduntoyou."TheLordJesusknewthatinourownwisdomandstrengthweareincapableofkeepingHiscommandments,butHeatonceinformedusthatthethingswhichareordinarilyimpossibletomencanbemadepossiblebyGod.

DivineassistanceisimperativeifwearetomeettheDivinerequirements.

WeneedDivinemercytopardonandcleanse,powertosubdueourraginglusts,quickeningtoanimateourfeeblegraces,lightonourpaththatwemayavoidthesnaresofSatan,wisdomfromaboveforthesolvingofourvariedproblems.OnlyGodHimselfcanrelieveourdistressesandsupplyallourneed.Hisassistance,then,istobesought:soughtprayerfully,believingly,diligentlyandexpectantly;andifitbethussought,itwillnotbesoughtinvain:forthesamepassagegoesontoassureus"Whatmanisthereofyou,whomifhissonaskbread,willgivehimastone?Orifheaskafish,willhegivehimaserpent?Ifyethenbeingevilknowhowtogivegoodgiftsuntoyourchildren,howmuchmoreshallyourFatherwhichisinheavengivegoodthingstothemthataskHim!"(Matthew7:9-11)Whatinducementisthat!yetothermeansbesidesprayeraretoheusedbyusifwearetoobtainthathelpandsuccorwhichwesosorelyneed.

TherearethreeprincipaldangersagainstwhichtheChristianneedstoguardinconnectionwiththevariousmeanswhichGodhasappointedforhisspiritualgrowth.First,tolaytoomuchstressuponanddependenceinthem:theyarebut"means"andwillavailnothingunlessGodblessthemtohim.Second,goingtotheoppositeextreme,byundervaluingthemorimagininghecangetabovethem.Therearesomewhogivewaytofanaticismorpersuadethemselvestheyhavebeenso"baptizedbytheSpirit"astobeindependentofhelps.Third,tolookforthatinthemwhichcancomeonlyfromGodinChrist.NodoubtthereisroomfordifferencesofopinionastowhataretheparticularmeanswhicharemostconduciveuntoChristianprosperity,andcertainlythereisaconsiderablevarietyofmethodamongthosewhohavewrittenonthissubject,somethrowingtheirmainemphasisononeaspectofitandsomeonanother.Noristhereanyagreementintheorderinwhichtheysetforththeseveralaidstogrowth.WeshallthereforepresentthemtothereaderaccordingastheyappeartousinthelightofScripture.

1.Mortifyingoftheflesh.InordertoobtainfreshsuppliesofgraceconstantwatchfulnessneedstobeexercisedthatwedonotcutourselvesofffromtheSourceofthosesupplies.Ifsuchastatementjarsuponsomeofourreaders,havingtothema"legalistic"orArminiansoundinit,wefearitisbecausetheirsensibilitiesarenotfullyregulatedbytheteachingsofHolyWrit.WoulditnotbefoolishformetoblamethebulbforemittingnolightifIhadswitchedofftheelectricalcurrent?EquallyvainisittoattributeanylackofgraceinmetotheunwillingnessofGodtobestowitifIhaveseveredcommunionwithHim.Shoulditbeobjectedthattodrawsuchananalogyiscarnal,wereply,ourobjectissimplytoillustrate.ButdoesnottheLordHimselfdistinctlyaffirm"YouriniquitieshaveseparatedbetweenyouandyourGod,andyoursinshavehidhis

facefromyou,thathewillnothear"(Isa.59:2):thenhowcanIdrawfromtheFountainofgraceifIhavecutmyselfofffromit!

NonebutafanaticalenthusiastwillarguethataChristianmayobtainafullerknowledgeofGod’swillandincreasedlightonhispathwhileheneglectshisBibleandbooksandpreachingthereon.NorwilltheHolySpiritopentheWordtomewhileIamindulginginthelustsofthefleshand"allowing"sininmyheartandlife.EquallyclearisitthatnoChristianhasanyScripturalwarranttoexpecthewillreceivewisdomandstrengthfromabovewhileheneglectstheThroneofGraceandshouldhekeepuptheformof"praying"whilefollowingacourseofself-willandself-pleasing,answersofpeacewillbewithheldfromhim."IfIregard[cherish]iniquityinmyheart,theLordwillnothearme"(Ps.66:18)."Yeaskandreceivenotbecauseyeaskamiss,thatyemayconsumeituponyourlusts"(James4:3).TheHolyOnewillhenolackeyuntoourcarnality."Hethatturnethawayhisearfromhearingthelaw[i.e.,refusestotreadthepathofobedience,insubjectiontoGod’sauthority],evenhisprayershallbeabomination"(Prov.28:9),forundersuchcircumstancesprayingwouldbedownrighthypocrisy,amockingofGod.

ItisthereforeapparentthatthereissomethingwhichmusttakeprecedenceofeitherprayerorfeedingontheWordiftheChristianistomakeprogressinthespirituallife.Whetherornotwehavesucceededinmakingthatevidenttothereader,Scriptureisquiteplainonthepoint.Wearebiddento"receivewithmeeknesstheingraftedWord,"butbeforewecandosowemostfirstcomplywithwhatimmediatelyprecedes,namely,"layapartallfilthinessandsuperfluityofnaughtiness(James1:21).RoomhastobemadeinourheartsfortheWord:theoldlumberhastobecleanedoutbeforethenewfurnishingscanbemovedintoit.Weareexhorted"Asnew-bornbabes,desirethesinceremilkofthewordthatyemaygrowthereby"(1Peter2:2).Ah,butthereissomethingelsebeforethat,andwhichmustneedsfirstbeattendedto:"Whereforelayingasideallmalice,andallguile,andhypocrisies,andenvies,andallevilspeakings"(v.1).TherehastobeapurgingofourcorruptionseretherewillbeaspiritualappetiteforDivinethings.Thenaturalmanmay"studytheBible"tobecomeintellectuallyinformedofitscontents,buttherehastobea"layingaside"ofthethingsGodhatesbeforethesoulwillreallyhungerfortheBreadofLife.

Thattowhichwehavejustcalledattentionhasnotbeensufficientlyrecognized.ItisonethingtoreadtheScripturesandbecomeacquaintedwiththeirteaching,itisquiteanothertoreallyfeeduponthemandforthelifetobetransformedthereby.God’sWordisaholyWord,anditrequiresholinessofheartfromtheonewhowouldbeprofitedbyit:thesoulmustbeattunedtoits

messageandtransmissionbeforetherewillbeanyreal"reception."Andinordertoholinessofsoulsinhastoberesisted,self-denied,corruptlustsmortified.WhatwearehereinsistinguponisillustratedanddemonstratedbytheuniformorderofScripture.Wehaveto"hatetheevil"beforewe"lovethegood"(Amos.5:15),and"ceasetodoevil"erewecan"learntodowell"(Isa.1:16,17).Selfhastobedeniedandthecrosstakenup,beforewecan"follow"Christ(Matthew16:24).Wehaveto"cleanseourselvesfromallfilthinessofthefleshandspirit"ifwewouldbe"perfectingholinessinthefearofGod"(2Cor.7:1).Wecannot"putonthenewman"(Eph.2:22)untilwehave"putoffconcerningtheformerconversation[or"manneroflife"]theoldman,whichiscorruptaccordingtothedeceitfullusts"(Eph.2:20)!

SinindwellsallChristiansandisactivelyopposedtotheprincipleofgraceor"newnature."Whentheywoulddogood,evilispresentwiththem.Indwellingsinor"theflesh"—corruptnature—has"nogoodthing"dwellinginit(Rom.7:18).Itsnatureisentirelyevil.Itisbeyondreclamation,beingincapableofanyimprovement.Itmayputonareligiousgarb,asinthecaseofthePharisees,butbeneathisnothingbutrottenness.Asonehastrulysaid"Nogoodcanbeeducedoutofit:firemayassoonbestruckoutoficeasgooddispositionsandmotionsbeproducedinthecorruptheartoftheregenerate.Itwillneverbeproducedinthecorruptheartoftheregenerate.Itwillneverbeprevailedupontoconcurwiththenewprincipleinanyofthoseactswhichitputsforth:hencethemindofthebelieverisatnotimewhollyspiritualandholyinitsacts:thereismoreorlessofaresistanceinhissoulforwhatisholyatallseasons."Asthe"flesh"continuallyopposeswhatisgood,soiteverdisposesthewilltowhatisevil:itsdesiresandmotionsareconstantlytowardsobjectswhicharevainandcarnal.SofarasitispermittedtocontroltheChristian,itbecloudshisjudgment,captivateshisaffections,andenslaveshiswill.

Nowtheprincipleofgrace,"thespirit"hasbeencommunicatedtothesaintfortheexpresspurposeofopposingthesolicitationsofthefleshandfortheincliningofhimuntoholiness.Thusthewholeofhisdutymaybesummedupinthesetwotimings:todieuntosinandtoliveuntoGod.AndhecanonlyliveuntoGodinexactproportionashediesuntosin.Thatshouldbeself-evident,forsincesinishostiletoGod,entirelyandinveteratelyso,onlysofarasweriseaboveitsevilinfluencesarewefreetoactGodwards.ThereforeourprogressintheChristianlifeistobemeasuredbythedegreeofourdeliverancefromthepowerofindwellingsin,andthat,inturn,willbedeterminedbyhowresolutely,earnestly,anduntiringlywesetourselvestothisgreattaskoffightingagainstourcorruptions.Theweedsmustbepluckedupbeforetheflowerscangrowinthe

garden,andourlustsmustbemortifiedifourgracesaretoflourish.Sinandgraceeachdemandthegovernanceofthesoul,anditistheChristian’sresponsibilitytoseetoitthattheformerisdeniedandthelattergiventherighttoreignoverhim.

Forifyeliveaftertheflesh,yeshalldie;butifyethroughtheSpiritdomortifythedeedsofthebody,yeshalllive"(Rom.8:13).Thatatonceshowsusthefundamentalandvitalimportanceofthisduty:ourattendanceornonattendancetheretoisamatteroflifeordeath.Mortificationisnotoptionalbutimperative.Thesolemnalternativeisplainlystated.Thosewordsareaddressedtothesaints,andtheyarefaithfullywarned"ifyeliveafterthefleshyeshalldie,"thatis,diespirituallyandeternally.To"liveaftertheflesh"istoliveasdotheunregenerate,whoaremotivated,actuated,anddominatedbynothingbuttheirownfallennature.To"liveaftertheflesh"refersnottoasingleaction,minorevenawholeseriesofactionsinoneparticulardirection,butforthewholemantoberegulatedbytheevilprinciple.Educationandculturemayproducearefinedexterior;familytrainingorotherinfluencesmayleadtoa"professionofreligion":buttheloveofGodpromptsneither,norisHisglorytheend.To"liveaftertheflesh"istoallowourfallennaturetogovernourcharacterandguideourconduct,andsuchisthecasewithalltheunregenerate.

"ButifyethroughtheSpiritdomortifythedeedsofthebody,yeshalllive."Notewellthe"ifyedo":itisadutyassignedtheChristianitisataskwhichcallsforself-effort.Yetitisnotaworkforwhichheissufficientofhimself:itcanonlybeaccomplished"throughtheSpirit."Butcarehastobetakenatthispointlestwelapseintoerror.Itisnot,iftheSpiritthroughyou,"but"ifyethroughtheSpirit."Thebelieverisnotacipherinthisundertaking.TheSpiritisnotgiventorelieveusofthedischargeofourresponsibilityinthisall-importantmatter,butrathertoequipusforourdischargeofthesame.TheSpiritoperatesbymakingusmoresensibleofindwellingsin,bydeepeningouraspirationsafterholiness,bycausingtheloveofChristtoconstrain,bystrengtheninguswithHismightintheinnerman.Butwearetheoneswhoarerequiredto"mortifythedeedsofthebody,"thatis,resisttheworkingsofsin,denyself,puttodeathourlusts,refuseto"liveaftertheflesh."

Wemustnotundertheguiseof"honoringtheSpirit"repudiateouraccountabilityorunderthepretextof"waitingfortheSpirittomoveus"or"empowerus,"lapseintoastateofpassivity.Godhascalledusto"cleanseourselvesfromallfilthinessofthefleshandofthespirit"(2Cor.7:1),to"putoffconcerningtheformerconversationtheoldman.(Eph.4:22),to"keepyourselvesfromidols"(1John5:21);andHewillnotaccepttheexcuseofour

inabilityasavalidplea.IfwebeHischildren,HehasinfusedHisgraceintoourhearts,andthatgraceistobeemployedinthisverytaskofmortifyingourlusts,andthewaytogetmoregraceistomakeamorediligentuseofwhatwealreadyhave.Wedonot"honortheSpirit"byinertia:wehonorHimand"magnifygrace"whenwecansaywithDavid"Ikeptmyselffrommineiniquity"(Ps.18:23),andwithPaul"ButIkeepundermybodyandbringitintosubjection"(1Cor.9:24).True,itwasbyDivineenablement,yetitwasnotsomethingwhichGoddidforthem.Therewasself-effort—renderedsuccessfulbyDivinegrace.

Observeitisnot"IfyehavethroughtheSpiritmortifiedthedeedsofthebody,"but"ifyedo...mortify."Itisnotsomethingwhichmaybedoneonceforall,butacontinuousthing,alifelongtaskwhichissetbeforetheChristian.Theterm"mortify"ishereusedfiguratively,inasmuchasitisaphysicaltermappliedtothatwhichisimmaterial;yetitsforceiseasilyperceived.Literallythewordsignifies"puttodeath,"whichimpliesitisbothapainfulanddifficulttask:theweakestcreaturemayputupsomeresistancewhenitslifebethreatened,andsincesinisamostpowerfulprincipleitwillmakeamightystruggletopreserveitsexistence.TheChristiantheniscalledupontoexertaconstantandall-outendeavortosubduehislusts,resisttheirinclinations,anddenytheirsolicitations,"strivingagainstsin"(Heb.12:4)—notonlyagainstoneparticularformofitsoutbreakings,butagainstallofthem,andespeciallyagainsttherootfromwhichtheyproceed—"theflesh."

HowistheChristiantosetaboutthisall-importantwork?First,bystarvinghisevilnature:"makenotprovisionfortheflesh"(Rom.13:14).Therearetwowaysofcausingafiretogoout:toceasefeedingitwithfuelandtopourwateruponit.Goddoesnotrequireustomacerateourbodiesnortoadoptsevereexternalausterities,butwearetoabstainfrompamperingandpleasingthem."Toaskmeatforourbodiesisnecessary,aduty;buttoaskmeatforourlustsisprovokingtoGod—Ps.78:18"(MatthewHenry)."Provisionfor"thefleshisanythingwhichhastheleasttendencytoministeruntoitsappetites:whateverwouldstirourcarnallustsmustbeabstainedfrom.Therearementallustsaswellasphysical:suchaspride,covetousness,envy,malice,presumption—thesetoomustbestarvedanddenied,fortheyare"filthinessofthespirit"(2Cor.7:1).Avoidallexcesses:betemperateinallthings.Second,refusearmyfamiliaritywithworldlings:"havenofellowshipwiththeunfruitfulworksofdarkness"(Eph.5:11).Shunevilcompanions,for"acompanionoffoolsshallbedestroyed"(Prov.13:20)."Enternotintothepathofthewicked...avoidit,passnotbyit,turnfromit"(Prov.4:13,14).Eventhose"havingaformofgodliness"butwhoinpracticeare"denyingthepowerthereof,"Godsays,"fromsuchturnaway"(2

Tim.3:5).Third,"Keepthyheartwithalldiligence,foroutofitaretheissuesoflife"

(Prov.4:23).Takeyourselffirmlyinhandandmaintainastrictdisciplineoveryourinnerman,especiallyyourdesiresandthoughts.Unlawfuldesiresandevilimaginationsneedtobenippedinthebud,bysternlyresistingthematourfirstconsciousnessofthesame.Asitismucheasiertopluckupweedswhiletheyareyoungortoquenchafirebeforeittakesafirmhold,soitismuchsimplertodealwiththeinitialstirringsofourluststhanaftertheyhave"conceived"(seeJames1:15)—refusetoparleywiththefirsttemptation,suffernotyourmindtocogitateuponanythingScripturedisallows.Fourth,keepshortaccountswithGod.Assoonasyouareconsciousoffailure,excuseitnot,butpenitentlyconfessittoHim.Letnotsinsaccumulateonyourconscience,butfranklyandpromptlyacknowledgethemtotheLord.BathedailyintheFountainwhichhasbeen"openedforsinandforuncleanness"(Zech.13:1).

Itisstrangethatsomanyotherwritersonthissubjecthavefailedtoplacefirstamongthemeansofspiritualgrowththisworkofmortifyingtheflesh,foritshouldbequiteobviousthatitmusttakeprecedenceovereverythingelse.OfwhatavailcanitbetoreadandstudytheWord,tospendmoretimeinprayer,toseektodevelopmygraces,whileignoreandneglectthatwithinmewhichwillneutralizeandmarallotherefforts.WhatwouldbetheuseofsprinklingfertilizeronmygroundifIallowedtheweedstogrowandmultiplythere?Ofwhatavailwoulditbemywateringandpruningofarose-bushifIknewtherewasapestgnawingatitsroots?Settleittheninyourmind,dearreader,thatnoprogresscanbemadebyyouintheChristianlifeuntilyourealizetheparamountimportanceandimperativenecessityofwagingaceaselesswarfareagainstindwellingsin,andnotonlyrealizetheneedforthesame,butresolutelygirdyourselfforandengageinthetask,everseekingtheSpirit’shelptogiveyousuccesstherein.TheCanaanitesmustberuthlesslyexterminatedifIsraelwastooccupythelandofmilkandhoney,andenjoypeaceandprosperitytherein.

II.2.DevotednesstoGod.Thelifelongworkofmortificationisbutthe

negativesideoftheChristianlife,beingameanstoanend:thepositiveaspectisthattheredeemedandregeneratedsinnerishenceforthtoliveuntoGod,towhollygiveuphimselfuntoHim,toemployhisfacultiesandpowersinseekingtopleaseHimandpromoteHisglory.Inhisunregeneratedays,hewent"hisownway"(Isa.53:6)anddidthatwhichwaspleasinguntohimself,butatconversionlierenouncedtheflesh,theworldandtheDevil,andturneduntoGodashis

absoluteLord,supremeEnd,andeverlastingPortion.Mortificationisthedailyrenewingofthatrenunciation,acontinuingtoturnawayfromallthatGodhatesandcondemns.DevotednesstoGodisalivingoutofthedecisionandpromisewhichthebelievermadeathisconversion,whenhegavehimselfuntotheLord(2Cor.8:5),choseHimforhishighestGoodandenteredintocovenantwithHimtoloveHimwithallhisheartandserveHimwithallhisstrength.

InexactproportiontohisstrictadherencetohissurrendertoGodathisconversionwillbethebeliever’sspiritualgrowthandprogressintheChristianlife.ThatmortificationanddevotednessuntoGodisthetrueorderoftheprincipalmeansforpromotingspiritualprosperityappears,first,fromthegrandtypefurnishedintheOldTestament.WhenGodbeganHisdealingswithIsraelHecalledthemoutofEgypt,separatingthemfromtheheathen,asHehadtheirgreatprogenitorwhenHecalledhimtoleaveUrofChaldee—afigureofmortification.Butthatwasmerelynegative.HavingdeliveredthemfromtheiroldmanneroflifeandbroughtthemovertheRedSea,HebroughtthemuntoHimself(Ex.19:4),madeknownHiswilluntothemandenteredintoasolemncovenant,towhichtheywereconsentingparties,declaring"allthattheLordhathsaidwillwedoandbeobedient"(Ex.24:7).Justsolongastheyadheredtotheirvowandkeptthecovenantallwaswellwiththem.DevotednessuntotheLordwasthegrandsecretofspiritualsuccess.

Thisorderappearsagaininthatoft-repeatedwordofChrist’s,whichcontainsabriefbutcomprehensivesummaryofHisrequirements:"Ifanymanwillcomeafterme,lethimdenyhimself,andtakeuphiscross,andfollowme"(Matthew16:24).TherearethefundamentaltermsofChristiandiscipleshipandthebasicprinciplesbywhichtheChristianlifeistoberegulated.Anyonewho"willcomeafterme"—whochooses,decides,determinestoenlistunderMybanner,throwinhislotwithMe,becomeoneofMydisciples,"lethimdenyhimselfandtakeuphiscross,"andthat"daily"(Luke9:23)—whichpresentstoustheworkofmortification.Butthatisonlypreliminary,ameanstoanend:theprincipalthingis"andfollowme,"Myexample.WhatwasthegrandprinciplewhichregulatedHim?WhatwastheunchangingendofChrist’slife?This:"Icamedownnottodomineownwill,butthewillofhimthatsentme"(John6:38);"Idoalwaysthosethingsthatpleasehim"(John8:29).AndwearenotfollowingChristunlessThatbeouraimandendeavor.

ThatdevotednesstoGodistheoutstandingmark,theessentialduty,thepre-eminentthingintheChristianlife,isalsoclearfromtheteachingoftheEpistles."Ibeseechyoutherefore,brethren,bythemerciesofGod,thatyepresentyourbodiesalivingsacrifice,holy,acceptableuntoGod,whichisyourreasonable

service"(Rom.12:1).ThatappealismadeuntoChristiansandbeginsthehortatorysectionofthatEpistle.Uptothatpointtheapostlehadsetforththegreatfactsanddoctrinalcontentsofthegospel,andonlyoncedidhebreakthethreadofhisdiscoursebyinterjectinganexhortation,namely,in6:11-22,theforceofwhichisheregatheredupintoaconcisebutextensivesummary.The"yieldyourselvesuntoGodasthosethatarealivefromthedead"(6:13)andthe"yieldyourmembersservantstorighteousnessuntoholiness"(6:19)ishereparaphrasedas"presentyourbodiesalivingsacrifice,holy,acceptableuntoGod."Insubstanceitisparallelwiththatword,"Son,givemethineheart,andletthineeyesobservemyways(Prov.23:26).

TheplacewhichisgiventothispreceptintheNewTestamentintimatesitsparamountimportance:"Ibeseechyoutherefore,brethren,bythemerciesofGod,thatyepresentyourbodiesalivingsacrifice,holy,acceptableuntoGod,whichisyourreasonableservice"(Rom.12:1).ThatisthefirstexhortationoftheEpistlesaddressedtothesaints,takingprecedenceofallothers!First,thereisthedutywhichGodrequiresfromus.Second,thegroundonwhichitisenforcedorthemotivefromwhichitistobeperformed,ismadeknown.Third,thereasonablenessofitisaffirmed.ThedutytowhichwearehereexhortedisacalltotheunreserveddedicationandconsecrationoftheChristiantoGod.ButsincethosearetermswhichhavesufferednotalittleatthehandsofvariousfanaticsweprefertosubstituteforthemthedevotingofourselvesentirelytoGod.Thatword"devote"isemployedinLeviticus27:21,28whereitisdefinedas"aholythinguntotheLord"yea,"everydevotedthingismostholyuntotheLord,"thatis,somethingwhichissetapartexclusivelyforHisuse.

Joshua6containsasolemnillustrationoftheforceandimplicationsofthatterm.Israel’scommanderinformedthepeoplethat"thecity[ofJericho]shallbedevoted,evenit,andallthataretherein,totheLord"(v.17).SinceitwasHispowerthatdeliveredthiscityoftheCanaanitesintotheirhands,HeclaimeditasHis,todowithasHepleased,therebyprecludingtheIsraelitesfromseizinganyofitsspoilsforthemselves.Sothattheremightbenouncertaintyintheirminds,itwasexpresslyadded"Butallthesilverandgold,andvesselsofbrassandiron,areconsecrateduntotheLord;theyshallcomeintothetreasuryoftheLord"(v.19).ThereinlaytheenormityofAchan’ssin:notonlyinyieldingtoaspiritofcovetousness,notonlyindeliberatelydisobeyingaDivinecommandment,butintakinguntohimselfthatwhichwasdefinitelydevotedorsetapartuntotheLord.Hencetheseverityofthepunishmentmetedouttohimandallhishousehold.AmonumentalwarningwasthatforallfuturegenerationsofhowjealouslyGodregardsthatwhichissetapartuntoHimself,andtheawfulseriousnessofputting

toaprofaneorcommonusewhathasbeenconsecratedtoHim!"Ibeseechyoutherefore,brethren,bythemerciesofGod,thatyepresent

yourbodiesalivingsacrifice"signifies,then,thatyoudevotethemuntoGod,thatyousolemnlysetthemaparttoHim,forHisuse,forHisservice,forhispleasure,forHisglory.TheHebrewwordfor"devote"(charam)isrendered"consecrate"inMicah4:13,and"dedicated"(cherem)inEzekiel44:29.TheGreekwordfor"present"(paristemi)occursfirstinLuke2:22,wherewearetoldthattheparentsofJesus"broughtHimtoJerusalemtopresentHimtotheLord,"whichinthenextverseisdefinedas"holytotheLord."HowdeeplysignificantandsuggestivethatitsinitialreferenceshouldbetoourGreatExemplar!Itisfoundagainin2Corinthians11:2,"thatImaypresentyouachastevirgintoChrist."ItisthetermusedinEphesians5:27,"thatyemightpresentittohimselfagloriouschurch."Itisthesamewordthatistranslated"yieldyourselvesuntoGod"inRomans6:13.Itthereforemeansadefinite,voluntary,personalactoffullsurrendertoGod.

ThisdutywhichisenjoinedupontheChristianisheresetforth,moreorless,inthelanguageoftheOldTestamenttypes,astheterm"alivingsacrifice"clearlyintimates,whiletheword"present"isatempletermforthebringingthitherofanythingtoGod.ThisdutywasannouncedinOldTestamentprophecy:"theyshallbringallyourbrethrenforanofferinguntotheLordoutofallnations"(Isa.66:20),nottobeslainandburnedinthefire,buttobepresentedforGod’suseandpleasure.So,too,itwasrevealedthatwhen"ourGodshallcome"Hewillsay,"Gathermysaintsuntome,thosethathavemadeacovenantwithmebysacrifice"(Ps.50:3,5).TherewerethreeprincipalthingstaughtbytheLeviticalofferings.First,oursinfulness,guilt,andpollution,whichcouldonlybeexpiatedby"alifeforalife";andthatwasforourhumiliation.Second,thewondrousprovisionofGod’sgrace:Christasubstituteandsurety,dyinginourstead;whichwasforourconsolation.Third,theloveandgratitudedueuntoGod,andthenewobediencewhichHerequiresfromus;andthatisforoursanctification.

TheChristianisrequiredtosurrenderthewholeofhisbeingtoGod.ThelanguageinwhichthatinjunctioniscouchedinRomans12:1istakenfromtheusagesoftheMosaiceconomy."Presentyourbodiesalivingsacrifice"connotes,presentyourselvesasembodiedintelligences.Our"bodies"aresingledoutforspecificmentiontoshowthereistobenoreservation,thattheentiremanistobedevotedtotheLord:"TheveryGodofpeacesanctifyyouwholly,andyourwholespiritandsoulandbodybepreservedblameless"(1Thess.5:23).WhenGodcalledIsraeloutofEgyptHesaid"thereshallnotahoofbeleftbehind"

(Ex.10:26).Our"bodiesarethemembersofChrist"(1Cor.6:15)andthereforedoesHebidus"yieldyourmembersservantstorighteousnessuntoholiness"(Rom.6:19).Itisthroughthebodythatournewnatureexpressesitself.As1Corinthians6tellsus,thebodyis"fortheLord,andtheLordforthebody"(v.13).Andagain,"knowyenotthatyourbodyisthetempleoftheHolySpirit...thereforeglorifyGodinyourbody"(vv.19,20).

ThisdutyisexpressedinOldTestamenttermsbecausetheapostlewascomparingChristianstosacrificialanimalswhosebodiesweredevotedasofferingstotheLord,andbecausehewouldtherebyparticularlyemphasizethatobligationwhichdevolveduponthemtobeanddoandsufferwhateverGodrequired.The"livingsacrifice"pointsaparallelandnotacontrast,fornoanimalcarcasecouldbebroughtbyanIsraelite.AlivingvictimwasbroughtbytheoffererandhelaidhishanduponhisheadtosignifyhetransferredtoGodallhisrightandinterestinit,thenhekilleditbeforeGod,afterwhichthepriests,Aaron’ssons,broughtthebloodandsprinkledituponthealtar(Lev.1:2-5).IntheapplicationofthistermtotheChristianitmayalsoincludetheideaofpermanency:presentyourbodiesaperpetualsacrifice:asinChrist"thelivingbread"(John6:51)and"alivinghope"(1Peter1:3);itisnottobeatransient"sacrifice,"butonenevertoberecalled."Holy"meansunblemished,andsetapartsolelyforGod’suse,asthevesselsofthetabernacleandtempleweredevotedexclusivelytoHisservice.

TheChristianiscalledupontogiveuphimselftoGod,andthatcannotbedonewithoutcost,withoutprovingthata"sacrifice"isindeedasacrifice,eventhoughawillingone;yetitisonlybysodoingwecanbeconformedtothedeathofChrist(Phil.3:10).Itistobedoneintelligently,voluntarily,asafreewillofferingtoGod,withfullandheartyconsent,asonegiveshimselforherselftoanotherinmarriage,sothatthebelievercannowsay"Iammybeloved’sandmybelovedismine"(SongofSol.6:3).Yetitistobedonehumbly,withgriefandshameforhavingsolongdelayed,forhavingwastedsomuchofmytime,andstrengthintheserviceofsin.Itistobedonegratefully,fromadeepsenseofDivinegraceandmercy,sothattheloveofChristconstrainsme.Itistobedoneunreservedly,withnoreservation,armunqualifieddevotingofmyselfuntoGod.Itistobedonepurposefully,withthesinceredesire,intentionandendeavortoberuledbyHiminallthings,everpreferringandputtingHisinterestsandpleasurebeforemyown.

Butletusnoticenowthegroundonwhichthisdutyisenforced,orthemotivebywhichitistobeperformed."Ibeseechyoutherefore,brethren,bythemerciesofGod."Itisnot"Icommandyou,"foritisnottheDivineauthorityto

whichappealismade."Beseech"isthetenderlanguageoflovingentreaty,askingforagraciousresponsetotheamazinggraceofGod.The"therefore"isadeductionmadefromwhatprecedes.Intheforegoingchapterstheapostlehad,from3:21onwards,setforththegospel"mercies"orrichesofDivinegrace.Theyconsistofelection,redemption,regeneration,justification,sanctification,withthepromiseofpreservationandglorification—blessingsthatpassknowledge.What,then,shallbeourresponsetosuchinestimablefavors?ItwasasthoughtheapostleanticipatedhisChristianbrethrenbeingsooverwhelmedbysuchlavishdisplaysofGod’sgoodnesstothem,theywouldexclaim"WhatshallIrenderuntotheLordforallhisbenefits’?WhatpossiblereturncanImaketoHimforHissurpassinglove?Here,saysPaulistheanswertosuchaquery,tosuchaheartlonging.

"Ibeseechyoutherefore,brethren,bythemerciesofGod,thatyepresentyourbodiesalivingsacrifice,holy,acceptableuntoGod."ItisthusyouwillmanifestyourgratitudeandevinceyourappreciationofallGodhasdonefor,to,andinyou.ItisthusyouwillexhibitthesincerityofyourloveforHim.Itisthusyouwillproveyourselvestobe"followers"ofChristandadornHisgospel.Itisthusyouwillpleasethinwhohasdoneeverythingforyou:notmerelybyvocalthanksgiving,butbypersonalthanksgiving.Thusdidtheapostlebegintopresentandpressthoseobligationswhichareinvolvedbytheblessedfavorsandprivilegessetforthintheprecedingchapters.Thosedoctrinaldisclosuresarenotsomanyspeculativethingstoengageourbrains,butarepreciousdiscoveriesfortheinflamingofourhearts.ThecontentsofRomans3to8aregivennotonlyfortheinformingofourunderstandings,butalsoforthereformingofourlives.Weshouldneverabstractprivilegefromduty,nordutyfromprivilege,buttakethemtogether.The"therefore"of12:1pointsthepracticalapplicationtoallthatgoesbefore.

"AcceptableuntoGod,whichisyourreasonableservice."PoorandpaltryasissuchareturntotheDivinemunificence,yetGodispleasedtoreceivetheofferingupofourselvesandtoannouncethatsuchanofferingisagreeabletoHim.Thatisinstrikingandblessedcontrastfrom"thesacrificeofthewickedisanabominationuntotheLord"(Prov.15:8).Thewords"reasonableservice"aresusceptibleofvariousrenditions,thoughwedoubtifanyarebetterthanthatoftheAuthorizedVersion.Logicalorrationalarewarrantablealternatives,forGodcertainlyrequirestobeservedintelligentlyandnotblindlyorsuperstitiously.Literally,itmaybetranslated"yourserviceaccordingtotheWord.""Service"mayberendered"worship,"foritisanactofhomageandatempleservicewhichishereinview,andthusaccordswiththeideaof"sacrifice":Godrequires

theworshipofourbodyaswellasofthemind.Butinthelightofthepreceding"therefore"weprefer"reasonableservice."

"Whichisyourreasonableservice."Andisitnotso?"ThosethatobeynottheWordarecalled‘fools’(Jer.8:9)and‘unreasonablemen’(2Thess.2:3),becauselackinginwisdomtodiscerntheexcellencyandequityofGod’sways.WhatcanbemorereasonablethanthatHewhomadeallthingsforHimselfshouldbeservedbythecreaturesthatHemade?ThatweshouldliveuntoHimwhogaveusbeing?ThattheSupremeshouldbeobeyed,theinfallibleTruthbelieved,thatHewhocandestroyshouldbefeared,thatHewhodothrewardshouldbelovedandtrustedin?"(E.Reynolds,1670).ItisreasonablebecauseitiswhatOmnisciencerequiresofus:thisisthefundamentalpartofourcovenantwhenwechooseHimasourGod:"Oneshallsay,IamtheLord’sandanothershallsubscribewithhishanduntotheLord"(Isa.44:5).ByourownsolemnconsentweacknowledgeGod’srightinusandyieldtoHisclaims.HerequiresthatHisrightbeconfirmedbyourconsent:"takemyyokeuponyou"—Heforcesitonnone.

"Whichisyourreasonableservice."Andagainweask,Isitnotso?Doesnotachangeofmastersinvolveachangedorderoflife?ShouldnotthosewhohavebeenrecoveredfromsintoGodshowtherealityofthatchangeinbeingasearnestinholinessasbeforetheywereinsin?Talkischeap,butactionsspeaklouderthanwords.IfGodgaveChristtousasasin-offering,isittoomuchtoaskthatwedevoteourselvestoHimasathank-offering?ChristwascontenttobenothingthatGodmightbeall,andisitnot"reasonable"thatourjudicialonenesswithChristshouldhaveforitscomplementpracticalconformitytoHim.Ifwehavebyregenerationpassedfromdeathuntolife,isitnotreasonableandmeetthatwedevoteourselvesasa"livingsacrifice"toGodandwalkinnewnessoflife?Arenotthe"merciesofGod,"appropriatedbyfaithandrealizedintheheart,sufficientinducementtomoveHispeopletogiveupthemselvesentirelytoHiswill,tobeordered,employed,anddisposedofaccordingtoHisgoodpleasure?

Areanyinclinedtoask,WhathasalltheabovetodowithspiritualgrowthorChristianprogress?Weanswer,mucheveryway.GenuineconversionisagivingupofourselvestoGod,anenteringintocovenantwithHimthatHeshouldbeourGod,andHispromisesaremadeto"suchaskeephiscovenantandtothosethatrememberhiscommandmentstodothem"(Ps.10:3).ButifweturnfromdevotingourselvestoGodtosinandtheworld,andtherebybreakthecovenant,whatpossiblespiritualprosperitycanweenjoyorprogressmake?ChristdiedforallHispeople"thattheywhichliveshouldnothenceforthlive

untothemselves,butuntoHimwhodiedforthem,androseagain"(2Cor.5:15).IfthenIrelapseintoacourseofself-pleasing,sofarfromadvancingintheChristianlife,Ihavebackslidden,repudiatedtheinitialdedicationofmyselftoGodandhaveeastChrist’syokefromoffme.SpiritualgrowthconsistsofincreasingdevotednesstoGodandbeingmoreandmoreconformeduntoChrist’sdeath.

ItisoneofthemosteffectualmeansforspiritualgrowthtoliveinthedailyrealizationthatChristhas"redeemedustoGod"(Rev.5:9):torestoreHisrightsoverus,toadmitustoHisfavorandfriendship,toenjoyfellowshipandcommunionwithHim,thatwemaybeforHispleasureandglory;thentoconductourselvesaccordingly.OnlyaswearewhollydevotedtoHisserviceandpraise,onlyasallourspringsandjoyareinHim,doweactualizethedesignofourredemption.NoprogressintheChristianlifecanbemadeanyfurtherthanasweareregulatedbythefact"yearenotyourown,foryeareboughtwithaprice"(1Cor.6:19,20).Whenthatisreallyapprehendedintheheart,thesoulwillbecometheconsecratedpriestandhisbodywillbethelivingsacrificeoffereduntoGoddailythroughJesusChrist.Thenwillitbethedevotednessnotofconstraintbutoflove.ThemorefullyweareconformedtoChrist’sdeath,themorecloselywebefollowingtheexamplehehasleftus,themore(andtheonly)trueChristianprogressarewemaking.

III.3.HonoringtheWord.BywhichwemeanaccordingtoGod’sholyand

infallibleWordtheplacewhichisdueitinouraffections,thoughts,anddailylives.ButweshallonlydosoaswearedeeplyimpressedwithwhoseWorditisandthereasonsforwhichithasbeengiventous.Godhas"magnifiedhiswordaboveallhisname"(Ps.138:2),andifwebeinourrightmindsweshallvalueitfarmorehighlythananythingelse(Ps.119:72).ApartfromtheWordweareintotaldarknessspiritually(Eph.5:8).WithouttheScriptureswecanknownothingaboutthecharacterofGod,Hisattitudetowardus,orourrelationtoHim.WithouttheScripturesweareignorantofthenatureofsinanditsinfinitedemerits,norarewecapableofdiscoveringhowtobesavedfromthelove,guiltandpollutionofit.WithouttheScripturesweknownotwhencewesprang,whitherwearegoing,norhowtoconductourselvesintheintervalbetween.EvenasChristians,wehavenoothermeansforascertainingGod’swillforus,thepathweshouldtread,theenemieswemustfight,thearmorwerequire,andhowtoobtaingracetohelpintimeofneed.

AllwhoprofesstobeChristianswillgiveatleastamentalassenttowhat

hasjustbeenpointedout.Butwhenitcomestotheapplyingorworkingoutofthesame,therearewidedifferencesofpractice.InthematterofwhatuseistobemadeofGod’sWordthereisconsiderablediversityofopinion.RomedoesallshecantowithholdtheScripturesfromthepeople,forbiddingthereadingofthem;or,wherethatisdeemedImpolitic,seekingtodiscouragethesame.Herevilleavenhasspreadfarandwide,formultitudesofnominal"Protestants"whodonotformallyacceptthedogmasofthePapacysupposethattheBibleisamysteriousBook,quitebeyondthecomprehensionoftheuninitiatedandthat"thechurch"aloneiscompetenttoexplainitsteachings.Thereforetheyarequitecontenttoreceivetheirreligiousinstructionssecondhand,acceptingwhattheprelateorpreachertellsthemfromthepulpit,andsincetheydonot"searchtheScriptures"forthemselves,theyareunabletotestwhathetellsthem,andareliabletobedeceivedconcerningtheireternalinterests.ThusthereisnodifferenceinthisrespectbetweenthemandtheinfatuatedPapists.

Butthereareotherswho"readtheBible"forthemselves:butheretherearemanytypes.Somedosotraditionally,becausetheirparentsandgrandparentsreadaportioneachday,yetinfewcasesdotheygiveevidenceofpossessingasavingknowledgeofthetruth.Othersreaditsuperstitiously,regardingtheBibleasasortofreligiouscharm:wheningreatperplexityordeepsorrowtheyturntotheBooktheygenerallyneglect,hopingtofindguidanceorsolacefromit.Manyreaditeducationally.Iftheirclosestfriendsaremoreorlessreligioustheywouldfeelashamedifunabletotakeanintelligentpartintheconversation,andsoseekageneralacquaintancewithitscontents.Othersreaditdenominationally,thattheymaybeequippedtodefend"ourArticlesofFaith"andholdtheirownincontroversy,seekingtextswhichwillrefutethebeliefsofothers.Afewreaditprofessionally:itistheirtextbook.Theirprincipalquestismaterialsuitableforsermonsand"Biblereadings."Somereaditinquisitively,tosatisfycuriosityandfeedintellectualpride:theyspecializeonprophecy,thetypes,numerics,andsoon.

NowonemayreadtheBiblefromsuchmotivesasthoseuntilheisasoldasMethuselahandhissoulbeprofitednothing?Onemayreadandre-readtheBiblethroughsystematicallyfromGenesistoRevelation,hemay"searchtheScriptures"diligently—comparingpassagewithpassage,hemaybecomequiteanaccomplished"Biblestudent,andyet,spirituallyspeaking,benotonewhitbetteroffforhispains.Whyso?BecausehefailedtorealizethechiefreasonswhyGodhasgivenusHisWordandtoactaccordingly,becausehismotiveisfaulty,becausetheendhehadinviewisunworthy.GodhasgiventheWordtousasarevelationofHimself:ofHischaracter,ofHisgovernment,ofHis

requirements.Ourmotiveinreadingit,then,shouldbetobecomebetteracquaintedwithHim,withHisperfections,withHiswillforus.OurendinperusingHisWordshouldbetolearnhowtopleaseandglorifyHim,andthat,byourcharactersbeingformedunderitsholyinfluenceandourconductregulatedinallitsdetailsbytherulesHehastherelaiddown.Themindneedsinstructing,butunlesstheconsciencebesearched,theheartinfluenced,thewillmoved,suchknowledgewillonlypuffusupandaddtoourcondemnation.

IntheprecedingchapterswepointedoutthatinordertospiritualgrowththeChristianmustneedsengagedailyinmortifyingthefleshandindevotinghimselfasalivingsacrificetoGod,givingourreasonsforplacingthemfirstandsecondamongtheprincipalaidstoprosperity.ObviouslygivingdueplacetotheWordcomesnext,foronlybyitsinstructionscanwelearnwhathastobemortifiedandhowtopleaseGodInourwalk.Somethoughtwasrequiredonhowbesttoformulatethisthirdgrandhelp.ManyhavedescribeditasstudyingtheWord,butaspointedoutaboveonemay"study"it(asthe"scribes"ofourLord’sdayhad)andyetbenonethebetterforit.OthersusetheexpressionfeedingontheWord,whichisbetter,thoughtodaytherearethousandswhothinktheyarefeedingthereonandyetgivelittleornosigntheirsoulsarebeingnourishedorthattheyarebecomingmorefruitfulbranchesoftheVine.WehavethereforechosenhonoringtheWordasbeingamorecomprehensiveterm.

NowinordertohonortheWordwemustascertainthepurposesforwhichGodhasgivenittous,andthenregulateoureffortsaccordingly.TheWordexpresslyinformsusthechiefendsforwhichitwaswritten."AllScriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod,andisprofitablefordoctrine,forreproof,forcorrection,forinstructioninrighteousness"(2Tim.3:16).SincetheyareinspiredbyGoditnaturallyandnecessarilyfollowsthattheyare"profitable,"forHecouldnotbetheAuthorofwhatwaspurposelessanduselesstoitsrecipients.ForwhataretheScriptures"profitable"?First,fordoctrine,thatis,forsoundandwholesomedoctrine,"doctrinewhichisaccordingtogodliness"(1Tim.6:3).Theworddoctrinemeans"teaching"orinstruction,andthentheprincipleorarticlereceived.IntheScriptureswehavethetruthandnothingbutthetruthoneveryobjectandsubjectofwhichtheytreat,suchasnomerecreaturecouldhavearrivedatorinvented.TheunfoldingofthedoctrineofGodisarevelationofhisBeingandcharacter,suchashadneverbeenconceivedbyphilosophersorpoets.Theirteachingconcerningmanissuchasnophysicistorpsychologisthadeverdiscoveredbyhisownunaidedpowers.Such,too,isitsdoctrineofsin,ofsalvation,oftheworld,ofHeaven,ofHell.

NowtoreadandpondertheScripturesfor"doctrine"istohaveourbeliefs

formedbyitsteachings.Sofarasweareundertheinfluenceofprejudice,orreceiveourreligiousideasonhumanauthority,andgototheWordnotsomuchwiththedesiretobeinstructedonwhatweknownot,butratherforthepurposeoffindingsomethingwhichwillconfirmusinwhatwehavealreadyimbibedfromman,beitrightorwrong,sofarweexerciseasinfuldisregardtotheSacredCanonandmayjustlybegivenuptoourowndeceits.Again;ifwesetupourownjudgmentsoastoresolvenottoacceptanythingasDivinetruthbutwhatwecanintellectuallycomprehend,thenwedespiseGod’sWordandcannotbesaidtoreaditeitherfordoctrineorcorrection.Itisnotenoughto"callnomanMaster":ifIexaltmyreasonabovetheinfallibledictatesoftheholySpirit,thenmyreasonformulatesmycreed.WemustcometotheWordconsciousofourignorance,forsakingourownthoughts(Isa.55:7),withtheearnestprayer"thatwhichIseenot,teachthoume"(Job34:32),andthat,solongasweremainonearth.

FirstandforemostthentheinspiredScripturesareprofitablefordoctrine:thatourthoughts,ideasandbeliefsconcerningallthesubjectsofDivinerevelationmaybeformedandregulatedbytheirinfallibleteachings.Howthatrebukesthosewhosneerattheologicalinstruction,whoareprejudicedagainstthedoctrinalexpositionofthegospel,whoignorantlyaccountsuch"dry"anduninteresting,whoareallforwhattheyterm"experimentalreligion."Wesay"ignorantly,"forthedistinctiontheyseektodrawisanunscripturalandinvalidone.TheWordofGodnowheredrawsalinebetweenthedoctrinalandtheexperimental.Howcouldit?whentrueexperimentalpietyisnothingbuttheinfluenceoftruth.upontheSoulundertheagencyoftheHolySpirit.Whatisgodlysorrowforsinbuttheinfluenceofthetruthupontheconscienceandheart!Isitanythingelsethanarealizationorfeelingsenseoftheheinousnessofsin,ofitscontrarietytowhatoughttobe,ofitsbeingcommittedagainstlightandlove,dissolvingthehearttogrief?Untilthosetruthsarerealizedtherewillbenoweepingoveryoursin.Peaceandjoyinbelieving:yes,butyoumusthaveanObjecttobelievein;takeawaythegreatdoctrineoftheAtonementandallyourfaithandpeaceareannihilated.

Yes,firstandforemosttheScripturesare"profitablefordoctrine":Godsaysso,andthosewhodeclareotherwiseareliarsanddeceivers.ThatrefutesandcondemnsthosewhoareprejudicedagainstthedoctrineofthegospelonthepretensethatitisunfriendlytothepracticalsideoftheChristianlife.Thatpersonalpietyorholylivingmaybeneglectedthroughanexcessiveattachmenttofavoritetheologicaltenetsisreadilygranted,butthatdoctrinalinstructionisinimicaltofollowingtheexamplewhichChristhasleftus,weemphatically

deny.ThewholeteachingofScriptureis"thedoctrinewhichisaccordingtogodliness"(1Tim.6:3):thatistosay,itisthedoctrinewhichinculcates"godliness,whichsuppliesmotivestogodliness,andwhichthereforepromotesit.IfDivinetruthbereceivedaccordingtothelovelyproportionsinwhichitispresentedintheWord,sofarfromsuchareceptionofitenervatingpracticalgodliness,itwillbefoundtobethelifeofit.Doctrinal,experimentalandpracticalreligionaresonecessarilyconnectedtogether,theycouldhavenoexistenceapartfromeachother.Theinfluenceofthetruthuponourheartsandmindsisthesourceofallourspiritualfeelings,andthosefeelingsandaffectionsarethespringsofeverygoodwordandwork.

Second,theinspiredScripturesareprofitable"forreproof"orconviction.FivetimestheGreekwordisrendered"rebuke"andonce"tellhimhisfault"(Matthew18:15).HereisthechiefreasonwhytheScripturesaresounpalatabletotheunsaved:theysetbeforehimastandardconcerningwhichheknowshefallsfarshort:theyrequirethatwhichisthoroughlydistastefultohimandprohibitthosethingswhichhisevilnaturelovesandcraves.Thus,theirholyteachingsroundlycondemnhim.ItisbecausetheWordofGodinculcatesholinessandcensureseveryformofevilthattheunregeneratehavesuchadisrelishforit.ItisbecausetheWordconvictsitsreaderofhissins,upbraidshimforhisungodliness,blameshimforhisinwardaswellasoutwardlackofconformitythereto,thatthenaturalmanshunsit.Fleshandbloodresentinterference,chafeagainstbeingcensured,andisangrywhentoldhisorherfaults.Itismuchtoohumblingfortheprideofthenaturalmantoberebukedforhisfailuresandchidedforhiserrors.Thereforeheprefers"prophecy"orsomethingwhichpricksnothisconscience!

"Profitableforreproof."Areyou,amI,willingtobereproved?Arewereally,honestlydesirousofhavingmadeknowntouseverythinginuswhichiscontrarytothelawoftheLordandisthereforedispleasingtoHim?Arewetrulyagreeabletobesearchedbythewhitelightofthetruth,tobareourheartstotheswordoftheSpirit?Thetrueanswertothatquestionrevealswhetherornoweareregenerate,whetheramiracleofgracehasbeenwroughtinusorwhetherwearestillinastateofnature.Unlesstheanswerbeintheaffirmative,therecannotpossiblybeanyspiritualgrowthforus.Ofthewickeditissaid"Theydespisedallmyreproof"(Prov.1:30).Ontheonehandwearetold"liethathatethreproofisbrutish"and"shalldie"(Prov,12:1;15:17);ontheother,"reproofsofinstructionarethewayoflife,""hethathearethreproofgettethunderstanding"(Prov.6:23;15:32).IfwearetoprofitfromtheScriptureswemusteverapproachthemwithanhonestdesirethatallamissinusmayberebukedbytheir

teachingsandbehumbledintothedustbeforeGodinconsequencethereof.Third,theScripturesareprofitable"forcorrection."TheGreekwordoccurs

nowhereelseintheNewTestament,butsignifies"settingright."Thereprovingisbutameanstoanend:itisashowinguswhatiswrongthatitmaybeputright.Everythingaboutus,bothwithinandwithoutneedscorrecting,forthefallhasputmanalloutofjointwithGodandholiness.Ourthoughtsoneverythingarewrongandneedreadjusting.Ouraffectionsarealldisorderlyandneedregulating.OurcharacterisutterlyunlikeChrist’sandhastobeconformedtoHisimage.OurconductiswaywardanddemandssquaringwiththeRuleofrighteousness.GodhasgiventousHisWordthatunderitsguidancewemayregulateourbeliefs,renovateourheartsandreformourlives.Henceitanswersbutapoorendtoreadachapteronceortwiceadayforthesakeofdecency,withoutanydefiniteintentionofcomplyingwiththemindofGodasrevealedtherein.SinceHehasgivenustheScriptures"forcorrection"weshouldeverapproachthemwithasincerepurposeofbringingintoharmonywiththemeverythingthatisdisorderlywithinusandirregularwithoutus.

Fourth,theScripturesareprofitable"forinstructioninrighteousness."Thatistheendforwhichtheotherthreethingsarethemeans.AsMatthewHenrypointedout:theScripturesare"profitabletousforallthepurposesoftheChristianlife.TheyansweralltheendsofDivinerevelation.Theyinstructusinthatwhichistrue,reproveusforallthatwhichisamiss,directusinallthatwhichisgood.""Instructioninrighteousness"refersnottotheimputedrighteousnessofChrist,forthatisincludedin"doctrine,"butrelatestointegrityofcharacterandconduct—itisinherentandpracticalrighteousness,whichisthefruitoftheimputed.Forthatweneed"instructing"outoftheWord,forneitherreasonnorconscienceareadequateforsuchatask.Ifourjudgmentbeformedorouractionsregulatedbydreams,visions,orsupposedimmediaterevelationsfromHeaven,ratherthanbytheplainmeaningoftheHolyScriptures,thenweslightthemandGodmayjustlygiveusuptoourowndelusions.Ifwefollowthefashion,imitateourfellows,ortakepublicopinionforourstandard,wearebutheathen.ButiftheWordofGodistheonlysourceofourwisdomandguidance,weshallbefoundtreading"thepathsofrighteousness"(Ps.23:6).

TheBibleissomethingverydifferentfromapicture-bookforamusingchildren,thoughitcontainsbeautifultypesanddepictsscenesandeventsinamannernoartist’sbrushcouldconvey.Itissomethingmorethanapreciousmineoftreasureforustodiginto,thoughitcontainswondersandrichesfarmoreexcellentthananyunearthedatKimberley.IthasnotbeensufficientlyrealizedthatGodhasgivenusHisWordfortheorderingofourdailylives."Thesecret

thingsbelonguntotheLordourGod:butthethingswhicharerevealedbelonguntousandtoourchildrenforever,thatwemayDOallthewordsofthislaw"(Deut.29:29).Howveryrarelydowehearorseethatlastclausequoted!Isnottheomittingofitasignificantandsolemncommentonourtimes?GodhasgivenushisWordnotforintellectualentertainment,notforthemerelycurioustoexercisehisimaginationupon,notformakingitabattlegroundoftheologicalstrife,buttobe"alampuntoourfeetandalightuntoourpath"(Ps.119:105)—topointoutthewayinwhichweshouldwalkandtosedulouslyavoidthoseby-wayswhichleadtocertaindestruction.

"Forwhatthingswerewrittenaforetimewerewrittenforourlearning,thatwethroughpatienceandcomfortoftheScripturesmighthavehope"(Rom.15:4).ThusthewholeoftheOldTestamentisforourinstruction"inorderthatbypatientlycleavingtotheLordinfaithandobedience,andallourtrialsandtemptations,andbytakingcomfortfromthedailyperusaloftheScriptureswemightpossessajoyfulhopeofHeaven,notwithstandingpastsinsandpresentmanifolddefects"(T.Scott)."Nowallthesethings[concerningIsrael’ssinsinthewildernessandGod’sjudgmentsuponthem]happeneduntothemforensamples,andtheyarewrittenforouradmonition"(1Cor.10:11)orwarning:forustotaketoheart,toheed,toavoid.Weshallmeetwithsimilartemptationsandthereisstillthesameevilnatureinusaswasinthem,andunlessitbemortified,thesameawfulfatewillovertakeus."Makemetogointhepathofthycommandments"(Ps.119:35).Itwillprofitusnothing,nay,itwilladdtoourcondemnation,ifwereadthepreceptivepartsoftheScriptureswithoutattentionanddetermination,throughGod’shelp,toconformourconductthereto.

"Mylittlechildren,thesethingswriteIuntoyouthatyesinnot"(1John2:1).Thatisthedesign,bearing,andendnotonlyofthisEpistlebutofalltheScriptures.Thatistheobjectatwhicheverydoctrine,everyprecept,everypromiseaims:"thatyesinnot."TheBibleistheonlybookintheworldwhichpaysanyregardtosinagainstGod.TherevelationwhichitmakesofGod’somniscience—"Thouknowestmydownsittingandmineuprising,thouunderstandestmythoughtsafaroff"(Ps.139:2)—saystome,sinnot.SoofHisomnipresence—"TheeyesoftheLordareineveryplace,beholdingtheevilandthegood"(Prov.15:3)—saystome,sinnot.ArewetaughttheholinessofGod?itisthatweshouldbeholy.Isthetruthofresurrectionrevealed?itisthatwe"awaketorighteousnessandsinnot"(1Cor.15:34).ForwhatpurposewastheSonofGodmanifested?that"HemightdestroytheworksoftheDevil"(1John3:8).Preciouspromisesaregivenuswiththeexpressdesignthatweshould"cleanseourselvesfromallfilthinessofthefleshandspirit,perfectingholiness

inthefearofGod"(2Cor.7:1)."Desirethesinceremilkofthewordthatyemaygrowthereby"(1Peter

2:2).InordertobenourishedbytheWordwemustdesireit,andlikeeveryotherdesirethatonemaybecultivatedorchecked—asafteratimethemannawasloathedbythosewholustedfortheflesh-potsofEgypt.TheaimofthatdesirefortheWordis"thatyemaygrowthereby":growinknowledge,ingrace,inholiness,"growupintoChristinallthings"(Eph.4:15);growinfruitfulnesstoGodandhelpfulnesstoyourfellows.TheWordmustnotonlybedesired,but"receivedwithmeekness"(James1:21):thatis,withyieldednessofwillandpliabilityofheart,withreadinesstobemoldedbyitsholyrequirements.Itmustalsobe"mixedwithfaith"(Heb,4:2):thatis,receivedunquestioninglyasGod’sownWordtome,appropriatedandassimilatedbyme.Itmustbeapproachedhumblyandprayerfully,astheHebrewshadtobowdownorgoupontheirkneestoobtainthetinymannaontheground."Teachmethystatutes"(Ps.119:12):theirmeaning,theirapplicationtoallthedetailsofmylife,howtoperformthem.

IfwewouldreadtheScripturestoadvantage,ifoursoulsaretobenurturedbythem,ifwearetomaketrueChristianprogress,thenitmustbebyearnestprayerandconstantmeditation..ItisonlybyponderingthewordsofGodthattheybecomefixedinourmindsandexertasalutaryinfluenceuponourthoughtsandactions.Thingsforgottenhavenopowertoregulateus,andScriptureissoonforgottenunlessitbeturnedoverandoverinthemind.AwondrousblessingispronounceduponthemanwhomeditatesinGod’slawdayandnight:"Heshallbelikeatreeplantedbytheriversofwater,thatbringethforthhisfruitinhisseason,hisleafalsoshallnotwither,andwhatsoeverhedoethshallprosper"(Ps.1:3)."Thesethingswriteweuntoyouthatyourjoymaybefull"(1John1:4).Holinessandhappinessareinseparablyconnected.Destructionandmiseryareinthewaysofthewicked(Rom.3:16),butWisdom’swaysare"waysofpleasantnessandallherpathsarepeace"(Prov.3:17).

IV.4.OccupationwithChrist.Clearlythiscomesnext.Wemusthavethe

ScripturesbeforewecanhaveChrist,fortheyaretheywhichtestifyofHim(John5:39):wheretheBiblehasnotgoneChristisunknown.ButintheScripturesHeisfullyrevealed:inthevolumeoftheBookitiswrittenofHim.InHimallitsteachingscenter,fortheyare"thedoctrineofChrist"(2John9).InHimallitspreceptsareperfectlyfulfilled.InHimallitspromisesarecertified(2Cor.1:20).InHimallitspropheciesculminate,for"thetestimonyofJesusisthe

spiritofprophecy"(Rev.19:10).DivorcedoctrinefromChristanditisindeed"dry."SeparatepreceptsfromChristandwehavenoperfectexemplificationofthem.SeverthepromisesfromChristandtheyarenolonger"YeaandAmen."PartasunderthepropheciesfromChristandtheyareofnoprofittothesoul,butratherenigmasforuselessspeculation.ChrististheAlphaandOmegaofthewrittenWord:"JesusChrist"isthefirstnamementionedintheNewTestament(Matthew1:1)andthelast(Rev.22:21),andtheOldisfilledwithforeshadowingsandforecastsofHim.

IftheChristiandesiresthemilkoftheWordthathemaygrowthereby,itisthathe"maygrowupintohiminallthings,whichistheHead,evenChrist"(Eph.4:15).ItisuntotheimageofGod’sSonthatthesaintispredestinatedtobeconformed.ItisuponChrist,nowseatedatGod’srighthand,heistosteadfastlysethisaffection(Col.3:1).ItiswithhiseyesfixeduponChristthatheistoruntheracewhichissetbeforehim(Heb.12:2).ItisofChristheistolearn(Matthew11:29),fromHisfulnessheistoreceive(John1:16),byHiscommandmentsbedirected(John14:15).ItisonChristheistofeed,asIsraeldidonthemannainthewilderness(John6).ItistoChristheistogoinallhistroubles(Matthew14:12),forHeisaHighPriestwhocanbetouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities.ItisforthehonorandgloryofChristheisevertoaim(Phil.1:20).Inshort,theChristianissotoactthathecansay"FortometoliveisChrist."

Nowinordertohavefellowshipwithanothertheremostbethreethings:thatothermustbeknown,hemustbepresent,andImusthaveafreeandfamiliaraccesstohim.ThusitiswiththesoulandChrist.First,ImustbepersonallyacquaintedwithHim:Hemustbealivingrealitytomysoul.ThereforeitfollowsthatifIamtohaveclosefellowshipwithHimImustbecomebetteracquaintedwithHim,andinproportionasIdoso,suchwillbemytrueprogress.WeagreewithPiercethatthewords"growingrace"areexplained(inpart,atleast)bytheclausewhichimmediatelyfollows:"andintheknowledgeofourLordandSaviourJesusChrist"(2Peter3:18),forthesecondverseofthatepistletellsusthatgraceandpeacearemultiplieduntous"throughtheknowledgeofGodandofourLordJesus."OneofthechiefthingswhichretardstheChristian,whichrendershimweakinfaithandcauseshisgracestolanguish,ishisfailuretoincreaseintheknowledgeofhisLordandSaviour,andtherebyattaintoadeeperandmoreintimateacquaintancewithHim.HowcanwefullytrustorsetouraffectionsuponOnewhoiswellnighastrangertous?

ThoughtheChristianbelievesinanunseenChrist,hedoesnot—hecouldnot—trustinanunknownChrist.No,histestimonyis"IknowwhomIhave

believed"(2Tim.1:12),whichdoesnotmeanIknowHimbecauseIhavebelieved,butratherIbelievedinHimbecauseHestoodrevealedtomyheart.Taketheexperienceoftheonewhopennedthosewords.TherewasatimewhenPaulwasignorantofChrist.BeforehisconversiontheapostleknewHimnot,andconsequentlyhethenhadnofaithinHim,noloveforHim,nopantingsafterHim.Anditisthuswithallbeforeregeneration:theyknewnotthethingswhichbelongtotheireverlastingpeace.Paulwasagreatscholar,astrictmoralist,adevoutreligionist,yethewascompletelyignorantoftheLordJesusChrist,whomtoknowislifeeternal.HewastrainedbyGamalielthefamousteacherofthatday,wasdeeplyversedinthecontentsoftheOldTestament,andhadlistenedtothesermonofdyingStephen;andyetwasatotalstrangertotheChristofGod.Nordidhistheologicaltraining,philosophicmindoracquaintancewiththeScriptures,leadhimtoasavingknowledgeofChrist.

AllthatPaulknewofChristwasbyteachingfromabove.ItwasGodwhoenlightenedhismindwithasavingknowledgeofthetruthandwhodrewhisheartuntotheLordJesusbyHisowninvinciblegraceandlove.AndthusitiswitheachonewhomtheLordGodomnipotentcalleth.EverypersoninhisnaturalstateisaltogetherignorantofthetrueGodandisanutterstrangertothealoneandall-sufficientMediator,therighteousRedeemer,whoismightytosave.AndhowaretheybroughtintoanacquaintancewithHim?ItiswhollyofgraceandthroughthesupernaturaloperationsoftheHolySpiritupontheirsouls.AstheSpiritofwisdomandrevelationHeispleasedtoquickenthesoulwithspirituallifeandtoilluminethemindwithaknowledgeofDivineTruth,impartinganinwardspiritualperceptionofChristtotheheartthereby.TheoutwardrevelationofChristtousisinthewrittenWord,whichsetsHimforthandtestifiesofHim,inwhichHeisclearly,freely,andfullyexhibited.ButthatexternalrevelationhasnosavingeffectuponusuntiltheHolySpiritshinesuponourblindminds,removestheveilwhichisoverourhearts(2Cor.3:14,16),andopensourunderstandingsthatwemightunderstandtheScriptures(Luke24:45)andwhatiswrittenthereinconcerningChrist.

Itisonlyasthesoulisregeneratedthatitiscapacitatedtotakeinspiritualviewsoftheperson,officeandworkofChrist,toobtainarealandsatisfyingknowledgeofHisGodhoodandmanhood,thepurposeanddesignoftheFatherinHismiraculousincarnation,life,obedience,death,andresurrection.ItisthegreatofficeandworkoftheHolySpiritto"testify"oftheSon(John15:26),to"glorify"Him(John16:14),totakeofthethingsofChristand"showunto"thoseforwhomHedied(John16:15),tomakeHimknownuntotheheartsofpoorsinners.HedoesthisinandbytheWord,afterHehasfittedthesoultoreceiveit.

Hencetheapostlesaid"WeknowthattheSonofGodiscome"(1John5:20).HowdidJohnandthosetowhomhewrote"know"that?Hisnextwordstellus:"andhathgivenusanunderstandingthatwemayknowhimthatistrue."Aspiritualunderstanding,whichisthegiftofGod,isaprincipalpartoftheHolySpirit’sworkinregeneration,anditisbythatspiritualunderstandingthequickenedsoulisenabledtoreceivefromtheWordaspiritualandsupernaturalknowledgeofChrist,justasitisbymeansoftheeye—andthatalone—wecanseeandadmirethegloriousshiningofthesun.

Ifitbeasked,WhatarethosesightswhichtheHolySpiritgivesuswherebyHebegetsfaithintheheartorwherebyHemakesadiscoveryofChristuntothesoul?Theansweris,theSpiritgivesusnootherviewsofChristthanwhatareinexactaccordancewiththerevelationmadeofHimintheScripturesoftruth.Butmorespecifically:thefirstdiscoverywhichtheSpiritmakesofChristtothepoorsinnerisasafully-suitedandall-sufficientSavior,whosepersonandperfectionsareeternalandinfinite,whowasbornintothisworldandcalledJesusthatshould"savehispeoplefromtheirsins"(Matthew1:21).HemakesknowntothesoulthewondrousloveandamazinggraceofChrist,Hisrobeofrighteousness,HisefficaciousbloodwhichwasshedforthosedeservingofnaughtbutHell.HetherebytakesofthethingsofChristandmakessuchadiscoveryofthemthatthesouliscaptivated,thewillcapturedandtheheartwontoHim,andtherebythesinnerisledtobelieveinHisperson,surrendertoHisscepter,andrestonHisfinishedwork.TheSpiritenlightenstheunderstanding,bringsthewilltochooseHimashisabsoluteLord,hishearttoloveHim,andhisconsciencetohesatisfiedwithHissacrifice,andhiswholebeingyieldstobegovernedandguidedbyHim.

ThusChristisrevealedintheheartsofhispeople(Gal.1:16)astheironehopeofeternalglory.TheWordofGodisthesoleruleandgroundoftheirfaith.ChristisexhibitedthereinastheimmediateObjectofit,andastheSpirittakesofthethingsofHimandrevealsthemtotherenewedsoulHedrawsforthitsactsuponChristasheismadeknown,andtherebyHebecomesrealandprecioustothesoul;therebytheheartisbroughtintotheenjoymentofhislove,todelightinHisperfections,tobeholdHimas"altogetherlovely."AsChristismadetheObjectoffaith,faithisaspiritualperceptionofhimandtherebyHehasbecomealivingandpresentReality.AstheheartisengagedwithHim,asthethoughtsareexerciseduponHisperson,Histitles,hisoffices,Hisperfection,Hiswork,thesoulexclaims,"mymeditationofhimshallbesweet:IwillbegladintheLord"(Ps.104:34).BelieverslovenotanunknownChrist,nordotheytrustinOnewithwhomtheyareunacquainted.Thoughunseenbythenaturaleye,when

faithisinexercisethatonecansay"IknowthatmyRedeemerliveth."Nowitisfromthispersonal,inward,andspiritualknowledgeofChrist,

receivedfromtheWord,astaughtbytheSpirit,thatfaithinChristtakesitsriseandlovetoHimspringstherefromasitspropercause.ButallbelieversdonotpossessanequallyclearandfullknowledgeofChrist.TosomeHeismorefullyrevealed,whilstothershaveavaguerviewandlesserapprehensionofHim,whichconstitutesthedifferencebetweenastrongandaweakChristian.TheweakbelieverknowsbutlittleofChristandthereforedoesnottrustordelightinHimsomuchasdoesastrongerone,forthelatterdiffersfromhiminthatheisledintoacloserandfulleracquaintancewiththeSaviour.ThatmaybeaccountedforbothfromtheDivinesideofthingsandfromthehuman.Aswecannotseethesunbutinhisownlight,soneithercanweseetheSunofrighteousnessbutinHislight(Ps.36:9).Aswecannotseetemporalthingsandobjectswithoutlight,sofaithcannotseeChristbutastheHolySpiritshinesuponandenlightensit.Nevertheless,ChristisnotcapriciousinHisshining,noristheSpiritarbitraryinHisillumination.

Christhasdeclared"hethathathmycommandmentsandkeepeththem,heitisthatlovethme...andIwilllovehimandwillmanifestmyselftohim"(John14:21).ButiftheChristianyieldstoaspiritofself—pleasing,andforaseasonkeepsnotthecommandsofhisLord,thensuchpreciousmanifestationsofHimtohissoulwillbewithheld.ItistheofficeandworkoftheSpirittotakeofthethingsofChristandshowthemtotherenewed,butifthebelieverdisregardsthatinjunction"grievenottheHolySpiritofGod"(Eph.4:30)andallowsthingsinhislifewhicharedispleasingtoHim,sofarfromregalinghimwithfreshviewsofChristhewillwithholdHiscordialsandcomforts,andmakehimwretcheduntilbeisconvictedofhisbackslidingandbroughttofullconfessionthereof.OntheonehandtheChristianwhoisfavoredwithadeeperknowledgeandcleareracquaintancewithChristfranklydisavowsanypersonalcreditandfreelyascribeshisblessingswhollyuntodistinguishinggrace;butontheotherhand,theChristianwhomakeslittleprogressintheschoolofChristandenjoysbutlittleintimatefellowshipwithHim,musttaketheentireblametohimself—adistinctionwhicheverneedstobeborneinmind.

ConcerningIsraelofoldandthesupplyoffoodwhichGodgavetheminthewildernessitisrecorded"andgatheredsomemore,someless"(Ex.16:17).Themanna(typeofChrist)wasfreelygiven,madeaccessibletoallalike:ifthensomeweremoreindolenttoappropriateasgoodlyaportionasothers,theyhadonlythemselvestoblame.SoitiswiththesaintandChrist.WeareinstructedtopraythatwemaybeincreasingintheknowledgeofGod"(Col.1:10),butifwe

arenegligenttodoso,orofferthepetitiononlyhalf-heartedly,weshallhavenot.Weareassured"thenshallweknowifwefollowontoknowtheLord"(Hos.6:3).Thehebrewwordfor"followon"signifies"persevere,""followafter":itisaforcefulword,connotingearnestnessanddiligence.Thewayandmeansaretheredescribed:wemusthighlyvalueandsteadfastlyendeavoralterthesame,makingitourprincipalquest(seeProv.2:1-4;Phil.3:12-15),andthenifweperformtheprescribeddutywemaycertainlyexpectthepromisedblessing.Butifwebelethargicandrestonouroars,noprogressismade.,andthefaultisentirelyours.

SincethebelieveroweshissalvationtoChristandistospendeternitywithHim,surelyheshouldmakeithischiefbusinessandabsorbingconcerntoobtainaclearerandbetterknowledgeofHim.Nootherknowledgeissoimportant,soblessed,sosatisfying.Wedonotmeanabare,theoretical,speculativeanduninfluentialknowledgeofHim,butasupernatural,spiritual,believing,andtransformingone.Saidtheapostle"IcountallthingsbutlossfortheexcellencyoftheknowledgeofChristJesusmyLord"(Phil.3:9).Observehowcomprehensiveisthisknowledge:"Christ,Jesus,Lord"—comprisingtheprincipalaspectsinwhichHeissetforthintheWord:"Christ,"respectingHispersonandoffice;"Jesus,"Hisworkandsalvation;"Lord,"Hisdominionandruleoverus.Notetooitisanappropriatingknowledge:"ChristJesusmyLord"toapprehendHimasmine,ongoodgrounds,istheexcellencyofthisknowledge.ThedemonsknowHimasProphet,PriestandKing,buttheyapprehendHimnotwithpersonalappropriationtothemselves.Butthisknowledgeenablesitspossessortosay"Wholovedme,andgavehimselfforme"(Gal.2:20).

ThisspiritualandsavingknowledgeofChristisaneffectualone.AsHebrews6:9speaksof"thingsthataccompanysalvation,"sotherearethingswhichaccompanythisknowledge."Theythatknowthyname[theLordasrevealed]willputtheirtrustinhim"(Ps.9:10)itcannotbeotherwise,andthebettertheyknowHim,thefirmerandfullerwillbetheirtrust."HethatseeththeSonandbelievethonhimmayhaveeverlastinglife"(John6:40)—seeingtheSonisputbeforebelievingasthecausewhichproducestheeffect.ThemorewestudyandmeditateuponthegloriouspersonofChristandHisperfectsalvation,themorewerealizetheeverlastingsufficiencyofHislifeanddeathtosavefromalloursinsandmiseries,themorewillfaithbefedandspiritualgracesnourished.SotoothemorewillourheartsbeenflamedandouraffectionsdrawnouttoHim.Itmustbeso,for"faithworkethbylove"(Gal.5:6).ThemoreChrististrustedthemoreHeisendearedtothesoul.Themoreweliveinsightsand

viewsofallHehasdoneforus,ofallHisofficerelationstous,themoregloriouswillHebeinouresteem.ItisaspiritualviewofChristbyfaithwhichremovesguiltfromtheconscience,producesasenseofpeaceandjoyintheheart,andenablesthesoultosay"mybelovedismine,andIamhis."

Asthisknowledgeisaccompaniedbyfaithandlove,soalsoisitwithobedience."Herebywedoknowthatweknowhim,ifwekeephiscommandments"(1John2:3)—weknownomorethanwepractice!"AsyehavereceivedChristJesustheLord,sowalkyeinhim"(Col.2:6)—submittingtoHisauthority,believingHisgospel,leaningonHisarm,countingonHisfaithfulness,lookingtoHimoreverything.Towalk"inhim"meanstoactinpracticalunionwithHim.The"walk"istoberegulatedbyHisrevealedwill,totreadthepathHehasappointedforus.TosubmittoHiswillistheonlytrueliberty,asitisthesecretofsolidpeaceandjoy.TotakeHisyokeuponusandlearnofHimensuresgenuinerestofsoul.ButasweonlyenjoythegoodofChrist’spromisesastheyarereceivedbyfaith(appropriatedtomyselfandreliedupon),sowithHisprecepts—theymustbepersonallytakentomyselfandsubmittedto.Hencewereadof"theobedienceoffaith"(Rom.1:5).So,too,theyonlycanbeperformedbyaffection:"ifyelovemekeepmycommandments."

InordertocommunewithChristtheremustbeaspiritualknowledgeofHimandanactingfaithuponHim.SaidtheonewhomostperfectlyexemplifiedtheChristiancharacter"thelifethatInowliveinthefleshIlivebythefaithoftheSonofGodwholovedmeandgavehimselfforme"(Gal.2:20).Christwashisall-absorbingObject,theObjectofhisfaithandlove.ChristwastheOnewhohadwonhisheart,whomhelongedtopleaseandhonor,whosenameandfamehesoughttospreadabroad,whoseexampleheendeavoredtofollow.ItwasuponHimhefedbyfaithanduntoHimhelivedinallhisactions.ItwasfromHimhehadreceivedhisspirituallife,anditwastoglorifyHimthathedesiredtospendandbespent.AllourfellowshipwithChristisbyfaith.ItisfaithwhichmakesHimreal—"seeinghimwhoisinvisible"(Heb.11:27).ItisfaithwhichmakesHimpresent:"Abrahamrejoicedtoseemydayandhesawandwasglad"(John8:56).ItisfaithwhichbringsChristdownfromheavenintotheheart(Eph.3:17).ItisfaithwhichenablesustopreferHimaboveallthingsandtosay"thereisnoneuponearthIdesirebesidesthee"(Ps.73:25).

"Ofhisfulnesshaveallwereceivedandgraceforgrace"(John1:16).The"we"arethosespokenofinverses12,13.Inverse14"fullofgraceandtruth"hasreferencetoHisownpersonalperfections,butinverse16itisHismediatorialfulnesswhichGodhasgivenHimforHispeopletodrawupon.Theword"fulness"issometimesusedforabundance,asin"theearthistheLord’s

andthefulnessthereof"(Ps.24:1),butasoneofthePuritanspointedout,thatistoonarrowforitsmeaninghere.InChristthereisnotonlyafulnessofabundance,butofredundancy—anoverflowingfulnessofgrace.ThereisacommunicationofthisfulnessofChristtoallbelievers,andtheyhaveitinawayof"receiving"(cf.Rom.5:11;Gal,3:2;4:5).ThatwhichbelieversreceivefromChristisheresaidtobe"graceforgrace,bywhichismeantgraceanswerabletograce—as"aneyeforaneyeandatoothforatooth,"(Matthew5:38)signifiesaneyeanswerabletoaneye.WhatevergraceorholinessthereisinJesusChrist,thereissomethinginthesaintanswerablethereto—thereisthesameSpiritintheChristianasinChrist.

ThereisinChrist,astheGod-manmediator,a"fulnessofgrace"whichisavailableforHispeople.ThereislaidupinHim,asinavaststorehouse,allthatthebelieverneedsfortimeandeternity.Ofthatfullnesstheyhavereceivedregeneratinggrace,justifyinggrace,reconcilinggrace;fromthatfulnesstheymayreceivesanctifyinggrace,preservinggrace,fruit-bearinggrace.Itisavailableforfaithtodrawupon:allthatisrequiredisthatweexpectantlybringouremptyvesselstobefilledbyHim.ThereisafulnessofgraceinChristwhichinfinitelyexceedsourfulnessofsinandwant,andfromitwearefreelyinvitedtodraw,"Jesusstoodandcriedsaying,"Ifanymanthirst,lethimcomeuntome,anddrink"(John7:37).Thosewordsarenottobelimitedtothesinner’sfirstcomingtoChristnoristhe"thirst"tobeunderstoodinanyrestrictedsense.Ifthebelieverthirstsforspiritualwisdom,forpurity,formeekness,foranyspiritualgrace,thenlethimcometotheFountainofgraceand"drink"—whatisdrinkingbut"receiving,"ouremptinessministereduntobyHisfulness.

WhenpoorMartha,weigheddownbyher"muchserving"fretfullyaskedtheSaviourtochidehersister,Heanswered"Butonethingisneedful,andMaryhathchosenthatgoodpartwhichshallnotbetakenawayfromher"(Luke10:40-42).Whatwasthat"goodpart"whichshehadchosen?This,she"satatJesus’feetandheardhisword"(v.39).Maryhadafeltsenseofherneed:sheknewwherethatneedcouldbesupplied:shecametoreceiveoutofChrist’sfulness.AndHedeclaredthatthatis"theonethingneedful,"foritincludeseverythingelse.Putyourselfinthatpostureofsoul,thatexpectationoffaith,wherebyyoucanreceivefromHim.Toheoccupiedwith,Christwas"thegoodpart"whichwouldneverbetakenfromher.Butinthisrestlessage"sittingatthefeetofJesus"isalostart.Insteadofhumblyrecognizingtheirowndeepneedofbeingministeredto,puffedupwithasenseoftheirimportanceandactuatedbytheenergyoftheflesh,theyare"cumberedwithmuchserving"—lookingafterthevineyardsofothers,butneglectingtheirown(SongofSol.1:6).

IftheChristianistomakerealprogresshemustneedsbemoreoccupiedwithChrist.AsHeisthesumandsubstanceofallevangelicaltruththenanincreasingacquaintancewithHisperson,offices,andworkcannotbutnourishthesoulandpromotespiritualgrowth.YettheremustbeconstantlyrenewedactsoffaithonHimifwearetodrawfromHisfulnessandbemoreconformedtoHisimage.ThemoreouraffectionsbesetonHim,thelightershallweholdthethingsofthisworldandthelesswillcarnalpleasuresappealtous.ThemorewespirituallymeditateuponHishumiliationsandsufferings,themorewillthesoullearntoloathesinandthemoreshallweesteemourheaviestafflictionsbut"light."ChristisexactlysuitedtooureverycaseandDivinelyqualifiedtosupplyoureveryneed.LooklesswithinandmoretoHim.HeistheonlyOnewhocandoyougood.AbhoreverythingwhichcompeteswithHiminyouraffections.BenotsatisfiedwithanyknowledgeofChristwhichdoesnotmakeyoumoreinlovewithHimandconformsyoumoretoHisholyimage.

10.ItsDecline

I.First,itsnature.Thatwhichweareheretobeconcernedwithiswhatsome

writersterm"backsliding"—alucidandexpressivewordthatisnotemployedsooftenasitshouldbeoroncewas.Likemostothertheologicaltermsthisonehasbeenmadetheoccasionofnotalittlecontroversy.SomeinsistthatitoughtnottobeappliedtoaChristiansincetheexpressionoccursnowhereintheNewTestament.Butthatischildish:itisnotthemerewordbutthethingitselfwhichmatters.WhenPeterfollowedHisMaster"afaroff,"warmedhimselfattheenemy’sfire,anddeniedHimwithoaths,surelyhewasinabacksliddenstate—yetifthereaderpreferstosubstitutesomeotheradjectivewehavenoobjection.OthershavearguedthatitisimpossibleforaChristiantobackslide,sayingthatthe"flesh"inhimisneverreconciledtoGodandthatthe"spirit"neverdepartsfromhim.Butthatismeretrifling:itisnotanaturebutthepersonwhobackslides,asitisthepersonwhoacts—believesorsins.

Itisnotbecausethewordbackslideisacontroversialonethatwehavepreferred"decline,"butbecausetheformerisappliedinScripturetotheunregenerateaswellastheregenerate—toprofessorsassuch,andhereweareconfiningourattentiontothecaseofachildofGodwhosespiritualitydiminishes,whoseprogressisretarded.Thereare,ofcourse,degreesinbacksliding,forwereadof"thebacksliderinheart"(Prov.14:14)aswellasthosewhoaresuchopenlyintheirwaysandwalk.YettothegreatmajorityoftheLord’speoplea"backslider"probablyconnotesonewhohaswanderedalongwayfromGod,andwhomhisbrethrenareobligedtosorrowfully"standindoubtof."Aswedonotproposetorestrictourselvestosuchextremecases,butrathercoveramuchwiderfield,wedeemeditbesttoselectadifferenttermandonewhichseemsbettersuitedtothesubjectofspiritualgrowth.

Byspiritualdeclinewemeanthewaningofvitalgodliness,thesoul’scommunionwithitsBelovedbecominglessintimateandregular.IftheChristian’saffectionscool,hewilldelighthimselflessintheLordandtherewillbealanguishingofhisgraces.Hencespiritualdeclineconsistsofaweakeningoffaith,acoolingoflove,alesseningofzeal,anabatementofthatwhole-hearteddevotednesstoChristwhichmarksthehealthysaint.TheperfectionsoftheRedeemeraremeditateduponwithlessfrequency,thequestofpersonalholinessispursuedwithlessardor,sinislessfeared,loathedandresisted."Thouhastleft

thyfirstlove"(Rev.2:4)describesthecaseofonewhoisinaspiritualdecline.WhenthatbethecasethesoulhaslostitskeenrelishforthethingsofGod,thereismuchlesspleasureintheperformanceofduty,theconscienceisnolongertender,andthegraceofrepentanceissluggish.Consequentlythereisadiminishingofpeaceandjoyinthesoul,disquietudeanddiscontentmoreandmoredisplacingthem.

WhenthesoullosesitsrelishforthethingsofGodtherewillbelessdiligenceinthequestofthem.Themeansofgracethoughnottotallyneglected,areusedwithmoreformalityandwithlessdelightandprofit.TheScripturesarethenreadmorefromasenseofdutythanwitharealhungertofeedonthem.Thethroneofgraceisapproachedmoretosatisfyconsciencethanfromadeeplongingtohavefellowshipwithitsoccupant.AstheheartislessoccupiedwithChristthemindwillbecomeincreasinglyengagedwiththethingsofthisworld.Astheconsciencebecomeslesstenderaspiritofcompromiseisyieldedtoandinsteadofwatchfulnessandstrictnesstherewillbecarelessnessandlaxity.AsloveforChristcools,obediencetoHimbecomesdifficultandthereismorebackwardnesstoroodworks.Aswefailtousethegracealreadyreceived,corruptionsgaintheascendancy.InsteadofbeingstrongintheLordandinthepowerofHismight,wefindourselvesweakandunabletowithstandtheassaultsofSatan.

Aborn-againChristianwillneversinkintoastateofunregeneracy,thoughhiscasemaybecomesuchthatneitherhimselfnorspiritualonlookersarewarrantedinregardinghimasaregenerateperson.GraceintheChristian’sheartwillneverbecomeextinct,yethemaygreatlydeclinewithrespecttothehealth,strength,andexerciseofthatgrace,andthatfromvariouscauses.TheChristianmaysufferasuspensionoftheDivineinfluencestohim.Nottotallyso,forthereiseversuchaworkingofGodasmaintainsthebeingofthespiritualprincipleofgrace(ornewnature)inthesaint,yethedoesnotatalltimesenjoytheenliveningoperationsoftheblessedSpiritonthatprinciple,anditsactivitiesaretheninterruptedforaseason,andinconsequence,hebecomeslessconversantwithspiritualobjects,hisgraceslanguish,hisfruitfulnessdeclines,andhisinwardcomfortsabate.Thefleshtakesfulladvantageofthisandactswithgreatviolence,andinconsequencetheChristianismademostmiserableandwretchedinhimself.

Ifitbeasked,WhydoesGodwithdrawthegraciousoperationsofHisSpiritfromHispeopleorsuspendHiscomfortinginfluences,whicharesonecessaryfortheirwalkinginHim?AnswermaybemadebothfromtheDivinesideofthingsandthehuman.Godmaydothisinasovereignway,withoutanycausein

themanneroftheirbehaviortowardHimself.AsHegivesfivetalentstooneandonlytwotoanotheraccordingasseemsgoodinHissight,soHevariesthemeasureofgracebestowedononeandanotherofHispeopleasbestpleasesHimself.Shouldanyonebeinclinedtomurmuragainstthis,thenlethimpayattentiontoHissilencer:"IsitnotlawfulformctodowhatIwillwithmineown"(Matthew20:15).Godissupreme,independent,free,anddistributesHisbountiesasHechooses,innature,inprovidence,andingrace.Godtakescounselwithnone,isinfluencedbynone,but"workethallthingsafterthecounselofhisownwill"(Eph.1:11).AssuchHeistobemeeklyandcheerfullysubmittedto.

ButitisnotonlyfromactingaccordingtoHisownimperialrightthatGodwithdrawsfromHispeoplethevitalizingandcomfortinginfluencesofHisSpirit.HedoessoalsothatHemaygivethemabetterknowledgeofthemselvesandteachthemmorefullytheirentiredependencyuponHimself.BysoactingGodgivesHischildrentodiscoverforthemselvesthestrengthoftheircorruptionsandtheweaknessoftheirgrace.Thoughsavedfromthelove,guilt,anddominionofsin,theyhavenotyetbeendeliveredfromitspowerorpresence.Thoughaholyandspiritualnaturehasbeencommunicatedtothem,yetthatnatureishutacreature—weakanddependent—andcanonlybesustainedbyitsAuthor.Thatnewnaturehasnoinherentstrengthorpowerofitsown:itonlyactsasitisacteduponbytheHolySpirit."IntheLordhaveIrighteousnessandstrength"(Isa.45:21):everybelieverisconvincedoftheformer,butusuallyitisonlyaftermanyahumiliatingexperiencethathelearnshisstrengthisnotinhimselfbutintheLord.

Itisratherinawayofchastisementthat,inthegreatmajorityofinstances,GodwithholdsfromHispeoplethegraciousoperationsoftheSpirit;andthatbringsustothehumansideofthings,whereinourresponsibilityisinvolved.Iithesaintbecomeslaxinhisuseoftheappointedmeansofgrace—whicharesomanychannelsthroughwhichtheinfluencesoftheSpiritcustomarilyflow—thenhewillnecessarilybetheloserandthefaultisentirelyhisown.OriftheChristiantrifleswithtemptationsandexperiencesasadfall,thentheSpiritisgrievedandHiscomfortingoperationsarewithheldasasolemnrebuke.ThoughGodstillloveshisperson;HewilllethimknowthatHehateshissins,andthoughHewillnotdealwithhimasanincensedJudge,yetHewilldisciplinehimasanoffendedFather;anditmaybelongbeforeheisagainrestoredtothefreedomandfamiliaritythatheformerlyenjoyedwithHim.(SeeIsa.59:2;Jer.5:25;Hag.1:9,10.)

ThoughGoddrawsnotHisswordagainstHiserringsaints,yetHeusesthe

roduponthem."Ifhischildrenforsakemylawandwalknotinmyjudgments,iftheybreakmystatutesandkeepnotmycommandments,thenwillIvisittransgressionwiththerodandtheiriniquitywithstripes;neverthelessmylovingkindnesswillInotutterlytakefromhimnorsuffermyfaithfulnesstofail.MycovenantwillInotbreaknoralterthethingthathasgoneoutofmylips"(Ps.89:30-34).Thenitisourwisdomto"heartherod"(Micah6:9),tohumbleourselvesbeneathHismightyhand(1Peter5:6)andforsakeourfolly(Ps.85:8).Ifwedonotdulyrepentandamendourways,stillheavierchastisementswillbeourportion;but"ifweconfessoursinsheisfaithfulandjusttoforgiveusoursinsandtocleanseusfromallunrighteousness"(1John1:9).WhentheSpirit’sinfluencesarewithheldfromtheChristian,itisalwaysthesafestcourseforhimtoconcludehehasdispleasedtheLordandtocry"Showmewhereforethoucontendestwithme"(Job10:2).

Second,itscauses.Therootcauseisfailuretomortifyindwellingsin,called"theflesh"inGalatians5:17,whichmakesconstantoppositionagainst"thespirit"ortheprincipleofgraceinthesoulofbelievers,Acarnalnatureiseverpresentwithinthem,andatnotimeisitinactive,whethertheyperceiveitorno,Yea,theyareoftenunconsciousofmanyofitsstirrings,foritworkssilently,secretly,subtlety,deceptively,promptingnotonlytooutwardactsofdisobedience,butproducingunbelief,prideandself-righteousness,whicharemostoffensivetotheholyOne.Thisenemyinthesoulpossessesgreatadvantagesbecauseitspowertorulewasunopposedbyusallthroughourunregeneracy,becauseofitscursedcunning,becauseofthenumeroustemptationsbywhichitisexcitedandthevarietyofobjectsuponwhichitacts.Yetitisourresponsibilitytokeepourheartswithalldiligence,tojealouslywatchoveritsworkings,fortheprincipalpartofthe"fight"towhichtheChristianiscalledconsistsofcontinuallyresistingtheuprisingsandsolicitationsofhisevilprinciple:inotherwords,tomortifythem.

Themorecarefullythebelieverobservesthemanywaysinwhichindwellingsinassailsthesoul,themorewillherealizehisneedofcryingtoGodforhelpthathemaybewatchfulandfaithfulinopposingitslustings.Butalaswebecomeslackandinattentivetoitsserpentinewindingsandaretrippedupbeforeweareawareofit.Thisisstupidfolly,anditcostsusdearly.Byourslothfulnesswegetasorewoundinthesoul,ourgracesdroop,ourconscienceisdefiled,ourrelishfortheWordisdulled,andwelagintheperformanceofduty.Gracecannotthrivewhilelustisnourished,fortheinterestsofthefleshandofthespiritcannotbepromotedatthesametime.Andifourcorruptionsbenotresistedanddenied,theywill,theymust,flourish.Ifthedailyworkof

mortifyingthefleshbenotdiligentlyattendedto,sinwillmostcertainlybecomepredominantinitsactingsinourhearts.Ifwefailthere,wefaileverywhere.

True,thelustingsofthefleshcannotberenderedinactive,butwemustrefusetoprovidethemwithfuel:"makenotprovisionforthefleshuntotheluststhereof"(Rom.13:14).Thoselustscannotbeeradicated,buttheycan(bytheSpirit’senablement)berefused.ThereiswheretheresponsibilityoftheChristiancomesin.Itishisboundendutytopreventthoselustsoccupyinghisthoughts,engaginghisaffections,andprevailingwiththewilltochooseobjectswhichareagreeabletothem.Takecovetousnessasanexample—alustingaftertheemptythingsofthisworld.Ifthemindpermitsitselftohaveanxiousthoughtsformaterialriches,andtheaffectionstobedrawnuntothemandpleasingimagesareformedintheimagination,thelusthasprevailedandourconductwillbeorderedaccordingly.Anearnestpursuitaftercorruptthingspreysuponthevitalsoftruespirituality.Thepreventativeforthatistosetouraffectionuponthingsabove,tomakeChristoursatisfyingportion,andhaving"foodandraiment...therewithbecontent"(1Tim.6:8).

ItisveryevidentthenthattheChristianshouldsparenopainsinseekingtoascertainandbesensiblyaffectedbytherealcausesofhisspiritualdecline,forunlessheknowsfromwhatcauseshisspiritualdecaysproceed,hecannot"rememberthereforefromwhenceheisfallen"nortruly"repent"ofhisfailuresoragain"dothefirstworks"(Rev.2:5);andunlessanduntilhedoestheseverythingshewilldeterioratemoreandmore.Itisequallyclearthatiftherebecertainappointedmeanstheuseofwhichpromotesspiritualgrowthandprosperity,thentheslightingofthosemeanswillinevitablyhinderthatgrowth.Asthefirstofthosemeansisthemortifyingofthefleshitwillbefoundthatslacknessatthatpointistheplacewhereallfailurebegins.Itissinunmortifiedandunresisted,yieldedtoandallowed,and—whatisstillworse—unrepentedofandunconfessed,whichbringsablightuponthegardenofthesoul,Sinunmournedandunforsakeninouraffectionsismoreheinousanddangerousthantheactualcommissionofsin.

CloselyconnectedwiththemortifyingofsinsistheChristian’sdevotingofhimselfentirelytoGod.Christianprogressislargelydeterminedbycontinuingaswebegan—bythemeasureinwhichwesteadfastlyadheretothesurrenderwemadeofourselvestoChristatourconversionandtothevowswetookuponusatbaptism.Ifourconversionwasagenuineonewethenrenouncedtheworld,thefleshandthedevil,andreceivedChristasouronlyLordandSaviour.IfourbaptismwasaScripturaloneandthebelieverenteredintelligentlyintothespiritualimportandemblematicpurportofthatordinance,hethenprofessedto

haveputofftheoldman,andasheemergedfromthewater—asonesymbolicallyrisenwithChrist—hestoodpledgedtowalkinnewnessoflife.AstheadultIsraeliteswere"baptizeduntoMoses"(1Cor.10:1,2)—acceptinghimastheirlawgiverandleader,sothosewhohavebeen"baptized’untoChrist,have"putonChrist"(Gal.3:27)havingenlistedunderHisbanner,theynowwearHisuniform.

Themoreconsistentlythebelieveractsinharmonywiththepublicprofessionhemadeinhisbaptism,themorerealprogresswillhemake.SinceChristbe"theCaptain"ofhissalvation,lieisunderbondstofightagainsteverythingopposedtoHim,for"theywhichliveshouldnothenceforthliveuntothemselves,butuntoHimwhichdiedforthemandroseagain(2Cor.5:15).EachdaythesaintshouldrenewhisconsecrationuntoGodandliveintherealizationthat"heisnothisown,forheisboughtwithaprice"—nolongerfreetogratifyhislusts.ThemoreChrist’spurchaseofhimbekeptfreshinhismind,themoreresolutelywilllieconducttheworkofmortification,ItisforgetfulnessthatwebelongtoGodinChristwhichmakesusslackinresistingwhatHehates.Itissuchforgetfulnessandslacknessthatexplainsthecall"rememberthereforefromwhencethouartfallen"(Rev.2:5)—i.e.,yourdedicationtoGodandyourbaptismalavowalofidentificationwithChristinHisdeath,burial,andresurrection.

WhiletherebeahealthydesireafterGodandadelightingofourselvesinHim,anearnestseekingtopleaseHimandtheenjoymentofcommunionwithHim,thereisnecessarilyanaversenessforsinandazealagainstit.WhilewehaveaduesenseofourobligationstoGodandhighvaluationofHisgracetousinChrist,wecontinuetofinddutypleasantanddirectouractionstoHisglory.ButwhenwebecomelessoccupiedwithHisperfections,precepts,andpromises,otherthingsstealinandlittlebylittleourheartsaredrawnfromHim.ThelightofHiscountenanceisnolongerenjoyedanddarknessbeginstocreepoverthesoul.LovecoolsandgratitudetoHimwanesandthentheworkofmortificationbecomesirksome,andweshelveit.Ourlustsgrowmoreunrulyanddominantandthegardenofthesoulisoverrunwithweeds.Insuchacasewemust"repent"andreturnto"thefirstworks"(Rev.2:5)—contritelyconfessoursinfulfailuresandre-dedicateourselvesuntoGod.

Again;iftheChristianaccordsnottotheWordofGodthathonortowhichitissojustlyentitled,heiscertaintobetheloser.IftheWordholdsnotthatplaceinhisaffections,thoughtsanddailylifewhichitsAuthorrequires,thensadwillbetheconsequences.Ifthesoulbenotnourishedbythisheavenlybread,ifthemindbenotregulatedbyitsinstructions,ifthewalkbenotdirectedbyits

precepts,disastrousmustbetheoutcome.WemustexpectGodtohideHisfacefromusifweseekHimnotinthosewayswhereinHehaspromisedtomeetwithandblessus,forsuchaneglectisbothaviolationofHisordinanceandadisregardofourowngood.ImayspendasmuchtimeinreadingtheBibletodayaseverbefore,butamIdoingsowithadefiniteandsolemntreatingwithGodtherein?Ifnot,ifmyapproachbelessspiritual,ifmymotivebelessworthy,thenadeclinehasalreadybegun,andIneedtobegGodtoreviveme,quickenmyappetite,andmakememoreresponsivetoHisinjunctions.

Finally;itrequiresfewwordsheretoconvinceabelieverthatiftherebeadecreasingoccupationofhisheartwithChrist,hisfinegoldwillsoonbecomedim.IfheceasestogrowinaspiritualknowledgeofhisLordandSaviour,ifhebecomelaxindesiringandseekingrealcommunionwithHim,ifhefailstodrawfromthefulnessofgracewhichisavailableforHispeople,thenablightwillfalluponallhisgraces.FaithinHimwillweaken,loveforHimwillabate,obediencetoHimslacken,andHewillbe"followed"atagreaterdistance.Hisownwordsonthispointaretoocleartoadmitofmistake:"HethatabidethinmeandIinhim[notetheorder:wearealwaysthefirsttomakethebreach],thesamebringethforthmuchfruit[hisgracesarehealthyandhislifeaboundsingoodworks],forseveredfromInc[cutofffromfellowship]yecandonothing"(John15:5).ThesamethingswhichopposedourfirstcomingtoChristwillseektohinderourcleavingtoHim,andagainstthoseenemieswemustwatchandpray.

"Faithwhichworkethbylove"(Gal.5:6).Sinceitis"withtheheartmanbelieveth"(Rom.10:10),savingfaithandspirituallovecannotbeseparated—thoughtheymaybedistinguished.FaithengagestheheartwithChrist,andthereforeitsaffectionsaredrawnoutuntoHim.Thusfaithisapowerfuldynamicinthesoul,andacts(toborrowthewordsofThomasChalmers)as"theimpulsivepowerofanewaffection."Alittlechildmaybeamusingitselfwithsomefilthyordangerousobject,butpresenttohimalusciouspearorpeachandhewillspeedilyrelinquishit.Theworldabsorbstheheartandmindoftheunregeneratebecauseheisoftheworldandsoknowsnothingbetter,fortheChristofGodisaStrangertohim.ButtheregeneratehasanewnatureandbyfaithbecomesoccupiedwithHimwhoistheCenterofHeaven’sglory,andthemorethemindbestayeduponHim,thelessappealwilltheperishingthingsoftimeandsensemakeuponhim.ItisfaithinexerciseuponitsgloriousObjectwhichovercomeththeworld.

II.

Wehavepointedoutthedeepimportanceofascertainingthecausesfromwhichspiritualdecaysproceed,inordertobringustoaduecomplianceWiththeinjunctionsofRevelation2:5.Wecannotturnfromthatwhichisinjuriousandavailourselvesoftheremedyuntilweareconsciousofandsensiblyaffectedbythosethingswhichhaverobbedofspiritualhealth.ButletnottheyoungChristianassumeadefeatistattitudeandconcludethaterelonghetoowillsufferadecline.Preventionisbetterthancure.Toheforewarnedistobeforearmed.Thisaspectofthethemeshouldserveadualpurpose:awarningagainstsuchacalamityandasfurnishinginstructionforthosewhosegraceshavealreadybeguntolanguish.Thusfarwehavedweltonlyonwhatwillbetheinevitableconsequencesifthebelieverfailstomakeadiligentandfulluseofthechiefaidstospiritualgrowth;nowweproceedtopointoutotherthingswhichareamongthecausesofdecline.

Aslackeningintheprayerlifewillsoonlowerthelevelofone’sspiritualhealth.ThisissogenerallyrecognizedamongChristiansthatthereisthelessneedforustosaymuchthereon.PrayerisanordinanceofDivineappointment,beinginstitutedbothforGod’sgloryandourgood.ItisanowningofHissupremacyandanacknowledgmentofourdependency.OntheonehandtheLordrequirestobewaitedon,tobeaskedforthosethingswhichwillministeruntoourwellbeing;andontheotherhand,itisbymeansofprayerthatourheartsarepreparedtoreceiveorbedeniedthosethingswhichwedesire—foritisessentiallyaholyexerciseinwhichourwillsarebroughtintoharmonywiththeDivine,Aconsiderablepartofourreligiouslifeconsistsinpraying,eitherinpublicorinprivate,eitherorallyormentally;andourspiritualprosperityeverbearsacloseproportiontothedegreeoffervorandconstancywithwhichthisimportantdutyisattendedto.Prayerhasbeenrightlytermed"thebreathofthenewcreature,"andifourbreathingbeimpededthenthewholesystemsuffers—truealikespirituallyandnaturally.

Butprayerismorethanaduty:itisalsooneofthetwoprincipalmeansofgrace,andwithoutittheother(theWord)profitsuslittleornothing.Sinceprayerbethebreathofthenewcreature,weneedtoliveinitsownelement—theatmosphereofHeaven.Inordertheretoanewandlivingwayhasbeenopenedtothethroneofgrace,whitherwemaycomewithboldnessandconfidence,andtherefindhelp.Helpforwhat?ForeverythingneededintheChristianlife,moreparticularly,forenablementtocomplywiththeDivineprecepts.ThatwhichGodrequiresfromusmaybesummedupirkoneword,obedience,anditisonlythroughprayerweobtainstrengthfortheperformancethereof.Thatispartlythemeaningof"ForthelawwasgivenbyMoses,butgraceandtruthcamebyJesus

Christ"(John1:17).Thelawrevealsmansduty,butitconveysnopowerforthedischargeofit.Butgrace(aswellastruth)comestousbyJesusChristasthepreviousversetellsus,yetthereisnootherwayofreceivingoutofHisfullnessexceptbytheprayeroffaith,

Prayerisevenmorethanameansofgrace:itisaholyprivilege,anunspeakableboon,aninestimablefavor,anditshouldbethemostdelightfulofallspiritualexercises.ItisbyprayerwehaveaccesstoGodandconversewithHim,wherebyHebecomesmoreandmorealivingRealityuntothesoul.ItisthenthatwedrawneartoHimandHedrawsneartous,andthereisasacredconversetheonewiththeother.TherebywecommunewithanddelightourselvesilkHim,ItiswhilewearethusengagedthattheSpiritgraciouslyfulfillsHisofficeworkastheSpiritofadoption,wherebywecry"Father!Father!"WethenfindHeismorereadytohearthanwearetospeak.PleadingthemeritsofChristweenjoymostblessedfellowshipwithHimandobtainfreshforetastesoftheeverlastingblissawaitingusonhigh.ItistoareconciledFatherwecome,andas"hisdearchildren."Ifweapproachinthespiritoftheprodigalson,thesamewelcomeawaitsusandthesametokensoflovearereceivedbyus.Itisthenwearemadetoexclaim"Thouanointestmyheadwithoil,mycuprunnethover"andthatwepouroutourheartsbeforeHiminpraiseandadoration,

Nowcontemplateaslackeningoftheprayerlifeinthelightofthethreethingspointedoutabove,andwhatmustbetheinevitableconsequences!HowcanIprosperifIshirkmyduty?HowcantheblessingofGodrestuponmeifIlargelyrefusethatwhichHerequiresfromme?IfprayeralsobeoneofthechiefmeansofgraceandIneglectit,amInot"forsakingmyownmercies?"IfitbetheonlychannelthroughwhichIobtainfreshsuppliesofgracefromChristshallInotnecessarilybefeebleandsickly?Ifmystrengthbenotrenewed,howcanIsuccessfullyresistmyspiritualfoes?Ifnopowerfromonhighbereceived,howshallIheabletotreadthepathofobedience?AndifprayerbetheprincipalchannelofcommunionandconversewithGod,andthatholyprivilegebelightlyesteemed,willnotGodsoonbecomelessreal,myheartgrowcold,myfaithlanguish,andmyjoyvanish?Yes,aslackeningintheprayerlifemostcertainlyentailsspiritualdecline,withallthataccompaniesthesame.

Sittingunderanunedifyingministry.GodhasappointedandequippedcertainmentoactasHisshepherdstofeedHissheep.Hespeaksofthemas"pastorsaccordingtomineheart,whichshallfeedyouwithknowledgeandunderstanding"(Jer.13:15).IntheordinarycourseofeventsitisHismethodtoemployhumaninstrumentality,andthereforeHehasprovidedgiftedservants

"fortheperfectingofthesaints"(Eph.4:11,12).Satanknowsthat,andhenceheraisesupfalseprophetstodeceiveanddestroy.2Corinthians11:13-15warnsusthat"sucharefalseapostles,deceitfulworkers,transformingthemselvesintotheapostlesofChrist."Norshouldwehesurprisedatthis,"forSatanhimselfistransformedasanangeloflight.Thereforeitisnogreatthingifhisministersalsobetransformedastheministersofrighteousness."Thoseministersofhishavelongheldmostoftheprofessors’chairsintheseminaries,thousandshaveoccupiedthepulpitsofalmosteverydenomination,andthegreatmajorityofthosewhosatunderthemwerecorruptedandfatallydeludedbyaspeciousmixtureoftruthandlies;andrealChristianiswhoattended;injuriouslyaffected.

ItisbecauseofthepresenceofthesedisguisedministersofSatanthatGodbidsHispeople"Beloved,Ibelievenoteveryspirit,buttrythespiritswhethertheybeofGod,formanyfalseprophetsaregoneoutintothe[professing]world"(John4:1)."Try"thembytheunerringstandardofHolyWrit:"Tothelawandtothetestimony:iftheyspeaknotaccordingtothisword,itisbecausethereisnolightinthem"(Isa.8:20).Godholdsyouresponsibleto"proveallthings"(1Thess.5:21)andcommendsthosewhohave"triedthosewhosaytheyareapostlesandarenot,andhastfoundthemliars"(Rev.2:2).HisurgentcommandtoeachofHischildrenis,"Cease,myson,toheartheinstructionthatcauseththeetoerrfromthewordsofknowledge"(Prov.21:27).Thatisnotoptionalbutobligatory,andwedisregarditatourperil.Listeningtofalsedoctrineishighlyinjurious,foritcausestoerrfromrightbeliefsandrightpractices.Theministrywesitunderaffectsusforgoodorevil,andthereforeourMasterenjoinsus"Takeheedwhatyehear"(Mark4:24).

ItisoffargreatermomentthanyoungChristiansrealizethattheyheedthatwhichhasjustbeenpointedout.Thereadingmatterweperuseandthereligiousinstructionweimbibehasasrealaninfluenceandeffectuponthemindandthesoulasthatwhichyeeatanddrinkdoesonthebody:ifitbecorruptandpoisonousitseffectswillbeidenticalineachcase,ProofofthatisfoundinthehistoryoftheGalatians.Tothemtheapostlesaid,"Yedidrunwell:whodidhinderyouthatyeshouldnotobeythetruth?"(5:7),andtheanswerwas,heretics,Judaisers,whopervertedthegospel.Andthesaintto-dayishindered("drivenback,"margin)ifheattendsthepreachingoferror.Therefore"shunprofaneandvainbabblings,fortheywillincreaseuntomoreungodlinessandtheirwordwilleatasdothacanker"(2Tim.2:16,17).Theteachingofhereticsdiffusesanoisomeinfluence,tilliteatsawaythelifeandpowerofpiety,asagangrenespreadsthroughalimb.

Butonemaysitunderwhatistermeda"sound"ministryand,throughno

faultofhisown,derivenobenefitfromthesame.Thereisa"deadorthodoxy,"nowwidelyprevalent,wherethetruthispreached,yetinanunctionlessmanner,andiftherebenolifeinthepulpitthereisnotlikelytobemuchinthepew.UnlessthemessagecomesfreshfromGod,issueswarmlyandearnestlyfromthepreacher’sheart,andbedeliveredinthepoweroftheHolySpirit,itwillneitherreachtheheartofthehearernorministerthatwhichwillcausehimtogrowingrace.ThereismanyaplaceinChristendomwherealiving,refreshing,soul-edifyingministryonceobtained,buttheSpiritofGodwasgrievedandquenched,andavisitthereislikeenteringamorgue:everythingiscold,cheerless,lifeless.Theofficersandmembersseempetrified,andtoattendsuchservicesistobechilledandbecomepartakerofthatdeadeninginfluence.AministrywhichdoesnotliftthesoulGodwards,producejoyintheLord,andstimulatetogratefulobedience,caststhesouldownandsoonbringsitintothesloughofdespond.

OnlytheDaytocomewillrevealhowmanyababeinChristhadhisgrowtharrestedthroughsittingunderaministrywhichsuppliedhimnotwiththesinceremilkoftheWord.OnlythatDaywillshowhowmanyayoungbeliever,inthewarmthandglowofhisfirstlove,wasdiscouragedanddismayedbythecoldnessanddeadnessoftheplacewherehewenttoworship.NowonderthatGodsorarelyregeneratesanyundersuchaministry:thoseplaceswouldnotproveatallsuitableasnurseriesforHislittleones.Manyaspiritualdeclineistobeattributedtothisverycause.Thentakeheed,youngChristian,whereyouattend.IfyoucannotfindaplacewhereChristismagnified,whereHispresenceisfelt,wheretheWordisministeredinthepoweroftheSpirit,whereyoursoulisactuallyfed,whereyoucomeawayasemptyaswhenyouwent,—thenfarbettertoremainathomeandspendthetimeonyourknees,feedingdirectlyfromGod’sWord,andreadingthatwhichyoudofindhelpfuluntoyourspirituallife.

Companionshipwithunbelievers."Enternotintothepathofthewickedandgonotinthewayofwickedmen"(Prov.4:14)."Ihavewrittenuntoyounottokeepcompany—withtheworld"(1Cor5:10,11).Thewordfor"company"theremeanstomingle:wecannotavoidcontactwiththeunregeneratebutwemustseetoitthatourheartsdonotbecomeattractedtothem.IndeedtheChristianistohavegoodwilltowardallheencounters,seekingtheirbestinterests(Gal.6:10);butheistohavenopleasureinorcomplacencytowardthosewhodespisehisMaster.Itisforbiddentowalkwiththeprofaneinawayoffriendship."Benotunequallyyokedtogetherwithunbelievers"(2Cor.6:14),forfamiliaritywiththemwillspeedilydulltheedgeofyourspirituality."Benotdeceived:evilcommunicationscorruptgoodmanners"(1Cor.15:33).Wecannot

disregardtheseDivinepreceptswithimpunity."KnowyenotthatthefriendshipoftheworldisenmitywithGod?"(James4:4)."Acompanionoffoolsshallbedestroyed"(Prov.13:20).

Butitisnotonlytheopenlyprofaneandlawlesswhoaretobeshunnedbythesaint:heneedsespeciallytoavoidemptyprofessors.Bywhichwemean,thosewhoclaimtobeChristiansbutwhodonotlivetheChristianlife;thosewhoare"churchmembers"or"infellowship"withsomeassembly,butwhoseconductiscarelessandcarnal;thosewhoattendserviceonSunday,butwhomaybefoundatthemoviesorthedance-hallduringtheweek.Theemptyprofessorisfarmoredangerousasacloseacquaintancethanonewhomakesnoprofession:theChristianislessonhisguardwiththeformer,andhavingsomeconfidenceinhimismoreeasilyinfluencedbyhim.Bewareofthosewhosayonethingbutdoanother,whosetalkispiousbutwhosewalkisworldly.TheWordofGodisplainandpositiveonthispoint:"Havingaformofgodliness,but[inaction]denyingthepower[reality]thereof:fromsuchturnaway"(2Tim.3:5).Ifyoudonot,theywillsoondragyoudownwiththemselvesintothemire.

OyoungChristian,your"companions,"thosewithwhomyoumostcloselyassociate,exertapowerfulinfluenceuponyouforeithergoodorevil.FarbetterthatyoushouldtreadalonelypathwithChrist,thanthatyouoffendHimbycultivatingfriendshipwithreligiousworldlings."Hethatlivethinamill,theflourwillstickuponhisclothes.Manreceivethaninsensibletaintfromthecompanyhekeepeth.Hethatlivethinashopofperfumesandisoftenhandlingthemcarriethawaysomeoftheirfragrancy:sobyconversewiththegodlywearemadelikethem"(APuritan)."Hethatwalkethwithwisemenshallbewise"(Prov.13:20).Inselectingyourclosestfriend,letnotapleasingpersonalityallure:therearemanywolvesirksheep’sclothing.BemostcarefulinseeingtoitthatwhatdrawsyoutoandmakesyoudesiretheChristiancompanionshipofanotherishisorherloveandlikenesstoChrist,andnothisloveandlikenesstoyourself.

"Iamacompanionofallthatfeartheeandofthemthatkeepthyprecepts"(Ps.119:63)shouldbetheaimandendeavorofthechildofGod,thoughsuchcharactersindeedareveryscarcetheseevildays.Theyaretheonlycompanionsworthhaving,fortheyalonewillencourageyoutopressforwardalongthe"narrowway."Itisnotthosewhoprofessto"believeintheLord,"butthosewhogiveevidencetheyrevereHim;notthosewhomerelyprofessto"standfor"Hisprecepts,butwhoactuallyperformthem,thatyouneedtoseekout.Sofarfromsneeringatyour"strictness"theywillstrengthenyoutherein,givesalutarycounsel,befellowhelpersinprayerandpiety:thegodlywillquickenyouto

moregodliness.Theirconversationisonsacredtopics,andthatwilldrawoutyouraffectiontothingsabove.Ifyouareunabletolocateanyofthesecharacters,thenmakeityourearnestprayer"Letthosethatfeartheeturnuntomeandthosethatknowthytestimonies"(Ps.119:79).

Anundueabsorptionwithworldlythings."Worldly"isatermthatmeansverydifferentthingsinthemindsandmouthsofdifferentpeople.SomeChristianscomplainthattheirmindsare"worldly"whentheysimplymeanthat,forthetimebeing(andoftenrightlyso),theirthoughtsareentirelyoccupiedwithtemporalmatters.Wedonotproposetoenterintoaclosedefiningoftheterm,butwouldpointoutthattheperformingofthosedutieswhichGodhasassignedusintheworld,ortheavailingourselvesofitsconveniences(suchastrains,thetelegraph,theprintingpress),orevenenjoyingthecomfortswhichitprovides(food,clothing,housing),arecertainlynot"worldly"inanyevilsense.Thatwhichisinjurioustothespirituallifeis,timewastedinworldlypleasures,theheartabsorbedinworldlypursuits,themindoppressedbyworldlycares.Itistheloveoftheworldanditsthingswhichisforbidden,andveryclosewatchneedstobekeptontheheart,otherwiseitwillglideinsensiblyintothissnare.

ThecaseofLotsuppliesamostsolemnwarningagainstthisevil.Heyieldedtoaspiritofcovetousnessandsoconsultedtemporaladvantagesthatthespiritualwelfareofhisfamilywasdisregarded.WhenAbrahaminvitedhimtomakechoiceofaportionofCanaanforhimselfandhisherds,insteadofremaininginthevicinityofhisuncle,uponwhomtheblessingoftheMostHighrested,he"lifteduphiseyes(actingbysightratherthanbyfaith)andbeheldalltheplainofJordanthatitwas"veilwateredeverywhere...thenLotchosehimalltheplainofJordanandLotjourneyedeast."Thus,heevenwentoutsidethelanditself,forwearetold"AbrahamdweltinthelandofCanaanandLotdweltinthecitiesoftheplainandpitchedhistenttowardSodom"(Gen.13:8-10).Nordidthatcontenthim:hebecameanaldermaninSodom(Gen.18:1)anddiscardedthepilgrim’s"tent"fora"house"(v.3).Howdisastrousthesequelwasbothtohimselfandhisfamilyiswellknown.

OneformofworldlinesswhichhasspoiledthelifeandtestimonyofmanyaChristianispolitics.Wewillnotnowdiscussthequestionwhetherornotthesaintoughttotakeanyinterestinpolities,butsimplypointoutwhatshouldbeevidenttoallwithspiritualdiscernment,namely,thattotakeaneageranddeepconcerninpoliticsmustremovetheedgefromanyspiritualappetite.Clearly,politicsareconcernedonlywiththeaffairsofthisworld,andthereforetobecomedeeplyabsorbedinthemandhavetheheartengagedinthepursuitthereof,willinevitablyturnattentionawayfrometernalthings.Anyworldly

matter,nomatterhowlawfulinitself,whichengagesourattentioninordinately,becomesasnareandsapsourspiritualvitality.Wegreatlyfearthatthosesaintswhospentseveralhoursadayinlisteningtothespeechesofcandidates,readingthenewspapersonthem,anddiscussingpartypoliticswiththeirfellowsduringtherecentelection,losttoaconsiderableextenttheirrelishfortheBreadofLife.

III.Havingdweltatsomelengthonthenatureofspiritualdeclineandpointed

outsomeoftheprincipalcausesthereof,afewwordsshouldbesaidonitsinsidiousness.Sinisaspiritualdisease(Ps.103:3)and,likesomanyothers,itworkssilentlyandunsuspectedbyus,andbeforeweareawareofitourhealthisgone.Wearenotsufficientlyonourguardagainst"thedeceitfulnessofsin"(Heb.3:13):unlessweresistitsfirstworkings,itsoonobtainsanadvantageoverus.Henceweareexhorted"TakegoodheedthereforeuntoyourselvesthatyelovetheLordyourGod"(Josh.23:11),forallspiritualdeclinemaybetracedbacktoadiminutionofourloveforHim.TheloveofGodisofheavenlyextraction,butbeingplantedinanunfriendlysoil,itrequiresguardingandwatering.WearenotonlysurroundedwithobjectswhichattractouraffectionsandoperateasrivalstotheblessedGod,buthaveaninwardpropensitytodepartfromHim.

IntheearlystagesoftheChristianlifeloveisusuallyfreshandfervent.ThefirstbelievingviewsofthegospelfilltheheartwithamazementandpraisetotheLord,andaflowofgratefulaffectionisthespontaneousoutcome.Thesoulisprofoundlymoved,whollyabsorbedwithGod’sunspeakablegift,andweanedfromallotherobjects.ThisiswhatGodterms"thekindnessofthyyouth,theloveofthineespousals"(Jer.2:2).Itisthenthattheonewhohasfoundsuchpeaceandjoyexclaims,"IlovetheLordbecausehehathheardmyvoice,mysupplications[formercy],becausehehathinclinedhisearuntome:thereforewillIcalluponhimaslongasIlive"(Ps.116:1,2).AtthatseasontherenewedsoulcanscarcelyconceiveitpossibletoforgetHimwhohasdonesuchgreatthingsforitortolapsebackinanymeasuretohisformerlovesandlords.Butifaftertwentyyearsofcaresandtemptationshavepassedoverhimwithoutproducingthiseffect,itwillindeedbehappy.Therearesomewhoexperiencenodecline,butthatisfarfrombeingthecasewithall.

TherearethosewhospeakoftheChristian’sdepartingfromhisfirstloveasamatterofcourse,whoregarditassomethinginevitable.Notafewelderlyreligiousprofessorswhohavethemselvesbecomecoldandcarnal(iftheyeverhadlifeinthem),willseektobringyoungandhappyChristianstothisdoleful

andGod’sdishonoringstateofmind.WithasarcasticsmiletheywilltellthebabeinChrist,thoughyouareonthemountofenjoymenttoday,restassureditwillnotbelonguntilyoucomedown.Butthisiserroneousandutterlymisleading.Notsodidtheapostlesacttowardsyoungconverts.WhenBarnabasvisitedtheyoungChristiansatAntioch,he"sawthegraceofGodandwasglad,"andsofarfromleadingthemtoexpectastateofdeclinefromtheirinitialfervor,assurance,andjoy,he"exhortedthemall,thatwithpurposeofhearttheywouldcleaveuntotheLord"(Acts11:23).WhilethegreatHeadofthechurch,informedtheEphesiansaintsthatHehaditagainstthem"becausethouhastleftthyfirstlove"(Rev.2:4).

ThereisnoreasonornecessityinthenatureofthingswhythereshouldbeanyabatementintheChristian’slove,zeal,orcomfort.Thoseobjectsandconsiderationswhichfirstgaverisetothemhavenotlosttheirforce.TherehasbeennochangeinthegraceofGod,theefficacyofChrist’sblood,thereadinessoftheSpirittoguideusintothetruth.Christisstillthe"Friendofsinners,"abletosavethemuntotheuttermostthatcometoGodbyHim.Sofarfromtherebeinggoodorjustreasonwhyweshoulddeclineinourlove,theveryoppositeistheease.OurfirstviewsofChristandHisgospelweremostinadequateanddefective:ifwefollowontoknowtheLord,weshallobtainabetteracquaintancewithHim,aclearerperceptionofHisperfections,Hissuitabilitytoourease,Hissufficiency.Heshould,therefore,bemorehighlyesteemedbyus.Saidtheapostle"thisIpray,thatyourlovemayaboundyetmoreandmoreinknowledgeandinalljudgment"(Phil.1:9).Sofarfromhimselfrelapsing,ashenearedtheendofhiscourse,forgettingthethingsthatwerebehind,hereachedforthtothosethatwerebefore.

Todeclineinourloveisquiteunnecessaryandtobelamented,buttoattemptavindicationofitishighlyreprehensible.Itwouldbetantamounttoarguingthatwewereoncetoospirituallyminded,tootenderinconscience,toodevotedtoGod.ThatwewereundulyoccupiedwithChristandmadetoomuchofHim:thatweoverdidoureffortstopleaseHim.Itisalsopracticallytosay,wedidnotfindthatsatisfactioninChristwhichweexpected,thatweobtainednotthepeaceandpleasureintreadingWisdom’swaysthatwelookedfor,and,therefore,thatwewereobligedtoseekhappinessinreturningtoourformerpursuits,andtherebyweconfirmedthesneerofouroldcompanionsattheoutset,thatourzealwouldsoonabateandthatwewouldreturnagaintothem.TosuchrenegadesGodsays"Omypeople,whathaveIdoneuntothee?andwhereinhaveIweariedthee?testifyagainstme"(Micah6:3).

Thefactremains,however,thatmanydodeclinefromtheirfirstlove,

thoughtheyareseldomawareofituntilsomeofitseffectsappear.TheyarelikefoolishSamson,whohadtrifledwithtemptationsanddispleasedtheLord,andwho"awokeoutofhissleepandsaid,Iwillgooutasatothertimesbefore,andshakemyself.AndhewistnotthattheLordwasdepartedfromhim"(Judges16:20).Yieldingtosinblindsthejudgment,andweareunconsciousthattheSpiritisgrievedandthattheblessingofGodisnolongeruponus,Ourfriendsmayperceiveitandfeelconcernedbecauseofthesame,butweourselvesarenotawareofit.Thenitisthosesolemnwordsaccuratelydescribeourcase:"strangershavedevouredhisstrength,andheknowsitnot;yea,grayhairsarehereandthereuponhim,yetheknowethnot"(Hos.7:9)!"Grayhairs"areasignofthedecayofourconstitutionandofapproachingdecrepitude:sotherearesomesignswhichtellofthespiritualdeclineofaChristian,butusuallyheisoblivioustotheirpresence.

Wewillturnnowandpointoutsomeofthesymptomsofspiritualdecline.SincesinworkssodeceitfullyandChristiansareunconsciousofthebeginningsofretrogression,itisimportantthatthesignsthereofshouldbedescribed.Onceagainwefindthatthenaturaladumbratesthespiritual,andifdueattentionispaidthereto,muchthatisprofitableforthesoulmaybelearnedtherefrom.Constipationiseitherduetoself-neglectorafaultydiet,andwhensinclogsthesoulitisbecausewehaveneglectedtheworkofmortificationandfailedtoeat"thebitterherbs"(Ex.12:8).Lossofappetite,palenessofcountenance,dullnessofeye,absenceofenergy,aresomanyevidencesthatallisnotwellwiththebodyandthatweareonthewaytoaseriousillnessunlessthingssoonarerighted:andeachofthosehasitsspiritualcounterpart.Irritability,inabilitytorelax,andlossofsleep,aretheprecursorsofanervousbreakdown,andthespiritualequivalentsareacall"returnuntothyrestOmysoul"(Ps.116:7).

Incasesofleprosy,realorsupposed,theLordgaveordersthattheindividualshouldbecarefullyexamined,histruestateascertained,andjudgmentgivenaccordingly.Andjustsofarasaspiritualdiseaseismoreodiousanddangerousthanaphysicalone,bysomuchisitnecessaryforustoformatruejudgmentconcerningit.Everyspotisnotaleprosy!andeveryimperfectioninaChristiandoesnotindicateheisinaspiritualdecline.EventheapostlePaulgroanedoverhisinwardcorruptions,andconfessedHehadnotyetattainednorwashealreadyperfect,butpressedforwardtothemarkfortheprizeofthehighcalling.YetthosehonestadmissionswereveryfarfrombeingacknowledgmentsthathewasabacksliderorthathehadgivenwaytoanevilheartofunbeliefindepartingfromthelivingGod.Greatcarehastobetakenoneitherside,lestontheonehandwecalldarknesslightandexcuseourselves,orontheothercall

lightdarknessandneedlesslywritebitterthingsagainstourselves.Undoubtedlymoreareindangerofdoingtheformerthanthelatter.Yet

thereareChristians,andprobablynotafew,whowronglydepreciatethemselves,drawerroneousconclusionsandsupposetheircaseisworsethanitis.Forinstance,therearethosewhogrievebecausetheyarenolongerconsciousofthatenergeticzeal,ofthoseferventandtenderaffections,whichtheyweresensibleofinthedayoftheirespousals.Butachangeintheirnaturalconstitution,fromanincreaseofyears,willaccountforthat.Theiranimalspiritshavewaned,theirnaturalenergyhasdiminished,theirmentalfacultiesareduller.Butthoughtherebelesstenderandwarmfeelings,theremaybemorestabilityanddepthinthem,Manythingsrelatingtothepresentworld,whichinouryouthwouldproducetears,willnothavethateffectaswemature,thoughtheymaylaywithgreaterweightonourspirits.Toconfusetheabsenceofthebrightnessandexcitementofyouthwithspiritualdeclineandcoldnessisaseriousmistake.

OntheotherhandeverydeparturefromGodmustnotbereckonedamereimperfection,whichiscommontoalltheregenerate.Alas,thetendencywithwriterandreaderalikeistoflatterhimselfthathis"spot"isonly"thespotofGod’schildren"(Deut.32:5),orsuchasthebestofChristiansaresubjectto;andthereforetoconcludethereisnothingveryevilordangerousaboutit.Thoughwemaynotpretendordenythatwehaveanyfaults,yetarewenotreadytoregardthemlightlyandsayofsomesin,asLotsaidofZoar"isitnotalittleone?"Ortoexclaimuntoonewehavewronged,"Whathavewedonesomuchagainstthee?"Butsuchaself-justifyingspiritevidencesamostunhealthystateofheartandistobesteadfastlyresisted.TheapostlePaulspokeofacertainconditionofsoulwhichhefearedheshouldfindintheCorinthians:thatofhavingsinnedandyetnotrepentedfortheirdeeds,andwherethatisthecasespiritualdecayhasreachedanalarmingstage.Herearesomeofthesymptomsofspiritualdecline.

1.WaningofourloveforChrist.IftheLordJesusislessprecioustooursoulsthanHewasformerly,inHisperson,office,work,grace,andbenefits,whateverwemaythinkofourselves,wehaveassuredlygoneback.IfwehavealoweresteemoftheLoverofoursouls,ifourdelightinHimwasdecreased,ifourmeditationuponHisperfectionsaremoreinfrequent,ifwecommunelesswithHim,thengraceinushascertainlysufferedarelapse.Itisthenatureofcertainplantstoturntheirfacestowardsthelight:soitisofindwellinggracetostronglyinclinetheheartuntoheavenlyobjectsandtotakepleasuretherein.Butifweneglectthemeansofgrace,arenotcarefultoavoidsinfulpleasures,orsufferourselvestobeweighteddownbytheconcernsandcaresofthislife,then

willouraffectionsindeedbedampenedandourmindsrenderedvainandcarnal.AsitisonlybyactsoffaithonthegloryofChristthatwearechangedintoHisimage(2Cor.3:18),soadiminishingofsuchviewsofHimwillcauseourheartstobecomechilledandlifeless.

2.AbatementofourzealforthegloryofGod.AstheprincipleofgraceinthebelievercauseshimtohaveassuranceofDivinemercytohimthroughtheMediator,soitinspiresconcernfortheDivinehonor.AsthatprincipleishealthyandvigorousitwillcauseustorefusewhateverdispleasesanddishonorsGodandHiscause,andinspireustopracticethosedutieswithapeculiarpleasurewhicharemostconducivetothegloryofGod,andwhichgivetheclearestevidenceofoursubjectiontotheroyalscepterofChrist.Ifthenewnaturebedulynourishedandkeptlively,itwillinfluenceustobringforthfruituntothepraiseofGod;butifthatnewnaturebestarvedorbecomesickly,ourconcernforGod’sglorywillgreatlydecrease.IfwehavebecomelessconscientiousthanformerlyofwhetherourconductbecomeorbringreproachupontheholyNamewebear,thenthatisasuremarkofourspiritualdecline.

3.Lossofourspiritualappetite.Wastherenotatime,dearreader,whenyoucouldtrulysay"ThywordswerefoundandIdideatthem,andthyWordwasuntomethejoyandrejoicingofmyheart"(Jer.15:16)?Ifyoucannothonestlyaffirmthattoday,thenyouhaveretrograded.Youmayindeedbeakeener"Biblestudent"thaneverbeforeandspendmoretimethanpreviouslyinsearchingtheScriptures,butthatprovesnothingtothepoint.ItisnotanintellectualinterestbutaspiritualrelishfortheBreadoflifethatwearenowtreatingof.DowereallysavorthethingsthatbeofGod:thepreceptsaswellasthepromises,theportionsthatsearchandwoundaswellascomfort?Dowenotmerelywishtounderstanditspropheciesandmysteries,butreally"hungerandthirstafterrighteousness"?Ifwepreferashestotheheavenlymanna,the"husks"whichtheswinefeedontothefattedcalf—secularliteraturethansacred—thenthatisanevidentsignofspiritualdecline.

4.Sluggishnessordrowsinessofmind.OneisinasadframewhenexercisebeforeGodandcommunionwithHimaresupplantedbycarnalease.Inspiritualtorporitismuchthesameasinthenatural:oursensesarenolongerexercisedtodiscerngoodandevil,weneitherseenorhearasweought,norcanwebeimpressedandaffectedbyspiritualobjectsasweshouldbe.Whileinsuchaconditionspiritualdutiesareneglected,oratmostperformedperfunctorilyandmechanically,sothatwearenonethebetterforthem.Ifspiritualdutiesbeattendedtofromcustomorconscienceratherthanfromlove,theyneitherhonorGodnorprofitourselves.Thoughtheoutwardexercisebegonethrough,the

spiritofitislacking,theheartisnolongerinthem.ThosewhoreadtheBibleorsaytheirprayersasamatterofformorhabitperceivenochangeinthemselves:butthosewhoareaccustomedtotreatwithGodinthem,andthendiscoveradisinclinationthereto,mayknowthatgraceinthemhaslanguished.Ifwehavenodelightinthemweareinasadcase.

5.Relaxinginourwatchfulnessagainstsin.Thewantofalertnessinguardingagainstallthatisevil,underaquickandtendersenseofitsloathsomenature,isasuresignofspiritualdecline,Refusingtokeepourheartswithalldiligence,indifferencetotheworkingofourcorruptions,triflingwithtemptationswithout,arecertainevidencesofthedecayofpersonalholiness.Whenthenewnatureishealthyandvigorous,sinisexceedinglysinfultothesaint,becausehethenhasaclearandforcibleapprehensionofitsmalignityandcontrarietytoGod,andthatmaintainsinhimaholyindignationagainstit.Whilethemindisengagedinconsideringtheawfulpricewhichwaspaidfortheremissionofoursins,adetestationofevilisstirredupintheheart,andthatisattendedwithstrictwatchings,fortherenewedsoulcannotcountenancethatwhichwastheprocuringcauseofhisSavior’sdeath.Suchanexerciseofgracehasbeenobstructedifsinnowappearslessheinousandthereislesscareinmaintainingawatchagainstit.

6.Attemptingtodefendoursins.Therearesomesinswhichallknowareindefensible,butthereareotherswhichevenprofessingChristiansseektojustify.Itisalmostsurprisingtoseewhatingenuitypeoplewillexercisewhenseekingtofindexcuseswheresinisconcerned.Thecunningoftheoldserpentwhichappearedintheexcusesofourfirstparentsseemsheretosupplytheplaceofwisdom.Thosepossessinglittleperspicuityingeneralmattersaresingularlyquick-sightedindiscoveringeverycircumstancethatappearstomakeintheirfavororservestoextenuatetheirfault.Sin,whenwehavecommittedit,losesitssinfulness,andappearsaverydifferentthingfromwhatitdidinothers.Whenasiniscommittedbyus,itiscommontogiveitanothername—covetousnessbecomesthrift,malignantcontentionsfidelityforthetruth,fanaticismzealforGod—andtherebywebecomereconciledtoitandarereadytoenteronavindication,insteadofpenitentlyconfessingandforsakingit.

7.Thingsoftheworldobtainingcontrolofus.Inproportionastheobjectsofthisscenehavepowertoattractourhearts,tothatextentisfaithinoperativeandineffectual.Itistheverynatureoffaithtooccupyuswithspiritual,heavenly,andeternalobjects,andastheybecomerealandpreciousouraffectionsaredrawnouttothem,andthebaublesoftimeandsenseloseallvaluetous.WhenthesouliscommuningwithGod,delightingitselfinHisineffable

perfections,suchtriflesasourdress,thefurnishingofourhomes,theglitteringshowmadebytherichofthisworld,makenoappealtous.WhentheChristianisravishedbytheexcellencyofChristandtheinestimableportionorheritagehehasinHim,thepleasuresandvanitieswhichcharmtheungodlywillnotonlyhavenoallurementbutwillpalluponhim.ItthereforefollowsthatwhenaChristianbeginstothirstafterthethingsoftimeandsenseandevincesafondnessforthem,hisgracehassadlydeclined.ThosewhofindsatisfactioninanythingpertainingtothislifehavealreadyforsakentheFountainoflivingwatersandhewedthemoutbrokencisternsthatholdnowater(Jer.2:13).

11.ItsRecovery

I.Weshallattemptlittlemoreherethanseekingtoshowthenecessityfor

recoveryfromaspiritualdecline.Norwillthatbeaneasytask:notbecauseofanyinherentdifficultyinthisaspectofoursubject,butowingtothevarietyofcaseswhichneedtobeconsidered,andwhichshouldbedealtwithseparately.Therearesomephysicalailmentswhichifhandledpromptlycallforcomparativelymildtreatment,butthereareothersthatdemandmoredrasticmeansandremedies.Yetasanydoctorwilltestify,manyarecarelessaboutwhataredeemedtriflingdisordersanddelaysolonginattendingtothesamethattheirconditionsodeterioratesastobecomedangerousandoftenfatal.Inthelastchapterwepointedoutthateveryspotwasnotleprosy:yetitshouldberememberedthatcertainspotswhichresembledthatdiseasearousedsuspicion,andrequiredthatthepatientbeexaminedbythepriest,isolatedfromothers,andkeptunderhisobservationuntilthecasecouldbemoredefinitelydetermined—dependinguponwhethertherewasafurtherdeteriorationorspreadingofthespot(Lev.13:4-8).

ItismuchtobedoubtedifthereisanyChristianonearthwhosoretainshisspiritualvitalityandvigorthatheneverstandsinneedofa"reviving’ofhisheart(Isa.58:15);thatthereisnotimewhenhefeelsitrequisitetocryquickenthoumeaccordingtothyword"(Ps.119:25).Yetitmustnotbeconcludedfromthisstatementthateverysaintexperiencesadefiniterelapseinhisspirituallife,andstilllessthatalifeofupsanddowns,decaysandrecoveries,backslidingsandrestorations,isthebestthatcanbeexpected.TheexperiencesofothersisnottheRulewhichGodhasgivenustowalkby.Crowdeddispensariesandhospitalsdoindeedsupplyawarning,buttheycertainlydonotwarrantmylapsingintocarelessnessorfatalisticallyassumingItooshallerelongbephysicallyafflicted.GodhasmadefullprovisionforHispeopletoliveaholy,healthy,andhappylife,andifIobservemanyofthemfailingtodoso,itshouldstimulatemetogreaterwatchfulnessagainsttheneglectofGod’sprovision.

AfterwhathasbeendiscussedinpreviouschaptersitshouldscarcelybenecessarytoremindthereaderthatunlesstheChristianmaintainscloseandsteadycommunionwithGod,dailyintercoursewithanddrawingfromChrist’sfulness,andregularfeedingontheWord,thepulseofhisspirituallifewillsoonbeatmorefeeblyandirregularly.UnlessheoftenmeditatesontheloveofGod,

keepsfreshbeforehisheartthehumiliationandsufferingsofChrist,andfrequentsthethroneofgrace,hisaffectionswillsooncool,hisrelishforspiritualthingswilldecrease,andobediencewillneitherbesoeasynorpleasant.Ifsuchadeteriorationbeignoredorexcused,itwillnotbelongerehisheartglidesimperceptiblyintocarnalityandworldliness:worldlypleasureswillbegintoattract,worldlypursuitsabsorbmoreofhisattention,orworldlycaresweighthimdown.Then,unlesstherebeareturntoGodandhumblingoftheheartbeforeHim,itwillnothelong—unlessprovidencehinder—beforehebefoundinthewaysofopentransgression.

Therearedegreesofbacksliding.InthecaseofarealchildofGoditalwayscommencesintheheart’sdeparturefromHim,andwherethatbeprotracted,evidencesthereofwillsoonappearinthedailywalk.OnceaChristianbecomesabackslideroutwardlyhehaslosthisdistinguishingcharacter,forthenthereislittleornothingtodistinguishhimfromareligiousworldling.BackslidingalwayspresupposesaprofessionoffaithandadherenceuntoChrist,thoughnotnecessarilytheexistenceorrealityofthethingprofessed.Anunregenerateprofessormaybesincerethoughdeludedandhemay,fromvariousconsiderations,persevereinhisprofessiontotheend.Butmorefrequently,hesoonweariesofit,andafterthenoveltyhaswornofforthedemandsmadeuponhimbecomemoreintolerable,heabandonshisprofession,andlikethesowreturnstohiswallowinginthemire.Suchisanapostate,andwithveryrareexceptions—ifindeedtherebeanyatall—hisapostasyistotalandfinal.

Uptothebeginningofthischapterwehaveconfinedourselvestothespirituallifeoftheregenerate,butwehavenowreachedthestagewherefaithfulnesstosoulsrequiresustoenlargeourscope.Underourlastdivisionwedweltuponspiritualdecline:itsnature,itscauses,itsinsidiousnessanditssymptoms.Itispertinentthereforetoenquirenow,Whatwillbethesequeltosuchadecline?Ageneralanswercannotbereturned,forasthedeclinevariesconsiderablyindifferentcases—somebeinglessandsomemore,acuteandextendedthanothers—theoutcomeisnotalwaysthesame.WheretherelapseofaChristianbemarked—ifnottohimself,yettoonlookers—hehasenteredtheclassof"backsliders"andthatwillcausethespiritualtostandindoubtofhim.Itisthisconsiderationwhichrequiresustoenlargetheclasstowhichwenowaddressourremarks,otherwise,unregenerateprofessorswhohavedeterioratedintheirreligiouslifewouldbelikelytoderivefalsecomfortfromthatwhichappliesonlytothosewhohavebeentemporarilydespoiledbySatan.

Unlessspiritualdeclinebearresteditwillnotremainstationary,butbecomeworse,andtheworseitbecomesthelessarewejustifiedinregardingitasa

"spiritualdecline,"andthemoredoesScripturerequireustoviewitastheexposureofaworthlessprofession.Henceitisthatanydegreeofspiritualdeteriorationistoberegardednotcomplacently,butassomethingseriousandifnotpromptlycorrected,ashighlydangerousinitstendency.ButSatanwillattempttopersuadetheChristianthatthoughhiszealhasabatedsomewhatandhisspiritualaffectioncooled,thereisnothingforhimtoworryabout;thatevenifhishealthhasbeguntodecline,yet,seeinghehasnotfallenintoanygreatsin,hisconditionisnotatallserious.Buteverydecayisdangerous,especiallysuchasthemindisreadytoexcuseandpleadforacontinuancetherein.Thenatureanddeadlytendencyofsinisthesameinitself,whetheritbeinanunregenerate,oraregenerateperson,andifitbenotresistedandmortified,repentedofandforsaken,theoutcomewillbethesame."Whenlusthathconceived,itbringethforthsin,andsin,whenitisfinished,bringethforthdeath,Donoterr,mybelovedbrethren"(James1:15,16).

ThreestagesofspiritualdeclinearesolemnlysetbeforeusinRevelation2and3.First,totheEphesianbacksliderChristsays,"Ihaveagainstthee,becausethouhastleftthyfirstlove"(2:4).ThatisthemorestrikingandsearchingbecausetherewasmuchherethattheLordcommended:"Iknowthyworksandthylaborandthypatience...andformyname’ssakehastlaboredandhastnotfainted."YetHeadds,"Nevertheless,Ihaveagainstthee."Inthiscase,thingswerestillallrightintheexternallife,buttherewasaninwarddecay.ObservewellthatthisDivineindictment"Ihaveagainsttheebecausethouhastleftthyfirstlove"isanunmistakablyplainintimationthatChristiansareheldaccountableforthestateoftheirloveGodwards.Therearesomewhoseemtoconcludefromthosewords"theloveofGodisshedabroadinourheartsbytheHolySpiritwhichisgivenuntous"(Rom.5:5)thattheyhavenopersonalresponsibilityinconnectiontherewith,andwhoattributetothesovereigntyofGodtheircoldnessofheart,ratherthanblamingthemselvesforthewaningoftheiraffections.Butthatishighlyreprehensible:beinganaddingofinsulttoinjury.

ItisasmuchthedutyofasainttomaintainawarmandconstantaffectiontoChristasitistopreservehisfaithinregularexercise,andheisnomorewarrantedinexcusinghisfailureintheonethanintheother.Weareexpresslybidden,"KeepyourselvesintheloveofGod"(Jude)and"setyouraffectiononthingsabove"(Col.3:1),anditisahorribleperversionandabuseofablessedtruthifIattributemynotdoingsountoGod’ssovereignwithholdingfrommetheinclination.ThosewordsofChrist’s"Ihaveagainstthee"isthelanguageofcensurebecauseoffailure,andHecertainlyhadnotuseditunlesshewasto

blame.ObserveHedoesnotmerelysay"Thouhastlostthyfirstlove,"asitissofrequentlymisquoted—manevertonesdownwhatisunpalatable!No,"thouhastleftthyfirstlove"—somethingmoreseriousandheinous.Onemay"lose"athinginvoluntarily,buttoleaveitisdeliberateaction!Finally,letusdulynotethatourLordregardedthatdeparturenotasaninnocentinfirmity,butasaculpablesin,forHesays"repent"!

InhisfaithfulsermononRevelation2:4C.H.Spurgeonpointedoutthatweoughttofeelalarmedifwehaveleftourfirstrove,andaskthequestion,"WasIeverachildofGodatall?"goingontosay:"Oh,myGod,mustIaskmyselfthisquestion?Yes,Iwill.Aretherenotmanyofwhomitissaid,theywentoutfromusbecausetheywerenotofus?Aretherenotsomewhosegoodnessisasthemorningcloudandastheearlydew—maythatnothavebeenmycase?Iamspeakingforyouall.Putthequestion:mayInothavebeenimpressedunderacertainsermon,andmaynotthatimpressionhavebeenamerecarnalexcitement?MayitnothavebeenthatIthoughtIrepented,butdidnotreallyrepent?MayitnothavebeenthecasethatIgotahopewhere,buthadnotarighttoit?andneverhadthelovingfaiththatunitesmetotheLambofGod?AndmayitnothavebeenthatIonlythoughtIhadlovetoChrist,andneverhadit;forifIreallyhadlovetoChristshouldIbeasInowam?SeehowfarIhavecomedown!mayInotkeepongoingdownuntilmyendshallbeperditionandthefireunquenchable?Manyhavegonefromheightsofaprofessiontothedepthsofdamnation,andmayInotbethesame?Letmethink,ifIgoonasIam,itisimpossibleformetostop;ifIamgoingdownwards,Imaygoondoingso.AndOmyGod,IfIgoonbackslidingforanotheryear—whoknowswhereImayhavebacksliddento?Perhapsintosomegrosssin.Prevent,preventitbyThygrace!PerhapsImaybackslidetotally.IfIamachildofGodIknowIcannotdothat;butstillmayitnothappenthatIonlythoughtIwasachildofGod?"

SearchingasisthecomplaintofChristtotheEphesianbackslider,HiswordtotheSardinianisyetmoredrastic:"Iknowthyworks,thatthouhastanamethatthoulivest,andartdead"(3:1).ThatdoesnotsignifythatHewashereaddressinganunregenerateperson,butratheronewhoseconductbeliedhisname.Hislifedidnotcorrespondwithhisprofession.Hehadareputationforpiety,buttherewasnolongerevidencetojustifyit,nofruittowarrantitanylonger.Notonlyhadtherebeendeteriorationwithin,butalsowithout.Thesalthadlostitssavor,thefinegoldhadbecomedim,andhencehisprofessionbroughtnohonorandglorytoChrist.Hebidshim"Bewatchful,"forthatwastheverypointatwhichhehadfailed."Andstrengthenthethingswhichremain,

thatarereadytodie,"whichshowsthe"artdead"ofverse1doesnotmeandeadinsins."ForIhavenotfoundthyworksperfectbeforeGod"—not"complete"or"full."Goodworkswerenotyettotallyabandoned,butmanyofthemwerelacking.Partofhisdutywaslistlesslyperformed,theotherpartneglected,andeventheformerwasreadytodie."

ThusitwillbeseenthatthecaseoftheSardinianbacksliderismuchworsethanthatoftheEphesian.ThereisnoremainingstationaryinChristianity:ifwedonotadvance,weretrograde;ifwearenotfruit-bearingbranchesoftheVine,webecomecumberersoftheground.Decayofgraceisnotathingtoberegardedlightly,andtreatedwithindifference.Ifitisnotattendedtoandcorrected,ourconditionwillgrowworse.Ifwedonotreturntoourfirstlove—byheedingtheinjunctionslaiddowninRevelation2:5—thenwemayexpecttobecomeliketheSardinianbackslider:onewhosewitnessforChristismarred.Unlessourheartsarekeptright,ouraffectiontoChristwarm,thenthelifewillsoondeteriorate—ourworkswillbedeficientbothinqualityandquantity,andthosearounduswillperceiveit.Erelonga"nametolive"isallweshallhave:theprofessionitselfwillbeinvalid,worthless,"dead."

ButworstofallistheLaodiceanprofessor(3:15-20).Whatmakeshiscasesofearfullysolemnisthatweareatalosswheretoplacehim,howtoclassifyhim—whetherheisarealChristianwhohasfearfullybackslidden,ornaughtbutanemptyprofessor.TohimChristsays"thouartneitherhotnorcold,"neitheronethingnortheother,butratheranunholymixture.Sucharethosewhovainlyattempttoservetwomasters,whoareworshippersofGodoneday,butworshippersofmammontheothersix.TohimChristgoesontosay"Iwouldthouwertcoldorhot":thatiseitheranopenandavowedenemyorafaithfulandconsistentwitnessforMe.Beonethingortheother:afoeorafriend,anutterworldlingoronewhoisinspiritandintrutha"strangerandpilgrim"inthisscene.CorruptChristianityismoreoffensivetoChristthanisopenfidelity.Ifhewhobearshisnamedoesnotdepartfrominiquity,Hishonorisaffected."Becausethouartlukewarm...Iwillspuetheeoutofmymouth":inthypresentconditionthouartanoffensetome,andIcannolongerownthee.

ItisthefigureofanemeticwhichChristthereuses:theminglingtogetherofwhatishotandcold,thusproducinga"lukewarm"draughtwhichisnauseatingtothestomach.Andthatisexactlywhatan"inconsistentChristian"istotheHolyOne.Hewhorunswiththehareandhuntswiththehounds,whoisonemaninsidethechurchandatotallydifferentoneoutside;hewhoseekstomixgodlinesswithworldliness"Iwillspuetheeoutofmymouth"—insteadofconfessinghisnamebeforetheFatherandHisholyangels.Butobservewhat

follows:"thousayest,Iamrich,andincreasedwithgoods,andhaveneedofnothing."ExactlyoppositeisthisestimationofhisfromChrist’s.Nolonger"poorinspirit"(Matthew5:3),hedeclareshimselftobe"rich."Nolongercomingtothethroneofgraceasabeggartoobtainhelp,hedeemshimselftobe"increasedwithgoods."Nolongersensibleofhisignorance,weakness,emptiness,hefeelshimselfto"haveneedofnothing."Thatiswhatmakeshiscasesodangerousanddesperate:hehasnosenseofpersonalneed.

"Andknowestnotthatthouartwretched,andmiserable,andpoor,andblind,andnaked."Ascarnalityandworldlinessincrease,soalsodoesprideandcomplacency,andwheretheydominatespiritualdiscernmentbecomesnon-existent,Phariseeismandself-sufficiencyareinseparable.Itwastothosewhoprayed,"God,Ithankthee,thatIamnotasothermen,extortioners,unjust,adulterers,"andwhoaskedChrist,"areweblindalso?"towhomHesaid,"yesay,Wesee:thereforeyoursinremaineth"(John15:41).ThePhariseeboasted"Ifasttwiceintheweek,IgivetithesofallthatIpossess":inhisownesteemandavowalhewas"richandincreasedwithgoods,andhadneedofnothing,"andforthatveryreasonheknewnotthatHewas"wretchedandmiserableandpoor."ThattooisanotherformofthenauseatingmixturewhichissoabhorrenttoChrist:orthodoxindoctrine,butcorruptinpractice.Onewhoisloudinclaimingtobesoundinthefaithbutwhoistyrannicalandbittertowardthosewhodifferfromhim,whoholds"highdoctrinebutcannotliveinpeacewithhisbrethren,isasoffensivetoChristasifhewerethoroughlyworldly.

CansuchacharacterastheonewhohasjustbeenbeforeusbearealthoughabacksliddenChristian?Frankly,weknownot,forweareunabletosayjusthowfarasaintmayfallintothemireandfoulhisgarmentsbeforeGodrecovershim,byansweringhimwith"terriblethingsinrighteousness"(Ps.65:5).BeforeHemadegoodthatawfulthreatandspuedouttheLaodiceanprofessor,Christmadeafinalappealtohim."Icounseltheetobuyofmegoldtriedinthefire,thatthoumayestberich;andwhiteraiment,thatthoumayestbeclothedandtheshameofthynakednessdonotappear;andanointthineeyeswitheyesalve,thatthoumayestsee."Butthoughwedonotfeelcapableofdecidingwhetherornot"therootofthematter"reallyisinhim,twothingsareplaintous.First,thatifIhave"leftmyfirstlove"itwillnotbelongbeforemyprofessionwillbecome"dead,"andunlessitisrevivedIshallsoonbeaLaodicean.Second,thatwhileanypersonisinaLaodiceanstatehehasnoScripturalwarranttoregardhimselfasaChristian,norshouldothersconsiderhimassuch,

TherearemanyprofessingChristianswhohavedeclinedintheirpracticeofpietytoaconsiderableextent,yetwhocomfortthemselveswiththeideathat

theywillbebroughttorepentancebeforetheydie.Butthatisnotonlyanunwarrantablecomfort,butispresumptuouslytemptingGod.Asanotherhaspointedout,"Whosoeverplungesintothegulfofbackslidingorcontinueseasyinitundertheideaofbeingrecoveredbyrepentance,mayfindhimselfmistaken.BothPeterandJudaswentin,butonlyoneofthemcameout!Thereisreasontofearthatthousandsofprofessorsarenowliftinguptheireyesintorment,whointhisworldreckonedthemselvesgoodmen,whoconsideredtheirsinsaspardonableerrors,andlaidtheiraccountsofbeingbroughttorepentance:but,eretheywereaware,theBridegroomcameandtheywerenotreadytomeethim."Theyofwhomitissaid,theyare"suddenbackbyaperpetualbackslidingtheyholdfastdeceit,theyrefusetoreturn(Jer.8:5)aretheones"whodrawbackuntoperdition"(Heb.10:39).Andmyreader,ifyouhaveleftyourfirstlove,youhave"departedfromthelivingGod,"anduntilyouhumblyandpenitentlyreturntoHimcanhavenoguaranteethatyouwillnotbea"perpetualbackslider."

Weshouldcarefullydistinguishbetweenthesinwhichindwellsusandourfallingintosin.Theformerisourdepravednature,whichGodholdsusaccountabletomakenoprovisionfor,toresistitsworkingsandrefuseitssolicitations.Thelatteris,whenthroughlackofwatchingagainstindwellingcorruptions,sinbreaksforthintoopenacts.Itisaninjuriousthingtofallintosin,whethersecretlyoropenly,andsoonerorlatertheeffectswillcertainlybefelt.Buttocontinuetherein,ismuchmoreevilanddangerous.Godhasdenouncedasolemnthreateningagainstthosewhopersistinsin:He"woundeththeheadofHisenemies,thehairyscalpofsuchaoneasgoethonstillinhistrespasses"(Ps.68:21).ForthosewhohaveknownthewayofrighteousnesstopursueacourseofsinishighlyoffensivetoGod.Hehasprovidedaremedy(Prov.28:13):butifinsteadofconfessingandforsakingoursins,wesinkintohardnessofheart,neglectprayer,shunthecompanyofthefaithful,andseektoeffaceonesinbythecommittalofanother,weareinimminentdangerofbeingabandonedbyGodandare"nighuntocursing,whoseendistobeburned"(Heb.6:8).

Letusreturntothepointwherewealmostbeganandaskagain,Whatwillbethesequeltoadecline?Itshouldnowbestillmoreevidentthatageneralanswercannotbereturned.NotonlydoesGodexerciseHissovereigntyhere,usingHisowngoodpleasureandnotactinguniformly,butdifferencesfromthehumansideofthingshavealsotobetakenintoaccount.MuchwilldependuponwhetheritbethespiritualdeclineofarealChristianorsimplythereligiousdecayofamereprofessor.Iftheformer,thesequelwillvaryaccordingtowhetherthedeclinebeinternalonlyoraccompaniedorfollowedbyfallingintoopensin.So,too,thereisadoctrinaldeparturefromGodaswellasapractical,

aswasthecasewiththeGalatians.However,whateverbethetypeofcasethisiscertain,theonewholapsesintoastateoftorporneedstorespondtothatcall"Nowitishightimetoawakeoutofsleepletusthereforecastofftheworksofdarkness..."(Rom.13:11,12).

II.Wehavesoughttomakecleartheurgentnecessityforrecoveryfroma

spiritualdecline:weturnnowtoconsideritsdesirability.LookatitfirstfromtheGodwardside.IsitnotinexcusablethatweshouldsoevillyrequitetheeternalLoverofoursouls?IfHewhowasrichformysakebecamesopoorthatHehadnotwheretolayHishead,inorderthatI(aspiritualpauper)mightbemaderich,whatisdueHimfromme?IfHediedtheshamefuldeathofthecrossthatyoumightlive,isnotyourlifetobedevotedwhollytoHim?IfyoubeChrist’s,youarenotyourown,but"boughtwithaprice"andthereforecalleduponto"glorifyHiminyourbodyandinyourspirit"(1Cor.6:20).IfHecanbetouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities,thinkyouthatHeismovedifweleaveourfirstloveanddivideouraffectionswithHisrivals?DoyousupposethatabacksliddenChristianaffordsHimanypleasure?SurelyyouareawareofthefactthatsuchacasebringsnohonortoHim.ThenletHisloveconstrainyoutoreturnandreformyourways,sothatyoumayagainshowforthHispraisesandgivehimdelight.

ConsideryourcaseinviewofotherChristians.Thereisabondunitingthesaintswhichiscloserthananynaturaltie:"sowe,beingmanyareonebodyinChrist,andeveryonemembersoneofanother"(Rom.12:5),andtherefore"thosemembersshouldhavethesamecareoneforanother"(1Cor.12:25).Sovitalandintimateisthatmysticalunionthatif"onemembersuffer,allthememberssufferwithit"(v.25).Ifonememberofyourphysicalbodyisaffected,thereisareactionthroughoutyourwholesystem:soitisinthemysticalBody.Thehealthorsicknessofyoursoulexertsaveryrealinfluence,eitherforgoodorforevil,uponyourbrethrenandsisters.Fortheirsakethen,itismostdesirablethatifinaspiritualdeclineyoushouldberestored.Ifyouarenot,yourexamplewillbeastumblingblocktothem,andiftheyhavemuchassociationwithyoutheirzealwillbedampenedandtheirspiritschilled.Surelyitisnotamatteroflittleconcernwhetheryouareahelporhindrancetoyourfellow-saints."Whososhalloffendoneoftheselittleoneswhichbelieveinme,itwerebetterforhimthatamillstonewerehangedabouthisneckandheweredrownedinthedepthofthesea"(Matthew18:6).

Contemplateyourcaseinconnectionwithyourunsavedrelativesand

friends.Doyounotknowthatoneofthemainobstaclesinthewayofmanyfromgivingaseriousconsiderationtothegospel,istheinconsistentlivesofsomanywhoprofesstobelieveit?Yearsagowereadofonewhowasconcernedaboutthesoulofhisson,andontheeveofhisdepartureforaforeignland,soughttopressuponhimtheclaimsandexcellencyofChrist.Hereceivedthisreply:"Father,Iamsorry,butIcannothearwhatyousayforseeingwhatyoudo"!Isthattheunutteredsentimentofyourchild?Youmayreply,Idonotbelievethatanythinginmyconductcanhaveanyinfluenceontheeternaldestinyofanysoul.Thenyouarewoefullyignorant."Wives,beinsubjectiontoyourownhusbands;that,ifanyobeynottheWord,theyalsomaywithouttheWordbewonbytheconversation[behavior]ofthewives"(1Peter3:1).InsavingsinnersGodusesavarietyofmeans,asinprejudicingsinnersSatanemploysmanyagents;isGodorSatanmostlikelytouseyou?Mostcertainlythelatter,ifyouareinabacksliddenstate.

Cominglowerstill,letusappealtoyourowninterests.Whathaveyougainedbyleavingyourfirstlove?Haveyoufoundthevanitiesofthisworldmorepleasingthanthefeastwhichthegospelsetsbeforeyou?DoesassociationwithemptyprofessorsandtheungodlysupplymoresatisfactiontotheheartthanfellowshipwiththeFatherandHisSon?No,theveryopposite.RatherhaveyoudiscoveredthatinforsakingtheFountainoflivingwaters,youhavebetakenyourselftobrokencisternswhichholdnone.Thejoyofsalvationyouoncehadisdeparted:thepeaceofGodwhichpassethallunderstandingthatformerlyruledyourheartandmindthroughChristJesus,doessonolonger.Todayyourcaseresemblesthatof"theprodigal"—feedingonhusksinthefarcountry,whiletherichfareoftheFather’sHouseisnolongerpartakenofbyyou.Anuneasyconscience,arestlessspirit,ajoylessheartisnowyourportion.Haveyounotreasontocry"OthatIwereasinmonthspast,asinthedayswhenGodpreservedme:whenhislampshinedonmyhead...asIwasinthedaysofmyyouth,whenthesecretofGodwasuponmytabernacle"(Job29:2-4)?Thenwhosefaultisitthatyoudonotagainhavethatblessedexperience?

Yes,fromeveryviewpoint,itismostdesirablethataChristianherecoveredfromhisspiritualdecline.Yetitisalsoimportantthatheshouldnotconcludehehasbeenrecoveredwhensuchisnottheease.Sinceabacksliddenstateisfarfrombeingagreeable,itisnaturalforoneinittowanttobedeliveredfromit.Forthatveryreasonitismuchtobefearedthatmanyhaveprematurelygraspedatthepromiseofforgivenessandsaidtotheirsouls,Peace,peace,whentherewasnopeace.Astherearemanywaysbywhichaconvictedsinnerseekspeaceforhissoul,withoutfindingit,soitiswithabackslider.Ifheleansuntohisown

understanding,followsthedevicesofhisownheart,oravailshimselfoftheremediesadvertisedbyreligiousquacks,hewillratherbeworsenedthanimproved.UnlesshecomplieswiththeinjunctionslaiddownintheWordofTruthforsuchcasesandmeetstherequirementsthereinspecified,therecanbenorealrecoveryforhim.Alasthatthisissolittlerealizedtoday,andthatsomanywhowentastrayandthinktheyarereturnedtotheBishopoftheirsoulsarelaboringtinderadelusion.

Ifthereistobearealrecoveryitisrequisitethattherightmeansbeused,andnotthatwhichisdestructiveofwhatisdesired.Whentreesgrowoldorbegintodecayitisusefultodigaboutthemandmanurethem,foroftenthatwillcausethemtoflourishagainandaboundinfruit.Butifinsteadofsodoingweremovedthemoutoftheirsoilandplantedtheminanother,sofarfromthatadvantagingthemtheywouldwitheranddie.Yettherearemanyprofessingsaintswhosupposethatthedecayofgracedoesnotarisefromthemselvesandtheeviloftheirhearts,butratherattributethesametouncongenialsurroundings,unfavorablecircumstances,theirpresentoccasionorstationinlife,andpersuadethemselvesthatassoonastheybefreedfromthose,theywillreturntotheirfirstloveandagaindelightthemselvesinspiritualthings.Butthatisafalsenotionandspiritualdelusion.Letmen’scircumstancesandstationsoflifebewhattheywill,thetruthisthatalltheirdeparturesfromGodproceedfromanevilheartofunbelief,asisclearfromHebrews3:13.Donotdeceiveandflatteryourselfthenwiththeideathatwhatisneededforarecoveryfromyourspiritualdeclineisbutaremovalintomorefavorableandcongenialcircumstances.

Asitisfromwantofwatchfulnessandbecauseoftheallowanceofsinthatalldecaysproceed,soareturnuntounsparingmortificationofourlusts,withallthedutiesthatleadthereunto,mustbethewayofrecovery.Yetatthispoint,too,weneedtobemuchonourguardlestwesubstituteforthedenyingsofselfwhichGodhasenjoined,thosepharisaicalorpapisticalinventionswhichareofnovalue.Underthenameandpretenceofthemeansanddutiesofmortificationmenhavedevisedandenjoinedanumberofworks,ways,andduties,whichGodneverappointedorapproved,norwillHeaccept;butwillratherask"whohathrequiredthisatyourhand?"(Isa.1:12).Self-imposedabstinencesandausteritiesmay"haveindeedashowofwisdominwillworship,andhumility,andneglectingofthebody"(Col.2:23),buttheywillnotprofitthesouloneiota.UnlessthosewhoareweighteddownwithasenseofguiltconductthemselvesbythelightoftheGospeltheywillthinktoplacatethedispleasureofGodbybetakingthemselvestoanunusualcourseofseveritieswhichHehasnowherecommanded.Noabstinencefromlawfulthingswilldeliverusfromthe

consequencesofhavingindulgedinunlawfulones.Again,theonewhoisexercisedoveranddistressedbyhisspiritualdecline

isveryliabletobewronglycounseledifheturnstohisfellow-Christiansforadviceandhelp.ItistobefearedthatinthisdaytherearefewevenamongthepeopleofGodwhoarequalifiedtobeofrealassistancetoothers.Inmostinstancestheirownspiritualityisatsuchalowebbthatiftheyareturnedtoforrelief,theywillonlybefoundtobe"physiciansofnovalue"(Job13:4).Andiftheyconsultedtheaveragepreacherorpastor,theresultisnotlikelytoprovemuchbetter.OfoldJehovahcomplainedoftheunfaithfulpriestsofIsrael"theyhavehealedalsothehurtofthedaughterofmypeopleslightly,saying,Peace,peace,whenthereisnopeace"(Jer.6:14).Therearenotafewsuchtoday.Ifonewhowasmourningoverhavinglefthisfirstloveaskedthemthewayofreturnthereto,insteadofprobingtheconsciencetoascertaintherootofthe"hurt,"theywouldendeavortoquiethisfearsamidsoothehim;insteadoffaithfullywarninghimoftheseriousnessofhiscase,theywouldsaytherewasnothingtoheundulyexercisedover,thatperfectionisnotattainableinthislife;andinsteadofnamingthemeansGodhasappointed,wouldtellhimtocontinueattendingtheservicesregularlyandcontributingliberallytothecause,andallwouldbewell.Manyawoundhasbeenskinnedoverwithoutbeingcured.

"WhenEphraimsawhissicknessandJudahsawhiswound,thenwentEphraimtotheAssyrianandsenttokingJareb:yetcouldhenothealyounorcureyouofyourwound"(Hos.5:13).ThehistoricalreferenceistoIsraelandJudahwhen,ingreatdangerfromthepressureofenemies,insteadofhumblingthemselvesbeforeGodandseekingHishelp,theybetookthemselvesuntoaneighboringnationandlookedtoitforprotection;yettonoavail.Butithasaspiritualapplicationtothosewhoareconsciousoftheirspiritualdecline,butwhoturntothewrongquarterfordeliverance.Backslidersareoftenawareoftheirwretchedplight,butperceivenotthatsinisthecauseofitandGodalonecanhealtheirbacksliding(Hos.14:4).WhenHischasteningrodfallsuponthem,sofarfromrecognizingthatitisHismightyhandcorrectingthem,thatitisHisrighteoushanddealingwiththem,theyimagineitisonly"circumstances"whichareagainstthem,andturntothecreaturetoextricatethem;buttonogoodeffect.SincetherehasbeenadeparturefromGodtheremustbeareturntoHim,andinthatwayHehasappointed,ortherecanbenorecoveryfromtheevilconsequencesofthatdeparture.

Weturnnowtoconsiderthepossibilityofrecovery.Itmayappearstrangetosomeofourreadersthatweshoulddeemitnecessarytomentionsuchathing,stillmoresothatweshoulddiscussitinsomedetail.Ifso,surelytheyforgetthat

sinceSatansucceedsinpersuadingmanyaconvictedsinnerthathiscaseishopeless,thathehascarriedhisrebellionagainstGodtosuchlengthsastobebeyondthereachofmercy,drivinghimintoastateofabjectdespair;itshouldnotbethoughtstrangethathewillemploythesametacticswithabacksliddensaint—assuringhimthathehassinnedagainstsuchfavors,privileges,andlight,thathiscaseisnowhopeless?ThosewhohavereadthehistoryofJohnBunyan—andhiscaseisfarfrombeingunique—andlearnedofhislyingsolonginthesloughofdespond,whentheDevilmadehimbelievehehadcommittedtheunpardonablesin,shouldnotbesurprisedtolearnthatheisstillplyingthesametradeandpersuadingoneandanotherthathehassofardepartedfromtheLordthathisrecoveryisimpossible.

ButwedonothavetogooutsidetheScripturestofindsaintsnotonlyinastateofdespondencyanddejectionbeforeGod,butinactualdespairofagainenjoyingHisfavor.TakethecaseofJob.True,thereweretimeswhenhecouldsay"IknowthatMyRedeemerliveth,"and"whenhehathtriedmeIshallcomeforthasgold."Buthisassurancewasnotalwaysthus:therewerealsoseasonswhenheexclaimed"minehopehathheremovedlikeatree,hehathalsokindledhiswrathagainstme"(19:10,11).True,heerredinhisjudgment,neverthelesssuchwashowhefeltinthedarkhouroftrial.TakethecaseofAsaph:"Mysoreraninthenightandceasednot:mysoulrefusedtohecomforted.IrememberedGod,andwastroubled."Isnotthatanaptdescriptionofmanyabacksliderashecallstomindtheomniscience,theholiness,thejusticeofGod?ButdidhenotfindreliefbyremindinghimselfofGod’sgraceandloving-kindness?No,forhewentontoask"willtheLordcastoffforever?andwillHebefavorablenomore?IsHismercycleangoneforever?DothHispromisefailforevermore?HathGodforgottentobegracious?hathHeinangershutupHistendermercies?"(Ps.77:7-10).Thatheshouldspeakthuswasindeedhisinfirmity,yetitshowsintowhatdespondencyasaintmayfall.

ConsiderthecaseofJeremiah.Saidhe"Iamthemanthathathseenafflictionbytherodofhiswrath....Surelyagainstmeisheturned.Hehathsetmeindarkplaces....Hehathhedgedmeabout,thatIcannotgetout:hehathmademychainheavy.AlsowhenIcryandshout,heshuttethoutmyprayer....Hehathfilledmewithbitterness,hehathmademedrunkenwithwormwood....Thouhastremovedmysoulfarofffrompeace.AndIsaid,MystrengthandmyhopeisperishedfromtheLord"(Lam.3:1-18).Isnotthatthelanguageofdespair!Itwasnotonlythathishopewasweakandwavering,butHefeltithad"perished,"andthat"frombeforetheLord"Lowerthanthatonecannotget.Hehadnoexpectationofdeliverance;hesawnopossibilityofbeingrecoveredfrom

hiswretchedcondition.AndthinkyoumyreadertherearenoChristiansinsuchasadplighttoday?Ifso,askyourself,WhyhasGodplacedonpermanentrecordsuchgroaningsofHispeoplewhentheyoccupiedthedungeonsofdespair?Thetimemaycomewhensuchlanguagewillexactlysuityourcase,andifso,youwillbeverygladtohearthatthereisapossibilityofdeliverance,adoorofhopeopenedinthevalleyofAchor.

TherecanbelittleroomfordoubtthatthechiefreasonwhysomanyprofessorstodayseenoneedforpointingoutthatitispossibleforabacksliddenChristiantoberestored,isbecauseofthedefectiveteachingtheysitunder.Theyholdsuchlightviewsofthesinfulnessofsin,theyperceivesofaintlythespiritualityandstrictnessofGod’slaw,theyhavesuchadimconceptionofHisineffableholiness,thattheirconsciencesarecomatosed,andhenceblindtotheirownstate,andunawareofwhatwouldbeinvolvedindeliveringthemoutofit.Theyhavehad"Oncesaved,alwayssaved,""Mysheepshallneverperish,"dinnedintotheirearssooften,theytakeitforgrantedeverybacksliderwillberestoredasamatterofcourse—i.e.,withoutanydeepexercisesofheartontheirpartorcompliancewiththerequirementswhichGodhaslaiddown.Yea,thereareextensivecirclesinChristendomtodaywhereitistaught"havingforgivenyoualltrespasses"(Col.2:13)means"everytrespass:past,present,andfuture,"andthatsofarfromtheChristianaskingGodfordailyforgiveness,heshouldratherthankHimforhavingalreadyforgivenhim.Ofcoursethosewhoswallowsuchdeadlypoisonneednotbeinformedthatrecoveryfromarelapseispossible.

ButdifferentfarisitwithonewholivesinthefearoftheLord,whoseconscienceistender,whoviewssininthelightofDivineholiness.Whenheisovertakenbyafault,heiscuttothequick,andshouldhesofardeclineastoleavehisfirstlove,hewillfindawayofrecoverybynomeanseasy;andshouldhecontinuedepartingfromGoduntilhiscasebecomesuchthathehasanametolivebutisdead,hemayabandonhopeentirely.WhenheseeksareturntotheLord,itwillbeacaseof"outofthedepthshaveIcrieduntothee"(Ps.130:1)—outofthedepthsofhisheart,outofthedepthsofconviction,outofthedepthsofanguishedcontrition,outofthedepthsofdespondencyanddespair.InhisremarkablebookonPsalm130J.Owenafterpointingoutthat"gracioussoulsaftermuchcommunionwithGodmaybebroughtintoinextricabledepthsandentanglementsonthecountofsin,"wentontodefinethose"depths"as"1.LossofthewantedsenseoftheloveofGodwhichthesouldidformerlyenjoy.2.PerplexedthoughtfulnessabouttheirgreatandwretchedunkindnesstowardsGod.3.Arevivedsenseofjustlydeservedwrath.4.Oppressingapprehensionof

temporaljudgments."ButtheeminentPuritandidnotstopthere.Hewentontosay,"Theremay

beaddedhereunto,prevailingfearsforaseasonofbeingutterlyrejectedbyGod,ofbeingfoundareprobateatthelastday.Jonahseemstohaveconcludedso:‘ThensaidI,Iamcastoutofthysight’(3:4)—Iamlostforever:Godwillownmenomore.AndHeman,‘Iamcountedwiththemthatgodownintothepit,freeamongthedead,liketheslainthatHeinthegrave,whenthourememberestmenomore:andtheyarecutofffromthyhand’(Ps.88:4,5).Thismayreachthesoul,untilthesorrowsofhellencompassandlayholduponit:untilitbedespairedofcomfort,peace,rest;untilitbeaterrortoitself,andbereadytochoosestranglingratherthanlife.Thismaybefallagracioussoulontheaccountofsin.ButyetbecausethisfightsdirectlyagainstthelifeoffaithGoddoesnot,unlessitbeinextraordinarycases,sufferittolielonginthishorriblepit,whereinthereisnowater—norefreshment.Butthisoftenfallsout,thateventhesaintsthemselvesareleftforaseasontoafearfulexpectationofjudgmentandfieryindignation,astotheprevailingapprehensionoftheirmind."

Wecanbeartestimonythatinourextensivereadingwehavecomeacrossnotmerelyafewisolatedandexceptionalcasesofbacksliddensaintswhohadsunkintosuchdepthsofsoultrouble,distress,andhorror,butmanysuch;andthatinthecourseofourtravelswehavepersonallymetmorethanoneortwowhowereinsuchdarknessandanguishofheartthattheyhadnohope,andnoeffortsofourscoulddispeltheirgloom.LetthatserveasasolemnwarninguntothosewhoatpresentareenjoyingthelightofGod’scountenance:"Lethimthatthinkethhestandethtakeheedlesthefall"(1Cor.10:12)—fallintoastateofunwatchfulnessandthenintowickedness.Sinisthat"abominablething"whichGodhates(Jer.44:4),whetheritbefoundintheunregenerateortheregenerate.IfwetriflewithtemptationthenweshallbemadetotastewhatanexceedingbitterthingitistodepartfromthelivingGod.Ifweenterthepathsofunrighteousnessweshallobtainpersonalproofthat"thewayoftransgressorsishard."Andthehigherhavebeenourprivilegesandattainments,themorepainfulwillbetheeffectsfromafall.

ButthankGodtherecoveryofabacksliderispossible,nomatterhowheinousorlongprotracteditwas.ThecasesofDavid,ofJonah,ofPeterdemonstratethat!"Nomanthatisfallenunderspiritualdecayshasanyreasontosay,thereisnohope,providedhetaketherightwayofrecovery.Ifeverystepthatislostinthewaytoheavenshouldbeirrecoverable,woewouldbeuntous:weshouldallassuredlyperish.Iftherewerenoreparationofourbreaches,nohealingofourdecays,nosalvationbutforthosewhoarealwaysprogressivein

grace;ifGodshouldmarkallthatisdoneamiss,asthePsalmistspake,‘OLordwhoshouldstand?’Nay,ifwehadnotrecoverieseveryday,weshouldgooffwithaperpetualbacksliding.Butthen,aswassaid,itisrequiredthattherightmeansofitbeused"(J.Owen).

WhatarethoserightmeansandtheveryrealdifficultieswhichattendtheuseofthenbythosewhohaveopenlydepartedfromGod?

III.Itsdifficulty.Thoughrevivingandrestorationisneedful,desirable,and

possible,yetitisbynomeanseasy.WedonotmeanthatanyproblemispresentedtoGodinconnectionwiththerecoveryofonewhohassufferedaspiritualrelapse,butthatitisfarfrombeingasimplematterforabackslidertocomplywithHisrequirementsinorderthereto.Thatdifficultyisatleastthreefold:thereisadifficultyinrealizingthesadnessofhiscase,adifficultyinputtingfortharealdesireforrecovery,andadifficultyinmeetingGod’sstipulations.Sinhasablindingeffect,andthemoreonefallsunderitspowerthelessdiscernmentwillhepossess.ItisonlyinGod’slightthatwecanseelight,andthefurtherwedepartfromHimthemoreweengulfourselvesindarkness.Itisonlyasthebittereffectsofsinbegantobetastedthattheerringonebecomesconsciousofhissorrycondition.Othersmayperceiveit,andinlovingfaithfulnesstellhimaboutit,butinmostinstancesheisquiteunawareofhisdeclineandsuchwarningshavenoweightwithhim.Ofcourse,thedegreeofthedecayofhisgracewilldeterminethemeasureinwhichthe"andknowestnot"ofRevelation3:17appliestohim.

Butevenwheretherebesomerealizationthatallisnotwellwithhimselfitbynomeansfollowsthatthereisalsoarealanxietytoreturntohisfirstlove.Tosomeextenttheconscienceofsuchanoneiscomatosedand,therefore,thereislittlesensibilityofhisconditionandstilllesshorrorofit.Here,too,thenaturaladumbratesthespiritual.Havewenotmetwithorreadofthosesufferingfromcertainformsofsicknesswholackedadesiretobehealed?Certainlytherearenotafewsuchinthereligiousworld.Ifthereaderdissentsfromsuchastatementweaskhim,whythendidthegreatPhysicianofsoulsaddressHimselfasHedidtotheonebythepoolofBethesda?Wearetoldthatthatmanhadsufferedfromaninfirmitynolessthanthirty-eightyears,yettheSaviouraskedhim"Wiltthoubemadewhole?"(John5:6)—areyoureallydesiroustobe?Thatquestionwasneithermeaninglessnorstrange.Thewretchedarenotalwayswillingtoberelieved.SomeprefertoHeonacouchandbeministeredtobyfriendsthanbestirthemselvesandperformtheirduties.Othersbecomelethargicand

indifferentandare,asScripturedesignatesthem,"ateaseinZion"!ItisalltoolittlerealizedamongChristiansthatbackslidingisadeparting

fromGodandareturningtotheconditionstheywereinbeforeconversion,andthefurtherthatdepartureis,thecloserwillbecometheirapproximationtotheoldmanneroflife.ObservetheparticularlanguageusedbyDavidinhisconfessiontoGod.Firsthesaid,"BeforeIwasafflicted,Iwentastray"(119:67);butlater,asspiritualdiscernmentincreasedfollowinguponhisrecovery,andashethenmoreclearlyperceivedwhathadbeeninvolvedinhissadlapse,hedeclared"Ihavegoneastraylikealostsheep"(v.176)—thestateofGod’selectinthedaysoftheirunregeneracy(Isa.53:6).True,thecaseofDavidwasamoreextremeformofbackslidingthanmany,neverthelessitisasolemnwarningtoallofusofwhatmaybefallifwehaveleftourfirstlove,andreturnnotpromptlytoit.Andhowclearlyhisexperiencesservetoillustratethepointwearehereseekingtosetbeforethereader.PondercarefullywhatfollowstheaccountofDavid’sgrievousfallin2Samuel11andbeholdthespiritofblindnessandinsensibilitywhichdeliberatesinningcastsuponabacksliddensaint.

Inviewof2Samuel12:15itisclearthatalmostawholeyear,possiblymore,hadelapsedbetweenthetimeofDavid’sfallandtheLord’ssendingofNathanuntohim.ThereisnotahintthatDavidwasbroken-heartedbeforeGodduringthosemonths.Theprophetaddressedhimintheformofaparable—intimationofhismoraldistancefromGod(Matthew13:10-13)yet,ifDavid’sconsciencehadbeenactivebeforeGod,hewouldhaveeasilyunderstoodthepurportofthatparable.Butsinhaddarkenedhisjudgment,andherecognizednottheapplicationofituntohimself.InsuchastateofspiritualdeadnesswasDavidthenin,thatNathanhadtointerprethisparableandsay"Thouarttheman."Verily,hehad"goneastraylikealostsheep,"andatthattimethestateofhisheartdifferedlittlefromtheunconverted.Later,whenhiseyeswereagainopenedandhewasdeeplyconvictedofhissins,Heperceivedthathehadlapsedintoaconditionperilouslyclosetoandscarcelydistinguishablefromthatoftheunregenerate,forHecried"Createinmeacleanheart,OGod,andrenewarightspiritwithinme"(Ps.51:10).

Doesthereadernowgraspmoreeasilyourmeaningwhenwespeakofthedifficultyofbeingrecoveredfromaspiritualrelapse:thedifficultyofoneinthatcasebecomingsensibleofhiswoefulplightandtherealizationthatheneedsdeliveringfromit?Sindarkenstheunderstandingandrendersthehearthardorinsensible.Asitiswiththeunregeneratesinner,soitisbecome—toagreaterorlessextent,andinextremecasesalmostentirely—withthebackslider.Whatisitthatisthedistinguishingmarkofallwhohaveneverbeenbornagain?Not

fallingintogrossandflagrantoutwardsin,formanyofthemareneverguiltyofthat,but"havingtheunderstandingdarkened,beingalienatedfromthelifeofGodthroughtheignorancethatisinthem,becauseoftheblindness[margin,"hardness"or"insensibility"]oftheirheart."ThatistheDivinediagnosisofallwhoare"deadintrespassesandsins,"andwehavebuttochange"alienatedfromthelifeofGod"to"severedfromcommunionwithGod"andthatsolemndescriptionaccuratelydepictstheinwardstateofthebackslider,thoughuntilGodbeginstorecoverhimhewillnomorerecognizehispicturethanDaviddidwhenNathandrewhis.

ItismuchtobethankfulforwhenachildofGodbecomesawarethatheisinaspiritualdecline,especiallyifhemournsoverit.Suchisrarelythecasewithanunregenerateprofessor,andneversoonaccountofinwarddecay.Apersonwhohasalwaysbeenweakandsicklyknowsnotwhatitistolackhealthandstrength,forheneverhadexperienceofit;stilllessdoesoneinthecemeteryrealizethatheistotallydevoidoflife.Butletoneofrobustconstitutionbelaiduponabedofsickness,andheisverydefinitelyawareofthegreatchangethathascomeoverhim.ThereasonwhysomanyprofessingChristiansarenottroubledoveranyspiritualdeclineisbecausetheyneverhadanyspiritualhealth,andthereforeitwouldbeawasteoftimetotreatwithsuchaboutarecovery.IfyoushouldspeakoftheirdeparturefromGodandlossofcommunionwithHim,youwouldseemtothemasLotdidtohissons-in-lawwhenheexpostulatedwiththem—asonethat"mocked"ormadesportwiththem(Gen.19:14),andwouldbelaughedatforyourpains.NeverhavingexperiencedanyloveforChrist,itwouldbeuselesstourgethemtoreturntothesame.

Itismuchtobefearedthatiswhythesechaptersonspiritualdeclineandrecovery—somuchneededtodaybymanyofthesaints—willbealmostmeaningless,andcertainlywearisome,tosomeofourreaders.TherealChristianwillnotdismissthemlightly,butratherwillseektofaithfullymeasurehimselfbythem,searchinghimselfbeforeGodandbeingatsomepainstoascertaintheconditionofhissoul.Butthosewhoarecontentwithamereoutwardprofession,willseelittleinthemeitherofimportanceorinterest.Suchasperceiveneitherevilnordangerintheirpresentcondition,supposingthatalliswellwiththembecauseitisasgoodasiteverwas,aretheoneswhomostneedtoexaminethemselvesastowhetherthe"rootofthematter"waseverinthem.Andeventhosewhohaveexperiencedsomethingof"thepowerofgodliness"butthroughcarelessnessarenolongermakingconscienceofseekingtopleasetheLordinallthingsastheyoncedid,areasleepincarnalsecurity(whichishardlydistinguishablefrombeingdeadinsin)iftheybenotexercisedovertheirdecline

andanxioustoberecoveredfromit.ThevastmajorityinChristendomtodaywillacknowledgenothingasa

decayinthemselves.RatheraretheylikeEphraim:"Strangershavedevouredhisstrength,andheknowethitnot,"andhenceitisadded"theydonotreturnuntotheLordtheirGod,norseekhimforallthis"(Hos.7:9,10).Howisitwithyou,dearfriend?Haveyoubeenabletomaintainspiritualpeaceandjoyinyoursoul?—forthosearetheinseparablefruitsofalifeoffaithandanhumbleanddailywalkingwithGod.Wemeannotthefanciesandimaginationsofthem,butthesubstanceandreality:thatpeacewhichpassethallunderstandingandwhich"keeps"or"garrisons"theheartandmind;thatjoywhichdelightsitselfintheLordandis"fullofglory"(1Peter1:8).DoesthatpeacestayyourmindonGodundertrialsandtribulations,orisitfoundwantinginthehouroftesting?Is"thejoyoftheLordyourstrength"(Neh.8:10),sothatitmovesyoutoperformthedutiesofobediencewithalacrityandpleasure,orisitmerelyafickleemotionwhichexertsnosteadypowerforgoodonyourlife?Ifyouonceenjoyedsuchpeaceandjoy,butdosonolonger,thenyouhavesufferedaspiritualdecline.

Spiritualityofmindandtheexerciseofatenderconscienceintheperformanceofspiritualdutiesisanothermarkofhealth,foritisinthosethingsgraceismostrequisiteandoperative.Theyaretheverylifeofthenewmanandtheanimatingprincipleofallspiritualactions,andwithoutwhichallourperformancesarebut"deadworks."OurworshipofGodisbutanemptyshowahorriblemockery,ifwedrawnightoHimwithourlipswhileourheartsarefarfromHim.ButtokeepthemindinaspiritualframeinourapproachestotheLord,toblessHimwith"allthatiswithinus,"tokeepourgraceinvigorousexerciseinallholyduties,isonlypossiblewhilethehealthofthesoulbemaintained.Slothfulness,formality,wearinessoftheflesh,thebusinessandcaresofthislife,theseductionsandoppositionofSatan,allcontendagainsttheChristiantofrustratehimatthatpoint;yetthegraceofGodissufficientifitbedulysought.Ifyouconstantly"stirupyourselftotakeholdofGod"(Isa.64:7),ifyouhabitually"setyourfaceuntotheLordGodtoseekHimbyprayerandsupplication"(Dan.9:3),thatisevidenceofspiritualhealth,butifthecontrarybenowyourexperience,thenyouhavesufferedaspiritualdecline.

Ifyourealizethatthingsarenotasflourishingwithyounow,eitherinwardlyoroutwardly,astheywereformerly,thatisahopefulsign;yetitmustnotberestedin.Suffernotyourheartonemomenttobecontentwithyourpresentframe,forifyoudotherewillfollowamoremarkeddeterioration.Satanwilltellyouthereisnothingyetforyoutobeworriedabout,thattherewillbetimeenoughforthatwhenyoufallintosomeoutwardsin.Buthelies,Scripture

says,"tohimthatknowethtodogood,anddoethitnot,tohimitissin"(James4:17).YouknowitisgoodthatyoushouldreturnuntoGodandconfesstoHimyourfailures—eventhoughthosefailuresbemoreofomissionthancommission—butifyourefuseto,thatinitselfis"sin."Tobeconsciousofdeclineisthefirststeptowardrecovery,yetnotsufficientinitself.Theremustalsobealayingofittoheart,asensibilityoftheevilofit,amourningoverit,for"godlysorrowworkethrepentance"(2Cor.7:10).Yetneitheristhatsufficient:godlysorrowisnotrepentanceitself,butonlyameansthereto.Moaningandgroaningoverourcomplaints,spiritualornatural,mayrelieveourfeelings,buttheywilleffectnocure.

Sensibleofourdecays,exercisedatheartoverthem,wemustnowcomplywithGod’srequirementsforrecoveryifhealingistobeobtained.Andheretooweshallexperiencedifficulty.Therearethosewhopersuadethemselvesthatitwouldbenohardmattertorecoverthemselvesfromastateofbacksliding,thattheycouldeasilydosoifoccasionrequired.Butthatisanentirelyfalsenotion.

Therearemanywhothinkgettingsavedisoneofthesimplestthingsimaginable,buttheyarewoefullymistaken.Ifnothingmorewererequiredfromthesinnerthananintellectualassenttothegospelnomiracleofgracewouldberequiredinordertoinducethat.Butbeforeastout-heartedrebelagainstGodwillthrowdowntheweaponsofhiswarfare,beforeonewhoisinlovewithsincanhateit,beforeonewholivedonlytopleaseselfwilldenyself,theexceedinggreatnessofGod’spowermustworkuponhim(Eph.1:19).Andsoitisinrestoration.Ifnothingmorewererequiredfromthebacksliderthanalipacknowledgementofhisoffensesandareturntoexternalduties,nogreatdifficultywouldbeexperienced;buttomeettherequirementsofGodforrecoveryisaverydifferentmatter.

RightlydidJohnOwenaffirm"RecoveryfrombackslidingisthehardesttaskintheChristianreligion:onewhichfewmakeeithercomfortableorhonorableworkof."Yea,itisataskentirelybeyondcapabilitiesofanyChristian.Wecannotrecoverourselves,andnonebutthegreatPhysiciancanhealourbackslidings.ItistheoperationsoftheSpiritofChristwhichistheeffectualcauseoftherevivalunderdecaysofgrace.Itisnotbymightnorbypower,butbytheSpiritofGodthatanywandererisbroughtback.ItisGodwhomakessensibleofourdeadness,andwhocausesustomakeapplicationtoHim"wiltthounotreviveusagain,thatthypeoplemayrejoiceinthee"(Ps.85:6).Andwhenthatrequesthasbeengranted,eachofthemwillownwithDavid"Herestorethmysoul"(Ps.23:3).Nevertheless,inthis,too,ourresponsibilityhastobedischarged,foratnopointdoesGodtreatwithusasthoughweweremere

automatons.TherearecertaindutiesHesetsbeforeusinthisconnection,specificrequirementswhichHemakesuponus,anduntilwedefinitelyandearnestlysetourselvestotheperformanceofthesame,wehavenowarranttolookfordeliverance.

ThoughtheHolySpiritalonecaneffectthemuch-to-be-desiredchangeinthewitheredandbarrenbeliever,yetGodhasappointedcertainmeanswhicharesubservienttothatend,andifweneglectthosemeansthennowonderwehavereasontocomplainandcryout"Myleanness,myleanness,woeuntome!thetreacherousdealershavedealttreacherously;yea,thetreacherousdealershavedealtverytreacherously"(Isa.24:16),andthereforeanalterationforthebettercannotreasonablybeexpected.Ifweentertainhopeofanimprovementinourconditionwhileweneglecttheappointedmeans,ourexpectationswillcertainlyissueinasorrowfuldisappointment.Unlesswebethoroughlypersuadedofthat,weshallremaininert.Whilewecherishtheideathatwecandonothing,andmustfatalisticallywaitasovereignrevivingfromGod,weshallgoonwaiting.ButifwerealizewhatGodrequiresofus,itwillservetodeepenourdesiresafterarevivingandstimulateusuntoacompliancewiththosethingswhichwemustdoifHeistograntusshowersofrefreshmentandastrengtheningofthosethingsinuswhicharereadytodie.Therehastobeanasking,aseeking,aknocking,ifthedoorofdeliveranceistobeopenedtous.

ItwasnotanArminian,butahighCalvinist(JohnBrine,whoseworksreceivedamostfavorablereviewintheGospelStandardofOct.1852)whowrotetoGod’speopletwocenturiesago:"Muchlabouranddiligencearerequireduntothis.Itisnotcomplainingofthesicklyconditionofoursoulswhichwilleffectthiscure:confessionofourfollies,thathavebroughtdiseasesuponus,thoughrepeatedeversooften,willavailnothingtowardstheremovalofthem.Ifweintendtherecoveryofourformerhealthandvigour,wemustactaswellascomplainandgroan.Wemustkeepatadistancefromthosepersonsandthosesnareswhichhavedrawnusintoinstancesoffolly,whichhaveoccasionedthatdisorderwhichisthematterofourcomplaint.Withoutthiswemaymultiplyacknowledgementsandexpressionsofconcernforourpastmiscarriagestonopurposeatall.Itisverygreatfollytothinkofregainingourformerstrengthsolongasweembraceanddailywiththoseobjectsthroughwhoseevilinfluencewearefallenintoaspiritualdecline.Itisnotourbewailingtheperniciouseffectsofsinthatwillpreventitsbanefulinfluenceuponusfortimetocome,exceptwearedeterminedtoforsakethattowhichisowingourmelancholydisorder."

Itisnotnearlysosimpletoactonthatcounselasmanymayimagine.

Habitsarenoteasilybroken,norobjectsrelinquishedwhichhaveobtainedapowerfulholduponouraffections.Thenaturalmaniswhollyregulatedanddominatedby"thelustoftheflesh,andthelustoftheeyes,andtheprideoflife,"andtheonlywayinwhichtheirprevalenceoveraChristianisbrokenisbyanunsparingmortificationofthoselusts.Justsosoonaswebecomeslackindenyingselforingoverningouraffectionsandpassions,alluringobjectsdrawustoadalliancewiththem,totheblightingofourspirituality,andrecoveryisimpossibleuntilweabandonsuchevilcharmers.Butjustsofarastheyhaveobtainedaholduponuswillbethedifficultyofbreakingfromthem.Difficultbecauseitwillbecontrarytoallournaturalinclinationsandpre-regeneratelives."Ifthyrighteyeoffendthee,pluckitoutandcastitfromthee:foritisprofitablefortheethatoneofthymembersshouldperishandnotthywholebodyshouldbecastintohell"(Matthew5:29).Christdidnotteachthatthemortifyingofafavoritelustwasasimpleandpainlessmatter.

AsthoughHisfollowerswouldbeslowtotaketoheartthatunpalatableinjunction,theLordJesuswentontosay,"Andifthyrighthandoffendthee,cutitoffandcastitfromthee:foritisprofitablefortheethatoneofthymembersshouldperishandnotthywholebodyshouldheeastintohell."Asthe"eye"isourmostpreciousmember,so(especiallytoalaboringman)the"righthand"isthemostusefulandvaluableone.BythatfigurativelanguageChristtaughtusthatdearestidolmustberenounced,ourbosomlustmortified.Nomatterhowpleasingbetheobjectwhichwouldbeguileus,itmustbedenied.Suchataskwouldproveashardandpainfulasthecuttingoffofanhand—theyhadnoanestheticsinthosedays!Butifmenarewillingtohaveagangrenedlimbamputatedtosavetheirlives,whyshouldweshrinkfrompainfulsacrificesuntothesavingofoursouls.Heavenandhellareinvolvedbywhethergraceoroursensesruleoursouls:"Youmustnotexpecttoenjoythepleasuresofearthandheaventoo,andthinktopassfromDelilah’slapintoAbraham’sbosom"(T.Manton).ThatwhichisdemandedoftheChristianisfarfrombeingchild’splay.

Again,"wemustdothefirstworksifwedesignarevivalofourgraces.Thiscallsforhumilityanddiligence,tobothwhichourproudandslothfulheartsaretoomuchdisinclined.Wemustbecontenttobeginafresh,bothtolearnandpractice,sincethroughcarelessnessandslothwearegonebackwardinknowledgeandpracticetoo.Itsometimesiswiththesaintsaswithschoolboys,whobytheirnegligencearesofarfromimprovement,thattheyhavealmostforgottentherudimentsofalanguageoranarttheyhavebeguntolearn;inwhichcaseitisnecessarythattheymustmakeanewbeginning:thissuitsnotwithpride,butuntoittheymustsubmit.SotheChristiansometimeshasneedof

beingtaughtagainwhatarethefirstprinciplesoftheoraclesofGod,whenforthetimehehasbeenintheschoolofChristhisimprovementoughttobesuchaswouldfithimforgivinginstructiontoothersintheseplainandeasyprinciples.Butthroughnegligencehehasletthemslip,andhemustcontenttopassthroughtheverysamelessonsofconviction,sorrow,humiliationandrepentancehelearnedlongsinceoftheHolySpirit:whateverwethinkofthematter,arevivalcannotbewithoutit"(Brine).Itisthathumblingofourpridewhichmakesrecoverysodifficulttoabackslider.

IV.Nowweshallconsideritsconditionality,orthosethingsonwhichitis

suspended(atermwhichwillhardlypleasesomeofourreaders,yetitisthecorrectonetouseinthisconnection;butsincevariouswritershaveusedthetermindifferentways,itisrequisitethatweexplainthesenseinwhichwehaveemployedit).WhenwesaytherearecertainconditionswhichanerringsaintmustfulfillbeforehecanberestoredtofellowshipwithGod,wedonotusetheterminalegalisticsenseormeanthatthereisanythingmeritoriousinhisperformances.ItisnotthatGodstrikesabargain,offeringtobestowcertainblessingsinreturnforthingsdonebyus,butratherthatHehasappointedacertainorder,aconnectionbetweenonethingandanother,andthat,forthemaintainingofHishonor,theholinessofHisgovernment,andtheenforcingofourresponsibility.InallHisdealingswithusGodactsingrace,butHisgraceeverreigns"throughrighteousness,"andneverattheexpenseofit.

"Hethatcoverethhissinsshallnotprosper,butwhosoconfessethandforsakeththemshallhavemercy"(Prov.28:13).Nowthereisnothingmeritoriousinconfessingandforsakingsins,nothingwhichgivestitletomercy,butGodrequiresthemfromus,andwehavenowarranttoexpectmercywithoutthem.ThatverseexpressestheorderofthingswhichGodhasestablished,aholyorder,sothatDivinemercyisexercisedwithoutanyconnivanceatsin,exercisedinawaywhereinwetakesideswithHiminthehatredofoursins.Ashealthofbodyisconditionedorsuspendedupontheeatingofsuitablefoodorthehealingofituponpartakingofcertainremedies,soitiswiththesoul:thereisadefiniteconnectionbetweenthetwothings—foodandstrength:theonemustbereceivedinordertotheother.Inlikemannerforgivenessofsinsispromisedonlytothosewhorepentandbelieve.Whetheryoutermrepentingandbelieving"conditions,""means,""instruments,"or"thewayof"amountstothesamething,fortheysimplysignifytheyarewhatGodrequiresfromusbeforeHebestowsforgiveness—requiresnotasapriceatourhands,butbywayofcongruity.

Somemayask,ButhasnotGodpromised,"Iwillhealtheirbackslidings"(Hos.14:4)?Towhichwereply,Yes,yetthatpromiseisnotanabsoluteorunconditionaloneasthecontextplainlyshows.IntheversesprecedingGodcallsuponthemto"return"untoHimbecausetheyhadfallenbytheiriniquity.Hebidsthem"Takewithyouwords,andturntotheLord;sayuntohim,Takeawayalliniquity."Moreover,theypledgethemselvestoreformationofconduct:"neitherwillwesayanymoretotheworkofourhands,Yeareourgods"(vv.1-3).Thusitisuntopenitentandconfessingsouls,whoabandontheiridols,thatpromiseismade.Goddoesindeed"healourbackslidings"yetnotwithoutourconcurrence,notwithoutthehumblingofourselvesbeforeHim,notwithoutourcomplyingwithhisholyrequirements.Goddoesindispensablydemandcertainthingsofusinordertotheenjoymentofcertainblessings."IfweconfessourSins,heisfaithfulandjusttoforgiveusoursinsandtocleanseusfromallunrighteousness"(1John1:9).That"if"expressesthecondition,orrevealstheconnectionwhichGodhasappointedbetweenourdefilementandHisremovalofit.

Wearethereforegoingtopointoutwhatarethe"conditions"ofrecoveryfromaspiritualdecline,orwhatarethe"means"ofrestorationforabackslider,orwhatisthe"wayof"deliveranceforonewhoisdepartedfromGod.BeforeturningtospecificcasesrecordedinScripture,letusagaincallattentiontoProverbs28:13.First,"hethatcoverethhissinsshallnotprosper."To"cover"oursinsisarefusingtobringthemoutintothelightbyanhonestconfessingofthemuntoGod;ortohidethemfromourfellowsorrefusetoacknowledgeoffensestothosewehavewronged.Whilesuchbethecase,therecanbenoprosperityofsoul,nocommunionwithGodorhispeople.Second,"butwhosoconfessethandforsakeththemshallhavemercy."Toconfessmeanstofreely,frankly,andpenitentlyownthemuntoGod,andtoourfellowsifoursinshavebeenagainstthem.To"forsake"oursinsisavoluntaryanddeliberateact:itsignifiestoloatheandabandontheminouraffections,torepudiatethembyourwills,torefusetodwellupontheminourmindsandimaginationswithanypleasureorsatisfaction.

Butsupposethebelieverdoesnotpromptlythusconfessandforsakehissins?Insuchcasenotonlywillhe"notprosper,"notonlycantherenowbenofurtherspiritualgrowth,butpeaceofconscienceandjoyofheartwilldepartfromhim.TheHolySpiritis"grieved"andHewillwithholdHiscomforts.Andsupposethatdoesnotbringhimtohissenses,thenwhat?LettheeaseofDavidfurnishanswer:"WhenIkeptsilence,myboneswaxedoldthroughmyroaringallthedaylong.Fordayandnightthyhandwasheavyuponme:mymoistureis

turnedintothedroughtofsummer"(Ps.32:3,4).The"bones"arethestrengthandupholdersofthebodilyframe,andwhenusedfigurativelythe"waxingofthemold"signifiesthatvigorandsupportofthesoulisgone,sothatitsinksintoanguishanddespair.Sinisapestilentialthingwhichsapsourvitality.ThoughDavidwassilentastoconfession,hewasnotsoastosorrow.God’shandsmotehisconscienceandafflictedhisspiritsothathewasmadetogroanunderHisrod.Hehadnorestbydayornight:sinhauntedhiminhisdreamsandheawokeunrefreshed.Likeoneinadroughthewasbarrenandfruitless.NotuntilheturnedtotheLordincontriteconfessionwasthereanyreliefforhim.

LetusturnnowtoanexperiencesufferedbyAbrahamthatillustratesourpresentsubject,thoughfewperhapshaveconsidereditasacaseofspiritualrelapse.FollowinguponhisfullresponsetotheLord’scalltoenterthelandofCanaan,wearetoldthat"theLordappeareduntoAbram"(Gen.12:7).Soitisnow:"Hethathathmycommandmentsandkeepeththem,hethatitisthatlovethme:andhethatlovethmeshallbelovedofmyFather,andIwilllovehimandmanifestmyselftohim"(John14:21).Itisnottotheself-willedandself-pleasing,buttotheobedientonethattheLorddrawsnearintheintimaciesofHisloveandmakesHimselfarealityandsatisfyingportion.The"manifestation"ofChristtothesoulshouldbeadailyexperience,andifitisnot,thenourheartsoughttobedeeplyexercisedbeforehim.Ifthereisnottheregular"appearingoftheLord,"itmustbebecausewehavewanderedfromthepathofobedience,

Nextwearetoldofthepatriarch’sresponsetotheLord’s"appearingandthepreciouspromiseHethenmadehim:"andthereHebuiltanaltaruntotheLord."Thealtarspeaksofworship—theheart’spouringofitselfforthinadorationandpraise.Thatorderisunchanging:occupationofthesoulwithChrist,beholding(withtheeyesoffaith)theKinginhisbeauty,iswhatalonewillbowusbeforeHimintrueworship.Next,"andheremovedfromthenceuntoamountain"(Gen.12:8).Spirituallyspeakingthe"mountain"isafigureofelevationofspirit,soaringabovethelevelinwhichtheworldlies,theaffectionsbeingsetuponthingsabove.IttellsofaheartdetachedfromthissceneattractedtoandabsorbedbyHimwhohaspassedwithintheveil.Isitnotwritten"theythatwaitupontheLordshallrenewtheirstrength:theyshallmountupwithwingsaseagles"(Isa.40:31)?Andhowmaythis"mountain"experiencebemaintained?Issuchathingpossible?Webelieveitis,andatitweshouldconstantlyaim,notbeingcontentwithanythingthatfallsshortofit.Theanswerisrevealedinwhatimmediatelyfollows.

"Andpitchedhistent,havingBethelonthewestandHaiontheeast.The"tent"isthesymbolofthestranger,ofonewhohasnohomeorabiding-placein

thescenewhichcastoutofittheLordofglory.WeneverreadthatAbrambuilthimany"house"inCanaan(asLotoccupiedoneinSodom!);no,hewasbuta"sojourner"andhistentwasthesignanddemonstrationofthischaracter."AndtherehebuildedallaltaruntotheLord":fromthispointonwardstwothingscharacterizedhim,his"tent"andhis"altar"—12:8;13:3,4;13:18.Ineachofthosepassagesthe"tent"ismentionedfirst,forwecannottrulyandacceptablyworshipGodonhighunlesswemaintainourcharacterassojournersherebelow.Thatiswhytheexhortationismade,"Dearlybeloved,Ibeseechyouasstrangersandpilgrims,abstainfromfleshlylusts,whichwaragainstthesoul"(1Peter2:11)andsoquenchthespiritofworship.Areweconductingourselvesasthosewhoare"partakersoftheheavenlycalling"(Heb.3:1)—doourmanners,ourdress,ourspeechevidencethesametoothers?

Ah,dearreader,dowenotfindrighttheretheexplanationofwhyitisthata"mountain"experienceissolittleenjoyedandstilllessmaintainedbyus!Isitnotbecausewedescendedtotheplains,camedowntothelevelofemptyprofessorsandwhite-washedworldlings,setouraffectionuponthingsbelow,andinconsequencebecame"conformedtothisworld"?IfwereallybeChrist’s,Hehas"deliveredus[judicially]fromthispresentevilworld"(Gal.1:4)andthereforeourheartsandlivesshouldbeseparatedfromitinapracticalway.OurHomeisonhighandthatfactoughttomoldeverydetailofourlives.OfAbramandhisfellowsaintsitisrecordedthey"confessedthattheywerestrangersandpilgrimsontheearth"(Heb.11:13)—"confessed’itbytheirlivesaswellaslips,anditisadded"whereforeGodisnotashamedtobecalledtheirGod"(v.16).Butalas,toomanynowareafraidtobeconsidered"peculiar,"andtoescapecriticismandostracismcompromise,hidetheirlightunderabushel,comedowntotheleveloftheworld.

TheyoungChristianmightwellsupposethatonewhowasinthepathofobedience,whowasgoingonwhole-heartedlywithGod,whowasamanofthe"tent"andthe"altar"wouldbequiteimmunefromanyfall.Sohewillbewhilehemaintainsthatrelationshipandattitude:butitis,alas,veryeasyforhimtorelaxalittleandgraduallydepartfromit.Notthatsuchadepartureistobeexpected,orexcusedonthegroundthatsincethefleshremainsinthebelieveritisonlytobelookedforthatitwillnotbelongereitunmistakablymanifestsitself.Notso:"Hethatsaithheabidethinhim,oughthimselfalsosotowalkevenasHewalked"(1John2:6).FullprovisionhasbeenmadebyGodforhimtodoso."Letnotsinthereforereigninyourmortalbody,thatyeshouldobeyitintheluststhereof"(Rom.6:12).ButAbramdidsufferarelapse,aseriousone,andasitisprofitableforustoobserveandtaketoheartthevariousstepswhich

precededPeter’sopendenialofChrist,soisittoponderandturnintoearnestsupplicationthatwhichbefellthepatriarchbeforehe"wentdownintoEgypt."

First,wearetold"andAbramjourneyed"(v.9),norisitsaidthathehadreceivedanyorderfromGodtomovehistentfromtheplacewherehewasin,communionwithHim.Thatbyitselfwouldnotbeconclusive,butinthelightofwhatfollowsitseemstoindicateplainlythataspiritofrestlessnesshadnowseizedhim,andrestlessness,myreader,indicateswearenolongercontentwithourlot.ThesolemnthingtoobserveisthatthestartingpointinthepathofAbram’sdeclinewasthatheleftBethel,andBethelmeans"thehouseofGod"—theplaceoffellowshipwithHim.Allthatfollowsisrecordedasawarningofwhatwemayexpectifweleave"Bethel."Abram’sleavingBethelwastherootofhisfailures,andinthesequelweareshownthebitterfruitwhichsprangfromit.ThatwastheplacewhichPeterleft,forhefollowedChrist"afaroff."ThatwastheplacewhichtheEphesianbacksliderforsook:"thouhastleftthyfirstlove."ThedaywebecomelaxinmaintainingcommunionwithGod,thedoorisopenedformanyevilstoenterthesoul.

"AndAbramjourneyed."TheHebrewismoreexpressiveandemphatic.Literallyitreads"AndAbramjourneyed,ingoingandjourneying."Arestlessspiritpossessedhim,whichwasasuresignthatcommunionwithGodwasbroken.Iambiddento"restintheLord"(Ps.37:6),butIcanonlydosoaslongasI"delightmyselfalsointheLord"(v.4).But,second,itisrecordedofAbram:"goingonstilltowardthesouth"(Gen.12:9),andsouthwardwasEgyptward!Mostsuggestiveandsolemnlyaccurateisthatlineinthepicture.TurningEgyptwardiseverthelogicaloutcomeofleavingBethelandbecomingpossessedofarestlessspirit,forintheOldTestamentEgyptistheoutstandingsymboloftheworld.Ifthebeliever’sheartberightwithhisRedeemerhecansay"ThouOChristartallIwant,morethanallintheeIfind."ButifChristnolongerfullyabsorbshim,thensomeotherobjectwillbesought.NoChristiangetsrightbackintotheworldatasinglestep.NordidAbram:he"journeyedtowardthesouth"beforeheenteredEgypt!

Third,"andtherewasafamineintheland"(v.10).Highlysignificantwasthat!Atrialofhisfaith,sayssomeone,Notatall:ratherashowingoftheredlight—God’sdanger-signalofwhatlayahead.Itwasasearchingcallforthepatriarchtopauseand"considerhisways."Faithneedsnotrialswhenitisinnormalandhealthyexercise:itiswhenithasbecomeencrustedwithdrossthatthefireisnecessarytopurgeit.TherewasnofamineatBethel.Ofcoursenot:thereisalwaysfulnessofprovisionthere.TheanalogyofScriptureisquiteagainsta"famine"beingsentforthetestingoffaith:seeGenesis26:1;Ruth11;

2Samuel22:1,etc.—ineachcasethefaminewasaDivinejudgment.ChrististheBreadofLife,andtowanderfromHimnecessarilybringsfaminetothesoul.Itwaswhentherestlesssonwentintothe"farcountry"thathe"begantobeinwant"(Luke15).Thisfamine,then,wasamessageofprovidencethatGodwasdispleasedwithAbram.Soweshouldregardunfavorableprovidences:theyareacallfromGodtoexamineourselvesandtryourways.

"AndAbramwentdownintoEgypttosojournthere"(v.10),andthusitiswithmanyofhischildren.Insteadofbeing"exercised"byGod’schastenings(Heb.12:11),astheyshouldbe,theytreatthemasamatterofcourse,aspartoftheinevitabletroubleswhichmanisbornunto;andthus"despise"them(Heb.12:5)andderivenogoodfromthem.Alas,theaverageChristianinsteadofbeing"exercised"(inconscienceandmind)underGod’srod,ratherdoesheask,HowmayImosteasilyandquicklygetfromunderit?Ifillnesscomesuponme,insteadofturningtotheLordandasking"Showmewhereforethoucontendestwithme"(Job10:4),theysendforthedoctor,whichisseekingrelieffromEgypt.AbramhadleftBethelandonewhoisoutofcommunionwithGodcannottrustHimwithhistemporalaffairs,butturnsinsteadtoallarmofflesh.Observewellthe"Woe"whichGodhasdenounceduponthosewhogodownintoEgypt—turntotheworld—forhelp(Isa.30:1,2).

WecannotnowdwelluponwhatisrecordedinGenesis12:11-13,thoughitisunspeakablytragic.AssoonasAbramdrewneartoEgypt,hebegantobeafraid.Thedarkshadowsofthatlandfellacrosshissoulbeforeheactuallyenteredit.Hewassadlyoccupiedwithself.Saidhetohiswife,"Theywillkillme...say,Ipraythee,thatthouartmysister,thatitmaybewellwithme.Howtrueitisthat"thebacksliderinheartshallbefilledwithhisownways"(Prov.14:14)!Fearfulofhisownsafety,Abramaskedhiswifetorepudiatehermarriagetohim.Abramwasafraidtoavowhistruerelationship.ThisisalwayswhatfollowswhenasaintgoesdownintoEgypt:heatoncebeginstoequivocate.Whenhefellowshipswiththeworldhedarenotflyhistruecolors,butcompromises.SofarfromAbrambeingmadeablessingtotheEgyptians,hebecamea"greatplague"tothem(v.17);andintheendthey"senthimaway."Whatahumiliation!

"AndAbramwentupoutofEgypt:he,andhiswife,andallthathehad,andLotwithhim,intothesouth."Didheremaininthatdangerousdistrict?No,for"hewentoninhisjourneysfromthesouth."Observethathereceivednodirectionssotoact.Theywerenotnecessary:hisconsciencetoldhimwhattodo!"Hewentoninhisjourneysfromthesouth,eventoBethel,untotheplacewherehistenthadbeenatthebeginning...untotheplaceofthealtar,whichhe

hadmadethereatthefirst;andthereAbramcalledonthenameoftheLord"(13:1-4).Heagainturnedhisbackupontheworld:heretracedhissteps;hereturnedtohispilgrimcharacterandhisaltar.Andnotewell,dearreader,itwas"thereAbramcalledonthenameoftheLord."Ithadbeenawasteoftime,ahorriblemockeryforhimtohavedonesowhilehewas"downinEgypt."TheHolyOnewillnothearkentouswhilewearesullyingHisnamebyourcarnalwalk.Itis"holyhands"(1Tim.2:8),oratleastpenitentones,whichmustbe"liftedupifwearetoreceivespiritualthingsfromHim.

ThecaseofAbramthensetsbeforeusinclearandsimplelanguagethewayofrecoveryforabackslider.Thosewords"untotheplacewherehistenthadbeenatthebeginning"inculcatethesamerequirementas"teachyouagainwhichbethefirstprinciplesoftheoraclesofGod"(Heb.5:12),and"Rememberthereforefromwhencethouartfallen,andrepent,anddothefirstworks"(Rev.2:5).Oursinfulfailuremustbejudgedbyus:wemustcondemnourselvesunsparinglyforthesame:wemustcontritelyconfessittoGod:wemust"forsake"it,resolvingtohavenothingfurthertodowiththosepersonsorthingswhichoccasionedourlapse.Yetsomethingmorethanthatisincludedinthe"dothefirstworks":theremustberenewedactingsoffaithonChrist—typifiedbyAbram’sreturnto"thealtar."WemustcometotheSaviouraswefirstcametoHim—assinners,asbelievingsinners,trustinginthemeritsofHissacrificeandthecleansingefficacyofHisblood,WemustdoubtnotHiswillingnesstoreceiveandpardonus.

ItisoneofthedevicesofSatanthat,afterhehassucceededindrawingasoulawayfromGodandentangledhiminthenetofhiscorruptions,topersuadehimthattheprayeroffaith,inhiscircumstances,wouldbehighlypresumptuous,andthatitismuchmoremodestforhimtostandalooffromGodandHispeople.Nowifby"faith"weremeant—assomewouldseemtounderstand—apersuadingofourselvesthathavingtrustedinthefinishedworkofChristalliswellwithusforever,thatwouldindeedbepresumptuous.ButsorrowforsinandbetakingourselvesuntothatFountainwhichhasbeenopenedforsinandforuncleanness(Zech.13:1)isneveroutofseason:comingtoChristinourwretchednessandactingfaithuponHimtohealourloathsomediseases,bothbecomesusandhonorsHim.Thegreateroursinhasbeen,thegreaterreasonistherethatweshouldconfessittoGodandseekforgivenessinthenameoftheMediator.Ifourcasebesuchthatwefeelwecannotdosoassaints,wecertainlyoughttodosoassinners,asDaviddidinPsalm51—aPsalmwhichhasbeenrecordedtofurnishbelieverswithinstructionwhentheygetintosuchaplight.

Thisistheonlywayinwhichitispossibletofindrestuntooursouls.As

thereisnoneotherNamegivenunderheavenamongmenbywhichwecanbesaved,soneitheristhereanyotherbywhichabackslidingsaintcanberestored.WhateverbethenatureortheextentofourdeparturefromGod,thereishootherwayofreturntoHimbutbytheMediator.Whateverbethewoundssinhasinflicteduponoursouls,thereisnootherremedyforthembutthepreciousbloodoftheLamb.IfwehavenohearttorepentandreturntoGodbyJesusChrist,thenweareyetinoursins,andmayexpecttoreapthefruitsofthem.Scripturehasnocounselshortofthat.Wehavemanyencouragementstodoso.Godisofexceedinggreatandtendermercy,andwillingtoforgiveallwhoreturntoHiminthenameofHisSon:thoughoursinsheasscarlet,theatoningbloodofChristisabletocleansethem.Thereis"plenteousredemption"withHim.AsAbram,David,Jonah,andPeterwererestored,somayI,somayyouberestored.

12.ItsEvidences

I.Whataretheprincipalmarksofspiritualgrowth?whataretheoutstanding

characteristicsoftheChristian’sprogress?Tosomeofourreadersthatmayappearasimplequestion,admittingofareadyanswer.Fromonestandpointthatisso,yetifwearetoviewitinitsproperperspective,carefulconsiderationiscalledforerewemakereply.Ifwebearinmindtherealnatureofspiritualgrowthandrememberitislikethatofatree,downwardaswellasupward,inwardaswellasoutward,weshallbepreservedfrommeregeneralizations.If,too,wetakeintoaccountthethreegradesunderwhichChristiansaregrouped,weshallbecarefultodistinguishbetweenthosethingswhich,respectively,evidencegrowthinthe"babes,"inthe"youngmen,"andinthe"fathers"inChrist.ThatwhichissuitedtoandmarksthegrowthofababeinChristappliesnottoonewhohasreachedamoreadvancedforminHisschool,andthatwhichcharacterizesthefull-grownChristianisnottobelookedforintheimmatureone.Itfollowsthenthatcertaindistinctionsmustbedrawnifadefiniteanddetailedansweristobefurnishedtoouropeninginquiry.

ButsincewehavealreadywrittenatsomelengthonthethreegradesofChristiandevelopmentandhavesoughttodescribethosefeatureswhichpertainmoredistinctivelytothoseinthestageofthe"blade,"the"ear"and"thefullcornintheear,"thereisnoneedforusnowtogooverthesameground.Ifitbeborneinmindthatgrowthisarelativething,weshallseethatthesameunitofmeasurementisnotapplicabletoallcases—astheyardstickisthebestmeansforgaugingthegrowthofchildren,buttheweighing-scalesforregisteringthatofadults.Thentoo,ifwetakeintoconsideration,asweshould,differencesofprivilegeandopportunity,ofteachingandtraining,ofstationandcircumstances,uniformprogressshouldnotbeexpected.Somebelievershavemuchmoretocontendagainstthanothers.ItisnotthatwewouldlimitthegraceofGod,butthatweshouldrecognizeandtakeintoaccountthedistinctionswhichScriptureitselfdraws.Therelativegrowthofonewhoisseverelyhandicappedmaybemuchgreaterinrealitythanthatofanotherwhoinmorefavorablecircumstancesmakesgreaterprogress.

Themanwhoplantsafruittreeinafertilevalleyiswarrantedtoexpectabetteryieldfromitthanonewhichissetinthesoilofanexposedhillside.WhenayoungChristianisfavoredwithpiousparents,orbrothersandsisterswho

encouragehimbothbycounselandexample,howmuchmoremaybelookedforfromhimthananotherwhodwellsinthehomeoftheungodly.Anunmarriedwomanwhodoesnothavetoearnherlivinghasmuchmoreopportunityforreading,meditation,prayerandthenurtureofherspirituallife,thanonewhohasthecareofayoungfamily.OnewhoisprivilegedtositregularlyunderanedifyingministryhasbetteropportunityforChristianprogressthananotherwhoisdeniedsuchaprivilege.Again,themanwithtwotalentscannotproduceasmuchasanotherwithfive,yetiftheformergainanothertwobythemhedoesjustaswellproportionatelyastheonewhomakeshisfiveintoten.TheLordHimselftakesnoteofsuchdifferences:"Foruntowhomsoevermuchisgiven,ofhimshallbemuchrequired"(Luke12:48).

Letusalsopointoutthatwearenotnowgoingtowriteonthemarksorsignsofspirituallifeassuch,butratheroftheevidencesofthegrowthofspirituallife—amuchhardertask.Whenweendeavortoexamineourselvesforthem,itisofgreatimportancethatweshouldknowwhattolookfor.IftheChristianexpectstofindanimprovementinthe"oldman,"hewillmostcertainlybedisappointed:ifhelooksforawaningofnaturalpride,alesseningoftheworkingsofunbelief,acessationoftherisingswithinhimofrebellionagainstGod,hewilllookinvain.YethowmanyChristiansarebitterlydisappointedoverthisverythingandgreatlycastdownbythesame.Buttheyoughtnottobe,forGodhasnowherepromisedtosublimateorspiritualizethe"flesh"nortoeradicateourcorruptionsinthislife,yetitistheChristian’sdutyandprivilegetosowalkinthespiritthathewillnot"fulfillthelustsoftheflesh"(Gal.5:16).Thoughweshouldbedeeplyhumbledoverourcorruptionsandmournforthem,yetourpainfulawarenessofthesameshouldnotcauseustoconcludewehavemadenospiritualgrowth.

Anincreasingrealizationofournativedepravity,agrowingdiscoveryofhowmuchthereiswithinusthatisopposedtoGod,withacorrespondingdespisingofourselvesforthesame,isoneofthesurestevidencesthatwearegrowingingrace.ThemorethelightofGodshinesintoourhearts,themorearewemadeawareofthefilthandwickednesswhichindwellthem.ThebetterwebecameacquaintedwithGodandlearnofHisineffablepurity,themoreconsciousdowebecomeofourbaseimpurityandbewailthesame.Thatisagrowingdownwardsorbecominglessinourownesteem.AnditisthatwhichmakeswayforanincreasingvaluationoftheatoningandcleansingbloodofChrist,andamorefrequentbetakingofourselvestothatFountainwhichhasbeenopenedforsinandforuncleanness.Thus,ifChristisbecomingmoreprecioustoyou,ifyouperceivewithincreasingclearnessHissuitabilityforsuch

avilewretchasyouknowyourselftobe,andifthatperceptionleadsyoutocastyourselfmoreandmoreuponHim—asadrowningmandoestoalog—thenthatisclearproofyouaregrowingingrace.

Growthissilentandatthetimeimperceptibletooursenses,thoughlateritisevident.Growthisgradualandfulldevelopmentisnotreachedinaday,norinayear.Timemustbeallowedbeforeproofcanbeobtained.Weshouldnotattempttogaugeourgrowthbyourfeelings,butratherbylookingintotheglassofGod’sWordandmeasuringourselvesbythestandardwhichistheresetbeforeus.Theremayberealprogressevenwherethereislessinwardcomforts.AmIdenyingmyselfmorenowthanIdidformerly?AmIlessenthralledbytheattractionsofthisworldthanIusedtobe?ArethedetailsofmydailylifebeingmorestrictlyregulatedbythepreceptsofHolyWrit?AmImoreresignedtotheblessedwillofGod,assuredthatHeknowswhatisbestforme?IsmyconfidenceinGodgrowing,sothatIammoreandmoreleavingmyselfandmyaffairsinHishands?Thosearesomeofthetestsweshouldapplytoourselvesifwewouldascertainwhetherornowebeglowingingrace.

1.Considertheworkofmortificationandseektoascertainwhatproficiencyyouaremakingtherein.TherecanbenoprogressintheChristianlifewhilethatworkbeunattendedto.GoddoesnotremoveindwellingsinfromHispeople,butHedoesrequirethemtomakenoprovisionuntoitslusts,toresistitsstrivings,todenyitssolicitations.Hiscallis"mortifythereforeyourmemberswhichareupontheearth"(Col.3:5),"putoffconcerningtheformerconversationtheoldman,whichiscorruptaccordingtothedeceitfullusts"(Eph.4:22),"abstainfromfleshlylustswhichwaragainstthesoul"(1Peter2:11),"keepyourselvesfromidols"(1John5:21).ThatisthelifelongtaskGodhasassignedus,foraslongasweremaininthisbodythefleshwillopposefromwithinandtheworldfromwithout.Ifwebecomeslackintheperformanceofthisduty,sinandSatanwillgainmoreandmoreofanadvantageoverus.Butifwebefaithfulanddiligentthereinourefforts,bytheSpirit’senablement,willnotbealtogetherinvain.

Butmostofourreaders,perhapsallofthem,willexclaim,ButthisistheverymatterinwhichImeetwithmostdiscouragement,andifIamhonestitappearstomethatmyeffortsareutterlyinvain.Despitemyutmostendeavors,mylustsstillmastermeandIamrepeatedlybroughtintocaptivitybysin.Thoughsuchbethecasethatdoesnotmeanyoureffortswereuseless.Godhasnowherepromisedthatifyoudosoandsoindwellingsinshallbecomeinoperativeorthatyourlustsshallbecomeweakerandweaker.Thereiswidespreadmisunderstandingonthissubject.Theword"mortify"signifiesputtodeath,butitmustbecarefullyborneinmindthatitisusedfigurativelyand

notliterally,foritisaphysicaltermappliedtothatwhichisimmaterial.ThroughnopossibleprocesscantheChristian,notwiththeSpirit’shelp,renderhislustslifeless.Theymayattimesappearsotohisconsciousness,yetitwillnotbelongereheisagainawarethattheyarevigorousandactive.TheholiestofGod’speople,inallages,havebornetestimonytothepowerandprevalencyintheircorruptions,andthattotheirlasthour.

Itneedsthentobecarefullydefinedwhatismeantbytheword"mortify."Sinceitdoesnotsignify"slayorextinguishindwellingsin"nor"renderlifelessyourlusts,"whatisintended?This:dieuntotheminyouraffections,yourintentions,yourresolutions,yourefforts.Wemortifysinbydetestingit:"whosoeverhatethhisbrotherisamurderer"(1John3:15)andjustsofaraswereallyhateourcorruptionshavewemorallyslainthem.TheChristianevidenceshishatredofsinbymourningwhenithasgainedanadvantageoverhim.Ifitbehissincereintentionandhonestresolutiontosubdueeveryrisingofhisnativedepravityandthecommissionofeverysin,theninthesightofHimwhoacceptsthewillforthedeed,hehas"mortified"them.WheneverthebelievercontritelyconfesseshissinstoGodand"forsakes"themsofarasanypurposetorepeatthemisconcerned,hehas"mortified"them.Ifhetrulyloathes,grievesover,andacknowledgeshisfailurestoGod,thenhecansay,"thatwhichIdo,Iallownot"(Rom.7:15).

"TheLordseethnotasmenseeth:formanlookethontheoutwardappearance,buttheLordlookethontheheart"(1Sam.16:7)needstobeborneinmindonthissubject."Ifamanfindabetrotheddamselinthefield,andthemanforceherandliewithher,thenthemanonlythatlaywithhershalldie"(Deut.22:25).Intheverseswhichfollowweread"thereisinthedamselnosinworthyofdeath."Notonlydidshenotconsenthereto,butwearetold"shecried,andtherewasnonetosaveher."Nowthathasaspiritualapplicationtous.IfabelieverissuddenlysurprisedbyatemptationwhichistosomethingforbiddenbyGodandhisheartagreesnotthereto,butoffersaresistance,whichishoweverunavailing,thoughheisnotguiltlesstherein,yethiscaseisverydifferentfromthatoftheunregeneratewhofoundthetemptationagreeableandrespondedheartilythereto.NotehowtheSpirithasrecordedofJosephofArimatheathatthoughhewasamemberoftheSanhedrinwhichcondemnedChristtodeath,yethe"hadnotconsentedtothecounselanddeedofthem"(Luke23:51)!

"Whatissanctification?SanctificationisaworkofGod’sgrace,wherebytheywhomGodhathbeforethefoundationoftheworldchosentobeholy,areintime,throughthepowerfuloperationofHisSpiritapplyingthedeathandresurrectionofChristuntothem,renewedintheirwholemanaftertheimageof

God;havingtheseedsofrepentanceuntolifeandallothersavinggracesputintotheirhearts,andthosegracessostirredup,increasedandstrengthened,asthattheymoreandmoredieuntosinandriseuntonewnessoflife"(WestminsterCatechism).Thewordswehaveemphasizedhaveoccasionedmuchgriefandanxietytomany,formeasuringthemselvesbythemtheyconcludedtheyhadneverbeensanctified.Butitshouldbenoteditisnottheresaidthat"sinismoreandmoredyinginthem,"butthatthey"moreandmoredieuntosin,"whichisaverydifferentthing.Christiansdo,aspointedoutabove,diemoreandmoretosinintheiraffections,intentions,andefforts.YetwefailtofindanywarrantinScriptureforsaying"theseveralluststhereofaremoreandmoreweakened."

Havingsoughttoshowwhattheword"mortify"doesnotdenoteinitsapplicationtotheChristian’sconflictwithsinandwhatitdoessignifyletusinafewwordspointoutwhereinthebelievermaybesaidtobemakingprogressinthisessentialwork.Heisprogressingthereinwhenhegirdshimselfmorediligentlyandresolutelytothistask,refusingtoallowseemingfailurethereintocausehimtogiveupindespair.Heismakingprogressthereinashelearnstomakeconscienceofthingswhichtheworldcondemnsnot,beingregulatedbyGod’sWordratherthanpublicopinionorleaningtohisownunderstanding.Heismakingprogressthereinwhenheobtainsaclearinsightofspiritualcorruptions,sothatheisexercisednotonlyoverworldlylustsandgrossevils,butovercoldnessofheart,unbelief,pride,impatience,self-confidence,andthushewouldcleansehimselffromallfilthinessof"spirit"aswellas"oftheflesh"(2Cor.7:1).Inshort,heisgrowingingraceifhebemaintainingastricterandmoreregularwatchoverhisheart.

2.ConsidertheworkoflivinguntoGodandseektoascertainwhatproficiencyyouaremakingtherein.ThemeasureandconstancyofouryieldednessanddevotednesstoGodisanothercriterionbywhichwemayascertainwhetherornowearereallygrowingingrace,fortolapseintoacourseofself-pleasingisasuresymptomofbacksliding.AmIincreasinglygivingupmyselftoGod,employingmyfacultiesandpowersinseekingtopleaseandglorifyHim?AmIendeavoring,withintensifiedearnestnessanddiligence,toactinaccordancewiththesurrenderImadeofmyselftoHimatmyconversion,andtothededicationofmyselftoHisserviceatmybaptism?AmIfindingdeeperdelighttherein,orisHisservicebecomingirksome?Ifthelatter,thenthatisclearproofthatIhavedeteriorated,fortherehasbeennochangeinHimnorinHisclaimsuponme.IflovebehealthythenmygreatestjoywillbeinmakingHimmychiefObjectandsupremeEnd,butifIseektodosoonlyfromasenseofobligationandduty,thenmylovehascooled.

"BefilledwiththeSpirit"(Eph.5:18).Probablythatmeans,inpartatleast,Letnocompartmentofyourcomplexbeingbereservedorretainedforself,butdesireandpraythatGodmaypossessyouwholly.Isthatthedeepestlongingandendeavorofyourheart?AreyoufindingincreasingpleasureinthewillandwaysoftheLord?thenyouarefollowingontoknowHim.Areyoumakingamoredeterminedandcontinuouseffortto"WalkworthyoftheLord,untoallpleasing,beingfruitfulineverygoodwork,andincreasingintheknowledgeofGod’(Col.1:10)?thenthatevidencesyouaregrowingingrace.Areyoulessinfluencedthanformerlybyhowothersthinkandact,requiringnothinglessthana‘ThussaiththeLord"foryourmonitor?thenyouarebecomingmorerootedandgroundedinthefaith.Areyoumorewatchfulagainstthosethingswhichwouldbreak,oratleastchill,yourcommunionwithGod?thenyouaregoingforwardintheChristianlife.

TobeincreasinglydevotedtoGodrequiresthatIbeincreasinglyoccupiedandabsorbedwithHim.TothatendIneeddailytostudytherevelationwhichHehasmadeofHimselfintheScriptures,andparticularlyinChrist.IneedalsotomeditatefrequentlyuponHiswondrousperfections:Hisamazinggrace,unfathomablelove,Hisineffableholiness,Hisunchangingfaithfulness,Hismightypower,Hisinfinitelongsufferance.IfIcontemplateHimthuswiththeeyesoffaithandlove,thenshallIbeabletosay"OnethinghaveIdesiredoftheLord,thatwillIseekafter:thatImaydwellinthehouseoftheLord[theplaceofnearnessandfellowshipwithhim]allthedaysofmylife,tobeholdthebeautyoftheLord"(Ps.27:4).Theonewhocandothatmustperforceexclaim,"WhomhaveIinheavenbutthee,andthereisnoneuponearththatIdesirebesidesthee"(Ps.73:25).That,myreader,isnotamererhetoricalutterance,butthelanguageofonewhosehearthasbeenwonbytheLord.

3.ConsidertheWordofGodandseektomeasureyourselfbythedegreeinwhichyoureallyhonorit.WhatplacedothecontentsoftheSacredVolumehaveinyouraffections,thoughts,andlife:ahigheronethanformerly,ornot?IsthatDivinecommunicationmorevaluedbyyoutodaythanwhenyouwerefirstconverted?AreyoumorefullyassuredofitsDivineinspiration,sothatSatanhimselfcouldnotmakeyoudoubtitsAuthorship?Areyoumoresolemnlyimpressedbyitsauthoritysothatattimesyoutremblebeforeit?DoestheTruthcomewithgreaterweight,sothatyourheartandconscienceismoredeeplyimpressedbyit?Aremoreofitsverywordstreasuredupinyourmemoryandfrequentlymeditatedupon?Areyoureallyfeedingonit:appropriatingittoyourself,mixingfaiththerewith,andbeingnourishedbyit?AreyoulearningtomakeityourShieldonwhichyoucatchandquenchthefierydartsofthe

wicked?Areyou,liketheBereans(Acts17:11),bringingtothisinfallibleScaleandweighingthereinallyoureadandhear?

CarefullybearinmindthepurposeforwhichtheScripturesweregiventous,theparticularbenefitstheyaredesignedtobestow.Theyare"profitablefordoctrine,"andtheirdoctrineisfarmorethanatheologicaltreatiseaddressedtotheintellect,oraphilosophicalsystemwhichfurnishesanexplanationofman’sorigin,constitution,andrelationtoGod.Itis"thedoctrinewhichisaccordingtogodliness"(1Tim.6:3),everypartofwhichisdesignedtoexaltGodandabaseman,accordingtoHimHisrightfulplaceoverusandourdependenceuponandsubjectiontoHim.Itisprofitablefor"reproof,"toacquaintuswithourinnumerablefaultsandfailuresandtoadmonishusforthesame.Itis"acriticofthethoughtsandintentsoftheheart"(Heb.4:12),probingintoourinnermostbeingsandcondemningallwithinuswhichisimpure.Itisprofitablefor"correction,"toteachuswhatisrightandpleasinguntoGod;andsuchisitspotencythatthemoreweareregulatedbyitthemoreareoursoulsrenovatedandpurified.Itisprofitablefor"instructioninrighteousness,"forproducingintegrityofcharacterandconduct.Itisfortheenlighteningofourminds,theinstructingofourconsciences,theregulatingofourwills.

Nowmyreader,testyourselfbythoseconsiderations,fairlyandimpartially.AreyoufindingtheScripturesincreasinglyprofitableforthedoctrinewhichisaccordingtogodliness:ifsotheyareproducinginyouadeeperandmoreextensivepiety.Areyoumoreandmoreopeningyourhearttotheir"reproof,"notconfiningyourselftothoseportionswhichcomfort,andavoidingthosepartswhichadmonishandcondemnyou?IfsothenyouarecultivatingcloserdealingswithGod.Areyouincreasinglydesirousofbeing"corrected"bytheirsearchingandholyteachings?Ifsothenyoudiligentlyendeavortopromptlyputrightwhatevertheyshowiswronginyou.Aretheyreallyinstructingyouinrighteousness,sothatyourdeportmentisbecominginfullerconformitytotheirstandard?Ifsoyouaremoreshunnedbyworldlingsandlessesteemedbyemptyprofessors.DoyoufrequentlyexamineyourselfbyGod’sWordandtestyourexperiencebyitsteaching?Ifso,youarebecomingmoreskilledintheWordofRighteousness(Heb.5:13)andmorepleasingtoitsAuthor.

II.4.ConsideryouroccupationwithChristandrememberthatgrowthingrace

iscommensuratewithyourgrowingintheknowledgeofHim(2Peter3:18).Thatknowledgeisindeedaspiritualone,yetitisreceivedviatheunderstanding,forwhatisnotapprehendedbythemindcannotprofittheheart.Nothingbutan

increasingfamiliarityandcloserfellowshipwithChristcannourishthesoulandpromotespiritualprosperity.TherecanbenorealprogresswithoutabetteracquaintancewithHisperson,office,andwork.Christianityismorethanacreed,morethanasystemofethics,morethanadevotionalprogram.Itisalife:alifeoffaithonChrist,ofcommunionwithHimandconformitytoHim(Phil.1:21).TakeChristoutofChristianityandthereisnothingleft.TheremustbeconstantrenewedactsoffaithonChrist,yetourfaithisalwaysinproportiontothespiritualknowledgewehaveofitsobject."ThatImayknowhim"precedes"andthepowerofhisresurrection."ChristrevealedtotheheartistheObjectofourknowledge(2Cor.4:6),andourspiritualknowledgeofHimconsistsintheconceptsandapprehensionsofHimwhichareformedinourminds.Thatknowledgeisfed,strengthened,andrenewedbyourspiritualandbelievingmeditationsonChristandthosebeingmadeeffectualinthesoulbythepoweroftheSpirit.

TheObjectofourfaithisaknownChrist,andthebetterweknowHimthemoreweshallactfaithonHim.TheChristianlifeconsistsessentially,inlivingonChrist:"thelifewhichInowliveinthefleshIlivebythefaithoftheSonofGod."TheparticularactsofthislifeoffaitharebeholdingChrist(asHeispresentedintheWord),cleavingtoHim,makinguseofHim,drawingfromHim,holdingfreecommunionwithHim,delightingourselvesinHim.Alas,thegreatmajorityofChristiansseektoliveonthemselvesandfeedontheirexperience.Someareforeveroccupiedwiththeircorruptionsandfailures,whileothersarewhollytakenupwiththeirgracesandattainments.ButthereisnothingofChristineithertheoneortheother,andnothingoffaith;ratherdoesselfabsorbthemandalifeofsensepredominates.Allgenuine"experience"isaknowingourselvestobewhatGodhasdescribedusinHisWordandhavingsuchaninwardrealizationthereofasprovestousourdireneedofChrist.ItconsiststooofsuchaknowledgeofHimasthatHeisexactlysuitedtoourcaseandDivinelyqualifiedandperfectlyfittedforoureverylack.Nomatterhow"deep"maybeyour"experience,"itisworthnothingunlessitturnsyoutothegreatPhysician.

Howoftenhavewereadinthediariesandbiographiesofsaints,orheardthemsay,OwhatblessedenlargementofsoulIwasfavoredwith,whatlibertyinprayer,howmyheartwasmeltedbeforetheLord,whatjoyunspeakablepossessedme.Butifthose"mountain-topexperiencesbeanalyzedwhatdotheyconsistof?whatisthereofChristinthem?ItisnotspiritualviewsofHimwhichengagestheirattention,butthewarmthoftheiraffections,abeingcarriedawaywiththeircomforts.Nowondersuchecstasiesaresobriefandarefollowedbydeepdepressionofspirits.Measureyourspiritualgrowthratherbytheextent

youarelearningtolookawayfrombothsinfulselfandreligiousself.ChristianprogressistobegaugednotbyfeelingsbutbytheextenttowhichyouliveoutsideofyourselfandliveuponChrist—makingfulleruseofHim,prizinghimmorehighly,findingallyourspringsinHim,makingHimyour"all"(Col.3:11).Itisaconsciousnessofsinandnotofourgraces,theburdenofourcorruptionsandnotdelightingourselvesinourenlargements,whichwillmoveustolookawayfromselfandbeholdtheLamb.

5.Considerthepathofobedienceandwhatprogressyouaremakingtherein.Thatwhichdistinguishestheregenerateinapracticalwayfromtheunregenerateisthattheformerare"obedientchildren"(1Peter2:14),whereasthelatterareentirelydominatedbythecarnalmind,whichis"enmityagainstGod,andisnotsubjecttotheLawofGod,neitherindeedcanbe"(Rom.8:7).Theveryfirstcriteriongivenintheepistlewhichiswritteninorderthatbelieversmayknowtheyhaveeternallifeis,"Herebyweknow[areDivinelyassured]thatweknowhim[savingly],ifwekeephiscommandments"(1John2:3).Conversionisaforsakingofthepathofself-willandself-pleasing(Isa.53:6)andacompletesurrenderofmyselftotheLordshipofChrist,andthegenuinenessthereofisevidencedbymytakingHisyokeuponmeandsubmittingtoHisauthority.IfwetrulysubmittoHisauthoritythenweshallseektocomplywithallHeenjoinsandnotpickandchoosebetweenHisprecepts.Nothinglessthanwholeheartedandimpartialobedienceisrequiredfromus(John15:14).Ifwedonotsincerelyendeavortoobeyinallthings,thenwedonotinany,butmerelyselectwhatisagreeabletoourselves.Thenisthereanysuchthingasprogressinobedience?Yes.

Weareimprovinginobediencewhenitbecomesmoreextensive.ThoughtheyoungconverthasfullysurrenderedhimselftotheLord,yethedevoteshimselftosomedutieswithmoreearnestnessanddiligencethanhedoestoothers,butashebecomesbetteracquaintedwithGod’swill,moreofhiswaysareregulatedthereby.AsspirituallightincreaseshediscoversthatGod’scommandmentis"exceedingbroad"(119:96),forbiddingnotonlytheovertactbutallthatleadstoit,andinculcating(bynecessaryimplication)theoppositegraceandvirtue.Growthingraceappearswhenmyobedienceismorespiritual.Onelearningtowritebecomesmorepainstaking,sothatheformshisletterswithgreateraccuracy:soasoneprogressesintheschoolofChristhepaysmoreattentiontothatword"Thouhastcommandedustokeepthypreceptsdiligently"(119:4).So,too,superioraimsandmotivesprompthim:hisspringsarelessservileandmoreevangelical,hisobedienceproceedingfromloveandgratitude.That,inturn,producesanotherevidenceofgrowth:obediencebecomeseasier

andpleasanter,sothathe"delightsinthelawoftheLord."Dutyisnowajoy:"OhowloveIthylaw."

6.Considertheprivilegeofprayerandhowfaryouareimprovinginthatexercise.Probablynotafewwillexclaim,Alas,inthisrespectIhavedeteriorated,forIamneitherasdiligentinitnorasferventasIusedtobe.Butitiseasytoformawrongjudgmentuponthemattermeasuringitbyquantityinsteadofquality.DevoutJewsandPapistsspendmuchtimeontheirknees,butthatissimplythereligionoftheflesh.Thereisoftenmoreofthenaturalthanthespiritualinthedevotionalexercisesoftheyoungconvert,especiallyifhebeofawarmandardenttemperament.Itiseasyforenthusiasmtocarryhimawaywhennewobjectsandinterestsengagehim,andforemotionalismtobemistakenforfervorofspirit.PersonallyweverymuchdoubtiftheLord’speopleexperienceanytrueprogressintheirprayerlifeuntiltheymakethehumblingdiscoverytheyknownothowtopray,thoughtheymayhaveattainedtoconsiderableproficiencyinframingeloquentandmovingpetitionsasmenjudge."We[Christians]knownotwhatweshouldprayforasweought"(Rom.8:26):didwerealizethatinourspiritualchildhood?Thefirstmarkofgrowthhereiswhenwearemovedtocry,"Lord,teachustopray"(Luke11:1).

AstheChristiangrowsingraceprayerbecomesmoreofanattitudethananact,anactofdependenceuponandconfidenceinGod.ItbecomesaninstincttoturntoHimforhelp,guidance,wisdom,strength.ItconsistsofanincreasinglookingtoandleaninguponHim,acknowledgingHiminallourways.Thusprayerbecomesmorementalthanvocal,moreejaculatorythanstudied,morefrequentthanprolonged.AstheChristianprogresseshisprayerswillbemorespiritual:hewillbemoreintentuponthepursuitofholinessthanofknowledge,hewillbemoreconcernedaboutpleasingGodthanascertainingwhetherhisnamebewrittenintheBookofLife,moreearnestinseekingthosethingswhichwillpromotetheDivineglorythanministertohiscomfort.AshelearnstoknowGodbetterhisconfidenceinHimwillbedeepened,sothatifontheonehandheknowsnothingistoohardforHim,ontheotherheisassuredthatHiswisdomwillwithholdaswellasbestow.Again,growthappearswhenweareasdiligentinprayingforthewholehouseholdoffaithasforourselvesorimmediatefamily.Ourhearthasbeenenlargedwhenwemake"supplicationforallsaints"(Eph.6:18).

7.ConsidertheChristianwarfareandwhatsuccessyouarehavingtherein.HereagainweshallcertainlyerranddrawawrongconclusionunlesswepaycloseattentiontothelanguageofHolyWrit.Thatwhichwearecalledtoengageinis"thegoodfightoffaith"(1Tim.6:12),butifweseektogaugeourprogress

thereinbythetestimonyofoursensesafalseverdictwillinevitablybegiven.ThefaithofGod’selecthastheScripturesforitssolegroundandChristasitsimmediateObject.NowhereinScripturehasChristpromisedHisredeemedsuchavictoryovertheircorruptionsinthislifethattheyshallbeslain,noreventhattheywillbesosubduedtheirlustswillceasevigorouslyopposing,nonotforaseason,forthereisnodischargenorfurloughinthiswarfare.Nay,Hemaypermityourenemiestogainsuchatemporaryadvantagethatyoucry"iniquitiesprevailagainstme"(Ps.65:3),neverthelessyouaretocontinueresisting,assuredbytheWordofpromiseyoushallyetbeanovercomer.Satan’sgrandaimistodriveyoutodespairbecauseoftheprevalencyofyourcorruptions,butChristhasprayedfortheethatthyfaithfailnot,andproofHisprayerisbeingansweredisthatyouweepoveryourfailuresanddonotbecomeatotalapostate.

Thetroubleisthatwewanttomixsomethingwithfaith—ourfeelings,our"experiences,"orthefruitsoffaith.FaithistolooktoChristandtriumphinHimalone.ItistobeengagedwithHimandHiswordatalltimesnomatterwhatweencounter.Ifweendeavortoascertaintheoutcomeofthisfightbytheevidenceofoursenses—whatweseeandfeelwithin—insteadofjudgingitbyfaith,thenourpresentexperiencewillbethatofPeter’s"whenhesawthewindboisterous"whilewalkingontheseatowardChrist,orwewillconclude"Ishallnowperish"(1Sam.27:1).DidnotPaulfindthatwhenhewoulddogoodevilwaspresentwithinhim,yea,thatwhilehedelightedinthelawofGodaftertheinwardman,hesawanotherlawinhismemberswarringagainstthelawofhismindandbringinghimintocaptivity,sothathecried"OwretchedmanthatIam."Thatwashis"experience,"andtheevidenceofsense.Ah,buthedidnot,assomanydo,stopthere."Whoshalldeliverme?""IthankGodthroughJesusChrist"(Rom.7)heanswered.Thatwasthelanguageoffaith!Isityours?Yoursuccessinthisfightistobedeterminedbywhether—despiteallfailures—youarecontinuingthereinandwhetheryouconfidentlylookforwardtothefinalissue—thatyouwilltriumphthroughChrist.

IfwereceivedaletterfromanativeofGreenland’sicymountainsaskingustogivehimasaccurateandvividawordpictureaspossibleofanEnglishapple-treeanditsfruit,wewouldnotsingleoutforourdescriptiononethathadbeenartificiallyraisedinahothouse,norwouldweselectonewhichgrewinpoorandrockygroundonsomedesolatehillside;ratherwouldwetakeonethatwastobefoundinaveragesoilinatypicalorchard.Itisquitetruetheotherswouldbeappletreesandmightbearfruit,yetifweconfinedourwordpictureuntotheportrayingofeitherofthem,theGreenlanderwouldnotobtainafairconceptoftheordinaryappletree.Itisequallyunfairandmisleadingtotakethepeculiar

experiencesofanyparticularChristianandholdthemupasthestandardbywhichallothersshouldmeasurethemselves.Therearemanykindsofapples,differinginsize,colorandflavor.AndthoughChristianshavecertainfundamentalthingsincommon,yetnotwoofthemarealikeinallrespects.VarietymarksalltheworksofGod.AbovewehavereferredtosevendifferentphasesoftheChristianlifebywhichwemaytestourprogress.Inwhatfollowswementionsomeofthecharacteristicswhichpertainmoreorless—foringermformtheyarefoundinall—toastateofChristianmaturity.

Prudence.Thereisawell-knownadage—thoughoftenignoredbyadults—that"wecannotputoldheadsonyoungshoulders."Thatistruespirituallyaswellasnaturally:weliveandlearn,thoughsomelearnmorereadilythanothers—usuallyitisbecausetheyreceivetheirinstructionfromtheScriptureswhileothersareinformedonlybypainfulexperience.TheWordsays"Putnotyourtrustinprinces,norinthesonofman,inwhomthereisnohelp"(146:3),andifweheedthatinjunctionwearesparedmanyabitterdisappointment;whereasifwetakepeopleattheirwordandcountontheirhelp,weshallfrequentlyfindthatweleaneduponabrokenreed.Inmanyotherwaystheyoungconvert’szealbecomestemperedbyknowledgeandheconductshimselfmoreprudently.Ashebecomesmoreexperiencedhelearnstoactwithgreatercautionandcircumspection,andto"walkinwisdomtowardthemthatarewithout"(Col.4:5),ashealsodiscoversthechillingeffectswhichfrothyprofessorshaveuponhim,sothatheismoreparticularinselectinghisassociates.Helearnstoohisownpeculiarweaknessesandinwhichdirectionheneedsmosttowatchandprayagainsttemptations.

Sobriety.ThiscanbeattainedonlyintheschoolofChrist.Itistruethatincertaindispositionsthereismuchlesstoopposethisvirtue,yetitsfulldevelopmentcanonlybeundertheoperationsofDivinegrace,asTitus2:11,12plainlyshows.WewoulddefineChristiansobrietyastheregulationofourappetitesandaffectionsintheirpursuitanduseofallthings—wecanberighteous"overmuch"(Eccl.7:16).Itisthegoverningofourinwardandoutwardmanbytherulesofmoderationandtemperance.Itisthekeepingofourdesireswithinboundssothatwearepreservedfromexcessesinpractice.Itisaframeortemperofthemindwhichistheoppositeofexcitedness.Itisabeing"temperateinallthings"(1Cor.9:25).andthatincludesouropinionsaswellasconduct.Itisaholyseriousness,calmness,gravity,balance,whichpreventsonebecominganextremist.Itisthatself-controlwhichkeepsusfrombeingundulycastdownbysorrowsorelatedbyjoys.Itcausesustoholdthethingsofthislifewithalighthand,sothatneitherthepleasuresnorthecaresoftheworldunduly

affecttheheart.Stability.Thereisaspiritualchildishnessaswellasanaturalone,wherein

theyoungconvertactsmorefromimpulsethanprinciple,iscarriedawaybyhisfancies,andeasilyinfluencedbythosearoundhim.Tobe"tossedtoandfroandcarriedaboutwitheverywindofdoctrine"(Eph.4:14)isoneofthecharacteristicsofspiritualimmaturity,andwhenwewaverinfaithandareofadoubtfulmindthenwehaltandfalterinourduties.Eventhatlovewhichisshedabroadintheheartsoftherenewedneedstobecontrolledandguided,asappearsfromthatpetitionoftheapostle’s"Ipraythatyourlovemayaboundyetmoreandmoreinknowledgeandinalljudgment"(Phil.1:9).AstheChristiangrowsingracehebecomes"rootedandbuiltupinChristandestablishedinthefaith"(Col.2:7).AshegrowsintheknowledgeoftheLorditcanbesaidofhim"Heshallnotbeafraidofeviltidingshisheartisfixed,trustingintheLord"(Ps.112:7).Hemaybeshaken,butwillnotbeshatteredbybadnews,forhavinglearnedtorelyuponGod,heknowsnochangeofcircumstancescandomorethanlightlyaffecthim.Nomatterwhatmaybefallhim,hewillremaincalm,confidentinhisRefuge:sincehisheartbeanchoredinGodhiscomfortsdonotebbandflowwiththecreature.

Patience.HerewemustdistinguishbetweenthatnaturalplaciditywhichmarkssometemperamentsandthatspiritualgracewhichiswroughtintheChristianbyGod.Wemustalsorememberthatspiritualpatiencehasbothapassiveandanactivesidetoit.Passively,itisaquietandcontentedresignationundersuffering(Luke21:19),beingtheoppositeofacting"asawildbullinanet"(Isa.51:20).Itslanguageis"ThecupwhichmyFatherhathgivenme,shallInotdrinkit?"(John18:11).Actively,itisaperseveringinduty(Heb.12:1),beingtheoppositeof"turningbackinthedayofbattle"(Ps.78:9).Itslanguageis"benotwearyinwelldoing"(2Thess.2:13).PatienceenablesthebelievertomeeklybearwhatevertheLordispleasedtolayuponhim.ItcausesthebelievertoquietlyawaitGod’shourofreliefordeliverance.Itpromptsthebelievertocontinueperforminghisdutyinspiteofalloppositionanddiscouragement.Nowsinceitistribulation(Rom.5:3)andthetryingofourfaith(James1:3)which"workethpatience,"muchofitisnottohelookedforinthespirituallyinexperiencedandimmature.weareimprovinginpatiencewhenmolespiritualconsiderationspromptusthereto.

Humility.Evangelicalhumilityisarealizationofmyignorance,incompetencyandvileness,withananswerableframeofheart.AstheyoungbelieverapplieshimselfdiligentlytothereadingofGod’sWordandacquiresmorefamiliaritywithitscontents,asliebecomesbetterinstructedinthefaith,he

isveryapttobepuffedupwithhisknowledge.ButashestudiestheWordmoredeeply,heperceiveshowmuchthereisthereinwhichtranscendshisunderstanding,andashelearnstodistinguishbetweenanintellectualinformationofspiritualthingsandanexperimentalandtransformingknowledgeofthem,hecries"thatwhichIseenot,teachthoume"and"teachmethystatues."Ashegrowsingracehemakesanincreasingdiscoveryofhisignoranceandrealizes"heknowsnothingyetasheoughttoknow"(1Cor.8:2).AstheSpiritenlargeshisdesires,hethirstsmoreandmoreforholiness,andthemoreheisconformedtotheimageofChristthemorewillhegroanbecauseofhissensibleunlikenesstoHim.TheyoungChristianattemptstoperformmanydutiesinhisownstrength,butlaterondiscoversthatapartfromChristhecandonothing.ThefatherinChristisself-emptiedandself-abasedandmarvelsincreasinglyatthelongsufferanceofGodtowardhim.

Forbearance.Aspiritofbigotry,partisanshipandintoleranceisamarkofnarrowmindednessandofspiritualimmaturity.OnfirstenteringtheschoolofChristmostofusexpectedtofindlittledifferencebetweenmembersofthesamefamily,butmoreextensiveacquaintancewiththemtaughtusbetter,forwefoundtheirmindsvariedasmuchastheircountenances,theirtemperamentsmorethantheirlocalaccentsofspeech,andthatamidgeneralagreementtherewerewidedivergencesofopinionsandsentimentsinmanythings.WhileallGod’speoplearetaughtofHim,yettheyknowbut"inpart"andthe"part"oneknowsmaynotbethepartwhichanotherknows.AllthesaintsareindweltbytheholySpirit,yetHedoesnotoperateuniformlyinthemnorbestowidenticalgifts(1Cor.12:8-11).Thusopportunityisaffordedusto"forbearoneanotherinlove"(Eph.4:2)andnotmakeamananoffenderforawordordespisethosewhodifferfromme.Growthingraceisevidencedbyaspiritofclemencyandtoleration,grantingtoothersthesamerightofprivatejudgmentandlibertyasIclaimformyself.ThematureChristian,generally,willsubscribetothataxiom"Inessentialsunity,innon-essentialsliberty,inallthingscharity."

Contentment.Asaspiritualvirtuethisistohaveourdesireslimitedbyapresentenjoyment,ortofindasufficiencyinandbesatisfiedwithmyimmediateportion.Itistheoppositeofmurmurings,distractedcares,covetousdesires.TomurmuristoquarrelwiththedispensationsofProvidence:tohavedistractedcaresistodistrustGodforthefuture:tohavecovetousdesiresistobedissatisfiedwithwhatGodhasassignedme.Godknowswhatisbestforourgood,andthemorethatberealizedthemorethankfulshallwebefortheallotmentsofHisloveandwisdom—pleasedwithwhatpleasesHim.Contentmentisamarkofweanednessfromtheworldandofdelighting

ourselvesintheLord.Theapostledeclared"IhavelearnedinwhatsoeverstateIam,therewithtobecontent"(Phil.4:11),andasMatthewHenrysaid,thatlessonwaslearned"notatthefeetofGamaliel,butofChrist."Norwasitsomethingheacquiredthereallinamoment.Bynaturewearerestless,impatient,enviousoftheconditionofothers:butsubmissiontotheDivinewillandconfidenceinGod’sgoodnessproducespeaceofmindandrestofheart.ItisthematureChristianwhocansay"Thouhastputgladnessinmyheart,morethaninthetimetheircornandtheirwineincreased"(Ps.4:7).