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CHAPTER THREE:
NICODEMUS----means 'upright'. Member of the Sanhedrin. Came by night through fear of excommunication. As he grew in grace he became bold. (Jo.7:50, 51) (Lightfoot)
I. GRACE IN ITS FIRST COMMENCEMENT MAY BE VERY FEEBLE.
NOTE: The rulers, filled with wrath, sent officers to arrest Jesus. These officers were so struck with what they heard that they returned without their prisoner. Nicodemus had heard great things which aroused his curosity. He was a timid man. (Bib. Muse.)
ILLUS: Young believers are likened in Isa. 40:11 to lambs; in Isa. 42:3 to a bruised reed and smoking flax.
II. ALTHOUGH GRACE IS THUS FEEBLE IN ITS COMMENCEMENT IT IS A REALITY.
NOTE: Though Nicodemus came as a coward, yet he came; though he was ignorant, yet he asked; though he was a ruler, yet he renounced his knowledge and inquired with all the simplicity of a child. (J. H. Evans; Ibib.)
LESSONS: (1) If God begins a work in the soul, He will carry on that work to completion. (Phil. 1:6)
(2) We must not be discouraged at unpromising beginnings.
(3) A man may be at first, but he cannot continue, a secret disciple. (C. D. Marston; Ibid.)
Look at the sinner dead in trespasses and sins. Nothing moves him; not the terrors of the law, nor the invitations of the gospel. But God sends forth His Spirit, the heart is touched, the conscience enlightened, and the effect is that He feels his sin and cries, "God be merciful," etc. We now find him pleading the atonement and finding mercy. He received a new principle. This is a new creation, new birth, resurrection. Proven by three things:
(1) It abides. (Gal. 5:17)
(2) It overcomes. (1 Jo. 3:9)
(3) It still tendeth towards God. (Jo. 4:14)
III. WHEN GRACE IS REAL, HOWEVER WEAK, CHRIST DOES NOT DESPISE IT. (J. H. Evans; Ibid.)
NICODEMUS WAS:
I. AN INQUIRER.
He desired truth.
II. A CAUTIOUS MAN.
Not swayed with every wind of doctrine.
CHAPTER 3:
CHAPTER THREE:
NICODEMUS----means 'upright'. Member of the Sanhedrin. Came by night through fear of excommunication. As he grew in grace he became bold. (Jo.7:50, 51) (Lightfoot)
I. GRACE IN ITS FIRST COMMENCEMENT MAY BE VERY FEEBLE.
NOTE: The rulers, filled with wrath, sent officers to arrest Jesus. These officers were so struck with what they heard that they returned without their prisoner. Nicodemus had heard great things which aroused his curosity. He was a timid man. (Bib. Muse.)
ILLUS: Young believers are likened in Isa. 40:11 to lambs; in Isa. 42:3 to a bruised reed and smoking flax.
II. ALTHOUGH GRACE IS THUS FEEBLE IN ITS COMMENCEMENT IT IS A REALITY.
NOTE: Though Nicodemus came as a coward, yet he came; though he was ignorant, yet he asked; though he was a ruler, yet he renounced his knowledge and inquired with all the simplicity of a child. (J. H. Evans; Ibib.)
LESSONS: (1) If God begins a work in the soul, He will carry on that work to completion. (Phil. 1:6)
(2) We must not be discouraged at unpromising beginnings.
(3) A man may be at first, but he cannot continue, a secret disciple. (C. D. Marston; Ibid.)
Look at the sinner dead in trespasses and sins. Nothing moves him; not the terrors of the law, nor the invitations of the gospel. But God sends forth His Spirit, the heart is touched, the conscience enlightened, and the effect is that He feels his sin and cries, "God be merciful," etc. We now find him pleading the atonement and finding mercy. He received a new principle. This is a new creation, new birth, resurrection. Proven by three things:
(1) It abides. (Gal. 5:17)
(2) It overcomes. (1 Jo. 3:9)
(3) It still tendeth towards God. (Jo. 4:14)
III. WHEN GRACE IS REAL, HOWEVER WEAK, CHRIST DOES NOT DESPISE IT. (J. H. Evans; Ibid.)
NICODEMUS WAS:
I. AN INQUIRER.
He desired truth.
II. A CAUTIOUS MAN.
Not swayed with every wind of doctrine.
III. AN INTELLIGENT MAN.
He was a thinker & claimed the right of private judgment.
IV. AN EARNEST MAN.
He sought out Christ. (H. J. Bevis; Bib. Illus.; Hom. Com.)
CHRIST A MODEL FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS:
(1) He had a very high estimate of his work.
(2) His mind was fully possessed with the truth he taught.
(3) He lived what he taught.
(4) He was aggressive to learn what he taught. (A. J. Morris)
vss. 3-5 THE NEW BIRTH----Two Facts:
(1) The depravity of his nature.
(2) The hope of deliverance.
NOTE: To enter heaven he must have a nature of heaven. (A. Jukes)
REGENERATION:
(1) The contents of it.
It contains the seeds and habits of ALL graces. As original sin contains the seeds of all sin. (James 1:17, 18)
(2) The Extent of REGENERATION.
The whole man.
NOTE: Sometimes in natural generation a part of the body may be wanting, but there is no such defect in regeneration.
(3) Signs of Regeneration:
(A) Spiritual life.
As generation produces natural life; so regeneration produces spiritual life; and every generator the life he bears----a man, a human life an animal, animal life. God divine life. (Eph. 4:18; 2 Cor. 4:10; Gal. 2:20) Beasts seek after grass or prey; worldly men after worldly things; the regenerate after food for the soul and heavenly honors. (J. Dyke; Bib. Muse.)
REGENERATION----ITS CHARACTERISTICS----IT IS:
I. INSTANTANEOUS.
It differs from sanctification which is PROGRESSIVE. (INHERENT sanctification)
II. MYSTERIOUS.
We cannot tell how it takes place, or when or where it will take place.
III. UNIVERSAL.
It affects the whole man, and governs all his character, powers, and conduct.
ITS EVIDENCES:
(1) Their views are changed:
(A) Concerning themselves. (B) Christ. (C) Sin. (D) Heaven.
III. AN INTELLIGENT MAN.
He was a thinker & claimed the right of private judgment.
IV. AN EARNEST MAN.
He sought out Christ. (H. J. Bevis; Bib. Illus.; Hom. Com.)
CHRIST A MODEL FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS:
(1) He had a very high estimate of his work.
(2) His mind was fully possessed with the truth he taught.
(3) He lived what he taught.
(4) He was aggressive to learn what he taught. (A. J. Morris)
vss. 3-5 THE NEW BIRTH----Two Facts:
(1) The depravity of his nature.
(2) The hope of deliverance.
NOTE: To enter heaven he must have a nature of heaven. (A. Jukes)
REGENERATION:
(1) The contents of it.
It contains the seeds and habits of ALL graces. As original sin contains the seeds of all sin. (James 1:17, 18)
(2) The Extent of REGENERATION.
The whole man.
NOTE: Sometimes in natural generation a part of the body may be wanting, but there is no such defect in regeneration.
(3) Signs of Regeneration:
(A) Spiritual life.
As generation produces natural life; so regeneration produces spiritual life; and every generator the life he bears----a man, a human life an animal, animal life. God divine life. (Eph. 4:18; 2 Cor. 4:10; Gal. 2:20) Beasts seek after grass or prey; worldly men after worldly things; the regenerate after food for the soul and heavenly honors. (J. Dyke; Bib. Muse.)
REGENERATION----ITS CHARACTERISTICS----IT IS:
I. INSTANTANEOUS.
It differs from sanctification which is PROGRESSIVE. (INHERENT sanctification)
II. MYSTERIOUS.
We cannot tell how it takes place, or when or where it will take place.
III. UNIVERSAL.
It affects the whole man, and governs all his character, powers, and conduct.
ITS EVIDENCES:
(1) Their views are changed:
(A) Concerning themselves. (B) Christ. (C) Sin. (D) Heaven.
(2) Their pursuits are changed.
(3) Their enjoyments arise from a different source.
(4) Their motives. (R. Kemp; Bib. Illus.)
THE MEANING OF "BEING BORN AGAIN"----REGENERATION:
A VAST MORAL CHANGE, the impartation of a principal of spiritual life and godliness to a heart entirely destitute of it, through which new affections, views, and state of the will are produced.
(1) The self-righteous man learns to trust in the Redeemer.
(2) The enemy of God now loves Him.
(3) The obdurate becomes penitent.
(4) The disobedient becomes obedient.
(5) The earthly-minded now seeks things above. (B. W. Noel; Ibid.)
REGENERATION DEFINED:
It is a change which God works in the soul, when He brings it into life; when He raises it from the death of sin to a life of righteousness....when the love of the world is changed into the love of God, pride into humility, passion into meekness; hatred, envy, malice, into a sincere, tender, disinterested love for all mankind. It is that change whereby the earthly, sensual, devilish mind is turned into the "mind which was in Christ Jesus." "So is everyone that is born of the spirit." (J. Wesley; Strongs's Sys. Th.; Bib. Muse.)
THE GREAT CHANGE----ENTIRELY SPIRITUAL:
(1) On the UNDERSTANDING, when it is enlightened.
(2) On the CONSCIENCE, when it is convinced.
(3) On the WILL, when it is subdued.
(4) On the AFFECTIONS, when they are freined and purified.
(5) On the WHOLE MAN, when he is transformed by the renewing of his mind & created anew.
It is wrought by the Holy Spirit----WHO:
(1) Enlightens the darkened understanding by shining into it.
(2) Awakens the slumbering conscience by convincing it of sin.
(3) Subdues our rebellious wills, by making us willing in the day of His power.
(4) Takes away the stony heart and gives us hearts of flesh.
ILLUS: Shortly after Summerfield arrived in America he met with a distinguished doctor of divinity who asked him where he was born. "In Dublin and in Liverpool." "Oh! how can that be?" The boy-preacher paused a moment and answered, "Art thou a master in Israel, and knowest not these things?" (S. H. Tyny; Bib. Muse.)
EVERY SOUL THAT IS BORN AGAIN:
(1) Repents of his sin.
(2) Has faith.
(2) Their pursuits are changed.
(3) Their enjoyments arise from a different source.
(4) Their motives. (R. Kemp; Bib. Illus.)
THE MEANING OF "BEING BORN AGAIN"----REGENERATION:
A VAST MORAL CHANGE, the impartation of a principal of spiritual life and godliness to a heart entirely destitute of it, through which new affections, views, and state of the will are produced.
(1) The self-righteous man learns to trust in the Redeemer.
(2) The enemy of God now loves Him.
(3) The obdurate becomes penitent.
(4) The disobedient becomes obedient.
(5) The earthly-minded now seeks things above. (B. W. Noel; Ibid.)
REGENERATION DEFINED:
It is a change which God works in the soul, when He brings it into life; when He raises it from the death of sin to a life of righteousness....when the love of the world is changed into the love of God, pride into humility, passion into meekness; hatred, envy, malice, into a sincere, tender, disinterested love for all mankind. It is that change whereby the earthly, sensual, devilish mind is turned into the "mind which was in Christ Jesus." "So is everyone that is born of the spirit." (J. Wesley; Strongs's Sys. Th.; Bib. Muse.)
THE GREAT CHANGE----ENTIRELY SPIRITUAL:
(1) On the UNDERSTANDING, when it is enlightened.
(2) On the CONSCIENCE, when it is convinced.
(3) On the WILL, when it is subdued.
(4) On the AFFECTIONS, when they are freined and purified.
(5) On the WHOLE MAN, when he is transformed by the renewing of his mind & created anew.
It is wrought by the Holy Spirit----WHO:
(1) Enlightens the darkened understanding by shining into it.
(2) Awakens the slumbering conscience by convincing it of sin.
(3) Subdues our rebellious wills, by making us willing in the day of His power.
(4) Takes away the stony heart and gives us hearts of flesh.
ILLUS: Shortly after Summerfield arrived in America he met with a distinguished doctor of divinity who asked him where he was born. "In Dublin and in Liverpool." "Oh! how can that be?" The boy-preacher paused a moment and answered, "Art thou a master in Israel, and knowest not these things?" (S. H. Tyny; Bib. Muse.)
EVERY SOUL THAT IS BORN AGAIN:
(1) Repents of his sin.
(2) Has faith.
(3) Prays.
(4) Develops spiritual power that has been imparted. (C. H. Spurgeon)
NOTE: v. 8 THE FREEDOM OF THE SPIRIT.
This wind blows where it lists, as it lists, when it lists, as much as it lists, in what manner it lists, and on whom it lists. This Spirit is a gift, and gifts are free. (1 Cor. 12:1-11) (Wm. Austin; Bib. Muse.)
ILLUS: Just as when we see the leaves of a wood moved to and fro, we know the wind is there; so when we see a man moved out of the careless routine of a natural life and leading a new life, we may say the spirit of God, the Spirit of life, is there. (G. J. Brown; Bib. Muse.)
THE HEAVENLY WIND----THE WIND IS AN EMBLEM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
I. In its FREENESS.
The wind is the very image of freedom. No one can fetter it.
(1) The wind has a law of its own, and the Spirit is a law to Himself.
He does as He wills, but He wills that which is best.
(2) There are certain places where you will always find a breeze----on the mountains in the morning or evenings on the seashore.
(3) The wind in some lands has it seasons.
So there are certain times in, and certain conditions under which He visits the Churches----times of mighty prayer and exceptional faithfulness in preaching.
(4) The wind may blow on some EFFECTUALLY (some feel and respond) while others remain asleep.
II. THE MAN WHO IS SAVED HEARS:
(1) The THREATENING wind.
(2) The DESTROYING wind.
(3) The INVIGORATING wind.
(4) The sound of a going in the mulberry trees which summons us to victory. (C. H. Spuirgeon; Bib. Illus.)
NOTE: We have no control over the wind. It blows where it listeth." (Ed)
THE BRAZEN SERPENT----THE TYPE AND ANTITYPE CORRESPOND:
I. IN THE OCCASION OF THEIR INSTITUTION.
NOTE: The Israelites were wounded by the serpents; we are wounded by sin.
II. IN THEIR QUALITIES.
(1) The serpent was made of an inferior metal; Christ was a root out of a dry ground.
(2) There was only one brazen serpent for the whole Jewish camp; there is only one Mediator between God and man.
(3) The serpent was appointedof God; Christ was appointed by the Father.
(4) The serpent was publicly lifted up; Christ is uplifted by His ministers.
(3) Prays.
(4) Develops spiritual power that has been imparted. (C. H. Spurgeon)
NOTE: v. 8 THE FREEDOM OF THE SPIRIT.
This wind blows where it lists, as it lists, when it lists, as much as it lists, in what manner it lists, and on whom it lists. This Spirit is a gift, and gifts are free. (1 Cor. 12:1-11) (Wm. Austin; Bib. Muse.)
ILLUS: Just as when we see the leaves of a wood moved to and fro, we know the wind is there; so when we see a man moved out of the careless routine of a natural life and leading a new life, we may say the spirit of God, the Spirit of life, is there. (G. J. Brown; Bib. Muse.)
THE HEAVENLY WIND----THE WIND IS AN EMBLEM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
I. In its FREENESS.
The wind is the very image of freedom. No one can fetter it.
(1) The wind has a law of its own, and the Spirit is a law to Himself.
He does as He wills, but He wills that which is best.
(2) There are certain places where you will always find a breeze----on the mountains in the morning or evenings on the seashore.
(3) The wind in some lands has it seasons.
So there are certain times in, and certain conditions under which He visits the Churches----times of mighty prayer and exceptional faithfulness in preaching.
(4) The wind may blow on some EFFECTUALLY (some feel and respond) while others remain asleep.
II. THE MAN WHO IS SAVED HEARS:
(1) The THREATENING wind.
(2) The DESTROYING wind.
(3) The INVIGORATING wind.
(4) The sound of a going in the mulberry trees which summons us to victory. (C. H. Spuirgeon; Bib. Illus.)
NOTE: We have no control over the wind. It blows where it listeth." (Ed)
THE BRAZEN SERPENT----THE TYPE AND ANTITYPE CORRESPOND:
I. IN THE OCCASION OF THEIR INSTITUTION.
NOTE: The Israelites were wounded by the serpents; we are wounded by sin.
II. IN THEIR QUALITIES.
(1) The serpent was made of an inferior metal; Christ was a root out of a dry ground.
(2) There was only one brazen serpent for the whole Jewish camp; there is only one Mediator between God and man.
(3) The serpent was appointedof God; Christ was appointed by the Father.
(4) The serpent was publicly lifted up; Christ is uplifted by His ministers.
III. THE MANNER IN WHICH TO RECEIVE THE BENEFIT:
(1) By looking personally.
(2) Instantly.
(3) Steadily and constantly.
(4) Exclusively.
IV. THE EFFECTS PRODUCED:
(1) Completeness of cure.
(2) Its universality.
(A) All may be healed.
(B) Its limitation----to those who looked.
The rest perished.
CONCLUSION: I. Simplicity of Salvation.
(2) The wise must become fools to be wise and healed. (1 Cor. 3:18)
THE SERPENT AND CHRIST COMPARED:
I. Both were remedies devised by GOD's mercy AND love. v. 16.
II. Christ's humiliation set forth.
NOTE: (1) The serpent was cursed by God.
(2) Christ was made a curse for us ...cursed of God. (Gal. 3:13)
(3) The parties to be cured were men.
Therefore, the Son of Man must be lifted up.
(4) The brazen serpent was lifted up on a pole.
So Christ on the cross. (1 Pet. 2:24) The serpent first stung us by the fruit of the tree, and Christ saved us by suffering on one.
(5) The brazen serpent was but a sign of salvation; Christ is the author of it. (Heb. 5:9)
(6) The brazen serpent benefitted the Israelites only; but Christ all nations. (Isa. 11:10)
(7) The brazen serpent freed them from present death; Christ from eternal death. (Jo.11:26) (A. Wilson; Bib. Illus.)
NOTE: LOOKING BRINGS LIFE----"If we look upon Christ with the eye though of a weak faith, we shall be saved. Dr.Cneciger when he lay a-dying cried out, "I believe with a weak faith, but with a faith such as it is. (J. Trapp; Bib. Muse.)
ILLUS: I once told my little Willie to jump off a high table, and I would catch him. But he looked down and said, "Papa, I'se afraid." I again told him I would catch him; but he looked down and said, "Papa, I'se afraid." You smile, but that is just the way with the unbeliever. He looks down, and dares not trust the Lord. You would say that would be blind faith, but I say it would not be. I told Willie to look at me and then jump, and he did it, and was delighted. He wanted to jump again, and finally his faith became so great that he would jump when I was 8 or10 feet away, and cry out, "Papa, I'se a coming." (D. Moody; Bib. Muse.)
III. THE MANNER IN WHICH TO RECEIVE THE BENEFIT:
(1) By looking personally.
(2) Instantly.
(3) Steadily and constantly.
(4) Exclusively.
IV. THE EFFECTS PRODUCED:
(1) Completeness of cure.
(2) Its universality.
(A) All may be healed.
(B) Its limitation----to those who looked.
The rest perished.
CONCLUSION: I. Simplicity of Salvation.
(2) The wise must become fools to be wise and healed. (1 Cor. 3:18)
THE SERPENT AND CHRIST COMPARED:
I. Both were remedies devised by GOD's mercy AND love. v. 16.
II. Christ's humiliation set forth.
NOTE: (1) The serpent was cursed by God.
(2) Christ was made a curse for us ...cursed of God. (Gal. 3:13)
(3) The parties to be cured were men.
Therefore, the Son of Man must be lifted up.
(4) The brazen serpent was lifted up on a pole.
So Christ on the cross. (1 Pet. 2:24) The serpent first stung us by the fruit of the tree, and Christ saved us by suffering on one.
(5) The brazen serpent was but a sign of salvation; Christ is the author of it. (Heb. 5:9)
(6) The brazen serpent benefitted the Israelites only; but Christ all nations. (Isa. 11:10)
(7) The brazen serpent freed them from present death; Christ from eternal death. (Jo.11:26) (A. Wilson; Bib. Illus.)
NOTE: LOOKING BRINGS LIFE----"If we look upon Christ with the eye though of a weak faith, we shall be saved. Dr.Cneciger when he lay a-dying cried out, "I believe with a weak faith, but with a faith such as it is. (J. Trapp; Bib. Muse.)
ILLUS: I once told my little Willie to jump off a high table, and I would catch him. But he looked down and said, "Papa, I'se afraid." I again told him I would catch him; but he looked down and said, "Papa, I'se afraid." You smile, but that is just the way with the unbeliever. He looks down, and dares not trust the Lord. You would say that would be blind faith, but I say it would not be. I told Willie to look at me and then jump, and he did it, and was delighted. He wanted to jump again, and finally his faith became so great that he would jump when I was 8 or10 feet away, and cry out, "Papa, I'se a coming." (D. Moody; Bib. Muse.)
v. 16 GOD GAVE HIS SON.
(1) To to a humbling incarnation.
(2) To a laborious servitude.
(3) To an ignominious and sacrificial death. (M. Daniell; Bib. Muse.)
THE LOVE OF GOD:
(1) The OBJECT----the world.
(2) The ACT----"He gave" as a sacrifice.
(3) The DEGREE----"SO" (T. Manton; Bib. Muse.)
HOW THIS GIFT WAS THE HIGHEST, FULLEST MANIFESTATION OF THE LOVE OF GOD THAT EVER THE WORLD SAW----CONSIDERING:
(1) How near and dear Christ was to the Father. (Col. 1:13)
(2) To what He gave Him. (Lu. 22:22)
(3) That in giving Christ He gave the richest jewel in His cabinet.
(4) On whom the gift was bestowed.
(A) Not on angels; not on human friends, but
(3) upon enemies. (Rom. 5:8-10) (J. Flavel; Bib. Illus.)
GOD'S LOVE----IT IS:
I. Singular. II. Personal. III. Compassionate. IV. Comprehensive.
GOD'S LOVE IN EXPRESSION:
I. IN THE GIFT----This includes:
(1) The birth of Christ.
(2) His matchless life and example.
(3) His sacrifice. (L. O. Thompson; Bib. Illus.; Bib. Muse.)
THE LOVE OF GOD SET FORTH:
I. BY COMPARISON OF THE PARTIES LOVING AND LOVED.
God most high and holy loves the base and wicked world.
(NOTE: In some passages of the Bible, it states that God "hates" the wicked, while in others, the statement is made that God loves a particular lost person. In Mark 5:21, Jesus loved the rich man. However, the wrath of God is on those who are "unbelievers" even though God causes it to "rain on the just and the unjust.----Ed.
God loves all men as His creatures. He hates the sinner who loves sin and despises righteousness----L. Berkhof, Sys. Th.)
II. BY THE MEASURE OF IT.
Love so infinite, transcendent, so incomprehensible. (Heb. 12:3)
III. BY THE FRUIT OF HIS LOVE.
By the gift of His Son as a sacrifice for wicked sinners.
v. 16 GOD GAVE HIS SON.
(1) To to a humbling incarnation.
(2) To a laborious servitude.
(3) To an ignominious and sacrificial death. (M. Daniell; Bib. Muse.)
THE LOVE OF GOD:
(1) The OBJECT----the world.
(2) The ACT----"He gave" as a sacrifice.
(3) The DEGREE----"SO" (T. Manton; Bib. Muse.)
HOW THIS GIFT WAS THE HIGHEST, FULLEST MANIFESTATION OF THE LOVE OF GOD THAT EVER THE WORLD SAW----CONSIDERING:
(1) How near and dear Christ was to the Father. (Col. 1:13)
(2) To what He gave Him. (Lu. 22:22)
(3) That in giving Christ He gave the richest jewel in His cabinet.
(4) On whom the gift was bestowed.
(A) Not on angels; not on human friends, but
(3) upon enemies. (Rom. 5:8-10) (J. Flavel; Bib. Illus.)
GOD'S LOVE----IT IS:
I. Singular. II. Personal. III. Compassionate. IV. Comprehensive.
GOD'S LOVE IN EXPRESSION:
I. IN THE GIFT----This includes:
(1) The birth of Christ.
(2) His matchless life and example.
(3) His sacrifice. (L. O. Thompson; Bib. Illus.; Bib. Muse.)
THE LOVE OF GOD SET FORTH:
I. BY COMPARISON OF THE PARTIES LOVING AND LOVED.
God most high and holy loves the base and wicked world.
(NOTE: In some passages of the Bible, it states that God "hates" the wicked, while in others, the statement is made that God loves a particular lost person. In Mark 5:21, Jesus loved the rich man. However, the wrath of God is on those who are "unbelievers" even though God causes it to "rain on the just and the unjust.----Ed.
God loves all men as His creatures. He hates the sinner who loves sin and despises righteousness----L. Berkhof, Sys. Th.)
II. BY THE MEASURE OF IT.
Love so infinite, transcendent, so incomprehensible. (Heb. 12:3)
III. BY THE FRUIT OF HIS LOVE.
By the gift of His Son as a sacrifice for wicked sinners.
NOTE: "only begotten" (Gr. 'monogenes') Father, Son, used to indicate relationship. It is not derived from root word "gennao"----to beget (the only one of His kind) or generate, but it is derived from "genos", which means kind or class or "in a class by Himself." (Buswell, Sys. Th., Zondervan Pub.House, 1976, p.111)
NOTE: This is what the cults deny. They deny Christ to be co-equal with the Father as they claim this Scripture states he came forth from the Father by creation. (Ed.)
IV. BY THE WORTHINESS OF HIS GIFT.
God gave himself.
V. THE BENEFIT OF HIS GIFT.
(1) Not perishing.
(2) Having eternal life.
VI. THE SIMPLICITY OF OBTAINING THIS GIFT.
"whosoever believeth in him"
NOTE: The word "believe" is often mis-understood among the ranks of evangelicals. It means more than a head-knowledge of the facts and claims of salvation. It means a faith that produces evidence by a life of crucifixion; self-denial, and following Jesus. (Jo. 10:27-29)
BIBLE FAITH IS COMPOSED OF THREE ELEMENTS:
(1) INTELLECTUAL.
Assent of the mind to a fact.
(2) EMOTIONAL.
Response of the heart to a fact known. (Rom. 10:9, 10)
(3) VOLITIONAL.
Consent of the will .(Jo.1:12)
It not only receives, it reaches out and lays hold on the person of Christ. It is a combination of both the intellectual and emotional put into action. (Strong, Sys. Th.)
NOTE: True FAITH is produced by the power and grace of God through the preaching of the gospel. It is distinguished from the false by the following signs:
(1) It produces a broken and contrite heart before God. (Ps. 51:1-5; 17)
(2) It embraces Christ as King and Lord over all things, and a willingness to submit to His authority as Lord and not just as a Saviour.
NOTE: It is a false gospel that claims a true disciple can receive Christ as Saviour, and at the same time, retain a desire and will to pursue and practice the forbidden things of the world.
Christ is not just Saviour, but He is THE LORD. If He is not received as Lord, He will not be Saviour. (Lu. 14:25-33) (Ed.)
(3) True faith causes the heart to bow to God's Sovereignty in all things.
(4) True Faith perseveres and continues to follow Christ regardless of any and all circumstances.
(5) Bible Faith reaches out with a heart of love and sincerity to the people of God. (Anon)
NOTE: "only begotten" (Gr. 'monogenes') Father, Son, used to indicate relationship. It is not derived from root word "gennao"----to beget (the only one of His kind) or generate, but it is derived from "genos", which means kind or class or "in a class by Himself." (Buswell, Sys. Th., Zondervan Pub.House, 1976, p.111)
NOTE: This is what the cults deny. They deny Christ to be co-equal with the Father as they claim this Scripture states he came forth from the Father by creation. (Ed.)
IV. BY THE WORTHINESS OF HIS GIFT.
God gave himself.
V. THE BENEFIT OF HIS GIFT.
(1) Not perishing.
(2) Having eternal life.
VI. THE SIMPLICITY OF OBTAINING THIS GIFT.
"whosoever believeth in him"
NOTE: The word "believe" is often mis-understood among the ranks of evangelicals. It means more than a head-knowledge of the facts and claims of salvation. It means a faith that produces evidence by a life of crucifixion; self-denial, and following Jesus. (Jo. 10:27-29)
BIBLE FAITH IS COMPOSED OF THREE ELEMENTS:
(1) INTELLECTUAL.
Assent of the mind to a fact.
(2) EMOTIONAL.
Response of the heart to a fact known. (Rom. 10:9, 10)
(3) VOLITIONAL.
Consent of the will .(Jo.1:12)
It not only receives, it reaches out and lays hold on the person of Christ. It is a combination of both the intellectual and emotional put into action. (Strong, Sys. Th.)
NOTE: True FAITH is produced by the power and grace of God through the preaching of the gospel. It is distinguished from the false by the following signs:
(1) It produces a broken and contrite heart before God. (Ps. 51:1-5; 17)
(2) It embraces Christ as King and Lord over all things, and a willingness to submit to His authority as Lord and not just as a Saviour.
NOTE: It is a false gospel that claims a true disciple can receive Christ as Saviour, and at the same time, retain a desire and will to pursue and practice the forbidden things of the world.
Christ is not just Saviour, but He is THE LORD. If He is not received as Lord, He will not be Saviour. (Lu. 14:25-33) (Ed.)
(3) True faith causes the heart to bow to God's Sovereignty in all things.
(4) True Faith perseveres and continues to follow Christ regardless of any and all circumstances.
(5) Bible Faith reaches out with a heart of love and sincerity to the people of God. (Anon)
(5) Bible Faith reaches out with a heart of love and sincerity to the people of God. (Anon)
NOTE: TO BELIEVE IN GOD means to rely in and upon----to put confidence in God. We fix the eyes of our affections and inclinations upon what He has said, (Rom. 4:20) who He is, what He has done, and what He is doing now.
ILLUS: Dr. B. H. Carroll said that if a man can answer the following questions correctly, he will have a good grasp of the gospel.
QUESTIONS:
I. WHO IS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?
II. WHAT HAS HE DONE?
III WHAT IS HE DOING NOW?
These three questions involves much sound theology.
THE THREE R's OF THE GOSPEL:
I. RUINED by the fall.
II. REDEEMED by the blood.
III. REGENERATED by the Holy Spirit. (Richard Sibbes----Puritan definition)
NOTE: Two Hebrew words 'trust' and 'faith' means "to prop, to stay, to support, to stay oneself upon." Faith is the means and condition of conversion. There are NO means of REGENERATION. REGENERATION is initiated by God without any means being used by the sinner to obtain it. It is of God's own counsel and mercy through the atonement. CONVERSION demonstrates REGENERATION by works. We are not saved by works, but by a faith that produces works. (James 2:20-22, 26; Rom. 4:1-12; Heb.11:13) (J. Dyke)
WHAT IS IT TO BELIEVE IN JESUS?
(1) To give your firm and cordial assent to the truth of the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ.
(2) To accept this for yourself.
In Adam's sin you did not sin personally, but by committing personal transgression you laid your hand upon it and made it your own. In like manner you must accept and appropriating the atonement of Christ.
(3) Personal trust. (C. H. Spurgeon; Bib. Illus.)
GOD'S LOVE FOR THE WORLD:
I. THE DIVINE LOVE----What it is:
(1) The essence of His nature.
(2) All His attributes are modifications and manifestations of His love.
(3) His law, the order of creation, the arrangement of His providence are expressions of His love.
(4) Love is the ground of His perfect happiness.
II. THE SPECIAL FRUIT OF THE DIVINE LOVE IN THE GIFT OF CHRIST.
(1) The origen of Christ's mission was the love of God.
(5) Bible Faith reaches out with a heart of love and sincerity to the people of God. (Anon)
NOTE: TO BELIEVE IN GOD means to rely in and upon----to put confidence in God. We fix the eyes of our affections and inclinations upon what He has said, (Rom. 4:20) who He is, what He has done, and what He is doing now.
ILLUS: Dr. B. H. Carroll said that if a man can answer the following questions correctly, he will have a good grasp of the gospel.
QUESTIONS:
I. WHO IS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?
II. WHAT HAS HE DONE?
III WHAT IS HE DOING NOW?
These three questions involves much sound theology.
THE THREE R's OF THE GOSPEL:
I. RUINED by the fall.
II. REDEEMED by the blood.
III. REGENERATED by the Holy Spirit. (Richard Sibbes----Puritan definition)
NOTE: Two Hebrew words 'trust' and 'faith' means "to prop, to stay, to support, to stay oneself upon." Faith is the means and condition of conversion. There are NO means of REGENERATION. REGENERATION is initiated by God without any means being used by the sinner to obtain it. It is of God's own counsel and mercy through the atonement. CONVERSION demonstrates REGENERATION by works. We are not saved by works, but by a faith that produces works. (James 2:20-22, 26; Rom. 4:1-12; Heb.11:13) (J. Dyke)
WHAT IS IT TO BELIEVE IN JESUS?
(1) To give your firm and cordial assent to the truth of the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ.
(2) To accept this for yourself.
In Adam's sin you did not sin personally, but by committing personal transgression you laid your hand upon it and made it your own. In like manner you must accept and appropriating the atonement of Christ.
(3) Personal trust. (C. H. Spurgeon; Bib. Illus.)
GOD'S LOVE FOR THE WORLD:
I. THE DIVINE LOVE----What it is:
(1) The essence of His nature.
(2) All His attributes are modifications and manifestations of His love.
(3) His law, the order of creation, the arrangement of His providence are expressions of His love.
(4) Love is the ground of His perfect happiness.
II. THE SPECIAL FRUIT OF THE DIVINE LOVE IN THE GIFT OF CHRIST.
(1) The origen of Christ's mission was the love of God.
(2) God gave His Son.
(A) In the councils of eternity.
(B) In His birth in time.
(C) In His death.
III. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE FATHER AND THE SON IS THE MEASURE OF THE DIVINE LOVE.
(1) Not an exalted creature.
(2) Not merely a Son.
(3) Not His son only incarnated.
(4) But His only begotten, well beloved, and everlasting son.
IV. THE RECIPIENTS OF THIS GIFT:
(1) The elect, chosen of God.
(2) The sinful. (A. Beith; Ed)
GOD'S WONDERFUL LOVE:
I. ITS CHARACTERISTICS:
(1) Eternal----"loved."----Who can tell when it began?
(2) Compassionate----"the world."
(3) Unspeakable----"so"
II. ITS MANIFESTATION:
(1) Condescending.
(2) Sacrificial.
(3) Exhaustive.
III. ITS PURPOSE:
(1) Broad----"whosoever."
(2) Limited----"believeth."
(3) Blessed----"should not perish, but have everlasting life."
(R. S. MacArthur)
ILLUS: Plutarch, the Greek historian, tells a story to this effect: "An ancient king once gave a present of a large sum of money to a personal friend, and was gently taken to task for his generosity. "What!" was his astonished exclamation, "would you not have me be liberal? Let the world know that when the king gives he gives generously, like a king."
ILLUS: A man had been condemned in a Spanish court to be shot, but being an American citizen and also of English birth, the consuls of the two countries interposed, and declared that the Spanish authority had no power to put him to death. What did they do to secure his life when their protest was not sufficient? They wrapped him up in their flags, they covered him with the Stars and Stripes and the Union Jack, and defied the executioners. "Now fire a shot if you dare, for if you do so, you defy the nations represented by those flags, and you will bring the powers of those two great empires upon you." Even so Jesus Christ has taken my poor guilty soul ever since I belived in Him, and has wrapped around me the blood red flag of His atoning sacrifice and before God can destroy me, or any other soul that is wrapped in the
(2) God gave His Son.
(A) In the councils of eternity.
(B) In His birth in time.
(C) In His death.
III. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE FATHER AND THE SON IS THE MEASURE OF THE DIVINE LOVE.
(1) Not an exalted creature.
(2) Not merely a Son.
(3) Not His son only incarnated.
(4) But His only begotten, well beloved, and everlasting son.
IV. THE RECIPIENTS OF THIS GIFT:
(1) The elect, chosen of God.
(2) The sinful. (A. Beith; Ed)
GOD'S WONDERFUL LOVE:
I. ITS CHARACTERISTICS:
(1) Eternal----"loved."----Who can tell when it began?
(2) Compassionate----"the world."
(3) Unspeakable----"so"
II. ITS MANIFESTATION:
(1) Condescending.
(2) Sacrificial.
(3) Exhaustive.
III. ITS PURPOSE:
(1) Broad----"whosoever."
(2) Limited----"believeth."
(3) Blessed----"should not perish, but have everlasting life."
(R. S. MacArthur)
ILLUS: Plutarch, the Greek historian, tells a story to this effect: "An ancient king once gave a present of a large sum of money to a personal friend, and was gently taken to task for his generosity. "What!" was his astonished exclamation, "would you not have me be liberal? Let the world know that when the king gives he gives generously, like a king."
ILLUS: A man had been condemned in a Spanish court to be shot, but being an American citizen and also of English birth, the consuls of the two countries interposed, and declared that the Spanish authority had no power to put him to death. What did they do to secure his life when their protest was not sufficient? They wrapped him up in their flags, they covered him with the Stars and Stripes and the Union Jack, and defied the executioners. "Now fire a shot if you dare, for if you do so, you defy the nations represented by those flags, and you will bring the powers of those two great empires upon you." Even so Jesus Christ has taken my poor guilty soul ever since I belived in Him, and has wrapped around me the blood red flag of His atoning sacrifice and before God can destroy me, or any other soul that is wrapped in the
atonement, He must insult His Son and dishonor His sacrifice, and that He will never do, blessed be His name. (C. H. Spurgeon; Bib. Muse.)
"WHOSOEVER"----Good and bad, honorable or disreputable, this "whosoever" speaks to you all with equal truth! Kings and queens may find room in it; and so may thieves and beggars. Peers and paupers sit on one seat in this word. "Whosoever" has a special voice for you, my hearer! Do you answer, "But I am an oddity"? "Whosoever" includes all the oddities. I always have a warm side towards odd, eccentric, out-of-the-way people, because I am one myself, at least so I am often said to be. I am deeply thankful for this blessed text; for if I am a lot unmentioned in any other catalogue, I know that this includes me: I am beyond all question under the shade of "whosoever." No end of odd people come to the tabernacle, or read my sermons; but they are all within the range of "whosoever." (C. H. Spurgeon; Ibid.)
THE EVERLASTINGS:
I. The everlastinf FATHER.
II. The everlasting SON.
III. The everlasting LOVE.
IV. The everlasting LIFE. ( J. C. Jones; Bib. Muse.)
ILLUS: When John Williams sailed in his missionary ship, he said as he touched a shore where he had never been before, where no foot of white man had ever trod, wherever he preached for the first time he had this for his text. No text could bear him beyond this. He could stand anywhere, on any shore, and cry, "God so loved the world." (S. Coley; Ibid.)
v. 16 The "SO" in this verse is an incomprehensable "so". It is a "so" that all the angels cannot analyse, few can comment upon or understand the dimensions of this "so." (Charnock; Ibid.)
I. WHAT DOES THE WORD "BELIEVETH" INVOLVE?
(1) It supposes a distance knowledge of Him.
(2) It includes assent to the record that God the Father has given of Him.
(3) It includes our hearty approbation of Him.
(4) Chiefly it includes a cordial acceptance of Christ as offered in the gospel.
II. IN WHAT RESPECTS TRUE BELIEVERS IN CHRIST MAY BE SAID TO HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE?
(1) They have it in title and right of purchase.
(2) They have the blessedness of the heavenly state in the promises of it.
(3) They have the eternal happiness of heaven in their glorified head and forerunner.
(4) They have everlasting life in the first-fruits of it. (Anon)
I. THE OBJECT OF THE SINNER'S FAITH:
1. CHRIST IS THE SOLE OBJECT OF THE SINNER'S FAITH:
(1) As God.
(2) In his perfect righteousness. (3) As dying and dead.
atonement, He must insult His Son and dishonor His sacrifice, and that He will never do, blessed be His name. (C. H. Spurgeon; Bib. Muse.)
"WHOSOEVER"----Good and bad, honorable or disreputable, this "whosoever" speaks to you all with equal truth! Kings and queens may find room in it; and so may thieves and beggars. Peers and paupers sit on one seat in this word. "Whosoever" has a special voice for you, my hearer! Do you answer, "But I am an oddity"? "Whosoever" includes all the oddities. I always have a warm side towards odd, eccentric, out-of-the-way people, because I am one myself, at least so I am often said to be. I am deeply thankful for this blessed text; for if I am a lot unmentioned in any other catalogue, I know that this includes me: I am beyond all question under the shade of "whosoever." No end of odd people come to the tabernacle, or read my sermons; but they are all within the range of "whosoever." (C. H. Spurgeon; Ibid.)
THE EVERLASTINGS:
I. The everlastinf FATHER.
II. The everlasting SON.
III. The everlasting LOVE.
IV. The everlasting LIFE. ( J. C. Jones; Bib. Muse.)
ILLUS: When John Williams sailed in his missionary ship, he said as he touched a shore where he had never been before, where no foot of white man had ever trod, wherever he preached for the first time he had this for his text. No text could bear him beyond this. He could stand anywhere, on any shore, and cry, "God so loved the world." (S. Coley; Ibid.)
v. 16 The "SO" in this verse is an incomprehensable "so". It is a "so" that all the angels cannot analyse, few can comment upon or understand the dimensions of this "so." (Charnock; Ibid.)
I. WHAT DOES THE WORD "BELIEVETH" INVOLVE?
(1) It supposes a distance knowledge of Him.
(2) It includes assent to the record that God the Father has given of Him.
(3) It includes our hearty approbation of Him.
(4) Chiefly it includes a cordial acceptance of Christ as offered in the gospel.
II. IN WHAT RESPECTS TRUE BELIEVERS IN CHRIST MAY BE SAID TO HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE?
(1) They have it in title and right of purchase.
(2) They have the blessedness of the heavenly state in the promises of it.
(3) They have the eternal happiness of heaven in their glorified head and forerunner.
(4) They have everlasting life in the first-fruits of it. (Anon)
I. THE OBJECT OF THE SINNER'S FAITH:
1. CHRIST IS THE SOLE OBJECT OF THE SINNER'S FAITH:
(1) As God.
(2) In his perfect righteousness. (3) As dying and dead.
(4) As risen.
(5) As your substitute.
II. THE WARRANT OF FAITH:
Why a man dares to trust in Christ. Just because Christ has bidden him. Faith is a duty as well as a privilege. (Ibid)
NO CONDEMNATION: A verdict of "not guilty" amounts to an acquittal, so the sentence of "not condemned" implies the justification of the sinner. THIS IS:
(1) A present justification.
Faith does not produce this fruit by and by, but now.
(2) A continual justification.
(3) A complete justification, not half condemned and half accepted.
(4) An effectual justification.
"All that the Father giveth me..."(Ibid)
WHY DO MEN LIVE IN SIN?
ANSWER: "They love it."
v. 19 They love evil deeds.
ILLUS: In the reign of George III, the son of a member of his church lay under sentence of death for forgery. Dr.Rippon, after incredible exertions, obtained a promise that this sentence should be remitted. But a singular occurrence, the present senior deacon learned, that the reprieve had not been received, and the unhappy prisoner would have been executed had not Dr. Rippon gone post-haste to Windsor, obtained an interview with the king in his bed-chamber, and received from that monarch's own hand a copy of that reprieve, which had been negligently put aside by a thoughtless officer. "I charge you, Dr." said his Highness, "to make good speed." "Trust me, sire, for that," said he; and he returned to London only just in time, for the prisoner was being marched, with many others, to the scaffold. That pardon might have been given, and yet the man might have been executed. But, blessed be God, our non-condemnation is an EFFECTUAL thing. (Ibid)
ILLUS: I am told that at Rome, that if you go up a few steps on your hands and knees, that is nine years out of pergatory. If you take one step now, you are out of pergatory for time and eternity. You used to have two steps into glory----out of self into Christ, out of Christ into glory. But there is a shorter way now with only one step----out of self into glory, and you are saved. May God help you to take the step now! (D. L. Moody)
THE DOOM OF UNBELIEVERS: I recollect how those words "condemned already" rang in my ears, as I should think the bells of St.Sepulchre's used to sound in the ears of the condemned in Newgate, warning them that the time was come to go out upon the scaffold. When the shadow of eternal wrath falls upon the heart, nothing worse can be imagined; for the conscience bears sure witness that God is just when He judges, condemns, and punishes.
(4) As risen.
(5) As your substitute.
II. THE WARRANT OF FAITH:
Why a man dares to trust in Christ. Just because Christ has bidden him. Faith is a duty as well as a privilege. (Ibid)
NO CONDEMNATION: A verdict of "not guilty" amounts to an acquittal, so the sentence of "not condemned" implies the justification of the sinner. THIS IS:
(1) A present justification.
Faith does not produce this fruit by and by, but now.
(2) A continual justification.
(3) A complete justification, not half condemned and half accepted.
(4) An effectual justification.
"All that the Father giveth me..."(Ibid)
WHY DO MEN LIVE IN SIN?
ANSWER: "They love it."
v. 19 They love evil deeds.
ILLUS: In the reign of George III, the son of a member of his church lay under sentence of death for forgery. Dr.Rippon, after incredible exertions, obtained a promise that this sentence should be remitted. But a singular occurrence, the present senior deacon learned, that the reprieve had not been received, and the unhappy prisoner would have been executed had not Dr. Rippon gone post-haste to Windsor, obtained an interview with the king in his bed-chamber, and received from that monarch's own hand a copy of that reprieve, which had been negligently put aside by a thoughtless officer. "I charge you, Dr." said his Highness, "to make good speed." "Trust me, sire, for that," said he; and he returned to London only just in time, for the prisoner was being marched, with many others, to the scaffold. That pardon might have been given, and yet the man might have been executed. But, blessed be God, our non-condemnation is an EFFECTUAL thing. (Ibid)
ILLUS: I am told that at Rome, that if you go up a few steps on your hands and knees, that is nine years out of pergatory. If you take one step now, you are out of pergatory for time and eternity. You used to have two steps into glory----out of self into Christ, out of Christ into glory. But there is a shorter way now with only one step----out of self into glory, and you are saved. May God help you to take the step now! (D. L. Moody)
THE DOOM OF UNBELIEVERS: I recollect how those words "condemned already" rang in my ears, as I should think the bells of St.Sepulchre's used to sound in the ears of the condemned in Newgate, warning them that the time was come to go out upon the scaffold. When the shadow of eternal wrath falls upon the heart, nothing worse can be imagined; for the conscience bears sure witness that God is just when He judges, condemns, and punishes.
When a man feels the shadow of death upon him, infidel arguments are silenced, self-conceited defences are banished, and the heart consents to the justice of the law which declares, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die." (C. H. Spurgeon)
NEGLECT IS RUINOUS: Neglect is enough to ruin a man. A man who is in business need not commit forgery or robbery to ruin himself; he has only to neglect his business, and his ruin is certain. A man who is lying on a bed of sickness need not cut his throat to destroy himself; he has only to neglect the means of restoration, and he will be ruined. A man floating in a skiff above Niagara need not move an oar, or make an effort to destroy himself; he has only to neglect using the oar at the proper time, and he will certainly be carried over the cataract. (A. Barnes)
NOTE: "Mark you," said a pius sailor, when explaining to a shipmate at the wheel, "it isn't breaking off swearing and the like; it isn't reading the Bible, nor praying, nor being good; it is none of these....It isn't anything that you have done or can do; its taking hold of what Jesus did for you; it's forsaking your sins, and expecting the pardon and salvation of your soul, because Christ let the waves and billows go over Him on Calvary. This is believing, and believing is nothing else." (New Encyclopedia of Anecdotes)
v. 18----"not condemned"
I. THE BELIEVER IS NOT CONDEMNED.
(1) Christ has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
(2) Faith in Christ, identifies us with His sacrifice
(3) Identification with the sacrifice of Christ removes all personal guilt.
(4) So the believer is not regarded or dealt with by God as a sinner.
HE IS NOT CONDEMNED:
(1) By God.
(2) By the law.
(3) By Himself.
II. UNBELIEVERS ALREADY CONDEMNED----WHY? BECAUSE:
(1) He despises God's unspeakable gift as superfluous, or insufficient, or comparatively unimportant.
(2) He dishonors the Son of God Himself.
(3) He refuses to listen even to God's testimony concerning His son. (S. Martin)
(NOTE: THE READER IS REFERRED TO THE TOPICS ON "FAITH, REGENERATION, CONVERSION, REPENTANCE, ETC. IN THE DOCTRINAL SECTION FOR A FULLER DISCUSSION ON THE SUBJECT.)
v. 19----"Light is come into the world"
I. The light of CONSCIENCE.
II. The light of NATURE.
When a man feels the shadow of death upon him, infidel arguments are silenced, self-conceited defences are banished, and the heart consents to the justice of the law which declares, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die." (C. H. Spurgeon)
NEGLECT IS RUINOUS: Neglect is enough to ruin a man. A man who is in business need not commit forgery or robbery to ruin himself; he has only to neglect his business, and his ruin is certain. A man who is lying on a bed of sickness need not cut his throat to destroy himself; he has only to neglect the means of restoration, and he will be ruined. A man floating in a skiff above Niagara need not move an oar, or make an effort to destroy himself; he has only to neglect using the oar at the proper time, and he will certainly be carried over the cataract. (A. Barnes)
NOTE: "Mark you," said a pius sailor, when explaining to a shipmate at the wheel, "it isn't breaking off swearing and the like; it isn't reading the Bible, nor praying, nor being good; it is none of these....It isn't anything that you have done or can do; its taking hold of what Jesus did for you; it's forsaking your sins, and expecting the pardon and salvation of your soul, because Christ let the waves and billows go over Him on Calvary. This is believing, and believing is nothing else." (New Encyclopedia of Anecdotes)
v. 18----"not condemned"
I. THE BELIEVER IS NOT CONDEMNED.
(1) Christ has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
(2) Faith in Christ, identifies us with His sacrifice
(3) Identification with the sacrifice of Christ removes all personal guilt.
(4) So the believer is not regarded or dealt with by God as a sinner.
HE IS NOT CONDEMNED:
(1) By God.
(2) By the law.
(3) By Himself.
II. UNBELIEVERS ALREADY CONDEMNED----WHY? BECAUSE:
(1) He despises God's unspeakable gift as superfluous, or insufficient, or comparatively unimportant.
(2) He dishonors the Son of God Himself.
(3) He refuses to listen even to God's testimony concerning His son. (S. Martin)
(NOTE: THE READER IS REFERRED TO THE TOPICS ON "FAITH, REGENERATION, CONVERSION, REPENTANCE, ETC. IN THE DOCTRINAL SECTION FOR A FULLER DISCUSSION ON THE SUBJECT.)
v. 19----"Light is come into the world"
I. The light of CONSCIENCE.
II. The light of NATURE.
NOTE: Astronomy teaches us the existence of an Almighty creator. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork." (Ps. 19:1)
III. The light of divine revelation.
NOTE: Confirming the lessons of natural theology. Making known to us the provisions of redemption.
IV. The light of the Holy Spirit.
(1) Enlightening the mind.
(2) Teaching the way of salvation.
(3) Guiding into all truth.
I. MAN'S DEPRAVITY ILLUSTRATED:----"love darkness better than light"
(1) Man seeks to stiffle his conscience regarding salvation.
(2) Man looks at God's creation without thought of their Creator.
(3) Man has the Bible but treats it as a fable.
(4) Man resists and grieves the Holy Spirit.
II. CAUSE OF MAN'S DEPRAVITY:
(1) He is born with a depraved nature.
NOTE: This means that every faculty of his being is effected by sin. It does not mean that he is as bad as he can be, but that he is subject to the utmost of wickedness.
(2) Sin is not an accident of our lives.
(3) Sin is the choice and love of our hearts.
ILLUS: When the bastille was about to be destroyed a prisoner was brought out, who had long been lying in one of its gloomy cells. Instead of joyfully welcoming his liberty, he entreated that he might be taken back to his dungeon. It was so long since he had seen the light that his eyes could not endure the light of the sun. Also, his friends were all dead; he had no home, and his limbs refused to move. His chief desire now was that he might die in the dark prison where so long he had been a captive. ( W. Denton)
I. WHAT IS DARKNESS?
(1) Ignorance of God as the true God.
(2) Ignorance of sin and guilt of sin.
(3) A desire to be deceived regarding spiritual things. (Jer. 5:31)
II. THE REASON WHY DARKNESS IS PREFERRED:
1. The innate love of sin.
It is the delight of the sinner.
2. They find some comfort in sin.
No alarms----conscience lulled.
3. What little light seeps through is unwelcome and painful.
4. It would require a forsaking of that which they dearly love----the practice of sin. ( The Evangelist)
NOTE: Astronomy teaches us the existence of an Almighty creator. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork." (Ps. 19:1)
III. The light of divine revelation.
NOTE: Confirming the lessons of natural theology. Making known to us the provisions of redemption.
IV. The light of the Holy Spirit.
(1) Enlightening the mind.
(2) Teaching the way of salvation.
(3) Guiding into all truth.
I. MAN'S DEPRAVITY ILLUSTRATED:----"love darkness better than light"
(1) Man seeks to stiffle his conscience regarding salvation.
(2) Man looks at God's creation without thought of their Creator.
(3) Man has the Bible but treats it as a fable.
(4) Man resists and grieves the Holy Spirit.
II. CAUSE OF MAN'S DEPRAVITY:
(1) He is born with a depraved nature.
NOTE: This means that every faculty of his being is effected by sin. It does not mean that he is as bad as he can be, but that he is subject to the utmost of wickedness.
(2) Sin is not an accident of our lives.
(3) Sin is the choice and love of our hearts.
ILLUS: When the bastille was about to be destroyed a prisoner was brought out, who had long been lying in one of its gloomy cells. Instead of joyfully welcoming his liberty, he entreated that he might be taken back to his dungeon. It was so long since he had seen the light that his eyes could not endure the light of the sun. Also, his friends were all dead; he had no home, and his limbs refused to move. His chief desire now was that he might die in the dark prison where so long he had been a captive. ( W. Denton)
I. WHAT IS DARKNESS?
(1) Ignorance of God as the true God.
(2) Ignorance of sin and guilt of sin.
(3) A desire to be deceived regarding spiritual things. (Jer. 5:31)
II. THE REASON WHY DARKNESS IS PREFERRED:
1. The innate love of sin.
It is the delight of the sinner.
2. They find some comfort in sin.
No alarms----conscience lulled.
3. What little light seeps through is unwelcome and painful.
4. It would require a forsaking of that which they dearly love----the practice of sin. ( The Evangelist)
ILLUS: Suppose I was going over London bridge, and saw a poor miserable beggar, bare-footed, coatless, hatless, with no rags hardly to cover his nakedness, and right behind him, only a few yards, there was the Prince of Wales with a bag of gold, and the poor beggar was running away from him as if he was running away from a demon, and the Prince of Wales was shouting after him, "Oh, beggar, here is a bag of gold!" Why, we should say the beggar had gone mad, to be running away from the Prince of Wales with the bag of gold. Sinner, that is your condition. (D. L. Moody)
(NOTE: THE READER SHOULD CONSULT THE DOCTRINE OF DEPRAVITY)
ILLUS: Suppose a traveller was overcome by the night in a wilderness. It is total darkness; the rains come, the winds howl, thunders break, lightning streaks. He sees in the distance a faint light. He follows after it and is rescued. Sinner you are that traveller. (R. Sergeant)
ILLUS: RELIGION WITHOUT CHRIST----When John Wesley was a boy he thought he was a Christian. He had been taught that he could only be saved by keeping all the commandments of God. The following is what he based his salvation upon:
(1) He was not as bad as others.
(2) He was religious.
(3) He read his Bible, went to church, and said his prayers. (that was his gospel)
NOTE: WHERE IS CHRIST IN SUCH A PROGRAM? You become your own saviour because you do these things. It is a salvation by works. True, he was not as bad as others. He was religious; he read his Bible; he attended church. Later on in adulthood, he considered himself a Christian because he says, "I was doing so much and living so good a life." The following is what he was doing:
(1) I set apart an hour or two a day for religious retirement.
(2) I took communion every week.
(3) I watched against all sin, whether in word or deed.
(4) I prayed for inward holiness.
CAN A MAN DO ALL THIS AND NOT BE SAVED?
He resorted to the following:
(1) I visited the prisons, the poor and the sick, doing all the good I could.
(2) I fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays.
(3) I diligently strove against sin.
(4) I practised self-denial.
NOTE: Think of it----he did all these things and still was not saved. At last he was ordained to the ministry. He decided to be a missionary and leaving England, he set sail for America. While crossing the Atlantic he practiced religion with a vengeance. This was his daily routine on board:
ILLUS: Suppose I was going over London bridge, and saw a poor miserable beggar, bare-footed, coatless, hatless, with no rags hardly to cover his nakedness, and right behind him, only a few yards, there was the Prince of Wales with a bag of gold, and the poor beggar was running away from him as if he was running away from a demon, and the Prince of Wales was shouting after him, "Oh, beggar, here is a bag of gold!" Why, we should say the beggar had gone mad, to be running away from the Prince of Wales with the bag of gold. Sinner, that is your condition. (D. L. Moody)
(NOTE: THE READER SHOULD CONSULT THE DOCTRINE OF DEPRAVITY)
ILLUS: Suppose a traveller was overcome by the night in a wilderness. It is total darkness; the rains come, the winds howl, thunders break, lightning streaks. He sees in the distance a faint light. He follows after it and is rescued. Sinner you are that traveller. (R. Sergeant)
ILLUS: RELIGION WITHOUT CHRIST----When John Wesley was a boy he thought he was a Christian. He had been taught that he could only be saved by keeping all the commandments of God. The following is what he based his salvation upon:
(1) He was not as bad as others.
(2) He was religious.
(3) He read his Bible, went to church, and said his prayers. (that was his gospel)
NOTE: WHERE IS CHRIST IN SUCH A PROGRAM? You become your own saviour because you do these things. It is a salvation by works. True, he was not as bad as others. He was religious; he read his Bible; he attended church. Later on in adulthood, he considered himself a Christian because he says, "I was doing so much and living so good a life." The following is what he was doing:
(1) I set apart an hour or two a day for religious retirement.
(2) I took communion every week.
(3) I watched against all sin, whether in word or deed.
(4) I prayed for inward holiness.
CAN A MAN DO ALL THIS AND NOT BE SAVED?
He resorted to the following:
(1) I visited the prisons, the poor and the sick, doing all the good I could.
(2) I fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays.
(3) I diligently strove against sin.
(4) I practised self-denial.
NOTE: Think of it----he did all these things and still was not saved. At last he was ordained to the ministry. He decided to be a missionary and leaving England, he set sail for America. While crossing the Atlantic he practiced religion with a vengeance. This was his daily routine on board:
CONVERSION
CONVERSION is that action of man which results from regeneration. (Shedd, Dog. Th.)
CONVERSION is that voluntary change in the mind of the sinner, in which he turns, on the one hand, from sin, and on the other hand, to Christ. The former or negative element in conversion, namely, the turning from sin, we denominate REPENTANCE. The latter or positive element in conversion, namely, the turning to Christ, we denominate FAITH.
Acts 3:26 "in turning away every one of you from your iniquities". Acts 11:21 "believed" and "turned to the Lord."
ILLUS: A candidate for ordination was asked which came first: REGENERATION or CONVERSION. He replied very correctly: "Regeneration and Conversion are like the cannon-ball and the hole----they both go through together." This is true however only as to their chronological relation. Logically the ball is first and causes the hole, not the hole first and causes the ball. (Strong, Sys. Th.)
CONVERSION consists of two acts:
I. FAITH
II. REPENTANCE.
I. FAITH is turning to Christ as the ground of JUSTIFICATION, and away from self as the ground.
II. REPENTANCE is turning to God as the chief end of existence, and away from the creature as the chief end.
Faith and repentance are converting acts:
1. The first having principal reference to JUSTIFICATION.
2. The second to SANCTIFICATION.
The first to the GUILT of sin, the second to its CORRUPTION. (Shedd, Dog. Th.)
CONVERSION is the result of REGENERATION.
The new heart is prepared to turn to God and does actually so turn. Without regeneration the sinfulness of man keeps him away from God, causes him to set his affections upon self and his own pleasure, and to find gratification in things which are opposed to God and holiness. The regenerated heart has new affections and desires and is, therefore, fitted to seek after God and holiness.
Unlike regeneration which is a work of God alone upon the soul, CONVERSION is described as the act both of God and of man cooperating with him.
I. IT IS THE ACT OF GOD.
1 Ki. 18:37: "Thou hast turned their heart back again." Ps. 80:3 "Turn us again, Oh God; and cause thy face to shine and we shall be saved." Jer. 30:21 "I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me." also v.18 "Turn thou me, and I shall be turned." Ezek. 36:27 "and I will put my Spirit within you," etc. John 6:44 "No man can come to me, except the Father which sent me draw him."
F A I T H
F A I T H----(CONSULT DIRECTORY UNDER THE SUBJECT OF "CONVERSION.") FAITH in Jesus Christ as "a saving grace, is that whereby we receive and rest upon him for salvation." (Westminister Confession )
There is a difference between BELIEF and FAITH. Belief is ASSENT to a testimony; Faith is ASSENT to testimony and also TRUST in the person who gives the testimony. (Shedd, Dog.Th)
"JUSTIFYING FAITH not only assenteth to the truth of the promise, but receives and resteth upon Christ for pardon." (London Confession of Faith)
NOTE: There may be BELIEF without FAITH. A man may credit the statements made by Jesus Christ, and yet not rest in him for salvation. FAITH IS A "SAVING GRACE," but BELIEF IS NOT. All who are not skeptics believe the testimony of Christ and His apostles. But not all who are not skeptics have faith. FAITH is accompanied with love; BELIEF is not. "The devils believe and tremble." The natural man believes that God is merciful, but does not trust in his mercy. This distinction is marked in the New Testament by the use of the prepositions connected with the verb, or noun. 'pisteuo' when used in reference to Christ is accompanied with 'en', 'eis', 'epi', because the object is to denote REST and RELIANCE upon his person.
ILLUS: Paul said to the jailer, "Believe on ('pisteuson epi' ) the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." He did not bid him merely to believe that the statements which he had heard from Paul respecting Christ were correct. He bade him to RECEIVE and REST on Christ himself as a living and personal Redeemer. Prepositions are not always used with 'believe' to denote saving faith, but certain.in most instances. Example: Lu. 16:11----"Who will commit to your trust the true riches (tis pisteusei)?" This confident nature of faith is taught in the phrases "looking" to Christ, "receiving" Christ, "eating" his flesh," drinking" His blood. Christ is a Prince and Saviour; a Prophet, Priest and King; a person not to be believed merely, but to be believed in and on. (Shedd, Dog. Th.)
FAITH is an effect of which REGENERATION is the CAUSE. (1 Jo. 5:1 "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God."; Phil. 1:29 "Unto you it is given, in behalf of Christ, to "believe on him..."
1 Cor. 2:5----"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."; Jo. 6:44, 65----That great change which Christ denominates being " born again," manifests itself first of all in an act of RELIANCE UPON Christ's s blood of atonement.
I. EVANGELICAL FAITH IS AN ACT OF MAN----in Scriptural.phraseology, it is described as "coming" to Christ----(Matt. 11: 28) "looking" to Christ----(Jo.1:29) "receiving" Christ----(Jo.3:11) "following Christ"----(Jo.8:12)
(1) From 4 to 5 private prayer.
(2) From 5 to 7 public Bible Reading.
(3) From 8 to 9 public prayers.
(4) From 9 to 12 Bible study.
(5) From 12 to 1 testimonies.
(6) From 2 to 4 reading aloud or witnessing.
(7) From 4 to 5 evening prayers.
(8) From 5 to 6 private prayers.
(9) From 6 to 7 public reading.
(10) From 7 to 8 evening service.
(11) From 8 to 9 public exhortation.
All this and not a Christian!
ILLUS: John Newton, author of the hymn, "Amazing Grace", when in his last days, began to experience a lapse of memory. Said he, "I never forgot two things:
(1) I am a great sinner.
(2) Jesus Christ is a great Saviour. (W. W. Whthe; Bib. Muse.)
THE LOVE OF SIN PRODUCES:
(1) Atheism.
(2) Deism.
(3) Opposition to the doctrine of Divine influence. (Bib. Muse.)
v. 27----"a man can receive nothing"
MAN'S NATURE IS SIN----All his being is inclined toward sin. He has no capability within himself for receiving spirirutal truth. He can have it in his head, but the desire and the will to conform to the law of Christ is not in his capability. However, he should seek the Lord as if it all depended on him. When God, by the Holy Spirit, has opened his eyes in regeneration, he will realize that it was all of God, even his seeking the Lord. (Ed)
JOHN'S MINISTRY AND THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST:
WHAT DID JOHN PREACH?
I. HE DELIVERED THE WHOLE LAW AGAINST SIN.
Even in the case of Herod (Mk. 6:18-20) and of the Pharisees. (Lu. 3:7) He showed how the law extended to the words and thoughts of men. (Matt. 3:8, 9) He aroused the consciences of the people.
(1) He made a demand for immediate repentance, and its fruits in a new life. (Matt. 3:2)
(2) He heralded Jesus as the Messiah predicted of old. (Matt. 3:3)
In this way he connected Moses with Christ.
(3) He announced the special office of Jesus as the Redeemer of men.
He prepared the way for a gospel which based all its invitations of peace on the doctrine of sacrifice.
(1) From 4 to 5 private prayer.
(2) From 5 to 7 public Bible Reading.
(3) From 8 to 9 public prayers.
(4) From 9 to 12 Bible study.
(5) From 12 to 1 testimonies.
(6) From 2 to 4 reading aloud or witnessing.
(7) From 4 to 5 evening prayers.
(8) From 5 to 6 private prayers.
(9) From 6 to 7 public reading.
(10) From 7 to 8 evening service.
(11) From 8 to 9 public exhortation.
All this and not a Christian!
ILLUS: John Newton, author of the hymn, "Amazing Grace", when in his last days, began to experience a lapse of memory. Said he, "I never forgot two things:
(1) I am a great sinner.
(2) Jesus Christ is a great Saviour. (W. W. Whthe; Bib. Muse.)
THE LOVE OF SIN PRODUCES:
(1) Atheism.
(2) Deism.
(3) Opposition to the doctrine of Divine influence. (Bib. Muse.)
v. 27----"a man can receive nothing"
MAN'S NATURE IS SIN----All his being is inclined toward sin. He has no capability within himself for receiving spirirutal truth. He can have it in his head, but the desire and the will to conform to the law of Christ is not in his capability. However, he should seek the Lord as if it all depended on him. When God, by the Holy Spirit, has opened his eyes in regeneration, he will realize that it was all of God, even his seeking the Lord. (Ed)
JOHN'S MINISTRY AND THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST:
WHAT DID JOHN PREACH?
I. HE DELIVERED THE WHOLE LAW AGAINST SIN.
Even in the case of Herod (Mk. 6:18-20) and of the Pharisees. (Lu. 3:7) He showed how the law extended to the words and thoughts of men. (Matt. 3:8, 9) He aroused the consciences of the people.
(1) He made a demand for immediate repentance, and its fruits in a new life. (Matt. 3:2)
(2) He heralded Jesus as the Messiah predicted of old. (Matt. 3:3)
In this way he connected Moses with Christ.
(3) He announced the special office of Jesus as the Redeemer of men.
He prepared the way for a gospel which based all its invitations of peace on the doctrine of sacrifice.
II. IT IS THE ACT OF THE REGENERATE HEART ACTIVLY COOPERATING IN THUS TURNING.
Deut. 4:30 "Thou shalt return to the Lord thy God." Pr. 1:23 "Turn you at my reproof." Isa. 55:7 "Let him return unto the Lord." Joel. 2:13 "Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God." Acts 11:21 "A great number that believed turned unto the Lord"
NOTE: CONVERSION is the turning of the heart from sin in sincere repentance and the turning of the soul to God in simple Christian faith. (J. P. Boyce; Abstract of Sys. Th.)
NOTE: CONVERSION is the human side or aspect of that fundamental spiritual change which, as viewed from the divine side, we call REGENERATION. It is simply man's turning.
NOTE: The Scripture recognizes the VOLUNTARY activity of the human soul in this change as distinctly as they recognize the CAUSATIVE agency of God. While God turns men to himself; men are exhorted to turn themselves to God.
NOTE: Consult the above scripture. While God is represented as the author of the new heart and the new spirit, (Ps. 51:10; Ez. 11:19; 36:26) men are commanded to make for themselves a new heart and a new spirit. (2 Cor.7:1; Phil. 2:12,13; Eph. 5:14)
NOTE: If a man is ever regenerated, it must be in and through a movement of his own will, in which he turns to God as unconstrainedly and with as little consciousness of God's operation upon him, as if no such operation of God were involved in the change. In preaching, we are to press upon men the claims of God and their duty of immediate submission to Christ.
ILLUS: A Puritan writer said: "We are to seek the Lord as if it all depended upon us; and when we are saved, we are to recognize that even our seeking was grace given unto us by the Lord." All turnings of the Christian from sin are conversions, since 'conversion' means simply "a turning". (Lu. 22:32) But these subsequent 'turnings' do not imply a change of the governing disposition; they are rather new manifestations of a disposition already changed. (Strong, Sys. Th.)
The object of the epistle of James, is to teach that faith is an active principle. "Dead faith," the epistle defines to be "faith without works" a pretended faith. The hypocrite merely "SAYS" that he has faith (Ja. 2:14)
II. EVANGELICAL FAITH IS AN ACT OF BOTH THE UNDERSTANDING AND THE WILL.
It is complex; involving a spiritual perception of Christ, and an affectionate love of him.
1. That faith is an INTELLIGENT act is proved by Jo. 6:44, 45----"They shall be all taught by God.
"Every man, therefore, that hath heard and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me." (2 Cor. 3:14; 4:4; Eph. 1:17, 18) God giveth "the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ."
2. That faith is an AFFECTIONATE & VOLUNTARY act, is proved by Gal. 5:6----"Faith worketh by love." Eph. 6:23----"Peace be to the brethren, & love, with faith from God the Father." 2 Tim. 1:13----"Hold fast the form of sound words, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."
III. EVANGELICAL FAITH IS THE PARTICULAR ACT THAT UNITES THE SOUL TO CHRIST.
For this reason, it stands first in the order of the acts that result from regeneration. The Holy Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby us to Christ in our EFFECTUAL calling.
NOTE: Penitence for sin, love of holiness, hope, long-suffering, patience, temperance, etc., are none of them acts by which Christ's atonement for sin is laid hold of and made personal. TRUSTING FAITH is the first thing commanded. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:13) "This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent" (Jo. 6:29) (Shedd, Dog. Th.)
FAITH IS THAT VOLUNTARY CHANGE IN THE MIND OF THE SINNER IN WHICH HE TURNS TO CHRIST. Being essentially a change of mind, it involves a change of VIEW, a change of FEELING, and a change of PURPOSE.
FAITH can be analyzed into THREE constituents, each succeeding term of which includes and implies the preceding:
I. AN INTELLECTUAL ELEMENT.
Recognition of the truth of God's revelation concerning the salvation provided by Christ. This includes not only a historical belief in the facts of the Scripture, but an intellectual belief in the doctrine taught therein as to man's sinfulness and dependence upon Christ. (Jo. 2:23, 24) "Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, during the feast, many BELIEVED on his name, beholding his signs which he did. But Jesus did not trust himself unto them for that he knew all men." In John 3, Nicodemus had this external faith "no one can do these signs that thou doest..."
II. THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST:
(1) He testified to the entire accuracy of John's doctrine.
(2) He proclaimed the full necessity of an ATONEMENT.
NOTE: Not even John exceeded Christ in denouncing sin and requiring renewal of heart.
(3) He declared that the necessary sacrifice was now to be accomplished by Himself. (v. 16) III. THEIR METHODS OF PROCEDURE WERE SIMILAR.
(1) John presented the law first, then the gospel; but his office was plainly to press the law into prominence.
(2) Jesus presented the law first, then the gospel; but His office was to bring the gospel into prominence.
In both cases the law came earliest.
(3) The Conclusion:
Law work precedes gospel work in all God's dealing with souls.
(A) Much religious instruction proves inefficacious because Jesus is preached without John.
NOTE: The Lord does not seem in the still, small voice, because men miss the preparation of wind, earthquake, and fire.
(B) Why inquirers are so slow in finding peace.
There has been nothing to awake conscience.
(A) Why is there so much unrest and misgiving among Christ's people?
ANSWER: They have no intelligent sense of Christ's atonement in bearing the curse of the law for them. (Rom. 5:1, 2; 8:1, 3) (C. S. Robinson; Bib. Illus.)
vss. 29, 30----THE BRIDEGROOM AND BRIDE:
I. Christ is the bridegroom. (Psa. 45)
II. The Church is the Bride. (J. Stoughton; Ibid.)
III. The Union of the Bridegroom and the Bride.
She is Christ's.
(1) In the purpose of His good pleasure.
(2) By the price paid for her redemption.
(3) By the voluntary surrender of herself to Him forever.
IV. The entireness of the union. (J. Clayton; Ibid.)
BY WHAT MEANS ARE THE INTERESTS OF CHRIST AND HIS KINGDOM PROMOTED?
(1) By the diffusion of knowledge.
(2) By the preaching of the gospel.
(3) By the influences of the Holy Spirit. (J. Stephens; Ibid., Hom. Com.)
II. THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST:
(1) He testified to the entire accuracy of John's doctrine.
(2) He proclaimed the full necessity of an ATONEMENT.
NOTE: Not even John exceeded Christ in denouncing sin and requiring renewal of heart.
(3) He declared that the necessary sacrifice was now to be accomplished by Himself. (v. 16) III. THEIR METHODS OF PROCEDURE WERE SIMILAR.
(1) John presented the law first, then the gospel; but his office was plainly to press the law into prominence.
(2) Jesus presented the law first, then the gospel; but His office was to bring the gospel into prominence.
In both cases the law came earliest.
(3) The Conclusion:
Law work precedes gospel work in all God's dealing with souls.
(A) Much religious instruction proves inefficacious because Jesus is preached without John.
NOTE: The Lord does not seem in the still, small voice, because men miss the preparation of wind, earthquake, and fire.
(B) Why inquirers are so slow in finding peace.
There has been nothing to awake conscience.
(A) Why is there so much unrest and misgiving among Christ's people?
ANSWER: They have no intelligent sense of Christ's atonement in bearing the curse of the law for them. (Rom. 5:1, 2; 8:1, 3) (C. S. Robinson; Bib. Illus.)
vss. 29, 30----THE BRIDEGROOM AND BRIDE:
I. Christ is the bridegroom. (Psa. 45)
II. The Church is the Bride. (J. Stoughton; Ibid.)
III. The Union of the Bridegroom and the Bride.
She is Christ's.
(1) In the purpose of His good pleasure.
(2) By the price paid for her redemption.
(3) By the voluntary surrender of herself to Him forever.
IV. The entireness of the union. (J. Clayton; Ibid.)
BY WHAT MEANS ARE THE INTERESTS OF CHRIST AND HIS KINGDOM PROMOTED?
(1) By the diffusion of knowledge.
(2) By the preaching of the gospel.
(3) By the influences of the Holy Spirit. (J. Stephens; Ibid., Hom. Com.)
NOTE: Even this historical faith is not without its fruits. It is the spring of much philanthropic work. There were no hospitals in ancient Rome. Much of our modern progress is due to the leavening influence of Christianity, even those who have not personally accepted Christ. (Acts 8:13----"Simon Magus also himself believed." Luke expects us to understand that Simon' s belief was not faith that saved, but mere credence in the gospel narrative as true history. Simon's profession did not lead to repentance, or confession, or true trust.
NOTE: FAITH that does not lay hold of a present Christ is not saving faith.
II. AN EMOTIONAL ELEMENT
An assent to the revelation of God's power and grace in Jesus Christ, as applicable to the present needs of the soul. The emotions are stirred by the intellectual element. For a time, they appear to have committed their lives to Christ. (Mat. 13:20, 21----Parable of the Sower)
ILLUS: John the Baptist----Jesus said: "He was a burning and shining light; and ye were willing FOR A SEASON to rejoice in his light." (Jo. 5:35) "...many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed" (Jo. 8:30, 31)
NOTE: They believed HIM, but did not yet believe ON him, that is, make him the foundation of their faith and life. Yet Jesus graciously recognizes this first faint forshadowing of faith.
ILLUS: "PROSELYTES OF THE GATE" were so called, because they contented themselves with sitting in the gate, as it were, without going into the holy city. "PROSELYTES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS" were those who did their whole duty, by joining themselves fully to the people of God. NOT EMOTION, BUT DEVOTION, IS THE IMPORTANT THING.
III. A VOLUNTARY ELEMENT.
Trust in Christ as Lord and Saviour.
1. Surrender of the soul, as guilty and defiled, to Christ's governance.
NOTE: Greek----'pistis' translated 'believe' means "trustful self-surrender to God" (Meyer)
In this surrender of the soul to Christ's governance we have the guarantee that the gospel salvation is not an unmoral trust which permits continuance in sin. The very nature of faith, as submission to Christ, the embodied law of God and source of spiritual life, makes a life of obedience and virtue to be its natural and necessary result. FAITH IS NOT ONLY A DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE, IT IS ALSO A VOW OF ALLEGIANCE.
ILLUS: The sick man's faith in his physician is shown not simply by trusting him, but by obeying him. Doing what the doctor says is the very proof of trust. No physician will long care for a patient who refuses to obey his orders. Faith is self-surrender to the great Physician, and a leaving of our case in his hands. But it is also the taking of his prescriptions and the active following of his directions.
v. 35----"hath given all things into His hand"
I. THE ACT OF CREATION.
"All things were made by Him."
II. REVELATION.
God reveals Himself by His works, the laws of social life, the voice of conscience.
III. PROPITIATION.
"No man cometh unto the Father but by Me."
IV. HEART CONQUEST.
NOTE: The Holy Spirit conquers the will and causes sinful man to be willing. "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power." (Ps. 110:3)
V. ADMINISTRATION.
Men must be governed and sanctified.
VI. THE CONSUMMATION OF ALL THINGS.
He who sent Peter to reap the first fruits will send forth His angels to reap the harvest. (C. Clemance; Bib. Muse.; Ibid.)
"Hath given all things into His hand"
I. LIGHT for your mind.
II. LIFE for your souls.
III. LOVE for your hearts
IV. RIGHTEOUSNESS for your nature.
V. ATONEMENT for your sins.
VI. GRACE for strengthening.
VII. COMFORT for sorrow.
VIII. HEAVEN. (Bp. Gregg; Ibid.)
v. 36----THE UNBELIEVERS:
I. THEY ARE COMMON.
Abound in sanctuaries and on the streets.
II. THEY ARE NOT NECESSARILY SCEPTICS.
Many of them are quite orthodox.
III. NOT A FEW ARE BLAMELESS IN MORALS.
Like the young man, they lack the main thing.
IV. MANY ARE RELIGIOUS AFTER A SORT, ATTEND WORSHIP, READ THE BIBLE, ETC. \
There is a worm at the center of all this fair fruit.
V. IF THEY WERE CRIMINALS NO ONE WOULD WONDER, BUT MANY OF THEM ARE HIGHLY RESPECTABLE.
THE OFFENSE OF THESE UNBELIEVERS:
I. They have not believed on the Son of God.
II. They refuse to accept the mercy of God.
Men rejected God's law, now they reject His gospel.
v. 35----"hath given all things into His hand"
I. THE ACT OF CREATION.
"All things were made by Him."
II. REVELATION.
God reveals Himself by His works, the laws of social life, the voice of conscience.
III. PROPITIATION.
"No man cometh unto the Father but by Me."
IV. HEART CONQUEST.
NOTE: The Holy Spirit conquers the will and causes sinful man to be willing. "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power." (Ps. 110:3)
V. ADMINISTRATION.
Men must be governed and sanctified.
VI. THE CONSUMMATION OF ALL THINGS.
He who sent Peter to reap the first fruits will send forth His angels to reap the harvest. (C. Clemance; Bib. Muse.; Ibid.)
"Hath given all things into His hand"
I. LIGHT for your mind.
II. LIFE for your souls.
III. LOVE for your hearts
IV. RIGHTEOUSNESS for your nature.
V. ATONEMENT for your sins.
VI. GRACE for strengthening.
VII. COMFORT for sorrow.
VIII. HEAVEN. (Bp. Gregg; Ibid.)
v. 36----THE UNBELIEVERS:
I. THEY ARE COMMON.
Abound in sanctuaries and on the streets.
II. THEY ARE NOT NECESSARILY SCEPTICS.
Many of them are quite orthodox.
III. NOT A FEW ARE BLAMELESS IN MORALS.
Like the young man, they lack the main thing.
IV. MANY ARE RELIGIOUS AFTER A SORT, ATTEND WORSHIP, READ THE BIBLE, ETC. \
There is a worm at the center of all this fair fruit.
V. IF THEY WERE CRIMINALS NO ONE WOULD WONDER, BUT MANY OF THEM ARE HIGHLY RESPECTABLE.
THE OFFENSE OF THESE UNBELIEVERS:
I. They have not believed on the Son of God.
II. They refuse to accept the mercy of God.
Men rejected God's law, now they reject His gospel.
long care for a patient who refuses to obey his orders. Faith is self-surrender to the great Physician, and a leaving of our case in his hands. But it is also the taking of his prescriptions and the active following of his directions by OBEYING him. Doing what the doctor says is the very proof of trust. FAITH is not simple receptiveness. It gives itself, as well as receives Christ. It is not mere passivity,----it is also self-committal. The Watchman, April 30,1896----"Faith is more than belief and trust. It is the action of the soul going out toward its object....it establishes a personal relation between the one who exercises faith and the one who is its object. When the intellectual feature predominates, we call it belief; when the emotional element predominates, we call it trust." (Strong, Sys. Th.)
THERE ARE FOUR KINDS OF FAITH:
I. HISTORICAL.
II. TEMPORARY.
III. SAVING.
IV. MIRACULOUS
V. INTELLECTUAL FAITH.
1, The efficient cause of saving faith is EFFECTUAL calling, proceeding from God's immutable election. (Titus 1:1; Acts 13:48)
That of TEMPORARY faith is the common call----The STONY GROUND hearer.
2. The SUBJECT OF SAVING FAITH IS A "GOOD HEART' "
A REGENERATE SOUL; that of TEMPORARY FAITH is a stony soul. (Mat. 13:5, 6, 8)
3. Their objects are different:
SAVING faith embracing Christ as He is offered in the gospel, a Saviour from sin to holiness: and TEMPORARY faith embracing only the impunity and enjoyments of the Christian.
4. Their results are different:
The one bearing all the fruits of sanctification, comfort and perseverance; the other bearing no fruit unto perfection.
ILLUS: Parable of the sower." The principle acts of saving faith are:
1. RECEIVING.
2. Resting upon Christ alone for JUSTIFICATION.
3. SANCTIFICATION and
4. ETERNAL LIFE." (Philadelphia Confession; Westmininister Confession)
NOTE: No one rises above the faith of the stony-ground hearer, until he desires & embraces Christ as a deliverer from depravity and sin, as well as hell. (Dabney, Lect. in Sys. Th.)
THERE MUST BE A VITAL UNION BY FAITH WITH CHRIST:
III. In this rejection the unbeliever displays an intense venom against God, slighting the greatest manifestation of His love.
IV. He perpetrates an offence against every person in the blessed Trinity.
V. He insults every divine attribute, justice, wisdom, mercy. (C. H. Spurgeon; Ibid.)
TRANSFORMING DOCTRINES:
I. REGENERATION----given a new nature----a holy disposition. (Gal. 6:15)
II. JUSTIFICATION----standing changed. (Rom. 5:1)
III. SANCTIFICATION----behaviour changed. (Gal. 5:16)
IV. PRESERVATION and PERSEVERANCE----Conception changed. (Phil. 1:6)
V. GLORIFICATION----Body raised----Glorified. (Rom. 8:11) (Christian Digest)
ILLUS: THEOLOGICAL IGNORANCE----The Romish clergy at the beginning of the Reformation were sunk in great ignorance. A bishop of Dunfield congratulate himself on having never learned either Hebrew or Greek. The monks asserted that all heresies arose from these two languages, and particularly from the Greek. "The New Testament," said one of them, "is a book full of serpents and thorns. Greek," continued he, "is a new and recently invented language, and we must be upon our guard against it. As for Hebrew, my dear brethren, it is certain that all who learn it immediately become Jews." Even the Faculty of Theology at Paris scrupled not to declare to the Parliament: "Religion is ruined, if you permit the study of Greek and Hebrew." (D' Aubigne; Hist. of The Reformation; Bib. Muse.)
ILLUS: THE CHAINED BIBLE----A gentleman once visiting an acquaintance of his, whose conduct was as irregular as his principles were erronous, was astonished to see a large Bible in the hall chained fast to the floor. He ventured to inquire the reason: "Sir," replied his infidel friend, "I am obliged to chain down that book, to prevent its flying in my face." Such persons hate the Bible, as Ahab did Micaiah, because it never speaks good concerning them, but evil. (Bib. Muse.)
ILLUS: EXAMPLE OF CHRISTIAN ZEAL----The most remarkable examples of zeal are found in the records of the early itinerant ministers. Richard Nolley, one of these, came upon the fresh trail of an emigrant in the wilderness, and followed it till he overtook the family. When the emigrant saw him, he said, "What, a Methodist preacher! I quit Virginia to be out of the way of them; but in my settlement in Georgia I thought I should be beyond their reach. There they were; and they got my wife and daughter into their Church. Then I come here to Chocktaw Corner, find a piece of land, feel sure that I shall have some peace from the preachers; and here is one before I've unloaded my wagon!" The preacher exhorted him to make his peace with God, that he might not be troubled by the everywhere present Methodist preachers. (Bib. Muse.)
vss. 27-29 THE LUXURY OF LIVING----Our joy is fulfilled:
1. In doing the right.
2. In doing our own work.
3. In witnessing our influence.
4. In anticipating our reward. (W. W. Wythe; Bib. Muse.)
III. In this rejection the unbeliever displays an intense venom against God, slighting the greatest manifestation of His love.
IV. He perpetrates an offence against every person in the blessed Trinity.
V. He insults every divine attribute, justice, wisdom, mercy. (C. H. Spurgeon; Ibid.)
TRANSFORMING DOCTRINES:
I. REGENERATION----given a new nature----a holy disposition. (Gal. 6:15)
II. JUSTIFICATION----standing changed. (Rom. 5:1)
III. SANCTIFICATION----behaviour changed. (Gal. 5:16)
IV. PRESERVATION and PERSEVERANCE----Conception changed. (Phil. 1:6)
V. GLORIFICATION----Body raised----Glorified. (Rom. 8:11) (Christian Digest)
ILLUS: THEOLOGICAL IGNORANCE----The Romish clergy at the beginning of the Reformation were sunk in great ignorance. A bishop of Dunfield congratulate himself on having never learned either Hebrew or Greek. The monks asserted that all heresies arose from these two languages, and particularly from the Greek. "The New Testament," said one of them, "is a book full of serpents and thorns. Greek," continued he, "is a new and recently invented language, and we must be upon our guard against it. As for Hebrew, my dear brethren, it is certain that all who learn it immediately become Jews." Even the Faculty of Theology at Paris scrupled not to declare to the Parliament: "Religion is ruined, if you permit the study of Greek and Hebrew." (D' Aubigne; Hist. of The Reformation; Bib. Muse.)
ILLUS: THE CHAINED BIBLE----A gentleman once visiting an acquaintance of his, whose conduct was as irregular as his principles were erronous, was astonished to see a large Bible in the hall chained fast to the floor. He ventured to inquire the reason: "Sir," replied his infidel friend, "I am obliged to chain down that book, to prevent its flying in my face." Such persons hate the Bible, as Ahab did Micaiah, because it never speaks good concerning them, but evil. (Bib. Muse.)
ILLUS: EXAMPLE OF CHRISTIAN ZEAL----The most remarkable examples of zeal are found in the records of the early itinerant ministers. Richard Nolley, one of these, came upon the fresh trail of an emigrant in the wilderness, and followed it till he overtook the family. When the emigrant saw him, he said, "What, a Methodist preacher! I quit Virginia to be out of the way of them; but in my settlement in Georgia I thought I should be beyond their reach. There they were; and they got my wife and daughter into their Church. Then I come here to Chocktaw Corner, find a piece of land, feel sure that I shall have some peace from the preachers; and here is one before I've unloaded my wagon!" The preacher exhorted him to make his peace with God, that he might not be troubled by the everywhere present Methodist preachers. (Bib. Muse.)
vss. 27-29 THE LUXURY OF LIVING----Our joy is fulfilled:
1. In doing the right.
2. In doing our own work.
3. In witnessing our influence.
4. In anticipating our reward. (W. W. Wythe; Bib. Muse.)
NOTE: Most men who make a profession of faith still look back toward Sodom as did Lot's wife. They do not make a complete close or commitment to Christ. They still retain their former lovers, and will not break their covenants with hell and death, imagining they may have Christ with these things equally sharing in their heart; contrary to that, "A man cannot serve two masters." (Matt. 6:24) Either Christ must be judged absolute Lord, and worthy to be so, or nothing at all. But where justifying faith is, the soul of a man and his heart doth close with Christ, and Him alone, "having no confidence in the flesh," and trusting only in God. (Phil. 3:3; Psa. 62:5) He here giveth up all other lovers; as they compete with Christ, he resolves not to be for another. (Hos. 3:3) He calls Him Lord, which a man can only do by the Spirit of Christ. (I Cor. 12:13) (Wm. Guthrie; The Christian's Saving Interest)
NOTE: C.H.Spurgeon, "Lectures to My Students," said, "If the professed convert distinctly and deliberately declares that he knows the Lord's will, but does not mean to attend to it, you are not to pamper his presumption, but it is your duty to assure him that he is not saved."
IN SAVING FAITH THERE IS A VITAL UNION WITH CHRIST.
There must be an appropriation of Christ; a putting on of Christ.
NOTE: One of the most deceitful and damning things to the Christian church today is the heresy of preaching or doctrine that a man can be saved and enter heaven without a true Bible regenerating "FAITH", "REPENTANCE", "CONVERSION", experience wrought within him by God Almighty. If a man has no desire to serve God, that is an evident sign that he is not of GOD! SAVING FAITH INVOLVES A VITAL UNION WITH CHRIST----AN APPROPRIATION OR PUTTING ON CHRIST! (Ed.)
I. IT IS A SPIRITUAL UNION, BECAUSE OF ITS AUTHOR, THE HOLY SPIRIT. (1 Cor. 6:12, 13) (1Cor 6:17----"He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit") 1 Jo. 3:24----"By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.")
I. IT IS A SPIRITUAL UNION.
NOTE: "I stand upon His merit, I know no other stand, Not e'en where glory dwelleth in IMMANUEL'S land" (Samuel Rutherford)
II. IT IS A VITAL UNION BECAUSE IT INVOLVES A DIVINE & SPIRITUAL LIFE DERIVED FROM CHRIST.
(Jo.14:19 "Because I live, ye shall live also." Gal. 2:20 "I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me."
III. IT IS AN ETERNAL UNION.
(Jo.10:28----"They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." Rom. 8:35-39----"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?")
IV. IT IS A MYSTICAL, THAT IS, MYSTERIOUS UNION----the elect are "mystically joined to Christ" (Eph. 5:32 "This is a great mystery; I speak concerning Christ and the church."
NOTE: If God had said there was mercy for Richard Baxter, I am so vile a sinner, that I would have thought He meant some other Richard baxter; but, when he says "whosoever," I know that includes me, the worst of all Richard Baxter. (Bib. Muse.)
ILLUS: v. 27----"A man can receive nothing...."
NOTHING EXCEPT IT BE GIVEN HIM----Columbus, after his discovery of America, was persecuted by the envy of the Spanish courtiers for the honors which were heaped upon him by the sovereign; and once at a table, when all decorum was banished in the heat of wine, they murmured loudly at the caresses he received, having, as they said, with mere animal resolution pushed his voyage a few leagues beyond what any one had chanced to have done before. Columbus heard them with great patience, and, taking an egg from the dish, proposed that they should exhibit their ingenuity by making it stand on an end. It went all around; but no one succeeded. "Give it me, gentlemen," said Columbus; who then took it, and, breaking it at one of the ends, it stood at once. They all cried out, "Why! I could have done that."----"Yes, if the thought had struck you," replied Columbus; "and if the thought had struck you, you might have discovered America." (Percy; Bib. Muse.)
NOTE: If God had said there was mercy for Richard Baxter, I am so vile a sinner, that I would have thought He meant some other Richard baxter; but, when he says "whosoever," I know that includes me, the worst of all Richard Baxter. (Bib. Muse.)
ILLUS: v. 27----"A man can receive nothing...."
NOTHING EXCEPT IT BE GIVEN HIM----Columbus, after his discovery of America, was persecuted by the envy of the Spanish courtiers for the honors which were heaped upon him by the sovereign; and once at a table, when all decorum was banished in the heat of wine, they murmured loudly at the caresses he received, having, as they said, with mere animal resolution pushed his voyage a few leagues beyond what any one had chanced to have done before. Columbus heard them with great patience, and, taking an egg from the dish, proposed that they should exhibit their ingenuity by making it stand on an end. It went all around; but no one succeeded. "Give it me, gentlemen," said Columbus; who then took it, and, breaking it at one of the ends, it stood at once. They all cried out, "Why! I could have done that."----"Yes, if the thought had struck you," replied Columbus; "and if the thought had struck you, you might have discovered America." (Percy; Bib. Muse.)
NOTE: The spiritual.union between Christ and his people is individual, not specific. It results from regeneration, not from creation. Because they are spiritually, vitally, eternally, and mystically one with him, his merit is imputable to them, and their demerit is imputable to him. The imputation of Christ's righteousness supposes a union with him. It could not be imputed to an unbeliever, because he is not united to Christ by faith.
ILLUS: "In a beautiful North.English village a boy lay very sick, drawing near to death, and very sad. His heart longed for the treasure which was worth more to him now than all the gold of the western mines. One day I sat down by him, took his hand, and looking in his troubled face asked him what made him so sad. "Uncle ," said he, "I want to love God! Won't you tell me how to love God?" I cannot describe the piteous tones in which he said these words, and the look of anxiety which he gave me. I said to him: "My boy, you must trust God first, and then you will love him without trying to at all." With a surprised look he exclaimed, "What did you say?" I repeated the exact words again, and I shall never forget how his large, hazel eyes opened on me, and his cheek flushed as he slowly said, "Well, I never knew that before. I always thought that I must love God first before I had any right to trust him." "No, my dear boy," I answered, "God wants us to trust him; that is what Jesus always asks us to do first of all, and he knows that as soon as we trust him we shall begin to love him. This is the way to love God, put your trust in him first of all." Then I spoke to him of the Lord Jesus, and how God sent him that we might believe in him, and how, all through his life, he offered himself as the Saviour of men through a saving trust in Him. He was grieved by the hardness of the hearts of men. All who believed on him came to love him without trying at all. He drank in all the truth, and simply saying, "I will trust Jesus now," without an effort put his young soul in Christ's hands that very hour, and so he came into the peace of God which passeth understanding, and lived in it calmly and sweetly to the end." (Shedd, Dog. Th.)
NOTE: SAVING FAITH INVOLVES RECEIVING OR ACCEPTING CHRIST IN ALL OF HIS OFFICES:
1. Prophet. 2. Priest. 3. King.
As a KING to rule over me, a PRIEST to offer sacrifice and intercede for me, a PROPHET to teach me; I lay out my heart for Him and towards Him, resting on Him as I am able. What else can be meant by the word 'RECEIVING?' This is one of the warrants or assurances of faith. I am justly to reckon myself God's child, if I can truthfully assent to His three offices and committed myself from the heart to obedience of these three. (W. Guthrie, The Christian's Saving Interest)
"Why doth a man seek a pardon if he intends to go on in rebellion, and stand out in defiance of his Prince? They seek a pardon in a mocking way and intend not to return unto obedience; to take a part of this salvation and leave out the rest. But Christ is not divided. They would be saved by Christ, and yet be out of Christ in a fleshly state, whereas God doth free none from condemnation but those who are in Christ." (Walter Marshall, Sanctification)
NOTE: "Hail! Sov'reign love, that first began The scheme to rescue fallen man! Hail! matchless free eternal grace, That gave my soul a hiding place!" (Brewer)
NOTE: Since guilt is a prominent fact in man's condition, the priestly office is prominent in relation to faith as described in Scripure. Under the Levitical economy, FAITH was indispensable. The typical sacrifice must be offered trusting in the promise of God concerning the Messiah. Merely to bring and slay a lamb, as a form or ritual, was not sufficient. There must be filial reverence for the Divine command, and confidence in the Divine promise of mercy through the coming Redeemer. (Shedd, Dog. Th.)
NOTE: Robt Murray McCheyne said: "It is a holy making gospel. Without holy fruit, all evidences are vain. Dear friends, You may have awakenings, enlightenings, experiences, and many due signs; but if you lack HOLINESS, you will never see the Lord. A real desire after complete holiness is the truest mark of being born again. Jesus is a holy Saviour. He first covers the soul with His white raiment, then makes the soul glorious within." "Justifying faith is not to believe I am elected, or to believe that God loveth me, or that Christ died for me, or the like. I say, true justifing faith is not any of the aforesaid things; neither is it simply the believing of any sentence that is written, or that can be thought upon. I grant, he that believeth on Christ Jesus, believeth what God has said concerning man's sinful, miserable condition by nature; and believeth the historic truths of the Gospel concerning the glorious redeeming work of the Son of God; yet, I say, the believing of these truths alone cannot save the soul, for then it were simply an act of the understanding....True justifying faith is chiefly and principally an act or work of the heart and will; having presupposed sundry things about truth in the understanding. The Scriptures have clearly resolved justifying faith into a receiving of Christ." (Wm. Guthrie, The Christians Saving Interest)
NOTE: C. H. Spurgeon said that there was only one dying thief saved, that none may despair and that one was not saved that none may presume.
I Kings 17:10---THE TEST OF FAITH:
I. IT WAS A SHARP TEST.
Famine raging; famine sometimes brings out the most cruel selfishness in man.
II. THE WIDOW WAS NOT IN THE COVENANT OF ISRAEL.
NOTE: She was a "root out of dry ground." A wild flower growing on a wall----not in a 'hot house' of supervision.
III. IT WAS A TEST OF TRUST.
Would she believe the Prophet? vss.11, 12
IV. THE TRUST SUGGESTED BY THE PROPHET'S COMMAND:
1. God is to be served first. (Mat. 10:37; 6:33)
2. However seemingly unreasonable, God is to be served first.
3. It is foolish philosophy to think that the rich only are to give to the cause of Christ.
ILLUS: Christ commended the widow who gave all----TWO mites. (1/2 of l cent=1 mite) (Mk.12:42) (Bib. Muse.)
CHARACTERISTICS OF BIBLE FAITH
I. The acceptance of the Word of God without question.
II. It wavers not in the presence of the most severe demands.
III. It does not stagger under the most apparent improbabilities. (Rom. 4:20)
IV. It is prompt in obedience.
V. It fears not when most severely tried.
LESSON:
We learn here:
1. The uncertainty of earthly comforts.
2. The certainty of God's care.
3. The grace of giving will not lose its reward.
4. The greater the trial, the greater the testimony.
5. God is not indifferent to the sufferings and needs of His people.
6. A time of great trial often brings out great spiritual blessings.
7. A spirit of distrust greatly grieves God.
FAITH TRIED:
1. By the gradual failure of that on which life depends.
2. By the suffering of both mental and physically caused by privation.
3. By the uncertainty of the future.
4. It is always rewarded by God's relief.
5. The righteous suffer with the guilty. (Bp. Hall)
NOTE: The following notes on "FAITH" is from Thomas Boston's "Commentary On The Shorter Catechism." Vol. 2, pp.399,400.
OF FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST
FAITH in Jesus Christ being the main thing required for one's escaping the wrath and curse of God, we have:
I. THE NATURE OF FAITH..
II. THE FRUIT OF FAITH.
The privilege and dignity of adoption into God's family.
I. WHAT IT IS IN THE GENERAL.
It is a saving grace, for by it one becomes a child of God, and so an heir of heaven.
II. WHAT IT IS IN PARTICULAR.
1. The OBJECT of it is Christ, His name, His person, with his benefits.
The acts of it, saving the sinner are:
(1) RECEIVING him; this is explained to be BELIEVING.
RECEIVING implies an offer of him made to the receiver, which is done in the gospel.
(2) RESTING on him.
It is not a mere believing him, by an historical assent to his work, but a believing on his name, which imports a relying on him, as one who believes another is said to rest on his word.
2. The SUBJECTS of it are many; not all, but some, namely, the ELECT of God, quickened by the spirit of regeneration.
Compare v. 13----"Which were born, not of BLOOD, nor of the WILL OF THE FLESH, nor of the WILL OF MAN, but OF GOD." These receive Christ for salvation; for he offers himself as a Saviour, and the fruit of it in the text is saving.
DOCTRINE: Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace whereby we receive, and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.
HOW FAITH IN CHRIST IS A SAVING GRACE.
THERE ARE FOUR SORTS OF FAITH SPOKEN OF IN SCRIPTURE:
I. HISTORICAL FAITH.
It is a bare assent to the truths of God. Ja. 2:19: "Thou believest that there is one God; thou dost well. The devils also believe and tremble."
II. A TEMPORARY FAITH.
It is such an assent, joined with some affection to the truths of God, though unsanctified, like that of the stoney ground hearers. Lu. 8:13----"Who when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away."
III. A MIRACULOUS OR THE FAITH OF MIRACLES.
It is a belief of the Lord's working some miraculous effect by us, or in us, upon some intimation of his word concerning it. 1 Cor. 13:2 "Though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains."
IV. SAVING FAITH.
It is called saving faith, because all that have it shall certainly be saved forever, from sin and God's wrath; yea, as soon as one has it, salvation is his, it is in his possession as to the beginnings of it. Acts 16:31: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." (T. Boston)
V. AN INTELLECTUAL FAITH.
One can know all the facts and be a theologian and yet these are lodged in the head and not in the heart---the affections, inclinations, etc. (Ed)
NOTE: All of these, except those who have "saving" faith, may be reprobates, and none of them are saving.
SAVING FAITH saves us, not as an act or work, fulfilling the condition of a new law; for so it is excluded, with all other works, from the causing of our salvation. Rom. 3:27, 28----"Where is boasting then? it is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude, that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." But it saves us as an instrument, apprehending Christ and his salvation. Rom. 3:22----"Even the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all, them that believe; for there is no difference." It is as the looking to the brazen serpent, which saved the stung Israelites; or as the hyssop dipped in blood, and sprinkling the leper, the cleansed him." (T. Boston)
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