SECONDARY IMPORTANCE I have noticed that the main issue that men grapple with over the doctrine of election is not whether or not the Scripture teaches it. Any honesty at all will make a man admit the Scriptures do teach this doctrine. What men grapple with is whether or […]
A gracious influence (J. C. Philpot, “Jesus, the Great High Priest“) The love of Jesus has a gracious influence on the life,conduct, and conversation of a true believer. The treeis known by its fruit; and those branches alone whichbring forth fruit unto God, are in manifest union withthe only true Vine. Love to Jesus is the constraining […]
Square me! Prune me! C.H.Spurgeon “There is more hewing, and hacking, and squaring used on a stone which is to be set in the wall of a stately palace — than that which is placed in a rock wall. Just so, the vine is carefully pruned — when the bramble is untouched.” This should reconcile believers to their chastisements. It is a well-worn […]
“Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5 We should apply these words of our Savior as broadly as possible to all things spiritual. — “Without me ye can do nothing!” “Without me ye” cannot believe. “Without me ye” cannot pray. “Without me ye” cannot watch. “Without me ye” cannot learn, know, or understand anything […]
All true sanctification (Octavius Winslow) “Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:14 There is no victory over the indwelling power of sin, andthere is no pardon for the guilt of sin, but as the soul dealswith the blood […]
“The poor have the gospel preached to them.” Matthew 11:5 J.C.Philpot What is the gospel? Is not the gospel a proclamation of pure mercy, of super-abounding grace? Does it not declare the loving-kindness of God in sending his only-begotten Son to bleed and die, and, by his obedience, blood, and merit, to bring in a […]
Restraining Grace John MacDuff “Satan hath desired to have you-that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee-that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:31, 32 What a scene does this unfold!Satan tempting-Jesus praying!Satan sifting-Jesus pleading!“The strong man assailing”-“the stronger than the strong” beating him back! Believer! here is the past history and present secret of your […]
If salvation depends upon our being or doing anything, we shall inevitably be lost. Thank God, it does not; for the great fundamental principle of the gospel is that Christ is all: man is nothing. It is not a mixture of Christ and man—it is all of Christ. The peace of the gospel does not […]
“My Father Is Greater Than I” John 14:28 The Lord Jesus does not say, “My Father was greater than I,” as though the three Persons of the holy Trinity are not one co-eternal, co-equal God. In his eternal Diety, the Son is in every way equal with and one with the Father and the Spirit. And our […]