Paying for admittance into heaven (Horatius Bonar, “Bible Thoughts and Themes”) “He saved us–not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy.” Titus 3:5 Ritualism, or externalism, or traditionalism are all different forms of self-righteousness; man’s self-invented ways of pleasing or appeasing God, or paying for admittance into heaven. These forms of […]
No oil? (Bonar, “Religion Without the Holy Spirit”) “The five who were foolish took no oil for their lamps.” Matthew 25.3 This parable has many sides and aspects. It is prophetical; it is also practical. It suits all ages, but especially the last days. It suits the world, but especially the church of God. It is […]
Man asks, “How am I to worship God?” and he has answered it also in his own way. In the gorgeous temple, in the pillared cathedral, with incense, and vestments, and forms, and ceremonies, and processions, and postures, he says. But these performances are the ‘will worship’ of self righteousness, not the obedient service of […]